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{{era|H2|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
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{{Disambig header|the Covenant structure|other uses of "watchtower"|Watchtower (disambiguation)}}
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[[File:Deployable lookout tower Reach.png|thumb|250px|A Covenant watchtower employed during the [[Fall of Reach]].]]
The [[Covenant]] use '''deployable lookout towers''' when they set up fortified positions to alert them of advancing forces and to give their [[snipers]] an elevated view of the the battlefield.In [[Halo 3]], some have deployed [[plasma cannon]]s in it.
The [[Covenant]] and [[Covenant remnants|its remnants]] deployed a type of '''watchtower''',{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=5587|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Relic Revealed: 6/28/2005|Quote=There are two sniper rifles available on Relic – a Human Sniper spawns right near the wreckage by the offense starting point and a Beam Rifle spawns at the base of the Covenant watchtower.|D=13|M=10|Y=2014}}{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Coastal Highway|Quote=Flank the watchtower, Trooper! Take it out!|Quotee=Edward Buck}} sometimes known as a '''lookout tower''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=sor|SOR|Chapter=12|Quote=A third round of explosions sounded out on the barrens as John reached the lookout tower at the south end of the shield barrier. Conscious that he had nothing with which to defend himself but a submachine gun and a pistol, he stepped into the tower base and allowed the gravity lift to carry him up to the watch platform.}} on the battlefield.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=223}}


== Summary ==
== Overview ==
They are basically a large platform suspended in the air by a medium-sized anti-gravity generator which is also used as a miniature [[Gravity Lift]] to ferry snipers and lookouts to and from the platform. In [[Halo 2]], they appear in many [[campaign]] levels as well as the [[multiplayer]] level [[Relic]]. The only two problems are that it's suicidal to stay there for a long time and you must jump out of the window in order to leave the tower.
=== Design details ===
The Covenant watchtower is comprised of a circular platform and a gravity base. As a rather ordinary example of technology that enables platform suspension within the Covenant, the gravity base features an anti-gravity generator in its center, from which the circular platform is suspended in the air at a stable and static position. The anti-gravity generator also serves as a [[gravity lift]] for transporting supplies and troops freely and swiftly through a gap in the center of the platform.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}


[[Image:Gravity Platform Above.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Top-down view of a Deployable Lookout Tower in Halo 3.]]
The protected platforms display a variety of designs. One platform design has three protective pillars with large gaps between them for snipers to have a clear line of sight or for [[Unggoy Heavy]] to man their {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}s.{{Ref/Game|Id=h3|H3|gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h3odst|H3ODST|gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=hr|HR|gameplay}} [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] employs a variant that has taller pillars.{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|gameplay}} Some platforms have three thinner, longer pillars that support a rooftop-like cover instead of oval pillars.{{Ref/Game|Id=h2|H2|gameplay}} Watchtowers can be connected to an adjacent [[energy wall]], which will activate when the tower is occupied.{{Ref/Game|Id=hw|HW|gameplay}}


The platforms are capable of being knocked off the gravity lifts with rockets. This is achieved by firing two rockets at the corner of the platforms, or, if available, keep firing [[Gauss]] blasts at it. It will end up falling off, allowing you to float on the gravity lift.
The watchtowers are easily installed and activated.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} Once installed, the platform can be raised or lowered,{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}{{Ref/Reuse|hw}} while the base cannot be moved again. Additionally, the platform is not as steady as the base; weapon fire can destroy the platform or knock it out of suspension.{{Ref/Reuse|h3}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3odst}}{{Ref/Reuse|hr}}{{Ref/Reuse|h4}}{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}
<gallery class=center>
File:H2-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A variant of the watchtower with a sheltered platform.
File:H3-DeployableLookoutTower.png|A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform.
File:MCC-H4 DST.png|A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform employed by [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].
</gallery>


In [[Halo 3]], the platforms are destructible. Players also can destroy the fins on the top of the tower before destroying the entire tower itself. An easy way to destroy the platforms is to go on top of it, and throw a [[plasma grenade]]. (This is only advisable on [[easy]] or [[normal]], as it may be difficult to do on higher difficulties.)
=== Usage ===
The Covenant use watchtowers to fortify specific areas. Typically, they are deployed to establish a perimeter before the construction of a [[Covenant citadel|forward operations citadel]] or other advanced occupation site.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} The tower is able to garrison a Covenant [[file (unit)|file]],{{Ref/Reuse|hw}} though they are most often occupied by marksmen—usually [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s—or Heavy Unggoy manning plasma cannons.{{Ref/Game|H3|gameplay}} During the [[Battle of Cleveland]] in [[2552]], the Covenant also deployed watchtowers in [[Jacobs Field]] stadium, which was turned into a makeshift prison camp for captured [[civilian]]s. {{Ref/Comic|Id=uprising|HU|Issue=2}}


In Halo Wars these buildings can garrison in units from either player increasing their combat capabilities.
== In-game information==
In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the watchtowers appear in numerous [[campaign]] maps as well as in the [[multiplayer]] map, [[Relic]]. The platforms are indestructible, though they could be pushed off the base; the base would remain active and hold players in the air.


Dimensions
In ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the watchtowers appear in some campaign levels, with some equipped with plasma cannons. The platforms are destructible, as they would break into debris after sustaining heavy damage.
Length: exactly 29 feet.{{Verify_source}}


== Glitch ==
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the watchtower is known as '''Sniper Tower'''. They are indestructible garrison buildings. In campaign, they are frequently employed by the Covenant, but once the Covenant unit occupying the tower is killed, UNSC soldiers can garrison in it, increasing their combat capabilities. In [[Skirmish]], they are left neutral for either team's taking, providing a useful defense, if needed. Certain maps, such as  ''[[Tundra]]'' or ''[[Fort Deen]]'', include watchtowers that are connected to energy walls. When garrisoned, the energy wall activates and prevents ground units from moving through. These walls can be bypassed by air units, [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s, and, if the surrounding terrain allows, {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}s.{{Ref/Reuse|hw}}
On all gravity towers that have been knocked down, the base is still active and can be used to push you up directly into the air. From this postition, you can continue to hover and snipe enemies. This glitch is absent from Halo 3; once the tower is destroyed, the gravity lift of the base does not work. However, the tower itself (if still intact) will push you through the hole in the center, as if the gravity lift was under it.


== Trivia ==
In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', the watchtowers are largely similar to those in ''Halo 3'' with minor aesthetic upgrades. However, unlike in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', where its base gravity lift deactivates when the platform is destroyed, in ''Halo: Reach'' the gravity lift remains active even after the platform is removed, much like in ''Halo 2''.
*With the length of the tower, 9-2=7, quite possibly another 7 reference.


In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the watchtowers are very similar to their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts. However, the player must crouch to enter it due to narrower hole of entrance. The base of the tower will always be active and be able to lift vehicles. The base will also explode when heavily damaged, harming those nearby. They were implemented into [[Forge/Halo 4|Forge]] as part of the game's PC port in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', and are comprised of two objects—a base and a platform.


[[Category:The Covenant]]
In ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', the Covenant watchtower—based on its design from ''Halo 3''—was made available in [[Forge]]'s Covenant palette with [[Content Update 29]]. It is comprised of two separate objects: the Covenant Watchtower Base and the Covenant Watchtower Platform.{{Ref/YouTube|9aV4pIIz2p8|HALO|January Update & HCS 2024 Roadmap <nowiki>|</nowiki> Halo Infinite|T=1397|D=28|M=1|Y=2024}}


[[Category:Technology]]
== Production notes ==
*[[Tag]]s for watchtower (and Shades) exist in ''Halo 3''{{'}}s [[Snowbound]]. The watchtowers can be manipulated in Forge, but they have no names, costs, or maximum limits. The watch platforms tend to spontaneously disappear, and do not respawn.
*In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'', the player can detach a watch platform with plasma cannons from the base without destroying it (such as using a Gravity Hammer). If the platform is tilted more than 45 degrees, the game displays a message saying "Inoperable turret" when the player is near the turret. However, any Unggoy manning the turret would remain on the turret.
 
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:H2_Outskirts_LookoutTower.jpg|A watchtower on [[Old Mombasa]]'s beach in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:HTMCC-H2 SacredIconSpecOpsCamp.png|A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on [[Installation 05]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Destroyed tower.jpg|A watchtower platform knock out of suspension in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3_LookoutTower_Above.jpg|Top-down view of a watchtower in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 BruteSniper.png|A Jiralhanae with a [[particle beam rifle]] on a watchtower in ''Halo 3''.
File:Grunt Heavy on Turret.jpg|An Unggoy Heavy manning a plasma cannon on a watchtower in ''Halo 3''.
File:HU Jacobs Field.png|Three watchtowers deployed in a makeshift prison in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST CovenantWatchtower Console.png|A watchtowers console in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST JackalInTower.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper posted on a watchtower in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST FuelRodWatchtower.png|Unggoy armed with {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}s on a watchtower in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HW_LookoutTower.png|Two Kig-Yar on a watchtower in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
HW InactiveSniperTower.png|The watchtower with its platform lowered in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HTMCC-HR DamagedWatchtower.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on a damaged watchtower in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HTMCC-H4 Watchtower.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on a watchtower in [[Requiem]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:MCC-H4 DSTboom.png|A watchtower being destroyed in ''Halo 4'' multiplayer.
File:HTMCC-H2A InactiveWatchtower.png|A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on Installation 05 in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HTMCC-H2A CovenantWatchtower.png|A deployed watchtower in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G_CovenantDeployableTower_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' iteration of the watchtower.
HINF CovenantWatchtowerConcept.jpg|Concept art for the ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' iteration of the watchtower.
File:HINF - ForgeCU29Covenant.jpg|A Covenant watchtower in ''Halo Infinite'' [[Forge]].
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Content Update 29]]''
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{HW buildings}}
[[Category:Fortifications]]
[[Category:Covenant buildings]]

Latest revision as of 18:24, August 2, 2024

This article is about the Covenant structure. For other uses of "watchtower", see Watchtower (disambiguation).
A Covenant watchtower from Halo: Reach.
A Covenant watchtower employed during the Fall of Reach.

The Covenant and its remnants deployed a type of watchtower,[1][2] sometimes known as a lookout tower,[3] on the battlefield.[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Covenant watchtower is comprised of a circular platform and a gravity base. As a rather ordinary example of technology that enables platform suspension within the Covenant, the gravity base features an anti-gravity generator in its center, from which the circular platform is suspended in the air at a stable and static position. The anti-gravity generator also serves as a gravity lift for transporting supplies and troops freely and swiftly through a gap in the center of the platform.[4]

The protected platforms display a variety of designs. One platform design has three protective pillars with large gaps between them for snipers to have a clear line of sight or for Unggoy Heavy to man their Pek-pattern plasma cannons.[5][6][7] Jul 'Mdama's Covenant employs a variant that has taller pillars.[8] Some platforms have three thinner, longer pillars that support a rooftop-like cover instead of oval pillars.[9] Watchtowers can be connected to an adjacent energy wall, which will activate when the tower is occupied.[10]

The watchtowers are easily installed and activated.[4] Once installed, the platform can be raised or lowered,[9][10] while the base cannot be moved again. Additionally, the platform is not as steady as the base; weapon fire can destroy the platform or knock it out of suspension.[5][6][7][8][9]

  • A variant of the watchtower with a sheltered platform.

    A variant of the watchtower with a sheltered platform.

  • A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform.

    A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform.

  • A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform employed by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

    A variant of the watchtower with an exposed platform employed by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

Usage[edit]

The Covenant use watchtowers to fortify specific areas. Typically, they are deployed to establish a perimeter before the construction of a forward operations citadel or other advanced occupation site.[4] The tower is able to garrison a Covenant file,[10] though they are most often occupied by marksmen—usually Kig-Yar Snipers—or Heavy Unggoy manning plasma cannons.[11] During the Battle of Cleveland in 2552, the Covenant also deployed watchtowers in Jacobs Field stadium, which was turned into a makeshift prison camp for captured civilians. [12]

In-game information[edit]

In Halo 2, the watchtowers appear in numerous campaign maps as well as in the multiplayer map, Relic. The platforms are indestructible, though they could be pushed off the base; the base would remain active and hold players in the air.

In Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, the watchtowers appear in some campaign levels, with some equipped with plasma cannons. The platforms are destructible, as they would break into debris after sustaining heavy damage.

In Halo Wars, the watchtower is known as Sniper Tower. They are indestructible garrison buildings. In campaign, they are frequently employed by the Covenant, but once the Covenant unit occupying the tower is killed, UNSC soldiers can garrison in it, increasing their combat capabilities. In Skirmish, they are left neutral for either team's taking, providing a useful defense, if needed. Certain maps, such as Tundra or Fort Deen, include watchtowers that are connected to energy walls. When garrisoned, the energy wall activates and prevents ground units from moving through. These walls can be bypassed by air units, Jiralhanae Jumpers, and, if the surrounding terrain allows, Deutoros-pattern Scarabs.[10]

In Halo: Reach, the watchtowers are largely similar to those in Halo 3 with minor aesthetic upgrades. However, unlike in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, where its base gravity lift deactivates when the platform is destroyed, in Halo: Reach the gravity lift remains active even after the platform is removed, much like in Halo 2.

In Halo 4, the watchtowers are very similar to their Halo: Reach counterparts. However, the player must crouch to enter it due to narrower hole of entrance. The base of the tower will always be active and be able to lift vehicles. The base will also explode when heavily damaged, harming those nearby. They were implemented into Forge as part of the game's PC port in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and are comprised of two objects—a base and a platform.

In Halo Infinite, the Covenant watchtower—based on its design from Halo 3—was made available in Forge's Covenant palette with Content Update 29. It is comprised of two separate objects: the Covenant Watchtower Base and the Covenant Watchtower Platform.[13]

Production notes[edit]

  • Tags for watchtower (and Shades) exist in Halo 3's Snowbound. The watchtowers can be manipulated in Forge, but they have no names, costs, or maximum limits. The watch platforms tend to spontaneously disappear, and do not respawn.
  • In Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST, the player can detach a watch platform with plasma cannons from the base without destroying it (such as using a Gravity Hammer). If the platform is tilted more than 45 degrees, the game displays a message saying "Inoperable turret" when the player is near the turret. However, any Unggoy manning the turret would remain on the turret.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • A watchtower on Old Mombasa's beach in Halo 2.

    A watchtower on Old Mombasa's beach in Halo 2.

  • A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on Installation 05 in Halo 2.

    A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on Installation 05 in Halo 2.

  • A watchtower platform knock out of suspension in Halo 2.

    A watchtower platform knock out of suspension in Halo 2.

  • Top-down view of a watchtower in Halo 3.

    Top-down view of a watchtower in Halo 3.

  • A Jiralhanae with a particle beam rifle on a watchtower in Halo 3.

    A Jiralhanae with a particle beam rifle on a watchtower in Halo 3.

  • An Unggoy Heavy manning a plasma cannon on a watchtower in Halo 3.

    An Unggoy Heavy manning a plasma cannon on a watchtower in Halo 3.

  • Three watchtowers deployed in a makeshift prison in Halo: Uprising.

    Three watchtowers deployed in a makeshift prison in Halo: Uprising.

  • A watchtowers console in Halo 3: ODST.

    A watchtowers console in Halo 3: ODST.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper posted on a watchtower in Halo 3: ODST.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper posted on a watchtower in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Unggoy armed with Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod guns on a watchtower in Halo 3: ODST.

    Unggoy armed with Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod guns on a watchtower in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Two Kig-Yar on a watchtower in Halo Wars.

    Two Kig-Yar on a watchtower in Halo Wars.

  • The watchtower with its platform lowered in Halo Wars.

    The watchtower with its platform lowered in Halo Wars.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper on a damaged watchtower in Halo: Reach.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper on a damaged watchtower in Halo: Reach.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper on a watchtower in Requiem in Halo 4.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper on a watchtower in Requiem in Halo 4.

  • A watchtower being destroyed in Halo 4 multiplayer.

    A watchtower being destroyed in Halo 4 multiplayer.

  • A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on Installation 05 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A watchtower, with its platformed lowered, on Installation 05 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A deployed watchtower in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A deployed watchtower in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Concept art for the Halo 5: Guardians iteration of the watchtower.

    Concept art for the Halo 5: Guardians iteration of the watchtower.

  • Concept art for the Halo Infinite iteration of the watchtower.

    Concept art for the Halo Infinite iteration of the watchtower.

  • A Covenant watchtower in Halo Infinite Forge.

    A Covenant watchtower in Halo Infinite Forge.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Bungie.net, Relic Revealed: 6/28/2005: "There are two sniper rifles available on Relic – a Human Sniper spawns right near the wreckage by the offense starting point and a Beam Rifle spawns at the base of the Covenant watchtower." (Retrieved on Oct 13, 2014) [archive]
  2. ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway: "Flank the watchtower, Trooper! Take it out!" - Edward Buck
  3. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 12: "A third round of explosions sounded out on the barrens as John reached the lookout tower at the south end of the shield barrier. Conscious that he had nothing with which to defend himself but a submachine gun and a pistol, he stepped into the tower base and allowed the gravity lift to carry him up to the watch platform."
  4. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 223
  5. ^ a b Halo 3, gameplay
  6. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST, gameplay
  7. ^ a b Halo: Reach, gameplay
  8. ^ a b Halo 4, gameplay
  9. ^ a b c Halo 2, gameplay
  10. ^ a b c d Halo Wars, gameplay
  11. ^ Halo 3, gameplay
  12. ^ Halo: Uprising, issue 2
  13. ^ YouTube - HALO, January Update & HCS 2024 Roadmap | Halo Infinite (Retrieved on Jan 28, 2024)

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