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| {{Status|Canon}} | | {{Era|HCW|Post}} |
| [[File:Two Scarabs.jpg|thumb|x300px|''Shua'ee''-pattern Locusts and ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarabs firing their weapons in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.]] | | |
| '''Focus cannons''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Manual|Halo: Reach manual|Page=9}} or '''focus beams''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Excavators|Enc22|Page=278-279}} are a classification of heavy [[plasma weaponry]] used by the [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].{{Ref/Site|Id=WPScarab|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}} | | [[File:Walkers.JPG|thumb|250px|T-30 Locusts and T-47B Scarabs firing their weapons in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.]] |
| | The term '''focus cannon'''<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''game manual''</ref> is used to describe a type of [[Covenant]] weapon, able to fire superheated [[plasma]] in a concentrated beam. |
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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| ===Design details===
| | Typically the Covenant fire their plasma in bolts, which is accomplished by forming a magnetic bubble around the superheated ionized gas - once fired, the magnetic bubble holding the plasma is guided towards its destination. Plasma fired in a narrow, concentrated beam is accomplished by modifying the magnetic field so that the superheated plasma is guided continuously in a straight line towards its destination. The focus cannon is usually reserved for assault platforms like the [[Type-36 Scarab]], [[Type-47 Scarab]], and [[Type-30 Locust]]. A focus cannon can be used to take down large scale objects, that either may be in the way of infantry objectives, or to excavate an area.<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Scarab'']</ref> If faced with a large military presence assault platforms can use their focus cannon to cut through armor and infantry with ease. |
| Focus cannons are a type of [[energy projector]] similar to the capital-grade models used on [[Covenant starship]]s. They can be individually tuned to allow for fine-excavation of [[Forerunner]] reliquaries or massive destruction of enemy ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|WPScarab}}
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| The exact specifics on the operation of focus cannons are vague; while classed as a large type of [[plasma cannon]], they generally operate by firing continuous streams of plasma at their targets - usually in a yellow-green colouration as opposed to the blue-red-purple of standard plasma weapons. As a form of energy projector, they presumably utilise the same magnetic confinement and [[anti-gravity technology]] to contain the plasma streams. A similar operation can be observed in the infantry-held {{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}} - with a similar beam colouration and operating mechanism.
| | Locusts use their Charged Plasma Cannon<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Factory.aspx#Locust '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Locust'']</ref> to deal with structures that may be too small for a larger assault platform to destroy. Locusts may be able to perform hunter-killer roles, finding infantry and eliminating them. They can also fulfill an anti-armor role, capable of destroying heavy armor if needed. |
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| The plasma streams fired bear great resemblance to the [[assault cannon]]s of the [[Mgalekgolo]], though it is unknown to what degree the two technologies are related. Some focus cannons, such as those of the {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}, can be observed dripping some kind of green, glowing fluid after firing{{Ref/Level|H2|Metropolis}} - indicating that they may additionally use [[incendiary gel]] in their operation similar to the aforementioned assault cannons. Some models of focus cannon can be modified to support the injection and firing of [[infusion gel]] (itself a derivative of incendiary gel), further lending credence to this implication.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInf|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infused Scarab}}
| | Scarabs use their Ultra-heavy focus cannon to destroy large structures that may be blocking infantry objectives, or if a area must be effectively destroyed. Their main weapon can be used against vehicles if they are within the Scarab's line of sight. They cannot, however, be used in hunter-killer situations against single, or small groups of infantry. |
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| ===Variants===
| | Covenant capital ships also have a weapon similar to the focus cannon, commonly referred to as the [[energy projector]]. It is commonly fired from the belly of the ship right where the ship's central [[gravity lift]] is deployed when unloading troops and supplies. |
| *'''Bloodfuel beam:''' a special variant of light focus cannon equipped on the [[Bloodfuel Locust|Bloodfuel]] variant of the [[Locust]] walker used by the [[Banished]].
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| *'''Infused focus cannon:''' a specially modified focus cannon created by [[Voridus]] to fire and spread infusion gel.{{Ref/Reuse|PLInf}}
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| <gallery>
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| File:HW2_Blitz_Bloodfuel_Locust.png|A Bloodfuel Locust sporting a very heavily-modified Bloodfuel beam.
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| </gallery>
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| ==Usage== | | ===Advantages=== |
| ;Ultra-heavy focus cannons
| | *Weapons with the ability to fire a Plasma Beam can destroy obstacles with ease and speed, cutting down the time it would take Plasma Mortars to accomplish the same job. |
| *{{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLore|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-give-em-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - If They Want Lore, We'll Give 'Em Lore|D=21|M=02|Y=2024}} - considered to be the most powerful of all known Scarab types{{Ref/Reuse|WPScarab}} | | *A Plasma Beam is easy to control, and can destroy with precision and accuracy. |
| *{{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon - considered to be one of the most powerful ever fielded on a combat walker{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}} | | *Can be used to destroy a large enemy presence with destructive ease. |
| *{{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Manual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
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| *{{Pattern|Sumda'te|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
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| *{{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus drill{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
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| ;Heavy focus cannons
| | ===Disadvantages=== |
| *[[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] - 1x heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
| | *The range of destruction is not as effective as a Plasma Mortar, as the resulting impact will not spread outside of the initial impact zone. |
| *{{Pattern|Zashk|Draugr}} - 5x heavy focus cannons{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=277}}
| | *The beam can only sustain fire for a short amount of time before recharging. |
| | | *Fast and nimble vehicles can out-maneuver the weapon. |
| ;Light focus cannons
| | *It is ineffective at long range, as the magnetic field loses its energy at long distances. |
| *{{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}} - 1x light focus cannon (alternatively termed a "charged plasma cannon"){{Ref/Site|Id=OHWCS|URL=http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Summit.aspx#Vampire|Site=Official Halo Wars Community Site|Page=Game Info - Covenant Factory|LocalArchive=Archive:Halowars.com/Covenant#Locust|D=22|M=01|Y=2010}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
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| *[[Barukaza Workshop Locust]] - 1x light focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}} | |
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| ;Undefined
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| The "light"/"heavy" classification of focus cannon (if any) for the following weapons is unknown, meaning where they are placed in the hierarchy of focus cannon power is presently unknown. | |
| *{{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}} - 1x ''Emim''-pattern focus beam{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}} | |
| *[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Lich]] - 1x focus cannon{{Ref/Note|The ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'' specifically notes the Banished Lich as equipped with a plasma cannon. However, the beam's depiction in-game is clearly intended to mimic the visual effect of the Lich focus beam in ''[[Halo 4]]'', and the Scarabs in prior titles.}} | |
| *{{Pattern|Pnap|Goblin}} - 1x focus cannon (select "Beam Goblin" variants-only)
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| ==Gallery== | | ==Gallery== |
| <gallery> | | <gallery> |
| File:H2 scarab fire.jpg|Closeup of the {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}'s focus cannon prior to firing in ''[[Halo 2]]''. | | File:H2 scarab fire.jpg|Closeup of the T-47A Scarab's focus cannon prior to firing in ''[[Halo 2]]''. |
| File:Scarabcannon.jpg|A {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} destroying an [[M808B Scorpion]] in [[New Mombasa]]. | | File:Scarabcannon.jpg|A T-47A Scarab destroying a [[M808B Scorpion]] in [[New Mombasa]]. |
| File:69504874-Full.jpg|A {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} firing its main weapon at an [[M808C Scorpion]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''. | | File:69504874-Full.jpg|A T-47B Scarab firing its main weapon at a [[M808C Scorpion]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''. |
| File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|A {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}'s weapon destroying a vehicle in ''Halo 3''. | | File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|A T-47B Scarab's weapon destroying a vehicle. |
| File:HW ScarabFiring.png|A ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarab firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
| | File:H2A - Scarab cannon.jpg|A T-47A Scarab preparing to fire its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. |
| File:HW Scarab&Locusts.png|A ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarab and two {{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}}s firing their focus cannons in ''Halo Wars''.
| | File:H5G-BeamGoblin.jpg|A Goblin firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. |
| File:Harvester firing mining laser.png|A {{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}} firing its ultra-heavy focus drill in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
| | File:HW2-BlitzScarab.png|A Banished T-47B Scarab firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''. |
| File:H4-SpOps HarvesterExcavation.png|The result of a Harvester's excavation.
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| File:H4-SpOps HarvesterTunnel.png|Interior of a tunnel shortly after being excavated by a Harvester's focus beam.
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| File:H2A - Scarab cannon.jpg|A {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} preparing to fire its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. | |
| File:H5G-BeamGoblin.jpg|A {{Pattern|Pnap|Goblin}} firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. | |
| File:HW2-BlitzScarab.png|A [[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''. | |
| </gallery> | | </gallery> |
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| *''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' | | *''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: Reach]]'' | | *''[[Halo: Reach]]'' |
| *''[[Halo 4]]''
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| **''[[Spartan Ops]]''
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| *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' | | *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' |
| *''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' | | *''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' |
| *''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' | | *''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
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| ==Notes==
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| {{Ref/Notes}}
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| ==Sources== | | ==Sources== |
| {{Ref/Sources}}
| | <references/> |
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| {{Covenant heavy weapons}} | | {{Covenant Weapons}} |
| [[Category:Covenant weapons]] | | [[Category:Covenant Weapons]] |
| [[Category:Plasma weapons]] | | [[Category:Plasma weapons]] |
