Canon

GUNGNIR-class Mjolnir

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

This article is about the MJOLNIR Mark V[G] variant developed from Project GUNGNIR. For the MJOLNIR Mark IV[G] variant, also known as the Grenadier armor, see GRENADIER-class Mjolnir.
GUNGNIR
GEN3
Not naked!
GEN2
H5G-GUNGNIR.png
GEN1
GUNGNIR-class Mjolnir from Halo: Reach armor permutation in Halo: The Master Chief Collection menu.
Production overview

Manufacturer(s):

Misriah Armory (GEN1)[1]
Hannibal Weapon Systems (GEN2)[2]
Meyer e.V. (GEN3) (Faceplate-only)[3]

Testing site(s):

Rajtom Facility (GEN1)[1]
WG/Facility 93-00/Kotka (GEN2)[2]

Type:

Role(s):

Optimized use of the M6 Spartan Laser from Project GUNGNIR[1]

 

GUNGNIR-class Mjolnir, also designated as the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/G variant on the Mark V platform, is a MJOLNIR armor variant originally designed by Misriah Armory,[1] with the GEN2 version being manufactured by Hannibal Weapon Systems,[4] and the GEN3 version being manufactured by Meyer e.V..[3]

GEN1 overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The GUNGNIR helmet's visor is a "blast visor",[1] which is boxy and comes with more facial protection than any other helmet as it fully covers the front of the head and it replaces the usage of a visor with a small camera on the left that displays the outside to the user. It bears a white stripe running down the right side with the Norse symbol for Gungnir in the center.[5] The helmet also has Wyrd III synchronized optimization which seamlessly connects the helmet to an M6 Spartan Laser to allow full access to the weapon.[1] Project GUNGNIR also developed supplementary armor systems, including shoulder pauldrons and knee guards.[5] The GUNGNIR helmet can be fitted with a AN/PZY-6011Y TYPHON remote sensor on either side of the helmet and a CBRN module.

Development history[edit]

Main article: Project GUNGNIR

It was developed as a part of the GUNGNIR Program by a separate but parallel team, as a modification of existing Mjolnir variants optimized for the use of the M6 Spartan Laser.[1] The GUNGNIR program also produced several supplemental armor like pauldrons and knee guards.[5]

Usage[edit]

The shoulder pauldrons and knee guards were employed on the cross-branch Battle Dress Uniform, which was adapted into the UNSC Army BDU, the UNSC Marine Corps BDU, and a variant of the ODST armor.[6][7][8]

GEN2 overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The GEN2 armor with the Pulse skin.

The physical architecture of the GEN2 GUNGNIR body armor strongly resembles the COS-class Mjolnir, which was tested on ANVIL Station.[9] The GEN2 GUNGNIR helmet, unlike its Mark V iteration, is round. Like the previous iterations, there is no visor, but the video camera has moved from the left side to the right side of the helmet. The helmet is less angular overall, and the front extends much less than its predecessor.

The helmet continues to have Wyrd III integrated video optics, though the helmet has an enhanced cranial plating now. The chest has a centralized power-distribution capacitor(Servo L-903), and a breach-anchored collar system for in-field modification.[2]

Development history[edit]

Continuing from the GEN1 variants, Hannibal acquired the rights to create a GEN2 variant. Hannibal then created and tested it at the WG/Facility 93-00/Kotka.[2][10]

Usage[edit]

Despite being considered an exclusive armor set, many Spartans have adopted GUNGNIR regardless of their weapon loadouts due to its isolated video optics, Wyrd III sensory optimization, and enhanced cranial plating. This was especially useful when operating at or near Covenant manufacturing sites, as it protected against intense flare radiometric conditions.[2] It was notably used by Spartan marksman Nina Kovan during the Requiem Campaign in 2558. During Operation: VERTICAL UMBRAGE on February 14, Kovan used her GUNGNIR suit's Wyrd III optics to obtain visual intelligence on a Covenant base established on Requiem consisting of a summit manufacturing aircraft.[11]

The GUNGNIR target acquisition and tracking system has been adapted into various UNSC weapon systems.[12]

GEN3 overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The GEN3 GUNGNIR has been upgraded with new weapon interfaces, extended IFF range, and deeper battlenet synchronization with other GUNGNIR-equipped Spartans.[3]

Development history[edit]

Unlike previous models, the GEN3 GUNGNIR faceplate is manufactured by Meyer e.V. for the Stormfall, manufactured separately by Cascade Stronghold Technologies.[3] As late as 2560, the GEN1 Gungnir helmet could still be requisitioned by Spartans, upgraded to be compatible with GEN3.

In-game information[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

GUNGNIR can be unlocked in the Armory through the Halo: Reach's cR currency. In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the GUNGNIR set is attainable in the Season 1: Noble progression system.

Armor Description Unlock requirements
(Halo: Reach)
Unlock requirements
(Halo: MCC)
HR Gungnir Helmet Icon.png
GUNGNIR
The Mk.V[G] was developed as part of the GUNGNIR Program alongside the M6 G/GNR Weapon system.

The GUNGNIR Program involved the development of the many supplementary armor systems.

Halo: Reach rank icon Brigadier, 250,000 cR Series 1, Tier 85 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Gungnir HURS Helmet Icon.png
GUNGNIR (HU/RS)
Hardened uplink/remote sensor package. A favorite of sniper units. Halo: Reach rank icon Brigadier, 125,000 cR Series 1, Tier 89 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Gungnir CBRN Helmet Icon.png
GUNGNIR (CBRN)
For operations in hazard zones. Halo: Reach rank icon Mythic, 400,000 cR Series 1, Tier 94 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Gungnir LShoulder Icon.pngHR Gungnir RShoulder Icon.png
GUNGNIR shoulders
The Supplemental Armor, Pauldron, MJOLNIR Mk.V[G] was developed as part of the GUNGNIR Program. Halo: Reach rank icon Warrant Officer, 8000 cR Series 1, Tier 36 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Gungnir Knee Icon.png
GUNGNIR Knees
The GUNGNIR Program also produced many supplementary armor systems. Halo: Reach rank icon Captain, 25,000 cR Series 1, Tier 48 (Spartan Point 1)

Halo 4[edit]

GUNGNIR was one of the armor permutations to return, albeit completely redesigned for GEN2, in Halo 4. In The Master Chief Collection, the GUNGNIR set and its Pulse (PULS) skin variant are available by default.

Armor Description Unlock requirements
(Halo 4)
Unlock requirements
(Halo: MCC)
GUNGNIR armor in Halo 4 with no skin.
GUNGNIR
Description (H4): Now widely used, this armor was originally designed in parallel with the nonlinear rifle. Complete the Slayer Victory - Master commendation. Unlocked by default.
Helmet description (MCC): Designed in parallel with the M6 G/GNR "Spartan Laser".
Shoulders description (MCC): Modular left/right spaulder from GUNGNIR-class armor.
Chest description (MCC): Suit electronics are shielded against intense radiometric conditions.
GUNGNIR armor in Halo 4 with PULS skin.
GUNGNIR Pulse (PULS) skin
Description (H4): Customized with PULSE armor skin. Either: Unlocked by default.
Helmet description (MCC) GUNGNIR helmet customized with PULSE coating.
Shoulder description (MCC) GUNGNIR left/right spaulder customized with PULSE coating.
Chest description (MCC) GUNGNIR chassis customized with PULSE coating.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

The Halo 4 design of GUNGNIR returns as an armor permutation in Halo 5: Guardians, being unlockable through the Requisition system. The body armor includes the GUNGNIR chest and shoulders, an unnamed set of forearms, and LG-50 Bulk legs. This GUNGNIR set only has one alternate skin, Dvalin.

Armor Description Rarity Introduced in Unlock requirements
REQ icon for the GUNGNIR armor.
GUNGNIR (helmet)
The GUNGNIR target acquisition and tracking system has been adapted into various UNSC weapon systems. Ultra Rare Introduced on launch. Purchase a Gold REQ pack for REQ Points 10,000 REQ points.
REQ icon for the GUNGNIR armor.
GUNGNIR Dvalin (helmet skin)
Legendary Infinity's Armory
REQ icon for the GUNGNIR armor.
GUNGNIR (body)
Originally an adjunct to the Spartan Laser program, GUNGNIR-class armor has evolved to become a well-rounded infantry suit. Ultra Rare Introduced on launch.
REQ icon for the GUNGNIR armor.
GUNGNIR Dvalin (body skin)
Legendary Infinity's Armory

Halo Infinite[edit]

GUNGNIR would return in Halo Infinite, redesigned for GEN3, and available through the TAS/GUNGNIR MOD 6 attachment on the Stormfall helmet. The GEN1 Mark V GUNGNIR knee guards also returned, available for the Mark V (B) armor core. Despite being visible in promotional material before the launch of Season 01: Heroes of Reach the Mark V GUNGNIR shoulder pads have yet to become available.

Season 05: Reckoning added the Mark V GUNGNIR helmet and its TAS/GUNGNIR MOD 3 attachment, and also made Stormfall and its GUNGNIR attachment available across all cores.

Armor Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
HINF GUNGNIR Helmet Icon.png
GUNGNIR
Misriah Armory GUNGNIR was not treading new ground in treating the Spartan, MJOLNIR, and their firearms as an integrated weapon system, but it was the first to be widely deployed. Epic Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 14 (Free)
Not naked!
TAS/GUNGNIR MOD 6
Meyer e.V. GEN3 GUNGNIR adds new weapon interfaces, extended IFF range, and deeper battlenet synchronization with other GUNGNIR-equipped Spartans. Epic Season 01: Heroes of Reach Purchase the "Stormfall Armor Set" from the Shop for 1,200 cR
Menu icon for MK40 CBRN
MK40 CBRN
Misriah Armory Shock-hardened filtering system and supplemental life support. Epic Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 23 (Premium)
The Wyrd III target acquisition package has gone on to be a defining standard of UNSC fire control systems.
TAS/GUNGNIR MOD 3
Misriah Armory The Wyrd III target acquisition package has gone on to be a defining standard of UNSC fire control systems. Epic Season 05: Reckoning Season 05: Reckoning Battle Pass level 19 (Free)
SAP/GUNGNIRHalo Infinite - Menu Icon - Mark V[B] GUNGNIR-class Shoulder
SAP/GUNGNIR
Misriah Armory The auxiliary equipment packs for early GUNGNIR systems had a secondary defensive function. Common Season 01: Heroes of Reach TBD
GUNGNIR knee pad
UA/Type GR
Materials Group Supplemental leg armor optimized for balance. Rare Winter Update Winter Update Battle Pass level 13 (Free)

Attachments[edit]

Production notes[edit]

The GUNGNIR helmet in Halo: Reach was originally designed by Isaac Hannaford for Halo: Chronicles, a Halo game being developed in conjunction with Peter Jackson around 2008-2009. In the game, GUNGNIR was intended for use by corporate security forces, though ultimately went unused after the game's cancellation. As such, the design was reused in Reach for a Spartan helmet in the game's multiplayer component.[13]

During the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, what would become the GUNGNIR shoulder pauldron was designated as the EOD shoulder pauldron, and cost 1,000 cR.[14]

The COS armor, a useable armor permutation for Halo Online and later Halo: The Master Chief Collection, bears a large resemblance to GEN2 GUNGNIR, with The Master Chief Collection's files referring to it as such. In early alpha versions of Halo Online, COS was also known as GUNGNIR, though this was later changed with the armor being dubbed "Kaladbolg".

References[edit]

In Norse mythology, Gungnir ("swaying one") is Odin's magical spear, which is an infallibly accurate weapon. The GUNGNIR helmet has only one video camera "eye" on one side of the face; in Norse mythology, Odin also had one eye. This is a theme of the Spartan armor systems as MJOLNIR is the name of Thor's hammer.

The Dvalin skin for the GUNGNIR armor in Halo 5: Guardians is named after Dvalinn, a dwarf who appears in several Old Norse tales and kennings on Norse mythology. Dvalinn is also listed as one of the four stags of Yggdrasill.

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo Infinite[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 89
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 154
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Infinite, GUNGNIR armor permutation
  4. ^ Halo 4, Spartan Armor Customization: GUNGNIR Description
  5. ^ a b c Halo: Reach, Armory: GUNGNIR Description
  6. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Exodus
  7. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, Campaign models
  9. ^ Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo 3 customisation menu
  10. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Armor Types: GUNGNIR (Retrieved on May 1, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  11. ^ Halo: Vertical Umbrage
  12. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Armor Permutations: GUNGNIR - Helmet Description
  13. ^ Twitter, Isaac Hannaford (@Isaac_Hannaford): "I did not. Gungnir was actually a corporate security helmet for Peter Jackson’s Halo game. It didn’t happen so I repurposed it" (Retrieved on Oct 13, 2023) [archive]
  14. ^ YouTube - haloinfectedX, Halo: Reach beta Armor (customizations)