Editing Spartan abilities

{{Status|Gameplay}}

{{Disambig header|the gameplay feature|other uses|Spartan (disambiguation)}}

'''Spartan abilities''' are gameplay features in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.<ref>[http://youtu.be/0H2wIB7h-9k?list=UU-UXMS9Q-apozW8jALP5UZw '''Youtube''': ''Halo 5 Guardians BETA Vidoc (Halo 5 Guardians Multiplayer Beta Gameplay Trailer) '']</ref>{{Ref/Game|H5G}} They serve as a spiritual successor to [[armor abilities]]. However, unlike armor abilities, Spartan abilities are available to all players constantly, in order to guarantee fair starts to everyone. Consequently, they are comparable to previously added gameplay mechanics such as [[Boarding (gameplay mechanic)|boarding]] or [[dual wielding]] in ''[[Halo 2]]'' or the sprint function in ''[[Halo 4]]''. Some Spartan abilities are the continuation of already existing gameplay features, while others make their appearance for the first time in the ''Halo'' franchise. The aim of the Spartan abilities is to portray playable Spartans as real supersoldiers with a range of powers and movement abilities that are more faithful to the Spartans' legendary lethality in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' universe]]. In the ''Halo'' sandbox, the weapon, the melee and the grenade constitute the three main layers of gameplay; the Spartan abilities are introduced as a fourth layer. The ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign and multiplayer have both been built around Spartan abilities.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/590920025575305216 '''Josh Homes on Twitter''': "The Campaign and MP have both been designed around the Spartan Abilities."]</ref> Sprint, Smart Scope, Clamber, and Slide are present in ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', with the [[Thruster (Halo Infinite)|thruster pack]] being a piece of [[Equipment]].{{Ref/Game|HI}}

The thruster pack allows Spartans to quickly move into a chosen direction. Unlike [[M805X thruster pack|its ''Halo 4'' counterpart]], it is a built-in feature and can be activated at anytime by the player, with a cooldown of four seconds. The acceleration is now omnidirectional and does not hinder momentum; the player can thrust into a sprint or continue their sprint at full speed. Moreover, the ability is not performed in third person view anymore, but rather in first person view. It facilitates dodging enemy fire and moving in mid-air in ways that were not possible before.

When leaping from an elevated position, Spartans can utilize their primary suit thrusters to aggressively launch a "ground pound", hammering any nearby enemies with concussive force. To activate the ground pound, the player will have to press the action button mid-air to be able to carry out this action. Before initiating the maneuver, stabilizers will momentarily engage while in air, giving time for the ability to charge and for the Spartan to aim before thrusting downwards. Ground Pound is capable of destroying damaged vehicles like the [[M12 Warthog|Warthog]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/JoshingtonState/status/592375988564033537 '''Josh Holmes on Twitter''': "Not w/ a single hit. But if the warthog is sufficiently damaged it makes for a dramatic killing blow."]</ref> and [[M820 Scorpion|Scorpion]].<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/11/podcast-unlocked-182-will-halo-5-release-in-september '''IGN''': ''Podcast Unlocked 182'']</ref> Ground Pound was later used as a base reference to create the Spartan Slam ability in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.

This form of attack relies on the Spartan's primary thrust component when engaging in close quarters combat. The ability requires the Spartan to sprint at top speed before running headlong at an enemy combatant. The Spartan will execute a shoulder bash, which will deal slightly more damage and knockback than the typical melee attack. Similar to melee attacks, a Spartan Charge to the back of an enemy will result in an instant kill.

The agility of the MJOLNIR armor systems allows Spartans to traverse any terrain with ease. Spartans can now grab ledges and clamber over them with enhanced mobility and flexibility. This allows them to make jumps that were once impossible without tricks used in previous games.

Software in MJOLNIR armor systems allow Spartans to increase accuracy via their [[smart-linking|smart-linked]] weapon system through their suit's heads-up display. Weapons, such as the [[MA5D assault rifle]] or [[M6H magnum #Variant|M6H2 magnum]], feature an enhanced, holographic zoom for steady accuracy.  

 

Using the Smart Scope in midair will activate the thrusters, allowing a Spartan to temporarily hover midair for a few seconds while aiming.

[[Sprint]] allows the Spartan to move at an increased speed. Unlike in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' and ''[[Halo 4]]'', sprinting resets the duration of time before the player's energy shields begin to recharge, although this effect is only present in multiplayer. Prolonged sprinting will activate the thrusters to reach top speed, which allows Spartan Charge or Slide to be used. In addition, should the player take damage while sprinting before reaching top speed, they will automatically stop sprinting.

 

Spartan abilities can be used successively to "chain" abilities. This can be useful for performing "trick jumps" to take alternate paths around the map.

File:H5G beta - Spartan mobility.jpg|Description of all the abilities and how to use them, save for sprint.

File:H5 Thruster Pack ability.jpg|Thruster pack engaged.

File:Halo 5 - Ground Pound targeting reticle.png|The targeting reticle present when charging the ground pound ability.

H5-Empire-Beta-6.jpg|A Spartan preparing to ground pound.

File:H5 Ground Pound ability.jpg|A Spartan executing a ground pound.

H5-Truth-Beta-2.jpg|A Spartan (left) clambering over an edge.

File:Halo 5 - Smart Scope Pistol.png|The smart scope on the M6H2 Magnum.

File:H5GBStrongholds-Empire.png|Spartan charge killing an enemy player.

File:H5GA-Lockeclamber.png|[[Jameson Locke]] clambering.

File:H5GA-Lockegroundpound.png|Locke performing a ground pound.

File:H5GA-Lockespartancharge.png| Spartan Locke charging a group of [[Kig-Yar Storm]].

File:H5GA-Lockestabilizers.png|Locke using his stabilizers.

{{Ref/Sources}}