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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|TF|H2|GOO|H3}}
{{Center|For other uses of the term '''beam''', see [[Beam|here]].}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[Image:Sentinelbeam.jpg|250px]]
|image = [[File:H3-SentinelBeam.png|300px]] [[File:H2A-SentinelBeam-SideProfile.png|300px]] [[File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png |300px]] [[File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|300px]]
| name=Sentinel Beam
|manufacturer= [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=393}}
| manufacturer=
|series= Containment/Sterilization Instrument<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 168''</ref>
| model=
|type= [[Particle beam weapon]]
| type=Energy Weapon
|cost=
| cost=
|variant=
| size=Handheld, Two-handed
|service=*Forerunner era
| damage per hit=Chronological
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
| magazine=100 battery units
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| maxammo=100 battery units
|affiliation = Forerunner
| fire=Continuous Fire
|weight=
| ammotype=*Minor:Orange Energy Beams
|length=
*Major:Blue Energy Beams
;Varies
| operation=
{{Convert|63.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| rate of fire=
{{Convert|77.2|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| accuracy=Very High
|ammotype = Superheated negative charged ion particle beam{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| range=Medium to Long Range
|capacity=
| era=
|feed= 100 battery units housing
| counterpart=
|operation=
| counterwep=[[Sniper Rifle]]
|rate= Automatic
| affiliation=[[Forerunner]]
|velocity =  
|optics=
|range = Infinite
}}
}}
{{Quote|You can totally dig the [[Aggressor Sentinel|bug-bots]]' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!|[[Otto-031]]{{Ref/Reuse|bl}}}}
The '''sentinel beam''', also known as the '''sterilization beam''',{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=326}} is a [[Forerunner]] [[directed energy weapon]], most commonly used by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The weapon is particularly effective against small [[The Flood|Flood]] outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping [[Energy shielding|energy shields]]. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.<ref name="bl">'''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''', ''[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 3|Issue 3]]''</ref><ref name="h2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>


==Design details==
{{HaloWikiLink|Sentinel_Beam}}
The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.<ref name="Encyclopedia">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 339''</ref> The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}
The '''Sentinel Beam''' is a [[Forerunner]] Direct Energy [[weapon]] that is equipped on a [[Sentinel]].


There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.{{Ref/Note|In-game, the calibration dial cannot be adjusted.}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
==Introduction==


The beams used by the [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] at [[Onyx]] were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 156''</ref> Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|MJOLNIR Mark V Armor]] suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire [[Covenant]] [[Covenant cruiser|cruisers]].  
The Sentinel Beam is a Forerunner weapon connected to [[Sentinel]]s to control outbreaks of [[The Flood]]. It appears as an orange beam of energy that can cut through the Flood parasite. The blue Sentinel beam is a stronger, more efficient version of the common orange Sentinel Beam, however it overheats more quickly. 
In [[Multiplayer]], the Sentinel Beam appears by default in the bases on [[Backwash]] and on [[Desolation]].


===Advantages===
==Combat Usage==
Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.


It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] — if aimed properly.
The Sentinel Beam is not player-usable in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. However, it is player-usable in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]. The Golden Version is not availible in [[Halo 3]].


It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's [[melee]] attack is about as strong as that of a [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launcher]], and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a [[Flood combat form]], although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.
The Sentinel Beam runs on an non-rechargeable battery with a maximum charge of 100%. Like the [[Covenant]]'s [[Plasma]] weapons, it can overheat and will do so if 23% of the battery is used in one continuous stream. It is effective against the [[The Flood|Flood]] and other types of [[Sentinel]]s, and can deplete shields like [[Plasma|plasma]] weapons.


===Disadvantages===
A continuous hit from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating against any opponent.
When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}.


==Variants==
The beam used by the [[Sentinel]]s at [[Onyx]] were evidently a golden color and, while they took significantly longer to charge, were thought at one point to be capable of destroying a fully shielded [[Spartan]]. It may be worth noting that there were some other differences between the sentinels on Onyx and the ones in the games, as was pointed out by the character [[Dr. Halsey]].
*'''Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam''': A Sentinel Beam utilized by the [[Aggressor Sentinel Eliminator|Sentinel Eliminators]] from [[Installation 05]]. It fires a stronger blue beam.
*'''Safeguard Sentinel Beam''': The sterilization beams of [[Safeguard Sentinel]]s are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 12/7/2016: Issue 94 Bounty Hunters'']</ref>
*'''[[Arcane Sentinel Beam]]''': White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by [[Thav 'Sebarim]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].
<gallery>
File:H2A gold sent beam.png|Gold Sentinel Beam.
File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png|Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|Installation 07 Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Arcane Crop.png|Arcane Sentinel Beam.
</gallery>


==In-game information==
In Halo 2 campaign, the Sentinel Beam is a fearsome, all around good weapon. It sports a high rate of fire, amazing accuracy, and great damage against both shielded and unshielded opponents. The Beams reticule is also reasonably centered, providing quick centering of targets. The melee attack is about as strong as that of rocket launchers. Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen in the campaign: The usual grey colored one that fires a orange laser, and a gold colored one that fires a blue laser. The gold colored one is more powerful, but rare.
{{Article quote|Continuous fire, directed hardlight energy weapon useful for stripping shields.{{Ref/Game|HI|Academy - Weapon Drills - Sentinel Beam description}}}}
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
* Like the [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]] and the [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|Fuel Rod Gun]], the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. In ''Halo 2'', the Sentinel Beam can finally be wielded.
* A golden Aggressor variant is introduced along with its blue-colored beam. This harder-burning beam is more powerful, but it overheats and depletes faster.


=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' ===
{{spoilers}}
* The Sentinel Beam has a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes.
* The weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds.


=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
It reappears in [[Halo 3]] with few Graphical upgrades but several technical ones. It first appears on [[The Ark (Level)|the Ark]]. The gun can be gained by destroying one of these guardians, or picked up in piles of rubble. Unlike it's Halo 2 counterpart, the weapon fires a much stronger beam that if held consistently on an enemy can destroy them within a few seconds. It is, obviously enough, extremely effective on Flood, cutting down any form and scoring instinat kill shots if you pierce the infection form (with the case of combat forms) or the red tentacles at the mouth (in the case of pure forms) with the tip of the beam. It does not spawn on any multiplayer maps using the standard weapon spawn settings, and players cannot spawn with them in any gametype, custom or therwise, but the weapon can be added through Forge.
*The beam fired is now colored purple.
*The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.


===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
==Character Compatibility==
* In the remastered multiplayer component of ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', the Sentinel Beam has been made noticeably more powerful than in the original ''Halo 2''.<ref name="H2A teamB">[http://teambeyond.net/warlock-coming-halo-2-anniversary/ '''Team Beyond''': ''Warlock coming to Halo 2: Anniversary'']</ref>
* The lights on the Sentinel Beam now change color and build up along the firing channel's shroud to indicate the level of the weapon's heating.{{Ref/Reuse|H2A teamB}}


=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
*[[Elite]]s
* Weapon can now be [[Smart Scope|Smart-Scoped]].
*[[Spartan]]s
* Players killed by the Sentinel Beam now disintegrate upon death.
*[[Brutes]] (Have animation, but not used)
* The insignia on the back of the Sentinel Beam changes colors depending on how close it is to overheating.
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Human)
* When the Sentinel Beam is smart linked, the Spartan will hold it sideways.
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Elite)
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form]] (Brute)
*[[Sentinels]]
*[[Monitor]]s


=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
==Multiplayer Recommendations==
* The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
 
* The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the [[Halo 2: Anniversary]] design.
*The weapon can actually make it harder for enemy player to see if it is aimed at their head but should only be done at close to medium range.
* The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
 
* The Sentinel Beam emits the same particle effects as the [[Heatwave]] and the [[Cindershot]] on the front of the weapon.
*This is best used in a small map like [[Warlock]]. Also good for [[Headlong]] as long as you have other strong weapons with you.
* The Sentinel Beam has a harsh vertical recoil as the weapon is fired.
 
*If the Sentinel Beam (SB) is the only weapon you have, conserve ammo and rely on melee as much as possible. The SB has a greatly effective and quick melee. Only fire the weapon when your target is far away, because ammo goes fast. Melee in CQB, and avoid deadly crossfire. Replace as often as possible.
 
*If you have other weapons on the map, use those. The SB is effective but hard to aim. Only use it if you have advantages over other players such as experience, better aim, etc.
 
*Use grenades! A sentinel beam is horrendously useful against flesh, so a quick grenade toss is all that is needed to take down the opponent's shields and seal the deal.
 
*A widely reputed myth about this weapon is that it can score headshots. This is partially true. Like the Magnum, Battle Rifle, Carbine, Sniper Rifle, and Beam Rifle, it can get headshots, but only if the TIP of the beam (ie; the beginning of the shot) hits the head. It will not work if you sweep the beam to the target's head.
 
*During a game of infection, the Sentinel Beam is an effective way to rid yourself of chasing zombies. But take care on where you aim. Since the laser is easy to spot and is likely to give your position away if the shot goes astray.
 
*Remember all these tactics and use your head! Never underestimate the sentinel beam!


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sentinel Beam}}
*This is the only known wieldable [[Forerunner]] [[Weapon]].
*The only way to use the Sentinel Beam in the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' engine without extensive use of the Developer mode is to use ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]''. Such usage is to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain an Aggressor Sentinel, then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Aggressor, and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The Beam is not visible from the first- or third-person view, and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen.
 
*Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
==References==
*In ''Halo 2'', an [[Enforcer]] will fire an invisible Sentinel Beam if all of its other weapon system have been destroyed. If the Enforcer is destroyed, there will not be any Sentinel Beam left in its wreckage for the player to use.
<references/>
*In ''Halo 2'', if the player throws a grenade when their Sentinel Beam is overheating, sometimes the animation for throwing the explosive will not appear, and a grenade will just "fly" out from the player.
 
*In ''Halo 3'', the beam appears to impact with large force, as it is able to flip an airborne Warthog with minimal effort, a feat that not even explosive weapons can achieve. This is easily witnessed during the Warthog run near the end of the game.
==Related Links==
*In ''Halo 3'', the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered multiplayer maps, and [[gametype]]s cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in [[Forge]]d map variants, the [[Bungie vs World]] playlist and the Maption Sack playlist. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
*The [[Forerunner automated turret]] in ''Halo 3'' fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
*The Covenant [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|Focus Rifle]] is an attempt at reverse-engineering the Sentinel Beam, though it has several functional differences.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 71''</ref>
*Although the Aggressor Sentinel does make an appearance in ''Halo 4'', when destroyed by Covenant remnant forces, if the wreckage of the sentinels is investigated, the player will find no leftover Sentinel Beams. This is because sentinels in ''Halo 4'' disappear instead of producing pieces of wreckage.<ref>'''Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide''' (Collector's Edition), page 110</ref>
*For some reason, in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', both the basic and gold versions of the Sentinel Beam have the same in-game model after they leave the body of its host sentinel.


==Gallery==
*[[Sentinels]]  
===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:H2A Base Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side-Screen.png|An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side.png|Extracted view of the Sentinel beam.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
File:H2A Gold Beam.png|An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam.
File:H2 Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side.
</gallery>
===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:8311761-Full.jpg|A Sentinel beam on [[Installation 00]].
File:H3-SentinelBeam-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands.
File:Halo-3-20070923023602661.jpg|The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule.
File:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.
File:H3_SentinelFiring.jpg|A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in.
</gallery>
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorSentinels 2.png|Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorsVsKnight 2.png|Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a [[Promethean Knight]] in ''Spartan Ops''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Render-02.jpg|Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2ACP-SentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Base Beam.png|An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud3.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in ''Halo 2''.
File:Warlord-5.png|The Sentinel beam being used on the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer map [[Warlord]].
File:H2AMP-SentinelBeam.png|A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on [[Skyward]].
</gallery>
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches.jpg|Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches 2.jpg|Concept art nearing the final design.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-handles.jpg|Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-rough.jpg|Rough concept art of the Sentinel beam.
File:H5G sentinel beam concept art final.jpg|Finalized concept art.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat.png|The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamFiring.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat-ThirdPerson.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on [[Torque]].
</gallery>
===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeamSketch.png|Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeam.jpg|Finalized concept art of the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-SentinelBeamFirstPerson.png|First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam.
File:HI-sentinelbeam-firing.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired.
File:HINF SentinelBeam HUD Reload.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam reloading.
File:HINF Aggressor Beam.png|An Aggressor Sentinel fires its Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-SentinelBeam-ThirdPerson.png|A [[FIREFALL-class Mjolnir|Firefall]]-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF Sentinel Beam Disintegrating Elite.png|[[John-117]] uses a sentinel Beam to disintegrate a [[Banished]] [[Sangheili Mercenary]].
File:HINF Command Spire disintegrating grunt.png|The sentinel beam being used to vaporize an [[Unggoy Conscript]].
File:HINF Nexus hunter vaporized.png|The sentinel beam vaporize a [[Mgalekgolo]].
</gallery>


===''Halo Online''===
<br clear="all">
<gallery>
{{WepList}}
File:HO-SentinelBeam.jpg|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''


==Notes==
[[Category:The Forerunner]]
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]

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