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{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Quote|Play ball!|[[Jeff Steitzer|The announcer]]}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3}}
[[File:Oddball Icon.jpg|thumb|200px|The Oddball icon.]]
[[Image:Oddball Icon.jpg|thumb|200px|Icon for Oddball.]]
[[Image:Oddballz.jpg|thumb|left|A game of Oddball on [[Sanctuary]].]]
[[Image:Oddball.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A game of Oddball on [[Sidewinder]] in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].]]
<center>''For other uses of Oddball and Skull, see [[Skull|here]]''</center>
'''Oddball''' is a [[multiplayer]] game-type featured in the [[Halo series]]. The objective is to locate the [[Skull]](s) on the map and to maintain possession of it for the longest period of time possible. The default settings allow the game to be a free for all with one Skull on the map, which you need to have possession of for two minutes in order to win. This game can be played as a Rumble Game or a Team Game where the highest score of the lone player (Free-For-All), or on a team's accumulative score, chooses the victor(s). Normally, a player who has the Oddball is the immediate target for the other players, which is what makes Oddball an extremely fast paced and fun game-type. While a player has possession of the Oddball, they cannot wield their weapons or throw [[grenade]]s. However, they can still [[melee]] opponents with the Skull, which normally inflicts massive damage. The settings for the game can also be altered to make it more interesting. For example, the player with the Oddball can go invisible or can be slowed down. The number of Oddballs on the map can also be changed. Oddball in [[Halo 3]] is the same and looks just like the Skulls of [[Halo 2]].


'''Oddball''' is a [[multiplayer]] gametype featured in the [[Halo series|''Halo'' series]]. It has been featured in every ''Halo'' multiplayer to date.
==Included Variants==
==='''[[Oddball]]'''===
*Get ready for a classic game of free for-all Oddball. Hold the ball for 2 minutes to win.


==Description==
==='''[[Rocketball]]'''===
[[File:Oddball.jpg|thumb|300px|A game of Oddball on [[Sidewinder]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.]]
*This game of Oddball with nothing but [[rocket launcher]]s is a real blast. Control the ball for a total of 1 minute to win.
The objective is to locate the [[skull]](s) on the map and to maintain possession of it for the longest period of time possible. The default settings allow the game to be a free for all with one skull on the map, which players need to have possession of for two minutes in order to win. This game can be played as a Rumble Game or a Team Game where the highest score of the lone player (Free-For-All), or on a team's accumulative score, chooses the victor(s). Normally, a player who has the Oddball is the immediate target for the other players, which is what makes Oddball an extremely fast-paced gametype.


While a player has possession of the Oddball, they cannot wield their weapons or throw [[grenade]]s. However, they can still [[melee]] opponents with the skull, which normally inflicts massive damage. In ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Reach'' and ''Halo 4'' multiplayer, if a player melee an enemy with the Oddball, it is an instant kill, but this can be tweaked via the game setting. The settings for the game can also be altered to make it more interesting. For example, the player with the Oddball can go invisible or can be slowed down. The number of Oddballs on the map can also be changed.  
==='''[[Swordball]]'''===
*Tense rounds with swords and no [[motion sensor]]. Control the ball for 30 seconds to win a round. First to 3 wins, a very deadly game.


The Oddball's appearance is nearly identical through the original trilogy; the ball is a plain human skull. They are also identical to the skulls found in campaign in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' the Oddball is on fire much like the [[Headhunter]] skulls. If the skull is dropped in water the flames are extinguished, though it will relight when it is picked up again. In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the Oddball is a spherical container containing a light blue holographic skull. The "ball" part consists of black metal brackets that surround the skull. The brackets are positioned to emerge from the back of the skull and leave the 'face" area open. It also serves as the Grifball.
==='''[[Team Ball]]'''===
*Up to 8 teams can go head to head in this game of team oddball. First team with 2 minutes ball control wins.


''Halo 4'' features the first noticeable gameplay changes since Oddball's inception in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. Players can now throw the Oddball using the grenade throw button (left trigger in default controls). Catching or intercepting a thrown skull awards medals. The skulls are also more noticeably affected by physics, bouncing off the surfaces and getting knocked around by explosions and Gravity Hammer strikes. Additionally, plays can perform [[Ballsassination]] — [[assassination]]s the skull — which vaporize the target like Forerunner weaponry.  
==='''[[Low Ball]]'''===
*Team Oddball with a twist. Everyone on your team must hold the ball for at least 30 seconds to win.


== Built-in variants ==
==='''[[Fiesta]]'''===
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
*An odd game of ball with random weapons. Earn 2 minutes control time to win.
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Hold the [[Skull]] for 2 minutes to win.
|-
!Juggernaut
|The Juggernaut does extra damage. Kill the Juggernaut to steal his powers. Score 15 kills to win the game.
|-
!Team Oddball
|The first team to hold the Skull for 2 minutes wins. 5-second respawn time.
|-
!Classic Oddball
|Hold the Skull for 2 minutes to win.
|-
!Classic Reverse Tag
|When you're "it", you run slowly but you score time.  Accumulate 2 minutes to win.
|-
!Classic Accumulate
|Score 5 minutes to win.  Kills speed up your time, but you lose your time bonus if you die.
|-
!Classic Juggernaut
|The Juggernaut does extra damage. Kill the Juggernaut to steal his powers. Score 15 kills to win the game.
|-
!Classic Stalker
|One sneaky player is [[Active camouflage|invisible]]. Find him and kill him to gain his sneaky powers.  Score 10 kills to win the game.
|}


===''Halo 2''===
==='''[[Ninjaball]]'''===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
*A [[Halo 3]] variant that grants the Oddball Carrier with more speed and less gravity, but cannot take as much damage.
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Get ready for a classic game of free-for-all Oddball. Hold the ball for 2 minutes to win.
|-
!Rocketball
|This game of Oddball with nothing but [[M41 SPNKR|rocket launchers]] is a real blast. Control the ball for 1 minute to win.
|-
!Swordball
|Tense rounds with [[Type-1 energy sword|swords]] and no [[Motion tracker|motion sensor]]. Own the ball for 30 seconds to win a round. First to 3 wins.
|-
!Team Ball
|Up to [[Multi-Team|8 teams]] can go head to head in this game of team Oddball. First team with 2 minutes ball control wins.
|-
!Low Ball
|Team Oddball with a twist. Everyone on your team must hold the ball for at least 30 seconds to win.
|-
!Fiesta Oddball
|An odd game of ball with [[fiesta|random weapons]]. Earn 2 minutes ball control time to win.
|}


===''Halo 3''===
==Trivia==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
[[Image:1221711830 Skull.jpg|thumb|right|An Oddball skull.]]
! style="width:20%;" |Title
*Oddball, is derived from [[Marathon]]'s "Kill the Man With the Ball".
! style="width:80%;" |Description
*The Skull itself is from [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'s early development: when the player goes to rescue [[Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] in the level [[Keyes (level)|Keyes]] and discovers that he has been consumed by the [[Flood]], the [[Master Chief]] was to burn through the [[Proto-Gravemind]] biomass and pull out Keyes' skull to get his neural implants. However, this was cut due to the [[Flamethrower]] being removed, and possibly the burnt skull being too disconcerting to present in the game as well. The design of the skull was apparently kept for the Oddball skull, as a [[Command Neural Interface]] resembling that of Captain Keyes, can be seen on the base of the skull.  
|-
*The player holds the Skull in a different position in every game. The exact reason for this is unknown, but is more than likely artistic liberty.
!Oddball
*Just like in [[campaign]], the Skulls have numbers (though difficult to see) on top of their head.
|Free for all. Hold the skull to earn points. 50 points to win.
*In Halo 3 multiplayer, if you melee an enemy with the Oddball it is an instant kill, however, in MLG rules it takes two hits to kill a player with the Oddball.
|-
*It reacts to weapons when fired upon. For example, if you shoot it with a [[Pistol]], it will pivot. In contrast, objects like the [[flag]] will remain inanimate no matter what.
!Team Oddball
*Inside the skull is a small [[Marathon]] symbol.
|Form teams, protect your carrier. 100 points to win.
*If you drop the Oddball, the side with the eyes will always be opposite to you.
|-
*If you jump over the Oddball (as in just above it), you will still have the Oddball.
!Low Ball
*The Oddball is similar to the Halo 3 campaign Skulls.
|Teamwork counts! Every member of your team must earn 25 points to win.
*Getting 3 Oddball kills on a Legendary Map unlocks the new [[Alas, Poor Yorick]] achievement.
|-
*An Oddball melee kill is usually an instant kill, where as the campaign skulls only do as much damage as a regular melee with a common weapon.
!Ninjaball
*The strength of an Oddball melee are only half the strength in [[MLG]] gametypes.
|The ball carrier is fast and agile, but vulnerable. 100 points to win.
|-
!Rocketball
|You have no allies but your [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launcher]]. 50 points to win.
|}
 
===''Halo: Reach''===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Hold the skull to earn points. It's like Hamlet with guns.
|}
 
===''Halo 4''===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Find the ball and hold onto it to earn time. The player with the most time wins.
|}
 
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Get ready for a classic game of free-for-all Oddball. Hold the ball for 100 points to win.
|-
!Team Ball
|Up to 8 teams can go head to head in this game of objective Oddball. First team to reach score goal wins.
|-
!Low Ball
|Everyone on your team must hold the ball for a certain time to win. Team scores are shown as percentages.
|-
!Fiesta
|An odd game of ball with random weapons. Control the ball and earn points to win.
|-
!Swordball
|Free-for-all rounds with swords and no motion sensor. Own the ball and earn points to win a round. Top scorer wins.
|-
!|Team Swordball
|Team game with swords and no motion sensor. Own the ball for points to win a round. Best of 3 rounds wins.
|-
!Rocketball
|This game of Oddball with nothing but rocket launchers is a real blast. Control the ball and earn points to win.
|}
 
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Oddball
|Hold the Oddball to score points!
|-
!Classic Team Oddball
|Hold the Oddball to score points!
|-
!Oddball FFA
|Hold the Oddball to score points!
|-
!Oddball HCS
|Hold the Oddball to score points!
|}
 
===''Halo Infinite''===
Oddball in ''Halo Infinite'' features two major differences from prior versions of the mode. Oddball is now round-based; teams win a round by scoring 100 points, and the game is played with a best-of-three format. In addition, the mode now also features an 'objective clock', in which the round's time limit will only count down when the ball is not being held by a player.
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:2px auto; vertical-align:top;"
! style="width:20%;" |Title
! style="width:80%;" |Description
|-
!Arena:Oddball
|Hold the flaming skull.
|-
!Arena:FFA Oddball
|Hold the flaming skull.
|-
!Arena:FFA Rocket Oddball
|Every Spartan for themselves! M41 SPNKR loadouts. Hold the flaming skull.
|-
!Ranked:Oddball
|Bandit Evo loadouts, Friendly-Fire enabled, Motion Tracker disabled. Hold the flaming skull.
|-
!Ranked:Doubles Oddball
|Bandit Evo loadouts, Friendly-Fire enabled, Motion Tracker disabled. Hold the flaming skull.
|-
!Fiesta:Oddball
|Spawn with random loadouts. Hold the flaming skull.
|}
 
==Achievements==
The following [[achievement]]s can be unlocked in Oddball gametypes.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" style="width:135px;text-align:center;" |''''Icon''''
! scope="col" style="width:175px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Title'''
! scope="col" style="width:350px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Unlock requirement'''
! scope="col" style="width:200px;height:20px;text-align:center;" |'''Games'''
|-
|[[File:H3 Achievement Alas, Poor Yorick.png|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Alas, Poor Yorick]]'''</center>
|Earn 3 Oddball melee kills in a ranked or social match on a map from the [[Legendary Map Pack]].
|<center>''[[Halo 3]]''</center>
|-
|[[File:HR Achievement Crackin' Skulls.png|center|64px]]
|<center>'''[[Crackin' Skulls]]'''</center>
|Earn 3 Oddball melee kills in any map after having downloaded the [[Defiant Map Pack]].
|<center>''[[Halo: Reach]]''</center>
|-
|
|<center>'''[[A Fellow of Infinite Jest]]'''</center>
|Kill three enemies with the ball in an Oddball game in a matchmade game.
|<center>''[[Halo Infinite]]''</center>
|-
|}


==Trivia==
==Tactics==
*Oddball is derived from ''[[Marathon]]''{{'}}s "Kill the Man With the Ball" game mode.
*In normal rules, the Oddball will kill in one hit, thereby acting like the Shotgun. Therefore it is a good idea to camp corners.
* In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', when editing the number of Oddballs in the game settings, a joke will appear in the bottom of the screen, depending on the number of balls.
*[[Bubble Shields]] are particularly good for camping with the ball.
*In ''Halo 3'', if you go to the game settings in the Custom Games lobby, go to Oddball Settings and change the ball number to two, a little notice appears at the bottom saying, "Players fight over two objectives. Ha, thought I'd make a ball joke, didn't you?"{{Citation needed}}
*In team matches with every oddball on your team, its better to stay together. So that way its easier to protect the Oddball(s).
{{clear}}
*In Team Oddball when one of your members or even you get the ball, it is a good idea that you take hold of an area that is easily defendable depending on the amount of members you have on your team.


==Gallery==
==Related Pages==
<gallery>
*[[Team Objective]]
File:Marathon Kill The Man With The Ball.jpeg|The "Kill The Man With The Ball" game mode from ''Marathon''.
File:Marathon 2 Durandal HD Ball.png|Sprite of the "Ball" in the [[Xbox LIVE|XBLA]] port of ''Marathon 2: Durandal''.
File:Marathon 2 Durandal HD Ball in Hand.png|Sprite of the player holding the "Ball" in ''Marathon 2: Durandal'' [[Xbox LIVE|XBLA]].
File:HCE Team Oddball Game.jpg|A player holding the ball in a Team Oddball game in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HTMCC-H2 Oddball Carrier.jpg|A Spartan holding the Oddball in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Oddball Size Comparison.jpg|Two Spartans in an Oddball game with multiple Oddballs in ''Halo 2''.
File:HTMCC-H3 Oddball Melee.jpg|A Spartan melees another with the Oddball in ''Halo 3''.
File:HR Oddball HUD.jpg|The Oddball being held in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR Oddball Carrier.jpg|A player holding the Oddball in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR Oddball Fight.jpg|A game of Oddball in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-H4 Oddball Carrier.jpg|A Spartan holding the Oddball in ''Halo 4''.
File:HTMCC-H4 Oddball Fight.jpg|A Spartan attacks the Oddball carrier in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Oddball Close-up.jpg|A Spartan chases down the Oddball in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Oddball Ballsassination.jpg|A Spartan performs a Ballsassination in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Oddball Throw.jpg|A Spartan prepares to throw the Oddball in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A Oddball Carrier.jpg|A Spartan holding the Oddball in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2A Oddball Fight.jpg|A Spartan chases after the Oddball carrier in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H5G - Overtime update - Banner.png|A Team Oddball game in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF Concept Oddskull.jpg|Concept art of the ball for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Oddball1.jpg|Oddball in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF AlasPoorYorick.png|A [[Spartan-IV]] holding the ball in ''Halo Infinite'', in a pose likely referencing the play ''[[Wikipedia:Hamlet|Hamlet]]'' by [[Wikipedia:William Shakespeare|William Shakespeare]].
File:HINF Pre-Release Oddball Escort.png|Three Spartans escorting the ball carrier in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Oddball.png|First-person view of the skull.
File:HINF MultiTeam Promo.jpg|Two Spartans in an Oddball game in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>


{{Gametype}}
{{Games}}
[[Category:Multiplayer gametypes]]
[[Category:Rulesets]]
[[Category:Halo: Combat Evolved gametypes]]
[[Category:Oddball Variants]]
[[Category:Halo 2 gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo 3 gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo: Reach gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo 4 gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo 5: Guardians gametypes]]
[[Category:Halo Infinite gametypes]]

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