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Assault cannon: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Center|Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, the [[fuel rod cannon]], or for the handheld [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|fuel rod gun]]?}}
{{Center|Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, the [[fuel rod cannon]], or for the handheld [[Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]?}}


{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H5G Hunter Arm Turret.png|270px]]
|image=[[File:H5G Hunter Arm Turret.png|270px]]
|name=Assault cannon
|name=Assault cannon
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|cost=
|cost=
|length={{Convert|2|m|ftin|sp=us}}<ref name="HGOO">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 86''</ref>
|length={{Convert|2|m|ftin|sp=us}}<ref name="HGOO">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 86''</ref>
|capacity =
|feed = Unlimited  
|feed = Unlimited  
|ammotype=[[Incendiary gel]]
|ammotype=[[Incendiary gel]]
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=Continuous fire or single bolts
|rate=Continuous fire <br>
Single bolts <br>
Automatic fire
|accuracy=High
|accuracy=High
|optics=
|range=Long
|range=Long
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br>
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br>
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|affiliation=[[Covenant]] <br>
|affiliation=[[Covenant]] <br>
[[Swords of Sanghelios]] <br>
[[Swords of Sanghelios]] <br>
[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]]
[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] <br>
[[Banished]]
}}
}}
{{Article Quote|The Mgalekgolo opened fire with their assault cannons, the weapons making a sound that was like the bellowing of some gigantic primordial beast.<ref name="HBC">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 285''</ref>}}
{{Article quote|The Mgalekgolo opened fire with their assault cannons, the weapons making a sound that was like the bellowing of some gigantic primordial beast.<ref name="HBC">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 285''</ref>}}
The '''assault cannon'''<ref name="multiple">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 267''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''In-game Upgrade''</ref> is a powerful weapon used by the [[Covenant]]. Similar to the [[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon|fuel rod gun]], it is most commonly utilized by [[Mgalekgolo]], although the [[Hierarchs]]' [[gravity throne]]s are equipped with a variant of the weapon.<ref name="halo2">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref> The weapon has two primary firing modes, one of which fires the [[incendiary gel]] in globes similar to the standard fuel rod gun while the other fires a continuous stream of the gel.<ref name="multiple"/>
The '''assault cannon'''<ref name="multiple">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 267''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''In-game Upgrade''</ref> is a powerful weapon used by the [[Covenant]]. Funcionting based on the same principles of the {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}},{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc|Enc22|Page=298}} it is most commonly utilized by [[Mgalekgolo]], although the [[Hierarchs]]' [[anti-gravity chair]]s are equipped with a variant of the weapon.<ref name="halo2">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>  


==Specifications==
==Overview==
===Design details===
===Design details===
The standard version of the weapon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for Mgalekgolo. The weapon is integrated into the right "arm" of the Mgalekgolo's armor. In most models, the nozzle is surrounded by three metal "fingers", which may serve as manipulators or assist in the guiding of the projectile. Several translucent tubes project from the cannon, containing the glowing green fuel used in the weapon's firing. The Hierarchs' gravity thrones are also equipped with a form of the weapon that is fully integrated to the throne's armrests.<ref name="halo2"/>
The standard version of the Assault cannon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for Mgalekgolo. The weapon is integrated into the right "arm" of the Mgalekgolo's armor. In most models, the nozzle is surrounded by three metal "fingers", which may serve as manipulators or assist in the guiding of the projectile. The weapon has shown three primary firing modes. The first one encountered fires the [[incendiary gel]] in globs similar to the standard fuel rod gun,{{Ref/Game|Id=HCE|HCE}} another one uses magnetic fields{{Ref/Reuse|Enc}} to direct the fuel into a continuous scorching stream,{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2}} and the third that unleashes several small homing shots like a machine gun.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G}} The Hierarchs' gravity thrones are also equipped with a form of the weapon, which fires a yellow beam from a muzzle underneath the chair, and its commands are integrated into the throne's armrests.{{Ref/Reuse|halo2}} In all cases, the weapon must charge before shooting. The sound and light emitted during this moment is the only warning to opponents that the weapon is about to fire.


===Ammunition===
===Ammunition===
The weapon uses tubes of radioactive [[incendiary gel]], very similar to those fired by the standard fuel rod gun, as ammunition.<ref name="multiple"/> The gel can be fired in globs, as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo Wars'', ''Halo: Reach'', and ''Halo 3: ODST'', which detonate on impact and have an arcing trajectory. The weapon can also fire the gel in a "beam", as seen in ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Wars'', and ''Halo 3: ODST''. In both cases, the weapon must charge before firing. The sound and light emitted during charging provides early warning to opponents that the Mgalekgolo is about to fire.
The weapon uses tubes of radioactive incendiary gel, very similar to those fired by the standard fuel rod gun, as ammunition.{{Ref/Reuse|multiple}} This fuel has been seen contained in both drum-like magazines{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} or glowing spines that dangle over the weapon{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3}}. The gel used in the Mgalekgolo's assault cannons has been seen as radioactive green{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} or deep red{{Ref/Game|HW2}}{{Ref/Game|HI}} in color, while the one used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones is golden yellow.{{Ref/Reuse|halo2}}
 
The gel used in the Mgalekgolo's assault cannons is exclusively radioactive green in color, while that used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones is golden yellow.<ref name="halo2"/>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
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In terms of gameplay, the assault cannon has changed with each installment, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance gameplay.
In terms of gameplay, the assault cannon has changed with each installment, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance gameplay.


*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it was only able to fire single shots that were similar to fuel rod gun shots, and appeared to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm. Also, it fired in a more parabolic arch than any other variant, increasing range, but decreasing accuracy.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the assault cannon fires single shots, similar to fuel rod gun shots, and appears to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm. Also, the cannon fires in a more parabolic arch than any other variant, resulting in a range, but low accuracy. Hunters will not continue to track once the cannon has started to charge, making them inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original assault cannon's recoil severely lowers its accuracy. The player can use this to their advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.


*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', there were minor changes to its appearance but the weapon fired a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on [[Legendary]] difficulty by only being hit by the beam for a small amount of time. ''Halo 2'' also marks the only appearance of the variant used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones, which is the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s primary offensive ability in the level [[Regret (level)|Regret]].
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', there are minor changes to the assault cannon's appearance, but the weapon fires a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam, this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on [[Legendary]] difficulty if the player can very quickly move out of the stream. ''Halo 2'' also marks the only appearance of the variant used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones, which is the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s primary offensive ability in the level [[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]].


*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the assault cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in ''Halo 2''. The cannon in ''Halo 3'' can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which stops it from wasting ammunition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', the assault cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in ''Halo 2''. The cannon's beam in can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which allows the Hunter to reposition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates.


*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the Hunters start with the mortar version of the assault cannon. Later in the game, the Hunters can be equipped with the beam version for extra damage.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''Instruction Manual''</ref>
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', Hunters start with the mortar version of the assault cannon. Their last upgrade turns it into the beam version, which severely increases the damage.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''Instruction Manual''</ref>


*In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors. This first is the traditional blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel. The other wears gold-colored armor and is armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors. This first is the traditional blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel. The other wears gold-colored armor and is armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.


*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' features a full return to the Halo: CE -era assault cannon, which fires single blobs of bright green gel much like a [[Type-33 fuel rod gun]]. The blast radius is greatly increased and the splash damage can even hurt enemies that are behind thin cover.
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' features a full return to the Halo: CE -era assault cannon, which fires single explosive blobs of bright green gel. The blast radius is greatly increased and the splash damage can even hurt enemies that are behind thin cover. However, shooting the cannon as it charges can stop it from firing.


*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the Hunters' assault cannon is very similar to the one in ''Halo: Reach''.
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the Hunters' assault cannon is very similar to the one in ''Halo: Reach''.


*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', the assault cannon now fires in two different modes. The first of which is two quick shots that do large ammounts of damage. The other mode is several small projectiles that track players but do noticeably less damage. The small projectiles are fast and meant to target players at ranges where the main attack would not be effective. ''Halo 5'' also introduces the assault cannon as a usable weapon in multiplayer, though each version appears to have only one firing mode as opposed to the hunter's dual-firing version.
*In ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', the assault cannon can fire in two different modes. The first mode consists in two quick shots that do large amounts of damage. The other mode unleashes several small projectiles that track players but do noticeably less damage. The small projectiles are fast and meant to target players at ranges where the main attack would not be effective. ''Halo 5'' also introduces the assault cannon as a usable weapon in multiplayer, though each version appears to have only one firing mode as opposed to the hunter's dual-firing version.
 
*In ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', the assault cannon is much like its ''Guardians'' counterpart, with two firing modes. The primary mode is a single, powerful arching shot. The secondary mode is a rapid fire stream of weaker tracking projectiles.


==Variants==
==Variants==
*'''Wicked Grasp''': The Lekgolo that remain in this stolen limb retain a feral vestige of their once-expansive composite mind. The Wicked Grasp fires bursts of tracking plasma shots.<ref name="anvil">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anvil-s-legacy-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Anvil's Legacy Preview'']</ref>
*'''Wicked Grasp''': The Lekgolo that remain in this stolen limb retain a feral vestige of their once-expansive composite mind. The Wicked Grasp fires bursts of tracking plasma shots.<ref name="anvil">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anvil-s-legacy-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Anvil's Legacy Preview'']</ref>
*'''Berserker's Claw''': Spartans are well-versed at sourcing weapons from the remains of their enemies. The Berserker's Claw fires a devastating fuel rod shot after a short charging cycle. This fuel rod will track aerial targets.<ref name="anvil"/>
*'''Berserker's Claw''': Spartans are well-versed at sourcing weapons from the remains of their enemies. The Berserker's Claw fires a devastating fuel rod shot after a short charging cycle. This fuel rod will track aerial targets.{{Ref/Reuse|anvil}}
*'''Siphoning Beam''': Mgalekgolo [[Mgalekgolo Captain|Captains]] have a bigger and more powerful Assault cannon with red fuel rods. Upgrades to this cannon can allow it to overcharge, increasing the damage, range and area of effect, while also stealing life from the targets hit by the beam.<ref name="PL">'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Hunter Captain]]''</ref>
 
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5G Berserker's Claw.png|Berserker's Claw.
File:H5G Berserker's Claw.png|Berserker's Claw.
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{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of assault cannons}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of assault cannons}}
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
*When using the Bump Possession cheat in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Hunters will not continue to track you once the cannon has started to charge, making the Hunters inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original assault cannon's recoil severely lowers the accuracy of said cannon. The player can use this to his/her advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.
*In ''Halo 3'', green electricity protrudes from the three parts jutting out of the weapon and they form together to make the beam of energy when the weapon is charging. It is also possible this would create a type of small plasma mortar, and that something in the back of the weapon produces a type of gas to project it, similar to how a flamethrower works where a small flame is projected by gas.
*The ''Halo 3'' variant doesn't contain the "drum" like the previous assault cannons. Instead it has six tubes on the side of the gun which appear to house the incendiary liquid projectile.
*Some of the novels refer to the assault cannon as a fuel rod gun/cannon, while it is officially named in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''.
*Some of the novels refer to the assault cannon as a fuel rod gun/cannon, while it is officially named in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''.


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<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HCE - Assault Cannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE - Assault Cannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Mortar.jpg|[[Mgalekgolo]] firing the assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE Hunter AssaultCannon.jpg|[[Mgalekgolo]] firing the assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2 hunter assaultcannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 hunter assaultcannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo 2''.
File:MC attacks Regret.jpg|A gravity throne's integrated assault cannons emit an intense glow when active.
File:MC attacks Regret.jpg|A gravity throne's integrated assault cannons emit an intense glow when active.
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File:TLJ Assault Cannon.PNG|Another view of the assault cannon.
File:TLJ Assault Cannon.PNG|Another view of the assault cannon.
File:Halo 3 Hunter Assault Cannon.jpg|An assault cannon preparing to fire in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo 3 Hunter Assault Cannon.jpg|An assault cannon preparing to fire in ''Halo 3''.
File:Fuel Rod Beam Cannon in Action.jpg|A Mgalekgolo using its assault cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Hunter AssaultBeam.jpg|A Mgalekgolo using its assault cannon in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST-HunterAssaultCannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:H3ODST-HunterAssaultCannon.png|The assault cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST GoldHunters 2.png|A [[Mgalekgolo Flak|"flak" Hunter]] firing its assault cannon in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Halo Reach Hunter Assault Cannon.png|An assault cannon in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach Hunter Assault Cannon.png|An assault cannon in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:HCEA-MgalekgoloHunter.png|A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
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File:Nakagagalit.png|A Mythic Mgalekgolo prepares to fire its assault cannon on [[March on Stormbreak]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:Nakagagalit.png|A Mythic Mgalekgolo prepares to fire its assault cannon on [[March on Stormbreak]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-WickedGraspHUD.png|HUD of the Wicked Grasp.
File:H5G-WickedGraspHUD.png|HUD of the Wicked Grasp.
File:H5G-Venator&WickedGrasp.png|A [[VENATOR-class Mjolnir|Venator]]-clad Spartan-IV using a Wicked Grasp on [[Mercy (level)|Mercy]].
File:H5G-Venator&WickedGrasp.png|A [[VENATOR-class Mjolnir|Venator]]-clad Spartan-IV using a Wicked Grasp on [[Mercy]].
File:H5G-BeserkersClawHUD.png|HUD of the Beserker's Claw.
File:H5G-BeserkersClawHUD.png|HUD of the Beserker's Claw.
File:H5G-Venator&BeserkersClaw.png|A Spartan with a Beserker's Claw.
File:H5G-Venator&BeserkersClaw.png|A Spartan with a Beserker's Claw.
File:H5G - Indomitable with assault cannon.jpg|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV using a Berserker's Claw on [[Temple (level)|Temple]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G - Indomitable with assault cannon.jpg|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV using a Berserker's Claw on [[Temple]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2B-1v1.jpg|Banished Mgalekgolo firing their assault cannons in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2B-1v1.jpg|Banished Mgalekgolo firing their assault cannons in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HINF AssaultCannon.png|A view of the assault cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF AssaultCannon Bolt.png|A Banished Mgalekgolo fires its assault cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF BerserkHunter.png|A berserk Mgalekgolo's overcharged assault cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF BerserkHunterFiring.png|A berserk Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Ardent Hunter cannon fire.png|An [[Ardent Mgalekgolo]] fires its assault cannon at the Master Chief in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Type-33 fuel rod gun]]
*{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}
*[[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel rod cannon]]
*[[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel rod cannon]]


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant ordnance}}
[[Category:Incendiary weapons]]
[[Category:Incendiary weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]

Latest revision as of 15:19, October 3, 2024

Looking for the closely related Covenant vehicle weapon, the fuel rod cannon, or for the handheld fuel rod gun?


Assault cannon
H5G Hunter Arm Turret.png
Production overview

Type:

Anti-matériel/personnel weapon

Specifications

Length:

2 meters (6 ft 7 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

Incendiary gel

Feed system:

Unlimited

Rate of fire:

Continuous fire
Single bolts
Automatic fire

Effective range:

Long

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Great Schism
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 
“ The Mgalekgolo opened fire with their assault cannons, the weapons making a sound that was like the bellowing of some gigantic primordial beast.[2] ”

The assault cannon[3][4] is a powerful weapon used by the Covenant. Funcionting based on the same principles of the Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun,[5] it is most commonly utilized by Mgalekgolo, although the Hierarchs' anti-gravity chairs are equipped with a variant of the weapon.[6]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The standard version of the Assault cannon is incredibly heavy, making it suitable only for Mgalekgolo. The weapon is integrated into the right "arm" of the Mgalekgolo's armor. In most models, the nozzle is surrounded by three metal "fingers", which may serve as manipulators or assist in the guiding of the projectile. The weapon has shown three primary firing modes. The first one encountered fires the incendiary gel in globs similar to the standard fuel rod gun,[7] another one uses magnetic fields[5] to direct the fuel into a continuous scorching stream,[8] and the third that unleashes several small homing shots like a machine gun.[9] The Hierarchs' gravity thrones are also equipped with a form of the weapon, which fires a yellow beam from a muzzle underneath the chair, and its commands are integrated into the throne's armrests.[6] In all cases, the weapon must charge before shooting. The sound and light emitted during this moment is the only warning to opponents that the weapon is about to fire.

Ammunition[edit]

The weapon uses tubes of radioactive incendiary gel, very similar to those fired by the standard fuel rod gun, as ammunition.[3] This fuel has been seen contained in both drum-like magazines[7] or glowing spines that dangle over the weapon[10]. The gel used in the Mgalekgolo's assault cannons has been seen as radioactive green[7] or deep red[11][12] in color, while the one used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones is golden yellow.[6]

Gameplay[edit]

Variations between the games[edit]

In terms of gameplay, the assault cannon has changed with each installment, in terms of operation and aesthetics, mostly to balance gameplay.

  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the assault cannon fires single shots, similar to fuel rod gun shots, and appears to contain its gel supply in a "drum" mounted underneath the arm. Also, the cannon fires in a more parabolic arch than any other variant, resulting in a range, but low accuracy. Hunters will not continue to track once the cannon has started to charge, making them inaccurate with moving targets. Strangely, Hunters will never hit a stationary target, meaning that the original assault cannon's recoil severely lowers its accuracy. The player can use this to their advantage to avoid being injured by standing completely still and firing from that position.
  • In Halo 2, there are minor changes to the assault cannon's appearance, but the weapon fires a continuous stream rather than individual blasts while the "drum" reloaded and fired. Because it is a continuous beam, this makes it possible to survive a hit from it on Legendary difficulty if the player can very quickly move out of the stream. Halo 2 also marks the only appearance of the variant used by the Hierarchs' gravity thrones, which is the Prophet of Regret's primary offensive ability in the level Regret.
  • In Halo 3, the assault cannon is aesthetically very different, but operates much the same as it does in Halo 2. The cannon's beam in can be cut off instantaneously if the target has gone to cover, which allows the Hunter to reposition. Also, the "claws" seem to have hinges, although they are never seen moving in gameplay. Plus, the beam is a bit faster, a lot more damaging, and can blow away movable cover, such as supply crates.
  • In Halo Wars, Hunters start with the mortar version of the assault cannon. Their last upgrade turns it into the beam version, which severely increases the damage.[13]
  • In Halo 3: ODST, the Hunters appeared in two different forms in two different colors. This first is the traditional blue-armored Hunter, armed with an assault cannon that fires a continuous stream of radioactive incendiary gel. The other wears gold-colored armor and is armed with an assault cannon that fires a single bolt of radioactive incendiary gel which is similar to the weapon model featured in Halo: Combat Evolved.
  • Halo: Reach features a full return to the Halo: CE -era assault cannon, which fires single explosive blobs of bright green gel. The blast radius is greatly increased and the splash damage can even hurt enemies that are behind thin cover. However, shooting the cannon as it charges can stop it from firing.
  • In Halo 4, the Hunters' assault cannon is very similar to the one in Halo: Reach.
  • In Halo 5: Guardians, the assault cannon can fire in two different modes. The first mode consists in two quick shots that do large amounts of damage. The other mode unleashes several small projectiles that track players but do noticeably less damage. The small projectiles are fast and meant to target players at ranges where the main attack would not be effective. Halo 5 also introduces the assault cannon as a usable weapon in multiplayer, though each version appears to have only one firing mode as opposed to the hunter's dual-firing version.
  • In Halo Infinite, the assault cannon is much like its Guardians counterpart, with two firing modes. The primary mode is a single, powerful arching shot. The secondary mode is a rapid fire stream of weaker tracking projectiles.

Variants[edit]

  • Wicked Grasp: The Lekgolo that remain in this stolen limb retain a feral vestige of their once-expansive composite mind. The Wicked Grasp fires bursts of tracking plasma shots.[14]
  • Berserker's Claw: Spartans are well-versed at sourcing weapons from the remains of their enemies. The Berserker's Claw fires a devastating fuel rod shot after a short charging cycle. This fuel rod will track aerial targets.[14]
  • Siphoning Beam: Mgalekgolo Captains have a bigger and more powerful Assault cannon with red fuel rods. Upgrades to this cannon can allow it to overcharge, increasing the damage, range and area of effect, while also stealing life from the targets hit by the beam.[15]
  • Berserker's Claw.

    Berserker's Claw.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • When using the Bump Possession cheat in Halo: Combat Evolved to control a Hunter, holding left click down and repeatedly right clicking allows the controlled Hunter to rapidly fire its Assault Cannon without overheating. Whether this accelerated manner of attack is actually utilized at all in AI controlled opponents' behavioral patterns is unknown.
  • Some of the novels refer to the assault cannon as a fuel rod gun/cannon, while it is officially named in Halo: Contact Harvest.

Gallery[edit]

  • The assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • Mgalekgolo firing the assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Mgalekgolo firing the assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The assault cannon in Halo 2.

    The assault cannon in Halo 2.

  • A gravity throne's integrated assault cannons emit an intense glow when active.

    A gravity throne's integrated assault cannons emit an intense glow when active.

  • The assault cannon Halo 3.

    The assault cannon Halo 3.

  • Another view of the assault cannon.

    Another view of the assault cannon.

  • An assault cannon preparing to fire in Halo 3.

    An assault cannon preparing to fire in Halo 3.

  • A Mgalekgolo using its assault cannon in Halo 3.

    A Mgalekgolo using its assault cannon in Halo 3.

  • The assault cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    The assault cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • A "flak" Hunter firing its assault cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

    A "flak" Hunter firing its assault cannon in Halo 3: ODST.

  • An assault cannon in Halo: Reach.

    An assault cannon in Halo: Reach.

  • A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • An assault cannon primes to fire at Thomas Lasky in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

    An assault cannon primes to fire at Thomas Lasky in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

  • A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo 4.

    A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo 4.

  • A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A Mgalekgolo with an assault cannon in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A Mythic Mgalekgolo prepares to fire its assault cannon on March on Stormbreak in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A Mythic Mgalekgolo prepares to fire its assault cannon on March on Stormbreak in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • HUD of the Wicked Grasp.

    HUD of the Wicked Grasp.

  • A Venator-clad Spartan-IV using a Wicked Grasp on Mercy.

    A Venator-clad Spartan-IV using a Wicked Grasp on Mercy.

  • HUD of the Beserker's Claw.

    HUD of the Beserker's Claw.

  • A Spartan with a Beserker's Claw.

    A Spartan with a Beserker's Claw.

  • An Indomitable-clad Spartan-IV using a Berserker's Claw on Temple in Halo 5: Guardians.

    An Indomitable-clad Spartan-IV using a Berserker's Claw on Temple in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Banished Mgalekgolo firing their assault cannons in Halo Wars 2.

    Banished Mgalekgolo firing their assault cannons in Halo Wars 2.

  • A view of the assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A view of the assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

  • A Banished Mgalekgolo fires its assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A Banished Mgalekgolo fires its assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

  • A berserk Mgalekgolo's overcharged assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A berserk Mgalekgolo's overcharged assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

  • A berserk Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A berserk Mgalekgolo firing its assault cannon in Halo Infinite.

  • An Ardent Mgalekgolo fires its assault cannon at the Master Chief in Halo Infinite.

    An Ardent Mgalekgolo fires its assault cannon at the Master Chief in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 86
  2. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 285
  3. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 267
  4. ^ Halo Wars In-game Upgrade
  5. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 298
  6. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level Regret
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved
  8. ^ Halo 2
  9. ^ Halo 5: Guardians
  10. ^ Halo 3
  11. ^ Halo Wars 2
  12. ^ Halo Infinite
  13. ^ Halo Wars Instruction Manual
  14. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Anvil's Legacy Preview
  15. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Hunter Captain

See also[edit]

v • d • e
 
Ordnance in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Directed explosive weapons
Projectile weapons
Mines
Explosives
Grenades
Ammunition
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