Skins (Halo 3)

This article is about the player skins introduced in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. For the armor customization found in Halo 3, see here.

A Spartan utilizing a unique Battle Rifle skin.

Skins are an element of player customization found in Halo 3 for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Skins allow players to customize their the appearance of weapons and vehicles in-game. Skins are an element of customization separate to armor permutations, which allow the player to customize their armor components. The launch of Series 3: Recon in 2020 saw the introduction of weapon skins and visor colors for Halo 3, with more weapon skins and newly introduced vehicle skins being included with Series 4: Reclaimer in November 2020. Another batch of skins was included in Series 5: Anvil. Series 6: Raven saw the addition of animated visors and more weapon and vehicle skins. Series 7: Elite included skins for the Energy Sword. Series 8: Mythic added more weapon and vehicle skins, and more animated visors.

Known skins

Weapon skins

Pistol

Skins for the Magnum pistol.

Magnum v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hunter’s Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 3, Tier 1 ( 1)
	Blue Heaven	Reach for the sky.	Series 3, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Sharpshooter	The bite stuff.	Series 3, Tier 31 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 3, Tier 44 ( 1)
	Tech Camo Bravo	Gunner's seat, please.	Series 5, Tier 40 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 57 ( 1)
	OGX	Used on a select target audience.	The Exchange ( 3)

Assault Rifle

Skins for the Assault Rifle.

Assault Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 3, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Squirt	It's good under pressure.	Series 3, Tier 24 ( 1)
	Corrosion	The Oxidation Sensation.	Series 3, Tier 33 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 3, Tier 37 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 43 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 5, Tier 86 ( 1)
	Sapphire Raven	On land and stormy seas.	Series 6, Tier 91 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Grim beauty.	Series 8, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	The king of the battlefield.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	If it looked any more real, it would be real.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Neither tide nor time shifts before a conquering hero.	The Exchange ( 4)

Battle Rifle

Skins for the Battle Rifle.

Battle Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Tech Camo Bravo	Gunner’s seat, please.	Series 3, Tier 19 ( 1)
	Tropical Thunder	The palm in your hand.	Series 3, Tier 27 ( 1)
	Art Of War	Tag. You’re it.	Series 3, Tier 35 ( 1)
	Red Alert	The source of cautionary tales.	Series 3, Tier 50 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 5, Tier 18 ( 1)
	Scarlet Thorn	Points well made.	Series 5, Tier 21 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 5, Tier 33 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 48 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 5, Tier 53 ( 1)
	Grey Scales	There are many sides to every argument.	Series 5, Tier 65 ( 1)
	Great Journey	Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.	Series 5, Tier 83 ( 1)
	Lucky Shot	But you had something they didn't...	Series 5 Challenge: Combo Maker
	Amber Raven	Waiting in the sleeping forest.	Series 6, Tier 88 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Take out targets in style.	Series 6, The Exchange ( 4)
	Vexing Tomorrow	War is art.	Series 8, Tier 98 ( 1)
	Scorned Fate	The ravages of time can touch even the mightiest of weapons.	Series 8 Challenge: Veteran Veneer Complete the Montage Starter Kit and Infamous challenges.
	OGX		Series 8, The Exchange ( 3)

Sniper Rifle

Skins for the Sniper Rifle.

Sniper Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 4, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Desert	Looks very stylish with a poncho.	Series 4, Tier 35 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 4, Tier 50 ( 1)
	Red Alert	The source of cautionary tales.	Series 5, Tier 61 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 68 ( 1)
	Amethyst Raven	Searching for foes under alien skies.	Series 6, Tier 17 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	True are is rarely appreciated by its target audience.	Series 8, Tier 47 ( 1)
	Avalanche	Like Sidewinder, but with more polygons.	Series 4 Challenge: Recon Renegade (Reach Rank in the Recon Slayer competitive playlist) The Exchange ( -)
	Black Rhine	An artist appreciates their tools.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	-	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	The hand of Atropos weighs heavily on executioners.	The Exchange ( 4)

Shotgun

Skins for the Shotgun.

Shotgun v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Woodland	Camping is a legitimate strategy.	Series 4, Tier 8 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 4, Tier 24 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 38 ( 1)
	Jade Raven	Deep in trackless green.	Series 6, Tier 85 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Inscribed by the finest artists for the ugliest jobs.	Series 8, Tier 17 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Invest in close-range success.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	The competition won't know what hit them.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Worn down by blood, time, and hate.	The Exchange ( 4)

Rocket Launcher

Skins for the Rocket Launcher.

Rocket Launcher v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 10 ( 1)
	Corrosion	The Oxidation Sensation.	Series 4, Tier 19 ( 1)
	Hazard Pay	Safety first!	Series 5, Tier 22 ( 1)
	Vexing Tomorrow	Each battle is a canvas, each rocket a brush.	Series 8, Tier 44 ( 1)
	Black Rhine	Dream big.	The Exchange ( 3)
	OGX	We're taking over this area. We don't need your permission.	The Exchange ( 3)
	Scorned Fate	Ancient weapons brought to light for a new age of war.	The Exchange ( 4)

SMG

Skins for the SMG.

SMG v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Tech Camo Alpha	Don't wait up for me.	Series 4, Tier 5 ( 1)
	Bengal	The Real King of the Jungle.	Series 4, Tier 15 ( 1)
	Hunter's Blood	Well armed. Well armored.	Series 4, Tier 25 ( 1)
	Scorpio	On target, and on brand.	Series 5, Tier 4 ( 1)
	Art of War	Tag. You're it.	Series 5, Tier 77 ( 1)
	Golden	Bling on the ring.	Series 5, Tier 93 ( 1)

Flamethrower

Skins for the Flamethrower.

Flamethrower v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Hot Pepper	It's sure to leave scar tissue.	Series 4, Tier 15 ( 1)
	Dear John	Halo: Grasslands	Series 4, Tier 43 ( 1)

Fuel Rod Gun

Skins for the Fuel Rod Gun.

Fuel Rod Gun v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Brutal	A Jiralhanae's best friend.	Series 4, Tier 30 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 95 ( 1)

Needler

Skins for the Needler.

Needler v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 13 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 28 ( 1)

Plasma Pistol

Skins for the Plasma Pistol.

Plasma Pistol v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 4, Tier 31 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 31 ( 1)

Plasma Rifle

Skins for the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle.

Plasma Rifle v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	For those seeking redemption.	Schism	Series 4, Tier 40 ( 1)
	Keeper	Still searching for true freedom.	Series 5, Tier 91 ( 1)

Covenant Carbine

Skins for the Carbine.

Covenant Carbine v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Zealot	Glory in an honorable death.	Series 5, Tier 36 ( 1)
	Splendor	Maintaining the Writ of Union.	Series 5, Tier 58 ( 1)
	Schism	For those seeking redemption.	Series 5, Tier 79 ( 1)

Energy Sword

Skins for the Energy Sword.

Energy Sword v • d • e
Icon	Name	Description	Unlock requirements
	Default	Default skin.	Unlocked by default
	Bloodblade	Hidden. Active. Deadly. The Silent Shadow have been. The Silent Shadow remain.	Series 7, Tier 1 ( 1)
	Necroplasma	The glow of fury for those who refuse to become pawns of the creeping death.	Series 7, Tier 46 ( 1)
	Evocati's Edge	Only the most adept blademasters were chosen to wield the Ultra's holy fire.	Series 7 Challenge: Elite Swordplay
	Darkstar	Will Fied call out your name in the Hall of Eternity when your last breath has been spent?	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Kaidon's Guard	The Swords of Sanghelios brandish blades bound by honor—to defend a keep not bound by borders.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Lance of Suban	Only Subanese natives may possess blades infused with a shard of the moon's own bounty.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)
	Light of Joori	Joori's warm light helps give Sanghelios life. This blade is for all who defend her.	Series 7, The Exchange ( 3)

Vehicle skins

Warthog

Skins for the Warthog.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Hazard Pay	Series 4, Tier 42 ( 1)	Safety first!
	Rally Hog	Series 4, Tier 29 ( 1)	One deadly homologation special.
	Arctic	Series 4, Tier 3 ( 1)	Over snow by winter sown.
	ONI	N/A	Keeping secrets safe since 2178.
	Black Rhine	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)	Moa-skin hubcaps optional.
	Amber Raven	Series 6, Tier 94 ( 1)	Because orange is obviously the best color.
	Gilden Lion	Series 8 Challenge: The Hogfather Complete the Beast Mode and Chrononaut challenges.	A chariot fit for heroes.
	Great Journey		Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.
	Taxi		Keep the meter running.

Warthog Gauss Cannon

Skins for the Warthog Gauss Cannon.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Corrosion	Series 4, Tier 21 ( 1)	The Oxidation Sensation.
	Shark	Series 4, Tier 37 ( 1)	A different kind of mouthing off.
	Fire Truck	Series 6, Tier 86 ( 1)	For rapid-reaction firefighting fireteams.

Ghost

Skins for the Ghost.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Schism	Series 4, Tier 47 ( 1)	For those seeking redemption.
	Zealot	Series 4, Tier 7 ( 1)	Glory in an honorable death.
	Ultra	Series 4, Tier 44 ( 1)	The Evocati don't mess around.

Banshee

Skins for the Banshee.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Brutal	Series 4, Tier 12 ( 1)	A Jiralhanae's best friend.
	Schism	Series 4, Tier 23 ( 1)	For those seeking redemption.
	Zealot	Series 4, Tier 34 ( 1)	Glory in an honorable death.

Scorpion

Skins for the Scorpion tank.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Bengal	Series 4, Tier 12 ( 1)	The Real King of the Jungle.
	Grim Reaper	Series 4, Tier 27 ( 1)	Why so jolly, Roger?
	Arctic	Series 4, Tier 39 ( 1)	Over snow by winter sown.
	Hazard Pay	Series 4, Tier 47 ( 1)	Safety first!
	Black Rhine	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)	Worth its weight in gold.
	Jade Raven	Series 6, Tier 96 ( 1)	Not all Scorpions hide in the sand.
	Gilded Lion	Series 8, Tier 80 ( 1)	Have I ever told you the story of the Lion and the Scorpion?

Mongoose

Skins for the Mongoose.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Hazard Pay	Series 5 Challenge: Release The Geese	Safety first!
	Blue Lightning	Series 6, Tier 61 ( 1)	Put the pedal to the metal.
	Turbo	Series 6, Tier 79 ( 1)	The color of finality.
	Black Rhine	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)	Being stylish means never having to apologize for excess.
	Amethyst Raven	Series 6, Tier 45 ( 1)	Purple makes you go faster, scientifically.
	Gilded Lion	Series 8, Tier 11 ( 1)	Suitable for parades and full-frontal assaults.

Hornet

Skins for the Hornet.

In-game	Appearance Name	Unlock Requirements	Description
N/A	Default	Unlocked by default	Default skin.
	Black Rhine	Series 6, The Exchange ( 3)	Golden parachute included as standard.
	Sapphire Raven	Series 6, Tier 100 ( 1)	The "whisper mode" option is not included.
	Gilded Lion	Series 8, Tier 27 ( 1)	Strange dreams of other realms often inspire UNSC pilots.

Trivia

• The "Scorpio" skin for the SMG, along with its black and green color palette, is a reference to the Xbox One X and its production codename "Project Scorpio".
• The "Keeper" skin for the Plasma Rifle is a reference to the Keepers of the One Freedom and their official colors of blue and gold.
• The colors and name of the "Dear John" skin for the Flamethrower are a reference to the John Deere manufacturing company. The skin's description is a play on Halo: Glasslands, with "Grasslands" likely referencing the lawn mowers for which John Deere is most famous for. The skin is also available for the flamethrower in the Halo: Combat Evolved portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
• The name of the "Hot Pepper" skin for the Flamethrower is likely a reference to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is further evidenced by the skin's description which mentions "scar tissue," the name of one of the band's most popular songs.
• The description of the "Splendor" Carbine skin mentions the Writ of Union, the founding charter of, and an oath of service to, the Covenant.
• The description of the "Amethyst Raven" Mongoose skin is a reference to the "Red Ones Go Faster" trope which, in fiction, states that anything painted red (mainly vehicles) goes faster.
• The "Grim Reaper" Scorpion skin features the text "ONE-38" and a skeletal face motif in reference to horror-punk band Misfits, notable for their "Fiend Skull" mascot and song titled "We Are 138".
• The “Scarlet Thorn” Battle Rifle skin appears to be directly based off of the “Pioneer” Battle Rifle variant from Halo Online.
• The name and designs of the skins: "Vexing Tomorrow" & "Scorned Fate" are most likely references to the enemy races, Vex & Scorn repectively, from the game series Destiny. Which Bungie made after leaving the Halo franchise.

Gallery

• 

  The Avalanche Sniper Rifle skin, in-game.

• 

  The ODST/TAC armor, with assault rifle and Hornet employing the Sapphire Raven skins.

• 

  The ODST/COMM armor, with battle rifle and Warthog employing the Amber Raven skins.

• 

  The ODST/HVY armor, with shotgun and Scorpion employing the Jade Raven skins.

• 

  The ODST/DEMO armor, with sniper rifle and Mongoose employing the Amethyst Raven skins.