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{{Title|''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|H3R|RE|FOR|TF|FS|HE|SPB|LE}}
{{Center|Type-26 Wraith redirects here. For other types of Wraith, see [[Wraith]].}}
{{New Content}}
{{Vehicle infobox
<center>''Were you looking for the [[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery|Anti-Air Wraith]]?''</center>
|image=[[File:H3-T26WraithAGC.png|250px]]
{{Ship
|name=''Zurdo''-pattern Mortar Tank
| name            = Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage
|manufacturer=*[[Assembly Forges]] {{C|pre-[[Great Schism]]}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=206}}
| image           = [[File:Halo Reach Wraith 3.png|300px]]
*[[Lodam Armory]] {{C|post-Great Schism}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=275}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
| manufacturer   = [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]
|line=
| line           =
|model=''Zurdo''-pattern
| model           = Type-25
|cost=
| class          = Infantry Tank
|length={{Convert|8.8|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=247}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=257}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| length         = {{Convert|8.6|m|ft}}
|width={{Convert|9.2|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| width           = {{Convert|360|cm|ft}}
|height={{Convert|3.7|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| height         = {{Convert|300|cm|ft}}
|mass={{Convert|47|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| mass           = {{Convert|47|ton|kg}}<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', page 247</ref>
|max speed= 82 km/h (51 mph){{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Wraith|D=11|M=5|Y=2021}}
| max accel      = {{Convert|2.5|m/s|km/h}}
|engine=[[Boosted gravity propulsion drive]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H2spec|H2|[[Halo 2: Special Collector's Edition Manual|Special Collector's Edition Manual]]|Detail=page 17}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| engine         = [[Boosted Gravity Propulsion Drive]]<ref>''[[Halo 2: Special Collector's Edition Manual]]'', page 17</ref>
|hull={{Convert|61|cm|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| hull           = Resistant to two Rockets, or to two Spartan Lasers
|sensor=
| countermeasures =  
|target=
| armament       =*[[Plasma Mortar]]  
|armament=*1 [[Heavy plasma mortar|Type-26 35cm Directed Energy Mortar]]{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=117}}
*2 Automated [[Plasma Cannons]] (''Halo 2'' only)
*1 [[Type-26 Directed Energy Weapon Emplacement]]{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}
*Secondary [[Plasma Cannon|Plasma Turret]] (''Halo 3'' only)
|crew=*1 driver{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| crew           = 1 Driver, 1 Gunner
*1 gunner{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| passengers      = None
|complement=
| role           = Main Battle Tank
|consumables=
| era            = [[Human-Covenant War]]
|othersystems=
| affiliation     = [[Covenant Empire]], [[Covenant Loyalist]]
|role=Light assault gun carriage
*Armoured infantry support
*Mobile Anti-vehicle / anti-armor battery
*Mobile artillery / siege warfare
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Blooding Years]]  
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]<br>
*[[Covenant separatists]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Servants of Abiding Truth]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]]
}}
}}
The '''''Zurdo''-pattern Mortar Tank''' {{Type|26|Assault Gun Carriage|AGC}},{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}} more commonly known as the '''Wraith''', is the [[Covenant]]'s main armoured infantry support/assault gun vehicle for ground engagements.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:Wraith.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Blueprint of the Wraith.]]
The ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith is the primary armored ground vehicle used by the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25444|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=7|M=2|Y=2021}} The Covenant deploys Wraiths in tactical ground engagements, where they serve in both anti-infantry and anti-armor roles. The Wraith's firepower also makes it ideal for destroying structures.{{Ref/Reuse|H2spec}}


Like all Covenant ground vehicles, the Wraith is sleek, bulbous and more reminiscent of an aircraft than a traditional ground vehicle. The Wraith is divided into four main sections: chassis, fins, rudders, and plasma mortar. The chassis houses the cockpit, which includes movement, targeting and firing controls. Holographic control surfaces and displays show the pilot a 360-degree view outside the Wraith.{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=113}} Underneath the cockpit is a [[boosted gravity propulsion drive]],{{Ref/Game|Id=h2manual|H2|[[Halo 2 manual|manual]]|Detail=page 19}} which propels the Wraith and keeps it suspended a short distance above the ground. The Wraith's engine vents excess heat and plasma through an exhaust port at the rear of the vehicle; this port is one of the more vulnerable spots on the Wraith. The wide, sweeping fins at the front of the vehicle stabilize the vehicle on uneven terrain, as well as provide extra thrust during a boost.{{Ref/Reuse|h2manual}} At the rear of the Wraith are two rudders, which control the turning of the vehicle using independent propulsion drives. The fourth major component is the Wraith's main weapon, a heavy plasma mortar, which rests above and behind the cockpit and can be retracted within the main body. The entirety of the Wraith is covered by nearly two feet of armor plating, which is composed of a polymer that is still poorly understood by human physicists.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}
The '''Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage'''<ref name="ENC"/>, commonly called the '''Wraith''', is the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant's]] main heavy assault [[vehicle]] for ground engagements. The Wraith can be rapidly deployed in a combat-ready state by [[Type-25 Troop Carrier|Type-25]] or [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Type-52]] dropships, and thus, is the bane of [[UNSC]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and [[Colonial Militia|UNSC Colonial Militia]].  


===Armaments===
The Wraith is the Covenant equivalent of the [[M808B Scorpion MBT]], however, unlike the UNSC counterpart, the Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage uses a mortar cannon. The [[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery]] is a variant of the Wraith.  
The main weapon of the Wraith is its 35cm [[heavy plasma mortar]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} The Wraith's mortar is attached to a fixed mounting, meaning that a Wraith must be facing its target in order to hit it.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}} The plasma mortar works by creating a magnetically encapsulated blob of superheated plasma and firing it at a relatively low velocity. Once fired, the bolt is magnetically guided in a ballistic trajectory until it strikes the ground or target. When the bolt hits, the magnetic bubble collapses and the plasma rapidly expands from its compressed state, creating a superheated explosion that will vaporize everything within twenty meters of impact.{{Ref/Novel|Id=fs112|FS|Page=112}} Titanium battleplate, concrete, or flesh is instantly obliterated by the blast. Anything just outside of the kill zone is at risk of injury or death — after the initial impact, the plasma begins to cool and thermal expansion takes over, creating a wave of fire traveling outward that can travel away from the initial blast zone. Infantry within range can sustain burns and heat trauma. The explosion also generates a large amount of concussive force, which can splinter bones and destroy vital organs.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Palace Hotel|Page=351}} Flammable materials are especially at risk of igniting due to the intense heat release and can cause further damage. Once the heat from the explosion dissipates, the blast zone will have been converted into a glass-smooth surface - much like the swaths of vitrified soil created by "[[glassing]]".


The Wraith is also equipped with an anti-infantry [[Type-26 Directed Energy Weapon Emplacement|T-26 DEWE light plasma cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} This turret is able to burn through armor and flesh, with predictably gruesome results. Against infantry, the cannon's plasma causes severe fourth-degree burns.
==Weapons and Armor==
[[File:1211404887 Wraith Discharge.jpg|150px|left|thumb|A Wraith firing a plasma mortar.]]  
[[File:Mortar Halo 3.jpg|left|thumb|A Wraith's mortar shot in mid-flight.]]
The Wraith's primary weapon, a short-barreled [[Plasma Mortar]] (which is the second heaviest Covenant ground weapon, with the [[Scarab]]'s main cannon being the most powerful), is fixed horizontally, but can be skewed vertically. To aim the mortar, the entire vehicle must turn to face its target. The mortar can be retracted into the hull while not in use, a design advantage considering the vehicle's awkward firing requirements. The mortar fires large bolts of superheated, magnetically guided [[plasma]] in a ballistic trajectory, raining down on enemy troops with tremendous force. A direct hit can penetrate nearly any type of [[armor]], and even an indirect hit is often deadly. The arc in the shot makes it move slowly, but more precise and actually making it capable of catching enemies off guard. The target must be at least eight meters away for the Wraith to use the weapon outside of the "dead zone", an area in which it would cause damage to itself as well as the intended target.  


All ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraiths made after 2549 featured a ring mount for the light plasma cannon,{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} allowing an additional crew member on the Wraith.{{Ref/Site|Id=odststats|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/stats/halo3/careerstatsodst.aspx?player=AkajiCZ|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 ODST Career Stats|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount.|Quotee=Wraith - Gunner tooltip description|D=22|M=12|Y=2013}}{{Ref/Site|Id=reachstats|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/stats/reach/careerstats/weapons.aspx?player=thegamer298&vc=4&sort=5|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Reach : Career Stats|Quote=All post-2549 model Wraiths have an extended crew area with a Type-52 DESW in a ring mount.|Quotee=Wraith Type-26 AGC (Gunner) tooltip description|D=19|M=7|Y=2019}}
The secondary weapon of the Wraith is an automatic Plasma Cannon (there are two different versions: the manned one in ''[[Halo 3]]'' seen in post-2549 models, and the older one in ''[[Halo 2]]''), which possesses an extremely high rate of fire, and is powerful enough to penetrate the armor of light vehicles. However, although devastating to (and designed to deter) infantry and would-be boarders and barriers, the plasma cannon is ineffective against heavy armor. The plasma cannons in ''Halo 2'' are controlled by the AI, and when the vehicle is controlled by the AI, they do not work for players.
<gallery>
File:H3-T26WraithAGC.png|The ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith with the ring mount.
File:HReach-T26WraithAGC.png|Alternate chassis with the ring mount.
</gallery>


===Advantages===
Wraiths possess heavy, bulbous armor that is nearly two feet thick, and is made from a type of polymer [[human]] scientists have previously thought impossible.<ref name="ENC"/> Despite this, the vehicle is still surprisingly maneuverable. The heavily armored hull and chassis make the Wraith almost entirely immune to small-arms fire. Only heavy [[weapons]], artillery or internal explosions can destroy the vehicle. The pilot is well protected within the hull, and even the weaponry is armored. Typical of assault vehicles, the front armor is capable of taking much heavier punishment than the flanks or rear. This is due to the fact that a Wraith possesses sloped armor on the front, which causes the armor to be much thicker than on the sides. However, even the underbelly of the vehicle is heavily armored to protect the anti-gravity plates underneath the chassis. Before the addition of the plasma cannons Wraiths were particularly vulnerable to infantry, and fast moving vehicles making flanking attempts. Also due to the Wraith's slow speed and lack of a suitable anti-air weapon, they are useless at deterring aerial assaults. The most vulnerable part of the Wraith is its exhaust port located at the back of the vehicle. Just one [[MA5C]] clip fired there can quickly destroy the Wraith.
With the exception of the [[Scarab]], the Wraith is the Covenant's most destructive mobile armor. Its huge bulk is well shielded from small arms fire, and it is resistant to medium explosive weapons. Its ability to be deployed with the aid of dropships makes insertions into the battlefield fairly easy. Its plasma mortar can easily decimate infantry and vehicles alike, and its destructive powers are so well known to UNSC forces that the mere sight of one on the battlefield can induce psychological effects.{{Ref/Reuse|fs112}} One of the benefits is the mortar function due to the trajectory that can suppress any incoming enemy from behind the wall, or those who are stationed at the rooftop that can't be reached by a Scorpion Tank's trajectory. While it's not suitable for head to head battle, it is most suitable to conduct a suppression fire mainly against enemy infantry.


===Disadvantages===
==Gameplay==
The Wraith's main disadvantage is its slow speed, due to the vehicle's massive weight. While the boost drive can propel the vehicle to moderately high speeds, the maneuverability of the vehicle is compromised —  turning becomes difficult during a boost, and the momentum that is built from it makes it possible for the vehicle to inadvertently plow through friendly forces, crash into and get lodged between stationary objects, or overshoot its mark and skate off of a cliff or into a body of water. The Wraith is also poorly suited for scaling inclines.  
[[File:1211252630 Wraithsplosion.jpg|right|thumb|A Wraith's mortar explodes on impact with any object.]]
In battle, the Wraith is the Covenant equivalent of a UNSC Scorpion Tank. With the ability to boost, they are faster than Scorpions (though slower when not boosting). Its attack is less accurate and slightly weaker, but Wraiths can indirectly bombard enemy forces. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', only [[Sangheili]] can pilot Wraiths. In ''Halo 2'', [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]], Marines, Sangheili, [[Jiralhanae]], and [[Flood]] [[Combat Forms]] may operate this vehicle. In ''Halo 3'', Spartans, Marines, Sangheili, and Jiralhanae still pilot Wraiths. The vehicle is slow and easily boarded, and without [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] as defending escorts, a boarding party has a good chance of success. However, having a passenger manning the plasma turret severely decreases the chances of a successful boarding, as the turret's wide field of view and high rate of fire make it ideal for destroying infantry. The safest way to board it is to come up from behind it while a teammate gets its attention and draws its fire away from the other player as they board it and either knock the pilot out or shove a grenade into its frame. Like the [[Spectre]] and Ghost, the Wraith is generally able to move in all directions (sideways and backwards) making it more evasive and maneuverable than its UNSC counterpart.


Like most tanks, the Wraith has a "dead area", a zone in which the plasma mortar cannot fire without risking damage to itself.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 184''</ref> The slow speed and cumbersome nature of the Wraith makes it prone to boarding action — while the front of the tank is harder to board because of the plasma turret(s), the rear is highly susceptible to boarding. A small rotating cylinder exhaust port in the back is a vulnerable spot that, if hit with a medium explosive device or anti-materiél weapons fire, can damage the tank severely. The exposed gunner operating the Type-52 DESW is also an easy target for marksman and sniper fire.
===Halo: Combat Evolved===
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved}}
[[File:Wraith_Full.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Wraith.]]
In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Wraith tank is a tough adversary, and cannot be driven by the player unless mods are used. A few Wraiths first appear in the Grav-Bay of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', though they can be destroyed by shooting point-blank with [[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System|Assault Rifle]] rounds and grenades. Some are also seen in the storage and shuttle bays of the ship. On {{Levelname|Assault on the Control Room}} and {{Levelname|Two Betrayals}}, Wraiths are seen in combat, and are difficult adversaries to defeat. This version of the Wraith has no anti-personnel weapons, and the graphics are less detailed than in future games, with the mortar looking like a tube, rather than the plasma mortar itself. On [[Normal]] difficulty, the Wraith can survive about two to three direct rocket hits before being destroyed. While formidable, it is not without weaknesses. Wraiths can be flipped, knocking the Sangheili driver out of the vehicle and rendering it useless. Just like the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Ghost, the Wraith floats noticeably higher than its ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'' counterparts. It is possible to drive a Scorpion or [[Warthog]] underneath the Wraith. Marines will occasionally shoot at the plasma mortars or even throw grenades at the plasma bombardments, which is most likely a bug. Because the Wraith has no anti-personnel weapons, it will still attempt to shoot at you no matter how close you are, even if you are right on top of it.


Since its weaponry is designed to be used against non-mobile or low-mobility targets, and its weight and wide profile prevent it from maneuvering with any deal of speed and accuracy, the Wraith is a very soft target for high mobility vehicles, such as a [[Warthog]] or a [[Ghost]], and is at a high risk of destruction against a vehicle with a much more accurate heavy weapon (such as the [[Scorpion]] with its direct-firing 90mm cannon).
Players using mods report that the Wraith in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' is noticeably difficult to drive and shoot, since the driving behaves like the Ghost, and that the main gun arcs and flies differently, and quite slowly, making it very inaccurate. With some simple modding of the wraith mortar tag, the rate of fire can be adjusted from default ROF to an ROF that competes with the Assault Rifle. Aiming the mortar involves a good deal of familiarity with ballistics for those players that enjoy eliminating their enemy in as few shots as possible. While the player could mod the mortar's arc to 0, making it a straight shot, a simple degree of trial and error is usually the best tactic. The default ROF of the Wraith is set at two, and each round does not have to be chambered (as opposed to the Scorpion, which has an ROF of 4 and requires each round to be chambered), allowing for a relatively rapid ROF.


The Plasma Mortar is also ill-suited for long range combat, as it moves so slowly that even units with low mobility-such as the Scorpion tank-can dodge it.
Modding the <tt>wraith</tt> vehicle tag can also drastically improve performance and handling. The default speed is set at 0.12 (for comparison, the Scorpion is set to 0.14), and the Wraith has no reverse or slide (strafe) speed capabilities. However, modding can allow the Wraith to handle better than the Scorpion, or even better than a Warthog, depending on the player's preferences. This has been shown to make the Wraith an incredibly potent death machine, and moderate skill combined with map familiarity can usually make the player nearly unstoppable.


==Operational history==
A Warthog could flip the Wraith, although it's often very hard, and only raises the nose a little. The easiest place to do this is on Two Betrayals. Wraiths are easiest to flip from the back in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', although it is often easier to flip it when it is damaged.
===Human-Covenant War===
The Wraith has been in service to the Covenant for centuries,{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Episode=The Duel}} and has served in countless [[Battle|engagements]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. After [[Second Battle of Harvest|the retaking]] of [[Harvest]] in [[2526]] by [[Admiral]] [[Preston Jeremiah Cole|Cole]], the Covenant, attempting to scout and recover [[Relic (location)|an artifact]], deployed multiple Wraiths during [[Harvest Campaign|the assault]] on Harvest.


Throughout the war the Covenant deployed Wraiths during ground campaigns against [[civilian]] and military targets. Wraiths would commonly target civilian evacuation transports still on the ground and platforms and structures leading to them, or would fire and kill large groups of civilians crowded together. In [[2531]], during the [[Battle of Arcadia|first assault]] on the colony world [[Arcadia]], multiple Wraiths were used in this situation to kill panicking civilians attempting to flee the Covenant invasion. The tanks assisted in destroying structures and platforms holding civilians waiting for evacuation. In addition, the tanks were used against UNSC military forces attempting to assist with evacuation efforts.{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia City}} During the [[Battle of Trove]], Wraiths were used by Covenant forces against not only the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} but also the [[Flood]] and Sentinels as well.{{Ref/Level|HW|[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]}}
===Halo 2===
{{Main|Halo 2}}
[[File:Index Wraith.jpg|right|thumb|150px|A Halo 2 Wraith.]]
In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Wraith has two weapons: the standard plasma mortar and two automated Plasma Cannons. Although they are not very accurate, they can easily take down [[energy shielding]]. The turrets auto-target any enemy within range, making [[boarding]] a Wraith more difficult. However, the player cannot utilize these turrets themselves, meaning that the Wraith is somewhat less effective in the player's hands. In ''Halo 2'' when a player boards a Wraith, they must wait a few second delay before being able to fire the Wraith's Plasma Mortar. The ''Halo 2'' Wraith also includes a booster engine, capable of tripling the tank's speed for about one second and requires five seconds to recharge. This booster is not affected by the few second delay when boarding the Wraith, unlike the plasma mortar which is affected by it. Though this can be used to travel faster, it is commonly used to run over enemies who are getting too close and is extremely effective due to the Wraiths reverse speed being identical to a Spartan/Sangheili running speed. This booster can crush small vehicles, such as Ghosts or Warthogs and damage other heavy vehicles such as other Wraiths and Scorpions. It is even possible to boost and destroy or damage [[Banshees]]. This version of Wraith is more difficult to defeat by melee unlike the version in ''Halo 3''. The ''Halo 2'' Wraith also has an air brake, similar to the Spectre, that can be used to bring the nose up if the vehicle has launched itself into the air. The vulnerable exhaust panel on the rear of the Wraith must be removed before a grenade can be thrown into the vehicle, melees are common but it is possible to shoot the panel off with any weapon, even a [[SRS99C-S2 AMB Sniper Rifle|Sniper Rifle]]. In the level {{Levelname|Quarantine Zone}}, the Flood will also drive Wraiths.


As the war dragged on, ground campaigns conducted by the Covenant continued to employ the Wraith as their main heavy armored vehicle. During the [[Algolis Invasion|assault]] on [[Algolis]] the Wraiths were called in to weaken military forces attempting to protect and destroy valuable data. The UNSC was able to hold off the Covenant just long enough and all ground forces were eventually destroyed with the detonation of a nuclear weapon attached to a [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System|prototype armor suit]].{{Ref/Film|Id=Prototype|HLeg|Episode=Prototype}}
===Halo 3===
{{Main|Halo 3}}
[[File:WraithH3.png|right|thumb|200px|The Wraith in ''[[Halo 3]]'', with the turret operation seat.]]
Two different versions of the Wraith appears in ''Halo 3''. New features include visible headlights, increased speed and a more accurate line of fire. However, the exposed exhaust port represents an extremely vulnerable spot in the armor, making it possible for the first time to destroy a Wraith with melee attacks from behind the tank with no direct melee attacks to the driver. A strong hit to the core after removing its cover causes a violent chain reaction of explosions. The new turret fires energy blasts resembling the shots of the [[Plasma Rifle]] instead of a beam like the Spectre. The tank has a subtle greenish shine to it and an embedded latticework that glimmers in the light. The most dramatic design change added an exposed topside gunnery position with a 270° view, allowing for better defense against enemy soldiers and boarders. Boarding is made more difficult in that now boarders have both a pilot, and gunner to kill before gaining control of the vehicle, not to mention that the gunner will fire on the boarder before he or she even has the chance to plant a grenade, to kill both of them. The Wraith now has the ability to attack two targets independent of one another, (such as focusing the mortar on destroying a nearby Warthog, while the gunner takes out a player on foot attempting to hijack the vehicle from the sides). The turret is powerful enough to destroy a Ghost before one can successfully destroy the Wraith, (unless it gets right behind it and shoots at the port.) The boost feature is no longer as potent a defense as the ''Halo 2'' Wraith taking longer for the vehicle to achieve its optimum boost speed, this translates to the Wraith not being able to use the boost as an offensive system at extreme close range. The Wraith, although having the same top speed as its ''Halo 2'' counterpart, has difficulty traversing high angles and its reversing capability is often inadequate. If boarded from behind or on the front of the cockpit the driver cannot exit the vehicle, another difference from the ''Halo 2'' version. If you manage to get close to it you can board the Wraith and throw a grenade in the cockpit or engine structure, which will completely destroy the tank. An alternative is to beat the driver out without destroying the tank, which instead renders it operational.  


As the war with [[human]]ity was reaching its apex, the Covenant began updating and building up their military campaign against humanity. After [[2549]], all models of the ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith were equipped with a ring mount for a secondary gunner to operate the Wraith's plasma cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|odststats}}{{Ref/Reuse|reachstats}} During [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV|the invasion]] of [[Sigma Octanus IV]] in [[2552#July|July 2552]] the Covenant deployed numerous tanks to take out strategic areas on the planet including [[military base]]s and civilian structures.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HTFOR|TFoR|Chapter=19}} No sooner had that battle finished the Covenant launched [[Fall of Reach|a surprise assault]] on [[Reach]], humanity's heavily fortified epicenter of military and economic power outside of Earth. Multiple divisions of Wraith tanks were employed to inflict mass casualties on civilian and military forces alike. Their campaign was successful destroying major military and civilian transports, structures and killing countless in the process.{{Ref/Level|HR|Tip of the Spear}}{{Ref/Level|HR|Exodus}}
The Wraith is thought to be inferior to the Scorpion tank at extended range due to the difficulty of hitting a target with the arc effect. In a battle between a Scorpion and a Wraith, the Scorpion will typically triumph. However, the Wraith is superior in speed and anti-boarding measures when using its boosters since these make it faster than the Scorpion, and it's also very easy to splatter infantry or even crush smaller vehicles with this boost.  Although the Scorpion doesn't have a sweet spot like the Wraith, the Wraith's main armor appears to be about 15% more resistant to damage than the Scorpion's, although it still takes the same number of hits to destroy a Wraith as to a Scorpion. Also, the Wraith has better mobility than the Scorpion because the cannon and body all move together; whereas the Scorpion's cannon and body move separately, making the Wraith better for avoiding attacks or making escapes.  
A bitter-sweet aspect of the Wraith is its arced mortars. Whereas they are not as accurate as a Scorpion's cannon, and cannot be fired at closer ranges than the Scorpion, they can reach targets over hilly terrain, and, if fired correctly, their arc will allow them to fire through doors. This tactic is best employed on larger maps such as Avalanche as long range artillery bombardment.


During the opening of the [[Battle for Earth]], the ''[[Solemn Penance]]'' managed to jump to the city of [[Mombasa]]. In the short but bloody [[Battle of Mombasa|campaign]], the Covenant was able to land armor and troops into the city. Wraiths quickly moved in to cut off civilian evacuation by the city's rail system.{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Sadie's Story}} With civilians cut off, the Covenant began systematically destroying anything they could before the Prophet of Regret's ship jumped out of [[New Mombasa]], destroying parts the city.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Prepare to Drop}} In the aftermath of Regret's retreat the full-scale invasion of Earth began, the Covenant laid waste to many parts of the planet and Wraiths were on the forefront of the ground assault.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Kizingo Boulevard}}{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|ONI Alpha Site}}


With the uncovering of the [[Portal at Voi]], the Covenant moved all their troops and armor to prevent the UNSC military from getting close to it. They deployed Wraiths to dispatch military forces attempting to break through their formation.{{Ref/Level|H3|Tsavo Highway}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Storm}} After the opening of the portal and the arrival at [[Installation 00]] the Covenant deployed all their assets in a [[Battle of Installation 00|last ditch effort]] to stop humanity and activate the remaining [[halo Array|Halo installations]]. Wraiths were front and center in this operation, although ultimately, they lost to their human enemies.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]}}{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}}


===Post-War===
===Halo: Reach===
During the post-war period, Wraiths were popular during [[War Games]] matches aboard [[Anvil Station]] and the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}. Wraiths were used by [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]]. Many would be destroyed by both [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartans]] [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Edward Davis]] with the help of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and [[UNSC Army]].{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 4: Live to Fight}}{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate}} [[2557|Four years]] after the end of the Human-Covenant War, [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] continued to use the Wraith. Multiple Wraiths were used in the [[Battle of Requiem|attack]] on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s crash site.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]}} Several were later used in defense of the [[Forerunner]] [[particle cannon]]s.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]}} Wraiths were also used during the Didact's [[Raid on Ivanoff Station]] in their attempt to secure the [[Composer]].{{Ref/Level|H4|[[Composer (level)|Composer]]}} The faction utilized a number of Wraiths during the [[Battle of Installation 03]].{{Ref/Level|HSS|Mission 9: Lockout}} Wraiths were deployed to many sites across the interior of Requiem during the [[Requiem Campaign|combat]] within the planet [[2558|six months later]].{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Departure|Level=Land Grab}}{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Catherine|Level=Shootout in Valhalla}}{{Ref/SpOps|Episode=Expendable|Level=Unfinished Business}} 'Mdama's faction would again use Wraiths during the [[Battle of Aktis IV|conflict]] on [[Aktis IV]]. A [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|rebel offshoot]] of 'Mdama's faction led by [[Sali 'Nyon]] also possessed at least one Wraith.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=[[Halo: Escalation Issue 24|#24]]}} During [[Operation: ATHENA]] 'Mdama's forces used multiple ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraiths in an attempt to stop a team of Spartan-IVs.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=[[Halo: Escalation Issue 20|#20]]}}


By October 2558, the newer {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} was becoming more commonplace within Jul 'Mdama's Covenant forces and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-designs-of-the-times|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Designs of the Times|D=26|M=8|Y=2021}}
The Wraith has received a visual upgrade and is a much more green-blue in color, with a greater iridescent sheen, and a larger, more electrically charged shot. It appears to be much stronger in terms of firepower and armour, being able to destroy Scorpions in single accurate hits, and the arc of its shot is greatly reduced and is slightly faster, making it a far more deadly opponent. However, its turret now overheats like all turrets, and can be blown off without the tank's total destruction. The firepower of both tanks has been increased at the cost of armouring capabilities.


==Trivia==
===Halo Wars===
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
{{Main|Halo Wars}}
*It is wrongly stated in the ''Halo 2'' manual that the player can shoot the Wraith's plasma cannons while driving; these are usable only by NPCs in gameplay. The ''Halo 3'' manual claims that the Wraith features the aforementioned cannons, though they appear only in ''Halo 2''.
[[File:HW wraith.jpg|thumb|right|The Wraith as depicted in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.]]
*An [[:File:HR Wraith Marathon symbol.png|abstract depiction]] of the ''[[Marathon]]'' logo [[List of Marathon references in the Halo series|is embedded in the Wraith's cockpit]] in ''Halo: Reach''. [[Bungie]] limited their use of ''Marathon'' references in the game due to intellectual property concerns, as opposed to the logo's frequent appearances in the original trilogy.
[[File:Hijacking Spartan.jpg|thumb|right|A Wraith being hijacked by a [[SPARTAN-II]] in ''Halo Wars''.]]
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', the Wraith's model was carried over from ''Halo: Reach'' with no changes. As such the T-52 plasma cannon is still mounted on top, though it is not usable. Conversely, the Scorpion tank's independently mounted machine gun was removed entirely.
As ever, the Wraith serves as the main battle tank of the Covenant in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. It is highly resistant to damage, capable of dealing great damage and is actually quite fast. Armed with the classic plasma mortar and with the anti-personnel plasma cannon, which is very similar to the one in ''Halo 3'', although unmanned and directly under the driver's control. It has several upgrades, including a heavier shield which make it more resistant to fire, the Scorch ability that causes extra damage, and finally an upgrade for its main mortar. Like in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'' the Wraith can still be hijacked, but only by [[SPARTAN-II]] units.
*It is possible, though difficult, to hijack a Wraith by hopping in the mounted turret while an enemy is still inside of it, while not harming the Wraith. In ''Halo Reach'' and ''Halo 4'', in Campaign, [[Firefight]] or [[Spartan Ops]], respectively, if the player is able to get in the turret while an enemy NPC driver is still in, the driver will hop out and usually start shooting at the player, after which the player can dispatch the enemy with the turret and claim the Wraith, possibly with it being undamaged.
 
*Since ''[[Halo 4]]'', if the player presses the melee button while boosting, the Wraith will perform a super glide, in which the vehicle lifts its nose to pass over obstacles, while also making splatters a little bit easier.
Upgrades:
#'''Heavy Shield''' - Adds an energy shield, which deflects some incoming damage.
#'''Scorch''' - The Wraith's special attack leaves a bubbling plasma splash on the ground for additional damage.
#'''Plasma Modulator''' - A large boost to the plasma mortar is added, which increases its damage.
 
'''Resource''': 350
 
'''Minimum Tech Level''': 1
 
'''Population Count''': 3
 
====Honor Guard Wraith====
[[File:Honor Wraith.JPG|thumb|left|150px|The Honor Guard Wraith.]]
Exclusive to the [[Halo Wars: Limited Edition|''Halo Wars'' Limited Edition]], the Honor Guard Wraith is a different variation of the regular Wraith. The only difference it has from the regular Wraith is its appearance is different, as it has a paint scheme that appears similar to the ''Halo 2'' [[Sangheili Honor Guard]] armor, hence the name. Additionally, they are driven by the Honor Guards, which are more experienced.
 
It can be activated in the gameplay section on the options menu in the pause menu while playing the game; it cannot be taken off until the game has ended. Unfortunately, only the stripes appear when using it in play. As such, you need to obtain the right player color in multiplayer in order for the design to look right.


==Gallery==
====Tactics====
===''Halo 3''===
When combating a Wraith, the method varies depending on your intents and your current position. If you are in a light vehicle (ex. Warthog, Ghost) and you want to destroy the Wraith, simply evade the massive shots. On your priority list, however, watch out for the plasma turrets-these will chip away your health and in Legendary, are more dangerous than the main mortar, as it can actually hit you. When dealing with a pair or more of enemy Wraiths, such as the entrance to the tunnel in Metropolis, you may wish to use the Ghost instead of the Warthog, because it lacks the equal amount of evasiveness and also does not have the boost feature. For the Ghost, concentrate on one vehicle at a time. If you are in a ''heavy'' vehicle and also wish to take them out, simply fire with the main cannon (ex. Mortar for the Wraith and the 90mm High velocity Main gun for the Scorpion Tank) from a distance, where you can easily move if you see them fire.
<gallery>
File:WraithH3.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:H3 TsavoBattle.png|A Wraith fires its mortar at a Warthog.
File:H3 Wraith.jpg|A Wraith with a Jiralhanae Minor in its gunner seat.
File:H3-Wraith.png|An active Wraith on [[Highground]] in multiplayer.
File:H3-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
File:H3-WraithturretHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's gunner.
</gallery>


===''Halo 3: ODST''===
When using the Wraith, it fires better on a vantage point rather then upwards. It does best at closer range eliminating smaller vehicles.
<gallery>
File:H3ODST KizingoBoulevardBattle3.jpg|A Wraith fires its mortar at [[Michael Crespo|Mickey]]'s Scropion.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST BridgeAssault.jpg|Covenant infantry supported by Wraiths in an assault on [[ONI Alpha Site (location)|ONI Alpha Site]].
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-FloodWraith.png|The Flood using a Wraith in [[Firefight]] in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>


===''Halo: Reach''===
While boosting, you can press A to have the front wings pull up into a wheelie. This is really effective at splattering hijackers and running over smaller vehicles.
<gallery>
File:Reach T25 TR Inact.jpg|Reference of an inactive ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach T25 TR act.jpg|Reference of an active ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach T25 eng mor.jpg|Reference of the heavy plasma mortar fired by the ''Zurdo''-pattern Wraith.
File:Reach MPBeta Wraith.png|Render of an inactive Wraith in the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta]].
File:Reach Wraith Active.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:Wraith symbols.png|Patterns on the Wraith.
File:Revenant - Gameplay01.png|A {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}} fighting two Wraiths.
File:HR-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
</gallery>


===''Halo 4''===
In ''Halo Wars'' the Wraith is an excellent anti-infantry and anti-vehicle. Its weapons are most effective against slow or nearby targets, due to the time it takes for a mortar shot to hit them. Once the Wraith gets its upgrades it becomes much more dangerous, with Heavy Shield capable of protecting it by a high amount of damage, ''Scorch'' which allows it to have a special attack to cause prolonged damage, and ''Plasma modulator'' which highly increases the Plasma Mortar offensive power. The Wraith is rather vulnerable against Spartans and their [[hijack]] ability, and it is also weak against heavy air units such as the [[Hawk]] or [[Vulture]] and vehicle counters such as the [[Cobra]].
<gallery>
File:H4-T26WraithAGC.png|Render of an inactive Wraith.
File:Wraith H4guide.png|Another render of an inactive Wraith.
File:H4-T26WraithAGC-Active.png|Render of an active Wraith.
File:H4-Scorpion-Versus-Wraith.jpg|A Wraith battling an [[M808 Scorpion]].
File:H4-MasterChief-Versus-Wraith.jpg|[[John-117]] throws a plasma grenade on a Wraith.
File:H4-SpOps-LandGrab-Wraith-3rdPerson.jpg|A Wraith in ''Spartan Ops''.
File:H4-WraithHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's operator.
File:H4-WraithturretHUD.png|HUD of the Wraith's gunner.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==Trivia==
{{col-begin}}
[[File:89721948-Full.jpg|thumb|A Wraith hovering on water.]]
{{col-2}}
[[File:WraithVSSpartans.JPG|thumb|right|A Spartan takes on a Wraith on board a [[Hornet]].]]
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*Marines call it a "Wraith" because ''"You would get one look at it before you turned into one."''<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', ''page 112''</ref>
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*It is wrongly stated in the ''Halo 3'' manual that the Wraith has dual-auto firing cannons. It only has them in ''Halo 2''. It is also wrongly stated in the ''Halo 2'' manual that the player can shoot the Wraith's plasma cannons while driving.
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*The Plasma Mortar has changed from the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' depiction. The Plasma Mortar was a lot taller than the one in ''Halo 2'', also its shots were slightly smaller.
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it is possible to snipe the driver out of it during the level Two Betrayals, but you still cannot drive it. Also, the same applies for the Wraith after the player leaves the tunnel in Assault on the Control Room, if the player steals a Ghost and heads out to the lake area where the Wraith normally is (all of course while ignoring the enemies), he can see a Sangheili making a mad dash for the Wraith.
**''[[Sadie's Story]]''
*According to [[Bungie]], the type of Wraith seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'' was a pre-2549 model. The type in the ''Halo 3'' and "Halo Reach" era, which features a separate gunner seat, is a post-2549 model.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''' ''Career Stats''</ref>
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*If a player boosts the Wraith by tapping the left trigger and then uses the main gun by tapping the right trigger the plasma mortar will go a longer distance than it normally would. This is known as the "Boost Shot."
**''[[The Duel]]''
*The campaign ''Halo 2'' Wraith's rate of fire is slightly faster than it is ''Halo 3''. In ''Halo 2'' multiplayer, the rate of fire is slower than it is in the campaign and the entirety of ''Halo 3''.
**''[[Prototype]]''
*The Limited Edition of ''Halo Wars'' comes with a code to use the Honor Guard Wraith.
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*In ''Halo 2'', [[Rtas 'Vadum]] is shown driving a Wraith without the main cannon in the firing position, meaning it can be folded into the Wraith at the driver's discretion.
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*In a very early pre-release photo of ''Halo Wars'', a different version of the Wraith can be seen. It is larger, flatter, and has a different looking cannon.
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
*In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the Wraith can be driven during [[Firefight]] if you perform the [[Drive an AA Wraith|glitch]] used in ''Halo 3'' to drive the Anti-Air Wraith.
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
<references/>
 
==Related Links==
*[[Scorpion Tank]] - UNSC equivalent of the Wraith
*[[Type-52 Anti Aircraft Artillery]] - An anti-air variant of the Wraith


{{Wraiths}}
{{Covenant Vehicles}}
[[Category:Drivable vehicles]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Wraith variants]]
[[Category:Vehicles]]
[[Category:Drivable Vehicles]]
[[Category:Covenant Vehicles]]
[[Category:Vehicles]]
[[Category:Halo: Reach Vehicles]]

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