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{{Title|''Halo 3'' skulls}}
{{era|H3}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
[[Skull]]s are easter eggs in [[Halo 3]] designed to make the game more challenging or interesting.  
[[File:Halo3-skull-fog-floodgate.jpg|thumb|300px|An example of a skull in ''Halo 3''.]]
'''Skulls''' are a series of gameplay modifiers available for use in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''. Both games feature the same roster of skulls and effects, though in ''Halo 3'' these items are hidden throughout the game's [[campaign]] as hidden easter eggs - and must be found before they can be used. In ''ODST'' and the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' iterations of both games, all skulls are unlocked from the start.


Once activated, a skull makes gameplay either more humorous, or more challenging.
== Background ==


==Background==
The skulls resemble those in the multiplayer game variant "Oddball" and can be used as weapons in much the same way but they lack information text to pick them up. They are usually hidden out of the way, so one must search for them, or else know where they are, to get them.
The skulls greatly resemble those in the [[Multiplayer]] game variant [[Oddball]], and can be used as weapons in much the same way. However, they lack the information text (i.e. "Press '''RB''' to pick up...") to pick them up. They are usually hidden and out of the way, so one must thoroughly search for them, or know where they are, to get them. There are thirteen skulls in ''Halo 3'', along with a fourteenth secret skull on [[Cortana (level)|Cortana.]]


To unlock a skull, you must start its level from the beginning, on [[Normal]] or higher. You can stop playing at any time (provided you resume using the "Resume Solo/Co-op Game" option from the main menu), and you do not need to carry the skull all the way to the end (with the exception of the IWHBYD skull).
Do note that in order to obtain any of the skulls you have to begin the level from the beginning and on Normal or higher difficulty (with the exception of the Thunderstorm skull). You may, however, use the "Resume Solo/Co-op Game" option from the title menu to resume a level, and still get them. You do not have to finish the level nor do you need to carry the skull after first picking it up, so you can simply save and quit, with the exception of the IWHBYD skull.


The Mythic skull is the only skull available on [[Easy]], although you will not receive the achievement for it. Also, a ''very'' important note is that the skulls ''are'' affected by physics. This means that, with the exception of the Famine skull, skulls can be moved by grenades, explosions, and other forces.
To use the skulls you merely need to press X in the Campaign Lobby and select any of the skulls you desire to activate. The Unknown Skull will not appear on this list.


Once a skull is unlocked, you can activate it from the Campaign Lobby. Simply press '''X''' while in the Campaign Lobby, and then select a skull with '''A''' to activate it. Multiple skulls can be activated at once.
"[[Gold Skulls]]" will grant you achievements, worth 10 [[Gamerpoints]] when you first get them, and add multipliers to your campaign meta-game score. There are 9 Gold Skulls. Collecting all 9 will give you the body and shoulders of the [[Hayabusa Armor]]. Gold skulls mostly affect the difficulty of gameplay, making the game more challenging.  


There are two different types of skulls: Gold skulls and silver skulls. Gold skulls will, when unlocked, grant you achievements, each worth 10 [[Gamerscore]]; when activated, they add multipliers to your [[Campaign Scoring|Campaign Meta-game score]]. The nine gold skulls affect the difficulty of game-play, making the game more challenging. Silver skulls do not unlock achievements or add multipliers to your meta-game score. They are differentiated on the selection screen by their color, but are identical in-game. There are five Silver skulls, and four of them affects the physics, dialog, and appearance of gameplay.
"Silver Skulls" do not unlock achievements or add multipliers to your meta-game score. They are differentiated on the selection screen by their background, but are identical in-game. There are 4 silver skulls (not counting the duplicate blind skull). Silver skulls affect the psychics, dialogue and appearance of the gameplay.


Collecting 5, 9, and all 13 skulls of either type will unlock the [[Hayabusa Powered Assault Armor|Hayabusa]] Chest, Shoulders, and Helmet [[Armor customization (Halo 3)|Armor Permutations]], respectively, for usage in Multiplayer and Matchmaking.
== Meta Game Quick Reference ==


In ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', the functionality of ''Halo 3'' skulls is identical, with two differences. All skulls (and Armor Permutations) are unlocked for gameplay from the start. The skulls can still be found and collected in campaign for achievements: both gold and silver skulls unlock achievements worth 5 Gamerscore each.


== Campaign skulls ==
{| style="border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse;" border
=== Meta game quick reference ===
!  Skull Name
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!  Multiplier
!  Short Description
|-
|-
!Icon
| [[#Iron|Iron]] || 3x || Teammate dead? Reload checkpoint. Everyone dead? Restart level.
!Skull Name
!Multiplier
!Short Description
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Iron Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Black Eye|Black Eye]] || 1.5x || No auto-shield regeneration, melee attacks cause full regeneration.
|[[#Iron|Iron]]
|3×
|In Solo play, dying reverts the player to the beginning of the level. In cooperative play, any player death reverts to the previous checkpoint.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Black Eye Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Tough Luck|Tough Luck]] || 1.5x || Enemies attain ninja-esque dodging, for grenades in particular.
|[[#Black Eye|Black Eye]]
|1.5x
|No auto-shield regeneration. Only melee attacks cause shields to recharge.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Tough Luck Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Catch|Catch]] || 1.5x || NPCs are more likely to throw grenades. NPCs always drop at least 2 grenades when dying.
|[[#Tough Luck|Tough Luck]]
|1.5×
|Grenades, Needler fire, projectiles (i.e. [[M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon|Rocket Launcher]], [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]], and [[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel Rod Cannon]]) and vehicular charges are evaded more skillfully by the AI. Brutes go Berserk more often and Grunts will turn Kamikaze more often.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Catch Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Fog|Fog]] || 1.5x || No motion tracker.
|[[#Catch|Catch]]
|1.5×
|NPCs throw many more grenades at an alarming rate. NPCs always drop two grenades when dying.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Fog Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Famine|Famine]] || 2x || Dropped weapons have half the initial ammo/charge.
|[[#Fog|Fog]]
|1.5×
|Motion Tracker is fully disabled.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Famine Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Thunderstorm|Thunderstorm]] || 1.5x || Rank goes up one for all NPCs.
|[[#Famine|Famine]]
|2×
|Dropped weapons have much less ammunition/charge.
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Thunderstorm Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Tilt|Tilt]] || 2x || Damage type resistances are amplified, Brute armor is impervious to Human projectile weaponry.
|[[#Thunderstorm|Thunderstorm]]
|1.5×
|All enemies are promoted to higher ranks. (More experience) .
|-
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Tilt Skull.png|center|50px]]
| [[#Mythic|Mythic]] || 2x || 200% health for all NPCs.
|[[#Tilt|Tilt]]
|2×
|Enemy defensive resistances/weaknesses are amplified.
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Mythic Skull.png|center|50px]]
|[[#Mythic|Mythic]]
|2×
|All NPC's health allocation is doubled.
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Blind Skull.png|center|50px]]
|[[#Blind|Blind]]
|1×
|Player HUD and weapon model are disabled.
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Grunt Birthday Party Skull.png|center|50px]]
|[[#Grunt Birthday Party|Grunt Birthday Party]]
|1×
|Headshots on Grunts trigger a confetti effect and sounds of children cheering.
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 Cowbell Skull.png|center|50px]]
|[[#Cowbell|Cowbell]]
|1×
|Increased aceleration from explosions.
|-
|[[File:Halo 3 IWHBYD Skull.png|center|50px]]
|[[#IWHBYD (I Would Have Been Your Daddy) skull|IWHBYD]]
|1×
|Rare dialogue becomes more common.
|}
|}


===List of gold skulls===
== List of Gold Skulls ==
==== Iron ====
[[File:H3 Iron.jpg|thumb|The Iron skull is located on the left side of the image.]]
{{Article quote
|Death carries a heavy price...
}}


'''Level''': [[Sierra 117]]
=== Iron ===
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a hammer.


'''Effect''': If you die while playing solo, you will respawn at the very beginning of the level - The "Revert to last checkpoint" option is no longer selectable. If any player dies while playing [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op]], all players will respawn to the last checkpoint. This is similar to what would happen when playing Co-op on [[Legendary]] in ''Halo 2'', but it is slightly more harsh on the players.
'''Level''': [[Sierra 117]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>


'''Point Multiplier''': 3×
'''Directions''': This skull is at the end of the level. You can find it after a part in which you cross a bridge packed with enemies. It is located on the roof of the building to the left of the building where Sergeant Johnson is being held captive (facing the entrance). You can get up by jumping onto the pipes. Go all the way to the end of the rooftop, and the skull will be there.


'''Directions''':
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a hammer.
# Battle through to the level normally until you arrive at the point where you must rescue [[Sergeant]] [[Avery Junior Johnson|Johnson]] and his team.
# Snipe as many enemies as you can before jumping down, especially on the bridge.
# Jump down and cross the bridge.
# Keep to the right of the bridge until you see a blocked line with some pipes. Hop onto this block and continue.
# When you reach the end of this raised block, jump up into the balcony.
# Follow this balcony to the end, the skull is hidden behind a pillar jutting out from the building tucked into the corner.


==== Black Eye ====
'''Effect''': If you die while playing solo, you will restart at the beginning of the level (you cannot revert to the last checkpoint at any time). If any player dies while playing co-operative, you will reset to the last checkpoint.
[[File:H3 Black Eye.jpeg|thumb|Skull is located on the pipe.]]
{{Article quote|Bash your way to better health.}}
'''Level''': [[Crow's Nest]]
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull with a bruise under one eye.


'''Effect''': Your Energy Shield will not recharge until you perform a [[melee]] hit. The following actions will also recharge your energy shields:
'''Point Multiplier''': 3x
* The '''RT''' attacks from the [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]] and [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammer]]
* An enemy being in the Gravity Hammer's shockwave area of effect.
* [[Boarding (gameplay mechanic)|Boarding/hijacking]] an enemy vehicle
* Punching (not boarding/hijacking) an enemy vehicle, [[Rizsheda-pattern Shade|Shade Turret]], or any enemy-manned turret
* Destroying a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]]'s core on any level that features Scarabs
* Punching the exposed Lekgolo part of the core of a Scarab.
* Activating [[Invincibility]]
* Deploying a [[Regenerator]]
* Betraying allies and punching them


'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5×
'''See also the other Sierra 117 Skull'''


'''Directions:'''
=== Black Eye ===
# At the beginning of the level, walk to the door leading to the barracks, then turn around.
# Walk to the green metal rack and jump on top of it.
# Turn to the right, look up to the red metal beam, and jump on it.
# To the direct right again, is a much larger blackish pipe. Jump on it.
# Walk along the pipe, taking care not to fall off, and you will see the skull at the end.


==== Tough Luck ====
'''Level''': [[Crow's Nest]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kiVzzKct8</ref>
{{Article quote|Your foes always make every saving throw.}}


'''Level''': [[Tsavo Highway]]
'''Directions''': At the beginning of the level, go to the door at the far end of the room (not down the stairs). Once you reach the door, turn around. You should be looking at a black metal object that appears to be a gun rack. Carefully jump on top of the "gun rack", and look up and to your right (left if you are facing the door.). There is a piping structure positioned below a large brown pipe. Jump up onto the smaller pipes, and use your new footing to jump on top of the large brown pipe. Walk back in the direction of Keyes and Johnson and the skull will be sitting on the end of the pipe.


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a three-leafed clover.
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull with a bruise under one eye. Also, the skull’s left eye is marked with a bruise underneath it.


'''Effect''': Enemies dodge Grenades, Needles, slow moving projectiles and vehicle assaults with a greater success rate. Non-Chieftain [[Jiralhanae]] will berserk more often and Grunts will become Suicide Grunts more often.
'''Effect''': Your Energy Shield will not recharge until you perform a melee hit. The Energy Sword and Gravity Hammer's R-Trigger attacks count as a melee attack. Hijacking also counts as a melee attack.  


'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5×
In Halo 2 the Blackeye skull could be used to give the player a full 300% overshield but the recharge effect only worked if you killed an enemy with a melee attack. In Halo 3 simply hitting an enemy with a melee attack will recharge your shield, regardless of whether the enemy dies or not. However you're no longer able to gain an overshield.


'''Directions''':
'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5x
# Keep battling through to the point where you must fight a group of [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], two of which are using [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Choppers]].
# Kill all the enemies, destroy the shield, then continue through until you reach a long, winding bridge. At this point, a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Ket-pattern battlecruiser|CCS-class Battlecruiser]] should fly overhead.
# To your left, you will see a series of yellow ladders. Go to the very last one. If you receive a [[Regenerator]] at the top, you will know it is the correct ladder.
# Jump over or around the large metal bar on the right, then turn to the left.
# Look down and you will see a large, black support below you. Jump down onto it. Note that you have to walk and be standing on the part of the pipe that sticks out slightly with the bolts going through it—otherwise, you'll take too much fall damage and die.
# Walk along to the end of the support, then turn to the left again.
# Now you should be able to see the skull on a cliff across a gap. Jump across the gap on to the cliff, and get the skull.
<center>
<gallery>
File:H3 Tough Luck Pipe.jpeg|The pipeline that must be traversed to the Tough Luck skull.
File:H3 Tough Luck.jpg|The Tough Luck skulls in its hidden location.
</gallery>
</center>


==== Catch ====
=== Tough Luck ===
[[File:H3 Catch.jpg|thumb|The Catch skull is located on top of the silo.]]
{{Article quote|Pull pin. Count to three. Throw.}}


'''Level''': [[The Storm]]
'''Level''': [[Tsavo_Highway_(Level)|Tsavo Highway]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>


'''Icon''': A skull marked with an image of a [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma Grenade]].
'''Directions''': There is a point in this level where a  Covenant Battlecruiser flies overhead. To your left there should be a distinguishable yellow ladder (you'll know it's the right one when you receive a regenerator on the top). Go to the last one before the pipe stops touching the ground and climb over it.  There is a support below it, jump down to it. Walk away from Tsavo Highway towards the edge. At the end to your left, there's a small cliff where you should be able to find the Tough Luck skull.


'''Effect''': All AI-controlled units, friend or foe, throw grenades more often, where applicable. It even affects scripted grenades. For example, on the level Crow's Nest, on the part where the [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] is hit by a [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma Grenade]], it will now be hit by two, three, or even four. The Catch skull has no effect on [[The Flood|Flood]]. It should be noted that characters will throw an unlimited amount of grenades at their enemies. The skull actually does seem to increase the number of [[Unggoy#Suicide Grunts|Kamikaze Grunts]]. It has been observed that the Marines will sometimes throw grenades with reckless abandon, similar to their behavior in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
Once you jump onto the cliff and back on to the pillar, you cannot get back onto the highway. This is easily fixed by going back to the last checkpoint. You still keep the achievement but you won't have the skull with you.


'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5×
'''Icon''': A skull marked with three clovers.  


'''Directions''':
'''Effect''': Enemies dodge grenades, needles, and vehicle assaults with a far greater success rate.
#If you have the [[Easy]] Shield in your service record, the skull will '''NOT''' spawn. You have to beat the campaign on normal or higher to make the skull spawn again.<ref>http://halo.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=23863683&postRepeater1-p=2#23864906</ref>
# Battle through to Lakebed A -- the point where you fight an [[Ogab'd-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith|Anti-Air Wraith]], a handful of [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]], and a standard [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]].
#You should see a silo-like building (see image). On top of this is the skull. Look for the ramp that leads over to the platform where the normal Wraith is dropped.
There are multiple methods which can be used to get onto the building.
#[[Drive an AA Wraith|Hijack]] the Anti-Air Wraith and maneuver it so the back (the part with the plasma mortar, or in this case, fuel rod launchers) touches the base of the silo where the ground rises slightly; then, simply get out. The only problem is that this will cause an NPC [[AV-14 Hornet|Hornet]] to fire upon the standard Wraith, and the Wraith may focus its fire on you, so you will need to work a little quickly. The Anti-Air Wraith should remain still while you jump on the back and onto the top of the silo.
#[[Explosive jumping|Explosive Jump]].
#Park a Ghost below, then jump from it onto the building. Use an [[Explosive jumping|Explosive Jump]] if necessary.
#Park one Ghost on the Wraith-side, then get another Ghost and park it on top. You should be able to simply jump on top of the Ghosts, then onto the silo.
#Take a [[Deployable Cover]], then use it between the red wall and the building. Move out of the way and you can use the cover as a stepping stone.
#On [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op]], one player can jump onto the other player's head, then onto the building.
#Drive the [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] at the foot of the silo and [[crouch Jumping|crouch-jump]] onto it. Make sure that the Warthog is at the Wraith-side of the silo before attempting the crouch-jump.
#Drive the Warthog between the silo and the wall so that it is turned on its side. Jump onto the red wall, then jump onto the silo.


'''Note''': Do '''not''' destroy the standard Wraith, or the skull will disappear. Do '''not''' physically damage the normal Wraith (though the [[plasma turret]] operator can be sniped safely) in any way or the skull will disappear.
'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5x


==== Fog ====
=== Catch ===
[[File:H3 Fog.jpg|thumb|The Fog skull is in the Combat Form's right hand]]
{{Article quote|You'll miss those eyes in the back of your head...}}


'''Level ''': [[Floodgate]]
'''Level''': [[The Storm]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a swirl of fog.
'''Directions: Method A''' In the outdoor area with an AA Wraith, some Ghosts, and later a normal Wraith, there is a silo-like building past the boathouse near the edge of the cliff. Get up onto it using a vehicle and a grenade or an ally (Alternatively, you can park a Ghost next to the silo and then park a Warthog on top of it as a ramp, but this may take some practice, you can also park the 'Hog next to the lowest edge of the silo roof and deploy a bubble shield on top of the warthog as a ramp. Alternatively, if the Warthog is destroyed, it is possible to stand on a ghost and grenade jump to the roof), and the skull will be there.Or you could just climb up the ladder . Note that if the non-AA Wraith's driver is killed (whether or not the Wraith is destroyed), the skull will disappear (this may only apply to single-player).  This skull can be seen from other locations, including the boathouse where the sniper rifle is located and the landing where the regular Wraith is located.  If the skull disappears, go back to your last saved checkpoint.


'''Effect''': Your [[Motion tracker]] is disabled completely.
'''Directions: Method B''' This method is a bit easier than the other one and far more safe. Grab a ghost and go to the structure. Put the ghost between the odd-red colored wall and the structure itself. Grenade jump when you are standing on the ghost. It may take some tries but it is pretty easy.


'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5×
'''Directions: Method C''' All you need for this is a deployable cover. The only way to get a deployable cover at this point is to board the front of the AA Wraith and melee attack the driver to death. He almost always drops one. Stand between the red wall and the silo, with your back to the silo, and drop the cover. Move out of the way and you now have a perfect stepping stone, two jumps and you're on the roof. This is slightly easier on co-op, depending on your luck, as your friend can distract the attention of the normal wraith should it see you.


'''Directions''':
'''Directions: Method D''' On co-op mode, get player A to stand right next to the silo. Player B can then jump onto player A's head, and from there, jump onto the top of the silo.
#Walk into the destroyed city of Voi. As soon as you enter the city, there is a building with an SAM Launcher on the right. Move to the middle of the road that leads in and left.
#Take out a weapon with a scope (preferably a [[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]]) and look up and to the right (to the top of the right hand building). Wait for a Marine to say over the radio, ''"All squads, report."''
#You will see a [[Flood combat form|Flood Combat Form]] on the roof of the building to the right. It will jump across the street above you as a Marine replies, ''"There, over there!"''. You can either kill the Combat Form, making it drop the skull, or, you can shoot off it's right arm. You may either kill it whilst it is still on the first roof or try to shoot it while it is in midair. The skull will fall to the ground between the two buildings.


==== Famine ====
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a triangle.
[[File:H3 Famine.jpg|thumb|200px|The Famine skull on The Ark.]]
{{Article quote|Trust us. Bring a magazine.}}


'''Level''': [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]
'''Effect''': All AI-controlled units, friend or foe, throw grenades more often, where applicable. The Catch skull has no effect on Flood, as they don't throw grenades. It should be noted that they will throw a unlimited amount of grenades at their enemies. Grunts have been seen throwing more than 4 in a row. The skull does not seem to increase the number of Kamikaze Grunts, however.


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull. The smaller skull seems to have a line between it and some dots (food). This describes the obvious traits of a famine.
'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5x


'''Effect''': All [[weapons]] that are dropped by enemies or are scripted to spawn on the ground (e.g., near a crashed Pelican or group of dead bodies) have halved or reduced ammunition or charge. However, weapons found in cases still have the standard amount of ammo. Jackals, the only enemies found in the Halo 3 campaign to overcharge Plasma Pistol shots, are very likely to run out of charge due to the reduced charge also affecting them. Leaving them with no charge and no way to attack the Chief. This does not work in the Halo 3: ODST campaign.
=== Fog ===


'''Point Multiplier''': 2×
'''Level ''': [[Floodgate]]


'''Directions:'''
'''Directions''': At the beginning of the level, you will walk into the destroyed city of Voi. As soon as you enter the city, there is a the first main building with a missile installation on the right. Move to the middle of the road that leads in and left. Take out a weapon with a scope (preferably a battle rifle) and look up and to the right (to the top of the right hand building). Possibly wait for a marine to start yelling "there, over there". If you are playing co-op, station one man in the middle of the road between the burning building and the building the creature lands on(Check where he goes before reverting to last save.)  A single flood soldier should appear on top of the building, ready to jump across the structure. Kill the flood just before/as it jumps, one guy using an assault rifle shooting straight up, and one guy sniping from the slanted light post with a battle rifle. Hopefully, the skull will fall off the building so you can pick it up. The skull may rest near the bottom of the left-hand building. This should take several tries. If you miss the flood or the skull is stuck on the building, just restart at the last save.
#After obtaining the Scorpion, you will be directed into a fork in the road. Going straight will lead you into a giant bowl-like valley, and going to the right will lead you through a broad sandy road.
#To the left is the bowl with two roads cut into the rock face. Go to the right and drive directly ahead until you hit the rock wall.
#When you get underneath the platform structure, you will notice some climbable rocks on the right that will lead you to the platform itself. You will notice several beam-like supports alongside the platform. Go to the very last one, at the end of the platform. If you jump up you can see the skull at the end. Align yourself right up to the support. You need to get to the crevice of it, sticking out and away from the platform; the skull can be seen in it. There are several methods to obtain this skull:
##'''Method A''': Stick a Plasma Grenade right where the beam-like support and incline meet (on the ''bottom'' edge of the incline). Back up, run and jump, aiming a little higher than the skull. You should be just over and a little forward of the grenade when it explodes giving you enough of a boost to reach the skull.
##'''Method B''': Pick up a Deployable Cover and place it in front of the pillar with the skull and use it as a step to the ledge. It may take a few tries to place it exactly at the perfect spot, as it may slide off and fall off the ledge.
##'''Method C''': Play the game in Co-Op mode. Stand on your friend's head and have them run and jump towards the skull. At the highest point of their jump, jump over to the ledge. If performed correctly, you should land on the platform.
##'''Method D''': Deploy a Bubble Shield so that the edge of it is near the edge of the structure. The Bubble Shield should keep the grenade you throw inside it so right after you throw, jump, and the grenade should give you a sufficient boost.
##'''Method E''': Take a Brute Shot, and aim it downward but still on the building Take a leap, and as you jump, fire downward and you will be able to launch yourself to the skull.
##'''Method F''': If you saved the Rocket Launcher from the downed Pelican, you can rocket jump by positioning yourself a suitable running distance from the platform with the skull, running at it backward, jumping as you reach the slanted floor and firing a rocket. The blast should be sufficient to propel you to the platform. It may take a few tries to get it without killing yourself, and is inadvisable on any difficulty other than Normal for this reason.
##'''Method G''': Find a few Ghosts, and use the boulder and a boost+A-button combo to get them onto the platform. Then stack them near the spot with the skull and you should be able to jump from on top of them to the skull.
##'''Method H''': On the way back through this canyon, after getting the Scorpions from the Forward Unto Dawn, as you pass under the arch and blow up the Phantom, there is a wall to the left of the part where the canyon narrows that you can drive a tank up. If you drive one up, then wedge it in the area where the Forerunner structure comes closest to the cliff you're on, you can take a second tank up the cliff, and drive it across the bridge made from the first one, onto the Forerunner structure, then, with some careful positioning, use its turret as a platform to jump to the skull.
##'''Method I''': Use Chopper to get up to the platform through the rocks and park it on a slanted platform where your jump can reach where the skull is. This may require several attempt to do it.


==== Thunderstorm ====
'''Note''': Look up and to the right just BEFORE entering the city continuing to walk into it.  You will see them run to the top ledge of the building, but you have a VERY limited amount of time to shoot the Flood creature. But the first time, if you're unable to shoot them, you will at least have a good idea of where to be looking the second time, and just revert to saved.
[[File:H3 Thunderstorm.jpg|thumb|The Thunderstorm skull, and in the background, an aerial battle rages.]]
Tip: you only need one bullet, no mater from what gun to bring the skull down. Since the level is very dark, you may miss the skull being dropped, so search a round to find it.
{{Article quote|Field promotions for everyone.}}


'''Level''': [[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a swirl of fog.


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a lightning bolt.
'''Effect''': Your motion sensor is no longer visible.


'''Effect''': All enemies and allies are promoted to the highest available rank. The number of shielded Flood Elite Combat Forms and shielded Sentinels is also increased. Promotions given:
'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5x
* Brute Minors and Brute Majors are promoted to Brute Ultras.
* Brute Captains and Brute Captain Majors (bar some) are promoted to Brute Captain Ultras.
* Grunt Minors (bar some) and Grunt Majors are promoted to Grunt Ultras.
* Elite Minors are promoted to Elite Majors.
* Jackal Minors are promoted to Jackal Majors.


'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5×
=== Famine ===


'''Directions''':
'''Level''': [[The Ark (Level)|The Ark]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>
#After deactivating the first tower, there is a part in the level where you have to fly a Hornet to the third tower. As you hop into the Hornet, the title ''If You Want It Done Right'' will be displayed—if it isn't, then no skull will appear.
#On your way to the third tower, you will see the second tower (which was disabled by the Elites). This is also the tower with the [[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminal]]. Fly over to it.
#There is a long, flat, semi-enclosed part of the tower that extends out over the ocean. There is a very tall ramp that leads up to it. At the end of the extension you will find the Thunderstorm skull.


'''Note''': Restarting from Rally Point Alpha allows you to go to the skull's location, but no skull is present. Also, the "Too Close to the Sun" achievement can be unlocked from the skull location.
'''Directions: Method A''' At a point in the level, you will be directed into a fork in the road. Going straight will lead you into a giant bowl-like valley, and going to the right will lead you through a broad sandy road about 40 feet wide. To the left is the bowl with two roads cut into the rock face. Go to the right and drive directly ahead until you hit the rock wall. When you get underneath the platform structure, you will notice some climbable rocks on the right that will lead you to the platform itself. You will notice several beam-like supports alongside the platform. Go the very last one, at the end of the platform.  If you jump up you can see the skull at the end. Align yourself right up to the support. You need to get to the crevice of it, sticking out and away from the platform; the skull can be seen in it. Stick a Plasma Grenade right where the beam-like support and incline meet(on the ''bottom'' edge of the incline). Back up, run and jump, aiming a little higher than the skull. You should be just over and a little forward of the grenade when it explodes giving you enough of a boost to reach the skull. (Note: you don't need to back up excessively. The process from the moment you throw the grenade to when you start running towards it should take less than 2 seconds).
- Alternatively you can make it harder on yourself by getting about 6 feet away from the incline, and throw a plasma grenade to the top of the incline. It will stay there, because the incline rises about 3 inches before it goes downward. As you throw, begin a jump toward the crevice of the support. If you timed it right, you should be about 5 feet past the grenade when it explodes, which should give you the boost you need to get onto the support and get the skull. The timing might take a few tries before you get it right.
-It is best to do Method A on Normal Difficulty as the grenade blast will take your shields to the brink. Don't be lazy, take care of the two ghosts first.


==== Tilt ====
'''Directions: Method B''' A slightly easier way to get the skull is to use a Brute Chopper. Save one from an earlier battle, and then drive it to the part that's underneath some kind of roof (this is where you're going anyways) drive out from underneath it, and you should be making a right turn. To the right, on the rock face, there is a lone boulder on the ground. Drive slightly past it, then turn around, aiming at the bridge, and drive up the steep face. Eventually, you will be at a small gap between the bridge and the rock. on the left "edge" of the rock, you can see a small upwards incline. Using this as a jump, boost off of it and try to land on the bridge. This will probably take a few tries. Once you're on, turn left and drive to the last "pillar" (which contains the skull) hugging the pillar, drive the Chopper as close to the edge as possible. Then just jump on top of the Chopper, and jump into the pillar. Getting the Chopper just right and getting into the pillar takes a few tries, so don't be discouraged if you miss and take a while.  
[[File:H3 Tilt.jpg|thumb|The Tilt skull in its hiding place.]]
{{Article quote|What was once resistance is now immunity.}}


'''Level''': [[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]
'''Directions: Method C''' When killing Brutes in the level pick up a deployable cover and drop it in front of the pillar with the skull and use it as a step to the ledge.


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull with a hole in its head.
'''Directions: Method D''' Play the level on Co-Op with a friend. Both of you should climb up on to the platform. Have your friend stand as low on the incline near the pillar as he can with his back against the pillar. Then your friend should kill you, and when you respawn you will land right on his head, use him to jump up to the platform, grab the skull, and you both get the achievement.


'''Effect''': All enemy and ally weaknesses and resistances double. Example: Brute armor is twice as weak to plasma weapons and twice as strong against projectile weapons.
'''Directions: Method E''' Yes, another method but this is for those who can't grenade jump for their lives. Quite simple really, just take a bubble shield and at least one fragmentation grenade and go to the ledge. Deploy the bubble shield so that the edge of it is near the edge of the structure.  The bubble shield should keep the grenade you throw inside it so right after you throw, jump, and the grenade should give you a sufficient boost.


'''Point Multiplier''': 2×
'''Directions: Method F''' One more method. This is for people who know how to grenade jump but by some misfortune use their grenades. Take a brute shot, they're all over the place on that level, and aim it downward but still on the building Take a leap and as you jump fire downward and you will be able to launch yourself to the skull.


'''Directions''':
'''Directions: Method G''' One More method. Was found by Accident in CO-OP so it's still experimental. stand on your friends head. Then have them grenade jump. At the highest point of their jump, jump over to the ledge. If performed correctly, you should land on the platform.
#The skull is at the top of the large circular room where [[Cortana]] says ''"It was the coin's fault! I wanted to make you strong, keep you safe (drop in tone). I'm sorry, I can't..."'' When you enter this room you will fall out of a hole in the ceiling, next to a sitting, dead Elite. To the left of the room will be some small, somewhat fungal, growths on the walls. Near this is a rounded pillar.
#Stand on the pillar and jump to the thin growth outcrops to the left. On many of them, you will hit your head on an obstruction above if you are not careful; spoiling the jump. After the first two to the left, turn around and look away from the rock wall - then left ninety degrees for another one with a longish extrusion of Flood material.
#This one is difficult as your head will hit the wall with jumps from many of the obvious positions. One jump that works is at the tip of this jump, back about 2 feet from the edge, and jumping slightly left (approx one foot) of the tip of the target jump. Another jump that works is; When you get on the upper outcrop on the left, facing the other outcrop you are jumping to, move as far as you can to the left. Then, jump toward the other outcrop with the extension of flood material. Walk up the extruded Flood tentacle onto the roof of the area where you will find the skull in a small pile of blood and bones. Note that underneath the platform you usually walk on are two to three Deployable Covers near the [[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminal]] with Cortana's message. These can be placed on the pillar and the ledge to make the jumps easier and help you avoid things that can cause your jumps to fail.


==== Mythic ====
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull.
[[File:H3 Mythic.jpg|thumb|This skull is the Mythic skull]]
{{Article quote|Coverage under the Covenant Health Plan.}}


'''Level''': [[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]
'''Effect''': All weapons that are dropped by enemies or are scripted to spawn on the ground (e.g., near a downed Pelican or group of dead bodies) have halved or reduced ammunition or charge. However, weapons found in cases still have the regular amount of ammo.


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a circle with a smaller circle in it
'''Point Multiplier''': 2x


'''Effect''': All of the Covenant you encounter have twice the amount of health and shields. This will also extend to your allies, too.
=== Thunderstorm ===


'''Point Multiplier''': 2×
'''Level''': [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>


'''Directions''':
'''Directions''': After taking down the first tower there is a part in the level where there are two hornets and you are expected to take one and get to the third tower to take it down. The screen will briefly show "If you want it done right" as you hop into the Hornet.  If it does not say "If you want it done right", then no skull will be present.  After you get in, start to fly to the third tower. On your way there, you will see the second tower (which was disabled by the Elites).  It looks exactly like the third tower (only without all the land and enemies on it). Fly over to it. You will hear an Elite reminding you that the tower is already disabled. This will confirm you are in the right area. There is a long flat part of the tower that extends out over the ocean (semi-enclosed). There is a very tall ramp that leads up to it. At the end of the extension you will find the Thunderstorm skull. You must get out of your Hornet or Banshee, or the skull will not appear.
#At the beginning of the level, move forward, hugging the right wall and curving slowly left in the cave up ahead. After a short amount of time, you will see a tunnel opening to the right. Move through this, but still hug the right wall. Part way along an opening (cave) on the right will open up.
#Move inside, turning your [[flashlight]] on (up on the D-pad of the controller). Soon you will reach a dead end, and the skull is on the ground, among the rocks.


=== List of silver skulls ===
You must start from the beginning of this level, disabling tower one then moving outside in order to pick up this skull.
Silver skulls provide no score multipliers when turned on.
==== Blind ====
[[File:H3 Blind.jpg|thumb|The Blind skull on the rock.]]
{{Article quote|Shoot from the hip.}}


'''Level''': [[Sierra 117]]
[[Image:thunderstorm_skull.gif]]


'''Icon''': An eye with the pupil crossed out.
* Restarting from Rally Point Alpha allows you to go to the skull point, but no skull is present
* Starting from Rally Point Beta (with a Tank and Warthog) leads to a fight with two Scarabs, and is beyond the skull pickup point


'''Effect''': Your entire Heads-Up Display is disabled. You can't see your weapon, shield meter, motion tracker, equipment, or ammo/grenades. Your shield will not make any noise unless it is recharging. You do not get notifications for checkpoints or loading nor are you able to visibly see prompts. You are able to see what gun you're holding by the subtle sound it makes, looking down, and getting out of first person view. You are also able to know what type of grenade you have equipped yourself with by the subtle sounds they make.
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a lightning bolt.


'''Directions''':
'''Effect''': All enemies (and Sangheili allies) are promoted to the next available rank. The number of shielded Flood combat forms is also increased. Elites that would have been Majors do not become Ultras, however, and stay the same rank.
# Go to the area where you first encounter the Covenant. There should be a Brute Captain Major and a few Grunts.
# Face the large body of water and look for the protruding rock.
# Jump onto this rock. There should be another rock. Jump on this. Walk to the end of this rock and pick up the skull.


==== Grunt Birthday Party ====
'''Point Multiplier''': 1.5x
[[File:BirthdayGruntCloseUp.jpg|thumb|The effect of the Grunt Birthday Party skull.]]
{{Article quote|Light a match...}}


'''Level''': [[Crow's Nest]]
=== Tilt ===


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a candle.
'''Level''': [[Cortana (Level)|Cortana]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>


'''Effect''': If a Grunt is shot in the head with any headshot-capable weapon (such as the [[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle|Battle Rifle]], [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|Beam Rifle]], [[Carbine]], [[Sniper rifle|Sniper Rifle]] or [[M6 Series|Magnum]]), a popping sound is heard, colorful confetti explodes out of it which causes minor damage to nearby enemies, detonates grenades on the ground, and a sound clip of children cheering from the game ''Hurray''!"can be heard in the background. When the Grunt's head explodes, their mask will usually fall off.
'''Directions''': The skull is at the top of the large circular room where Cortana asks your name, and says it’s very nice to meet you and that she likes to play games too (your screen and movement won’t change for this one). To the left of the room will be some small, somewhat fungal, growths on the walls. Near this is a rounded pillar. Stand on the pillar and jump to the thin growth outcrops to the left.  On many of them you will hit your head on an obstruction above if you are not careful - spoiling the jump; try backing up slightly first.  After the first two to the left, turn around and look away from the rock wall - then left ninety degrees for another one with a longish extrusion of Flood material.  This one is difficult as your head will hit the wall with jumps from many of the obvious positions.  One jump that works is at the tip of this jump, back about 2 feet from the edge, and jumping slightly left (approx one foot) of the tip of the target jump.   Walk up the extruded Flood tentacle onto the roof of the are where you will find the Skull.


'''Directions''':
*Note that underneath the platform you usually walk on are a two to three deployable covers near the [[terminal]] with Cortana's message. These can be placed on the pillar and the ledge to make the jumps easier and help you avoid things that you cause your jumps to fail.
#Method A: On your way to the barracks, you will come across a section in the level where you are required to drop down into a shaft, and at the bottom, are several pipe entrances, where Drones fly in and out of. Reaching the bottom will initiate a Cortana Moment.
#If you walk to the end of the corridor, there is another large drop (purple pipe with a rotating fan), but do not jump down. Instead, look down around the drop and you will notice a small ledge protruding out a little bit with a green arrow just visible in the middle of it. If you approach the edge very slowly and walk backwards very quickly as soon as you fall, you will land on the ledge. The skull will be located at the end of the passage.
#Method B: After the battle with the Chieftain and Brutes, grab a grav lift. Continue on until you are in the shaft with the drones. Walk down the corridor and go down the large drop. Turn around and throw the grav lift. Go through it and then you'll enter the passage with the skull at the end of it.


'''Note''': Try to lay the lift as near to the pipe as possible; laying it in the middle won't always work.
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a smaller skull with a hole in its head.


==== Cowbell ====
'''Effect''': All [[Energy Shields]] (including Brutes' and excluding the Master Chief's) are made a lot stronger. Human projectile weapons cannot take down Brute Shields.
[[File:H3 Cowbell.jpg|thumb|The Cowbell skull above the stairs.]]
{{Article quote|More bang for your buck.}}
'''Level''': [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a cowbell.
'''Point Multiplier''': 2x


'''Effect''': Physics impulses are increased. Explosions and melee attacks launch characters and objects farther, but the damage is not affected. Allies and enemies alike do not flinch when you melee them bar [[Jiralhanae]] with very weak shields.
=== Mythic ===


'''Directions''':
'''Level''': [[Halo (Level) (Halo 3)|Halo]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>
#You must start this level from the beginning; starting from any other point will cause the skull to not appear. After defeating the [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]], take a Gravity Lift from the small structure in the center (to the right of the entrance up the large slope), then continue on until you pass the room with a lot of explosive [[Plasma battery|Plasma Batteries]]. In the hallway after this room, there is a tall section with openings above the turning point of the hall, and the skull is in the top one of the highest of these. There are several methods to obtain this skull:
##'''Method A''': Use the Grav Lift to get there. The ideal place to deploy it is about three fourths of the way down the ramp, and a little to the left of the center, while facing up-ramp (facing up-ramp will ensure the Grav Lift doesn't slip farther down). Run down the ramp and jump, such that you reach the peak of your jump while directly over the Grav Lift. You should also be running towards the tall section, aiming towards the middle of the top shelf on the section. If your Grav Lift expires or is destroyed, you can always revert to last save since the room containing the skull is a checkpoint. If you have difficulty getting there, crouch while being Grav-Lifted. This may take a few tries.
##'''Method B''': If you are having too much trouble placing the Grav Lift, it is possible to drive a Brute Chopper into the building. You can then drive the Chopper to the bottom of the ramp, jump onto it, and deploy the Grav Lift, which will go through the vehicle. You should be elevated to the opening with the skull.
##'''Method C''': If you are playing on Co-Op, have two of the players grab a Grav Lift. One (''Person A'') should drop their Grav Lift before the platforms, use it to go up to the fourth level (one below the skull), and wait for their partner (''Person B'') to join them. ''Person B'' should stand right on the edge of that platform and deploy their Grav Lift while facing straight down. If ''Person A'' placed the first one right, then the two Grav Lifts should line up, with one hovering above the other. ''Person A'' should then walk backwards off the edge and onto the Grav Lift(s). ''A'' will end up being suspended above the platform with the skull, at which point they should just keep holding the left thumbstick forward until they move onto the platform. If they ''can't'' move forward, they should keep pushing forward anyway, because when the lower Grav Lift breaks, they will drop onto the platform.
##'''Method D''': If you managed to pass through the previous room without setting off any of the plasma batteries, push one down to the edge of the openings, detonate it with a plasma grenade or a brute shot, and explosive jump to the top opening.


==== IWHBYD (I Would Have Been Your Daddy)====
'''Directions''': Move forwards, hugging the right wall and curving slowly left.  After about 15 seconds you will see a tunnel opening to the right.  Move through this, but still hug the right wall.  Part way along an opening (cave) on the right will open up. Move inside turning your flashlight on (up on the D-pad of the controller). Soon you will reach a dead end, and the skull is on the ground, among the rocks.
[[File:H3 IWHBYD.jpg|thumb|The IWHBYD skull in front of the light bridge.]]
{{Main|IWHBYD skull (Halo 3)}}
{{Article quote|But a dog beat me over the fence!}}


'''Level''': [[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a circle with a smaller circle in it


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a double helix.
'''Effect''': The health of most enemies doubles.


'''Effect''': Rare dialog is more common, and vice versa.


'''Directions''': Near the end of the level, after you and the Arbiter fight through the Covenant to stop Truth from firing the Halo rings, the Flood will turn against you. Fight your way back to the elevator, but '''DO NOT''' drop through the vent at the end. Instead, turn around, facing the 7 holographic rings. From here, the closest ring is 1, the farthest away is 7. '''''FOLLOW THIS SEQUENCE BY JUMPING THROUGH THE RINGS IN THIS ORDER''''': 4 6 5 4 5 3 4 (If you listen closely, the humming noise of each holographic ring corresponds to one of 7 notes on a musical scale, and the sequence of notes produced by the rings in the sequence follows the tune of the last [[seven]] notes of the Gregorian Chant from the famous [[Halo Theme]]). Afterward, head all the way back to the control console and the skull should be on the floor just in front of the light-bridge.
'''Point Multiplier''': 2x


==== Unknown (Second Blind/Assassin) ====
=== Gold Skulls Video ===
{{Main|Halo 3 skulls#Assassin skull|l1=Assassin skull}}
<youtube width="350" height="350>o7B46RnNX58</youtube><noinclude></noinclude>


'''Level''': [[Cortana (level)|Cortana]]
==List of Silver Skulls ==


'''Effects''': Nothing. [[Halo 3 skulls#Glitches|There is a glitch]] that enables a player carrying either this skull or the [[Halo 3 skulls#Tilt|Tilt]] skull through to the end of the level to start the next level with a [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Laser]] and their current secondary weapon.
=== Blind ===


'''Directions''':
'''Level''': [[Sierra 117]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>
#This skull can be found in the reactor room. First, kill all of the Flood forces in the room. Once the room is free of Flood, search the room for some stacked up Deployable Covers. Make sure you have some grenades (not Spike Grenades or Firebombs) with you.
#Grab one of the Deployable Covers and climb one of the pillars that extend from the upper floor. Deploy the cover and climb it. Then, jump to the upper floor. If you can't do it with the Deployable Cover, throw a grenade on the end of the pillar and grenade jump—if you got the [[Halo 2 skulls#Famine|Famine skull]] by grenade jumping, you should be able to reach the upper floor in 2-3 tries.
#When you're up, search around the surface and look down. At some point, you should find the skull among some bones. It's above the main door.


'''Note''': In ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'', the skull will sometimes fall off its perch when it spawns, falling into the pit and becoming unobtainable.
'''Directions''': In the beginning of the level, you and your troops will come across a waterfall with a phantom dropping off troops. Kill all of the enemy troops to get them out of the way, and move to the right of the area. There is a rocky outcrop, and one of the larger rocks extends into the water. The blind skull is at the tip of the rock. There is also a second blind skull on the level '''Cortana''' but no bonus is gained for capturing both skulls.


== Mythic skulls ==
'''Icon''': A skull marked with an eye with a crossed out pupil. Also, the skull’s eyes are shaded white.
These skulls can be found in the [[Mythic Map Pack]] levels that can give you [[achievement]]s. These skulls only appear when in [[Forge]].
=== Orbital ===
[[File:H3 Orbital Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Orbital skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Orbital]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with the emblem of the [[Quito Space Tether]].
'''Effect''': Your HUD and weapon are no longer visible.


'''Direction''': Above the pit between the two pathways, go up until you see the skull on the ledge. You must exit Edit Mode on the ledge beside it, crouch and get it.
=== Grunt Birthday Party ===


===Assembly===
'''Level''': [[Crow's Nest]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/>
[[File:H3 Assembly Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Assembly skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Assembly]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with [[Lekgolo]] worms.
'''Directions''': On your way to the barracks (after you view the bomb, and after the flying Drones), you will come across a part in the level where you drop down a hole with fallen rocks at the end. Cortana sends you a message ("you'll be called upon to serve") when you land. Once the message is over, you will find yourself in a wide corridor with open pipes on either side, with Drones flying across every now and then. If you walk to the end of the corridor, there is another large drop (purple pipe with a rotating fan), but DON'T GO DOWN. If you go to the very edge and look down the drop, you will notice a small ledge protruding out a little bit. If you approach the edge very slowly and walk backwards very quickly as soon as you fall (or vice-versa), you will land on the ledge. Behind you (or in front of you if you backed towards the drop and then ran forwards) is the skull.


'''Direction''': Near the middle. Between the two pipes connecting the middle to the building. Use Edit Mode in Forge to fly up there.


===Sandbox===
'''Note''': If walking off the edge does not work for you, take a gravity lift and use it to propel yourself back up to the room underneath the grating after you have jumped down off the edge.  Sometimes the skull is not there, this is most likely due to an unknown glitch.
[[File:H3 Sandbox Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Sandbox skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Sandbox]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a [[Monitor]].
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a candle.


'''Direction''':
'''Effect''': If a Grunt is shot in the head with any semi-automatic weapon (including the [[Battle Rifle]]) confetti explodes out of it (the explosion causes minor damage to nearby enemies), and a sound clip of children cheering from the game Viva Pinata can be heard in the background.


The skull is located between two of the [[The Guardians|Guardian]] towers, at the right of the sun - locating the skull in [[Theater]] first helps. The towers fire upon the player on sight, and are one-hit kills, so to reach the skull, a player has to use scenery items to protect themselves. An easy way to obtain the skull is through the following steps:
=== Cowbell ===


'''Method 1:'''
'''Level''': [[The_Ark_(Level)|The Ark]]<ref name="youtube-x8kiVzzKct8"/> 
#In [[Forge]], [[Overload glitch (Halo 3)|overload]] the map.
 
#Locate the skull and construct a Tube Y-Intersection surrounding the skull. This will serve as your protection against the towers' deadly beam.
'''Directions: Method A''': You must start this level from the beginning - starting from any other point will fail.  After defeating the Scarab, grab a gravity lift from the small structure in the center (to the right of the entranceway up the large slope), then continue on until you pass the room with a lot of explosive plasma containers. In the hallway after this room, there is a tall section with openings above the turning point of the hall, and the skull is in the top one of the highest of these. Use the gravity lift to get there. The ideal place to deploy it is about 3/4's down-ramp and a little to the left of the middle, facing up-ramp(facing up-ramp will ensure the gravity lift doesn't slip farther down); you should be running down-ramp and jump so your jump-apex is above the gravity lift. You should also be running towards the tall section, aiming towards the middle of the top shelf on the section. If your gravity lift is destroyed, you can always revert to last save since the room containing the skull is a checkpoint. Also if you have difficulty getting there crouch while being grav-lifted.
#Place two two-way teleporter nodes; one inside the tube and the other within the map's safe zone.
If you don't get the skull at first then keep trying, you will get it eventually.
#Start a new round and simply walk into the teleporter and obtain the skull.
'''Method 2:'''
#Locate the skull in Theater mode.
#Place a corner piece of movable corridor with one opening facing in the direction of the skull and the other opening facing the sky.
#Position yourself within the piece of corridor looking out towards the skull.
#'Pick up' the corridor and move towards the skull, the corridor should move around you, absorbing the fire from the Guardian Towers.
#When you reach the skull simply turn back into a Spartan, crouch down and pick it up.
'''Method 3:'''
#Before starting, edit both the editor and player traits to give both maximum overshields. (This allows both modes to withstand a single blast from a tower.)
#Locate the skull.
#Create a [[Bubble Shield|bubble shield]] in edit mode and pick it up in player mode.
#Fly to the skull in edit mode.
#Enter player mode and quickly drop the bubble shield over the skull, giving you time to retrieve it.


===Heretic===
- Alternatively you can place at the bottom of the ramp and use a Brute Shot jump for extra height.
[[File:H3 Heretic Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Heretic skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Heretic]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with the [[Mark of Shame]].
'''Directions: Method B''': If you are having too much trouble placing the grav lift, it is possible to drive a Brute Chopper into the building (there's one inside the small structure where you battle the Scarab). You can then drive the Chopper to the bottom of the ramp, stand on top of it, look down, and deploy the Grav lift. You can then easily walk right into the opening with the skull.


'''Direction''': Standing on the sword platform face the windows and the skull is 90 degrees to the right of the sword under the vents.
'''Directions: Method C''': If you are playing on Co-Op, have two of the players grab a Grav lift and place one on top of the other.


===Longshore===
'''Directions: Method D''': It is possible to get the cowbell without using a friend, brute shot, or grav lift. All you need is some jumping skills. you can jump from the ramp to the first platform and then to each platform above.
[[File:H3 Longshore Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Longshore skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Longshore]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with a harpooned fish.
'''Directions: Method E''': It is possible to get the Cowbell by using a combination of both an explosive crate and a stick grenade.  Push the crate down the stairs to the correct location (as above), then stick the grenade on top.  Wait approximately one second, then jump (as the grenade explodes, setting off the create).  This will send you sufficiently high to make it to the 4th level.  Do not hold down the right "take" button as you do so, as this may negate picking up the skull.


'''Direction''': On the top of a large ventilation shaft beside a "Fronk's" sign. Head for the aircraft carrier & then turn right. Only accessible via Forge.
'''Note''': It is suggested to always couple this skull with the Grunt Birthday Party skull for maximum damage when encountering large numbers of Grunts.


===Citadel===
'''Note''': Another possible use for this skull would be to couple this skull with Catch (so that grenade explosions are deadlier and occur far more frequently), creating a greater sense of danger in large firefights.
[[File:H3 Citadel Skull.png|thumb|200px|The Citadel skull's location.]]
'''Level''': [[Citadel]]


'''Icon''': A skull marked with the symbol of the [[Covenant citadel|Citadel]].
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a cowbell.


'''Direction''': Find the overshield on the blue side. Then look for the wall with the blue triangular shapes on it. There should be a pillar in-between the shapes. At the top of this pillar, to the right in an alcove is the skull. Only accessible via Forge.
'''Effect''': The force of explosions is increased immensely.


==Special / Exclusive Skull==
=== IWHBYD ===
=== Assassin===
Hackers searched the Halo 3 files and found evidence of an "Assassin Skull" in the <code>mainmenu.map</code> file. The same file also had hints of every skulls' locations, and the Assassin skull's hint was "Interred where heroes fall". Interestingly enough, the Sierra 117 Blind skull's hint was "Interred deep within her tomb". That description doesn't match with Sierra 117, but the Assassin skull's description does (the Chief fell from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]] at that level). The "unknown skull" on Cortana matches the Blind skull's description, considering that Cortana was trapped in ''[[High Charity]]''.


Apparently the unknown skull in Cortana was going to be the Blind skull, and Sierra 117 would have the Assassin skull, but the latter was replaced by the former. However Bungie technically did not remove the "old" Blind skull from the game, nor updated the mainmenu.map file; the Assassin skull and its info were not removed, and the hint for the Blind skull was not corrected. It has commonly been claimed that if a player retrieves the unknown skull before they retrieve the Blind skull, that they will unlock the Blind skull in the Campaign options screen, but this has been disproven.{{Ref/Site|Id=BlindSkull2|URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEOFxQrKArI|Site=YouTube|Page=Halo 3 - Is The Secret Skull On Cortana Really A 2nd Blind Skull?|D=03|M=10|Y=2017}}
''Main article:'' [[Halo 3: IWHBYD (I Would Have Been Your Daddy) Skull]]


===Acrophobia===
'''Level''': [[The_Covenant_(Level)|The Covenant]]
The Acrophobia skull is an exclusive skull, featured only in [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]. The skull was released for the Xbox and PC version in commemoration of Halo 3‘s release on PC on 14 July 2020.


'''Unlock criteria''': Kill 343 enemy air units (Banshee, Drones, Sentinels, and Phantoms).
'''Directions''': In order to get the IWHBYD skull, you must complete the entire mission (eg do not use Rally Point Alpha) until you reach the final battle scene, where the Prophet of Truth is planning on lighting all seven rings. Once you reach the bridge, battle your way across with the Arbiter and Flood (making sure not to jump through any rings), neutralize all Covenant, watch/skip the cinematic, and kill all the flood (this is optional, but makes the procedure much easier). Once the bridge is devoid of enemies, you will have to literally jump through the 7 rings in a complex order. Once you have completed this, the IWHBYD skull will appear at the beginning of the light bridge leading to Truth's podium.  


'''Effects''': Hold jump to activate the skull, and hold crouch during the flight to stop mid-air.
Each number corresponds to the ring you must jump through. The ring at the elevator is 1. The ring next to Truth is 7. The ring with red on it is 4.  


'''Note''': Direct impact into almost anything at high speed while in flight can cause the player to die upon impact.
Sequence order: 4,6,5,4,5,3,4.


===Anger===
Once you have completed the sequence, the skull will appear at the beginning of the light bridge leading to Truth's podium. If you are not sure you got it then look at the rings when you complete the sequence, they will be blinking in sequence. The Halo theme will play as you get the skull, and the rings will stay on brightly. You must then finish the level, or the skull will not be saved to your profile and you will have to get it again (eg: jump down the blue hole at the far end as per the normal end to the level).


This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
The skull will not spawn if you have jumped through any of the rings before you reach the Prophet Truth. If you do by some means jump through a ring before Truth is dead, then simply restart from the last save.


===Bandanna===
'''Icon''': A skull marked with a double helix (DNA Symbol).


This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
'''Effect''': Unlocks new, often humorous, dialogue for the AI. Such as "THIS IS SPARTA!" for some marines or "pie is good" said by some brutes. Sometimes a Brute may even say "He was my lover!" when you kill a nearby Covenant soldier, and Grunts may say "Stay close to me, Nipple-mate!" to another Grunt when they are suspicious that enemies may be nearby, or "Thankyou for choosing Air Blue-Ball" as they go Kamikaze.
 
===Bonded Pair===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Boom===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Eye Patch===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Foreign===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Ghost===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Jacked===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Malfunction===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Master Blaster===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Pinata===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Recession===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===So…Angry…===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===Swarm===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===That’s Just… Wrong===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
===They Come Back===
 
This skull was made available in Halo: The Master Chief Collection in the April 2022 update.
 
==Cut Hints==
''Halo 3''{{'}}s mainmenu.map file contains unused lines that would have hinted at the locations of the skulls.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Skull !! Hint
|-
| Iron || Interred along [[Sierra 117|the slopes of Mt. Killimanjaro]]..
|-
| Black Eye || Interred within [[Crow's Nest|the hidden human base]]..
|-
| Tough Luck|| Interred in a ditch at the side of [[Tsavo Highway|the road]]..
|-
| Catch || Interred at [[The Storm|the crater's edge]]..
|-
| Fog || Interred [[Floodgate|where the dead walk again]]..
|-
| Famine || Interred within [[The Ark (level)|the wastelands of the Ark]]..
|-
| Thunderstorm || Interred near [[The Covenant (level)|the peaks at the Ark's core]]..
|-
| Tilt || Interred deep within [[Cortana (level)|the Flood hive]]..
|-
| Mythic || Interred on [[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Installation 04v2]]..
|-
| Assassin {{C|cut}} || Interred [[Sierra 117|where heroes fall]]..<br>(Describes where the blind skull is found in the final game)
|-
| Blind || Interred within [[Cortana (level)|her tomb]]..<br>(Describes where the unused skull in Cortana is found)
|-
| Cowbell || Interred along [[The Ark (level)|the rim]]..
|-
| Grunt Birthday Party || Interred where [[Crow's Nest|the crows roost]]..
|-
| IWHBYD || Interred at [[The Covenant (level)|the Foundry's edge]]..
|}


== Trivia ==
===Unknown Skull===
===Glitches===
The [[Spartan Laser]] the player receives on the mission [[Halo (Halo 3 Level)|Halo]] upon completing [[Cortana (Level)|Cortana]] with a skull equipped is likely an unintended quirk caused by the way the game reallocates player weapons after completing certain missions. Between these missions, the game will go through a series of checks comparing the player's weapons to the weapons in the next mission to determine whether they are present. Ordinarily, if they are, the player will retain them. If the game cannot find an appropriate match for the weapon, or the player has a projectile weapon with an empty magazine and no ammunition remaining, it will instead give the player the default loadout for the mission.


Skulls, however, are unintentionally able to pass the checks for retaining non-melee energy weapons as the game doesn't check an energy weapon's ammunition count, contrary to projectile weapons which are checked. This means that holding:
There is a 5th silver skull, that does not appear in the Campaign Options screen. It is on the level [[Cortana(Level)|Cortana]], in the reactor room after retrieving the AI. It can be obtained on Co-op with a [[Deployable Cover]]. Deploy it near the edge of the roof, and get Player Two to jump on it and Player One on top of Player Two. Player One should be able to jump on the edge of the roof and get the skull. Please note that this skull has no affiliation with the 13 required skull list and, if carried for the rest of the level, Player One will start with a Spartan laser on the next level. It may also have an effect on health, shields or the amount of damage enemies can do. Caution, this may only work with certain skull combinations and/or other factors in gameplay. This skull is a duplicate blind skull.
*the [[Halo 3 skulls#Tough Luck|Tough Luck]] skull from [[Tsavo Highway (level)|Tsavo Highway]] into [[The Storm (level)|The Storm]]; or
*the [[Halo 3 skulls#Tilt|Tilt]] or [[Halo 3 skulls#Unknown (Second Blind/Assassin)|Unknown]] skull from Cortana into Halo,


will give the player the first energy weapon in the weapon index of these levels. In The Storm, this gives the player a [[Plasma Pistol]], and in Halo it gives them a Spartan Laser. If the player finishes any other mission with a skull, the game will replace it with a default weapon instead. This is because these missions check either projectile weapons or melee weapons first in the weapon index, which are both checks the skulls will immediately fail.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hD8PoqLLTc '''General Heed on YouTube''' ''- The Truth About The Secret Skull On Cortana Revealed'']</ref>
===Unknown Skull Video===
This video shows the location of the Unknown Skull, but it does not show the skull being taken to the end of level.


===Miscellaneous===
<youtube width="350" height="350>xLjS54NksJ8</youtube>
*The Mythic skull has gold teeth.
*A skull's melee power is the same as a regular melee, rather than an instant kill with the Oddball.
*''Halo 3'' skulls also have [[command neural interface|neural interfaces]] in the back of them, like those used by [[John-117]], [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Keyes]] and [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] and etc.
*The "I Would Have Been Your Daddy" skull references to the first chapter of [[Assault on the Control Room]], in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' which shares the same name. The skull name is the same quote from the beginning of the level.
*It is possible to "dribble" the skull at the beginning of ''Crows Nest'', just pick up the skull when unarmed and start rapidly pressing right trigger.
*On any level with the Arbiter, if you kill the Arbiter in a safe spot, and drop the skull very close to him, he might jump up and grab it and use it as a weapon, going into the fight hitting enemies with the skull as he goes.
*The "Grunt Birthday Party" skull is the only skull that appears in all seven of the Halo games that feature skulls: ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo Wars]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', and ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
*''Halo 3'' skulls are generally easier to get than in ''Halo 2''. They can be found on the Normal difficulty, and are often hidden in simple places which require far less skill and time to reach; examples being the Tough Luck, Mythic and Thunderstorm skulls, which only require taking a simple detour rather than a complicated jump challenge.
*In Co-op, if any of the players do not have the skull of that corresponding level and someone picks it up, the skull will be unlocked in both the menu and as an Achievement for the players which did not already have it.
*The term "[[Mythic (difficulty)|Mythic]] Difficulty", or more commonly "LASO", simply refers to a person playing on Legendary difficulty with every skull active.
*The sound that results from the Grunt Birthday Party skull being used was originally from [[wikipedia:Viva Piñata|Viva Piñata]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/franklez/status/1131661432787853312]</ref>
*The particle effect for the Grunt Birthday Party skull was created by Bungie VFX artist [[Steve Scott]] for amusement during a period of intense [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_developer#Crunch_time crunch] during the development of ''Halo 3''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/stepscot/status/1152667859983589376 '''Steve Scott on Twitter''' - ''Someone cosplayed as a particle effect I made to amuse myself during a brutal crunch over a decade ago. This gives me a type of joy I have never experienced before. #gamedev #halo3'']</ref>


==Gallery==
=== Silver Skulls Video ===
<gallery>
<youtube width="350" height="350>s6lnVSRa8cA</youtube>
File:Main menu map.jpg|The code containing hints to skull locations and descriptions.
File:HxD - Assassin Skull.jpg|The Assassin skull listed within Halo 3's game code.
File:H3 Icon Skull-Gold.png|A gold skull as depicted on Bungie.net.
File:H3 Icon Skull-Silver.png|A silver skull as depicted on Bungie.net.
</gallery>


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
<references/>


==External links==
[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12828 Bungie.net - Get the most out of skulls]
*[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12828 Bungie.net - Get the most out of skulls]
*[http://www.gamerhelp.com/article_viewer.cfm?article_id=129280 Location of all the skulls]


[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Skulls]]

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