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Anskum-pattern plasma grenade: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|FOR|H1|TF|HGN|FS|H2|GOO|H3|CH}}
{{Title|''Anskum''-pattern plasma grenade}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[Image:Plasma Grenade.jpg|150px]]
|name=''Anskum''-pattern Firebomb
| name=Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade
|image=[[File:H5G-Plasma Grenade.png|300px]]
| manufacturer= Unknown Covenant
|manufacturer=[[Iruiru Armory]]
| model=Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade a.k.a. Plasma Grenade
|model=Type-1
| type=Grenade
|type=Anti-Personnel Grenade
| cost= Unknown
|length-title=Diameter
| size= About the same size as a Baseball
|length= {{Convert|14.8|cm|in}} (Covenant){{Ref/Book|Id=EN306|Enc22|Page=306}}<br>{{Convert|10.7|cm|in}} ([[Banished]]){{Ref/Reuse|EN}}
*diameter: 15.2 centimeters
|weight = {{Convert|2|lb|kg}}
| damage per hit=Very High.
|optics=
*Kill Radius: 4m
|range-title=Damage radius
*Casualty Radius: 12m
|optics=
| magazine= 1 Grenade
|range=
| max ammo=*4 Grenades-Halo CE and Halo 2
*Kill Radius: {{Convert|3.96|m|ft}}<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', "chapter 11", ''page 332''</ref>
*2 Grenades-Halo 3
*Damage Radius: {{Convert|12.9|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|ency}}
| fire=Thrown
|capacity=
| ammo type=[[Plasma]] (Explosion)
|feed =  
| operation=Thrown when activated
|ammotype-title=Filling
| rate of fire=N/A
|ammotype=9.3 oz Latent plasma
| accuracy= Depends on user
|operation=Fused when activated, explodes 3 seconds after hitting a surface.
| range= Depends on throw
|rate=
| era=Halo CE, Halo 2 and Halo 3
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Great Schism]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| counterpart=*UNSC:[[M9 HE-DP Grenade]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]] <br>
*Brute:[[Spike Grenade]]
[[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction]] <br>
| counterwepon=
[[Covenant remnants]]<br>
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
[[Banished]]
}}
}}
{{Article quote|Plasma Grenades are elegant and deadly explosive devices developed by the Covenant, and now used in large numbers by the Banished and other successor powers. The smart-matter casing allows it to stick to infantry and vehicles, making it extraordinarily deadly in the hands of skilled users. Stuck plasma grenades bypass shields.{{Ref/Game|HI|[[Forge]] - Plasma Grenade description|Quote=Plasma Grenades are elegant are deadly explosive devices developed by the Covenant, and now used in large numbers by the Banished and other successor powers. The smart-matter casing allows it to stick to infantry and vehicles, making it extraordinarily deadly in the hands of skilled users. Stuck plasma grenades bypass shields.}}}}
The '''''Anskum''-pattern Firebomb'''{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=482}} or '''Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade,''' more commonly known as the '''plasma grenade''', is a thrown [[Covenant]] anti-personnel explosive device.<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', "chapter 11", ''page 332''</ref> It is analogous to [[human]] hand grenades.


==Design details==
[[File:ReachSchematic - PG.png|150px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
{{Quote|Holy Light!|Anonymous [[Sangheili]]}}
The Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade is a dangerous hand-thrown weapon utilized by Covenant forces, typically used by [[Unggoy]] and [[Sangheili]] soldiers as both a thrown anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon. The grenade is spherical in shape and straightforward in design, with the activation "switch" located on the orange-colored area of the grenade. Above the activation pad is a [[Forerunner]] glyph. The glyphs seen on the plasma grenade are known to change with each new model and are believed to be based upon the time of manufacturing and the Covenant religious rituals.{{Citation needed}}


{{Quote|Get it off! Get...it...off!|Stuck Grunt}}
The plasma grenade's casing is made of [[Wikipedia:Programmable matter|smart matter]] programmed to stick to infantry targets. When primed, the Type-1 plasma grenade starts to vent its coolant.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-gb/universe/weapons/plasma-grenade '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Plasma Grenade'']</ref> After the coolant has been discharged, the plasma generator inside destabilizes and the grenade detonates after approximately 3 seconds. The grenade contains some type of internal mechanism that allows it to distinguish between targets and background, it will stick to a soldier or vehicle, but not to a tree or wall.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', ''Game Manual'', ''page 21''</ref> Post-war study and analysis have discovered that the grenade relies on heat signatures to distinguish targets.<ref name="Waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/Halo4Guide '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Halo 4 Interactive Guide'']</ref> Once something has been stuck with a grenade, there is no normal way to remove it, only devices like an advanced [[Armor Lock|electromagnetic shield]] can temporary disable the internal mechanism. However, this technology is rare and only issued to special forces of both the UNSC and Covenant. Detonation is first visible as a flash of white-blue light, and the kill zone area is instantly subjected to extreme temperatures; whatever is in the ground zero area, be it natural or otherwise, is instantly vaporized. Because there is no magnetic field to contain the plasma, it begins to cool very quickly - thermal expansion begins to take over and the resulting heat fans outward and upward, continuing to burn areas up to forty feet away until the resulting flames have cooled to the point where it cannot continue to expand. After the initial explosion, the kill radius area becomes charged with negative and positive particles which will form electrical currents visible for a short period after the explosion.


The [[Covenant]] '''Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade'''<ref>http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/halo3.aspx</ref>, also known as the '''Plasma Grenade''', '''Sticky Grenade''', '''Holy flare''', or the '''Demon flare''' by the [[Covenant]] is similar to the [[UNSC]] [[Fragmentation Grenade]] in that it is a thrown Anti-Infantry and Anti-[[Vehicle]] weapon.
The sheer destructive power the plasma grenade deals to any living creature within its vicinity is extreme; when a plasma grenade detonates on, or near a target it is subjected to extreme temperatures, killing anything within a 13-feet radius instantly;<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', "chapter 39", ''page 359''</ref> damage to the body is extreme, as the heat flash vaporizes the bodies internal fluids and burns flesh and bone to an unrecognizable charred state. The concussion wave released by the grenade will also cause additional damage to anything within the kill radius. Any living being outside of the kill zone may sustain heat damage as well, as non-heat resistant clothing or flammable material may be ignited by the heat released from a detonating plasma grenade. The concussive force released by the grenade can also harm or disorient anything just outside the kill radius and can also be affected by the flames released from the grenade - a person can also receive injuries from objects being ejected out of the kill zone at high speeds as a result of a plasma grenade detonating.
==Overview==
[[Image:19431594-Full-1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|A Spartan about to be stuck by a Plasma Grenade.]]
The Plasma Grenade (or stickie as it is sometimes reffered to as) is a specially designed explosive device (grenade) that sticks to its targets. Once it has made contact with a target, the plasma grenade will immediately bond to it, making any efforts of removal futile. The bonding mechanism holds its attraction until detonation, making it impossible to avoid its deadly explosion. Although it will bond to any target it hits, if it attaches to a piece of armor or a weapon, removing said articles will allow one to distance themselves from the explosion.


The "sticking" mechanism is complex enough to allow the plasma grenade the ability to distinguish between targets and inanimate objects. For example, it will stick to a soldier or a vehicle, but not a tree or a wall etc. This does not, however, allow the grenade to act selectively. The plasma grenade will not distinguish between friend or foe so accuracy and caution is strongly advised when throwing it, so as not to blow up your allies.
The plasma grenade possesses a timer. It has a three-second fuse that counts down at the point of activation. A manual activation via a small button or a stimulated activation, such as another explosion or gunfire, will set the detonator and start the countdown. Delayed activation can also set the detonator after it either sticks to a target or otherwise comes to a rest. It is possible to tell if the grenade has been activated. A densely small and bright cloud of plasma emission will leak around the grenade as the explosive reaction takes place inside. This cloud will gradually grow to a larger diameter after each second of the countdown. A low sound is emitted by the grenade when activated, followed by two rapid beeps and a high-pitched whine just seconds before the explosion. This is the plasma grenade's standard process of detonation.
[[Image:Suicide_Grunt.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A [[Kamikaze Grunt]] charging his foes.]]
The Plasma Grenade appears to have two settings: the standard three-second fuse and a delayed manual detonation. The latter is seen in [[Halo 3]] by [[Kamikaze Grunt|suicidal Grunts]] hoping to ensure their enemy's death by exploding right next to them. In addition, the plasma grenade like all grenades can be destroyed by being shot (Easily seen with the Sentinel Beam).
Also, some characters in campaign cannot be stuck. [[Brute Chieftains]] have immunity from this until their armor is knocked off. However if the [[Brutes]] shield is broken (i.e in Halo 2 Tartarus can be stuck if his shield is broken), you can still stick them.
===Advantages===
===Advantages===
Sticking an enemy with the plasma grenade will always kill them when it detonates, no matter what. Even a fully [[Energy Shields|shielded]] [[Spartan]] or [[Elite]] (except on higher difficulty levels) cannot withstand a stuck plasma grenade. The plasma grenade is slightly more powerful than the [[UNSC]] [[Fragmentation Grenade]]. If it goes off at the base of the target's feet without bonding on the enemy will still result in a kill.
The ability of the T-1 plasma grenade to stick to its target is extremely useful when encountering moving targets that could easily evade other explosive devices. This adhesive property allows the plasma grenade to function as both an anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon, where a stuck grenade can take down light vehicles and cause moderate damage to heavier ones. The explosive damage the plasma grenade releases is also effective at destroying objects not sensitive to the heat released by one, and can also serve as an effective support weapon as well. Plasma grenades are also effective at disrupting electronics and shielding when they detonate.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', "chapter 7", ''page 69''</ref> The plasma grenade is known to be used by the lesser races of the Covenant as an effective [[Suicide attack|suicidal weapon]], a tactic most commonly used by mortally wounded or psychologically unstable Unggoy who will attach primed grenades to their bodies before hurling themselves at their enemies. Against [[UNSC]] forces the plasma grenade is an effective psychological weapon due to the various consequences the grenade brings to anyone in its path. Its destructive properties can also leave terrible psychological effects on a person who has witnessed one detonate on a fellow soldier and seeing the destructive damage it has done.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', "chapter 2", ''page 67''</ref>


===Disadvantages===
===Disadvantages===
The plasma grenade's bright blue glow and longer delay fuse allows enemies to easily notice and avoid it. It cannot be used around corners well, as it does not bounce, nor does it roll. A player wearing a fully charged [[Overshield]] may be capable of surviving the blast even when stuck. Also, if a smart enemy is stuck when they are too close they can simply run toward you to catch you in the blast zone. In [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]], a primed plasma grenade in flight can be detonated mid-air by another explosion. Weapons capable of this include the [[Rocket Launcher]], [[Brute Shot]], [[Missile Pod]], [[Frag Grenade]]s, other Plasma Grenades. The Plasma Grenade will not stick to certain types of armor such as that of a [[Scarab]] or a [[Brute Chieftain]]'s. When thrown at them, the grenade will fall to their feet, and they will probably notice it and move out of the blast radius. Ballistic or explosive weapons such as a shotgun or brute shot will remove the plating allowing the grenade to stick, If some one throws a plasma and it hits the wall it can bounce off the wall back down and stick you.
The plasma grenade has a three-second fuse that the human equivalent lacks. Therefore, if the plasma grenade does not stick it to the target, the target will have ample time to evade the explosion. Sticking a plasma grenade to enemy infantry can be a gamble, as the target stuck with the grenade will have three seconds to chase down the opposite opponent and kill them as well.
 
==Effects on Health==
It has been shown that prolonged exposure to the radiation emitted by plasma grenades, without proper protection, can cause a deviation in the neural electric pathways of the user--a disorder called [[Boren's Syndrome]]. This disease can be fatal if the person does not get treatment. [[Avery Johnson]] is the only known person to have Borden's Syndrome.
 
==Theory about "Stickiness"==
[[Image:Eat My Plasma Grenade.jpg|right|thumb|180px|A [[Spartan-II|Spartan]] primes a Plasma Grenade.]]
''Note: The following is speculation and is not considered fan fiction''.
 
The plasma grenade may stick by producing a thin layer of plasma which, when in contact with a target, fuses to the target. The reason the plasma grenade sticks to vehicles and characters may be due to an ability to sense heat. Body heat and the heat from vehicles engines is most likely what causes it to stick. Since a "dead" wall doesn't emit heat, it will however stick to the "living" walls of a [[Flood Hive]]. One problem with this theory is that it will stick even to exposed skin (on Grunts, Jackals, or Marines as an example) even though there is no metal to fuse to - it would be nearly impossible to fuse the grenade to flesh using heat alone.
 
It is also theorized that there is a complex internal mechanism built into the grenade that gives it this characteristic. A gravity generator may be built into the core of the device, giving it its own force of attraction. This artificial force of attraction is highly concentrated, which is exactly why the grenade is impossible to remove.
 
Another problem to the stickiness, is the reason when a plasma grenade is primed, it does not stick to the thrower afterwards.  A theory for this could be that the grenade must be primed touching something emitting heat, then leaving the heat-emitting object, thus becoming "sticky," and finally landing and sticking to another object emitting heat.  Or it is possible that it is equipped with a timer, so the thrower isn't stuck.


Another reason is the plasma heats up and is super heated and then by the time it touches it,  it melts the armor or whatever and sticks to it.
==Gameplay changes==
===Changes between ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2''===
*The color of the grenade itself changed from a light blue to a dark blue.
*The explosive effects of the grenade are more detailed.
*The explosion sound effect for the grenade is different and now has more of a subtle hint of a natural explosion.
*The Forerunner glyph on the grenade is different.
*The grenade's fuse timer has been reduced (4 seconds to 2 seconds).


It is possible that the grenade has an adhesive activated by a timer. Once the grenade is activated, this timer is initiated, giving a few seconds for the thrower to release the grenade. Once the timer has run out, the adhesive activates and the surface of the grenade is as sticky as glue.
===Changes between ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
*The color of the gas and explosion are now dark blue and the grenade's explosive effect is much brighter and more detailed.
*The model for the plasma grenade is now much more detailed and the Forerunner glyph is different.
*The grenade now emits a high pitched noise when sticking and preparing to detonate.
*Will sometimes stick to a wall.
*The fuse timer has been reduced by about one second.


===Changes between ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'' and ''Halo: Reach''===
*The holographic Forerunner glyph on the casing is different.
*The grenade is more detailed, featuring four triangular red "buttons".
*The Plasma grenade, like most Covenant weapons in Halo: Reach, now has a scale pattern on it.


===Changes between ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 4''===
*The blast radius is now smaller, making it harder to get a kill when the grenade doesn't stick an enemy.
*The color of the grenade has been changed to a dark purple, while the lights are a bright green.
*The grenade has a simpler design, with the Covenant glyphs noticeably absent.


{{Clear}}
===Changes between ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
*The lights on the grenade are now blue instead of green.
*The fuse is slightly longer.
*Although the blast radius remains small, a blinding effect is inflicted on players at the edge of the explosion.
*Dropped plasma grenades laying on the ground will explode when shot.


== Trivia ==
===Changes between ''Halo Wars'' and ''Halo Wars 2''===
[[Image:Nade_stuck_h3.JPG|right|thumb|A plasma grenade explosion as seen in the [[Halo 3 Alpha]].]]
*The Plasma Grenade emit red colors.
*In [[Multiplayer]] if you stick 5 people in a free-for-all (i.e. [[Lone Wolf]]) match you receive the [[Lee R. Wilson Memorial]] Achievement.
*The Plasma Grenade deals less damage.
*In [[Multiplayer]], if you stick an enemy with the plasma grenade you are awarded with the [[Stick It Medal|Grenade Stick Medal]].
*In [[Multiplayer]] there is sometimes an error where the stuck grenade will only ''kill'' the opponent, and not explode. There are also occasions where a Plasma Grenade will pass through the opponent or if it does stick, it may not kill them for an unknown reason.
*In Halo: Combat Evolved the Plasma Grenade's explosion was more of a blue cloud and was also very powerful, similar to that of a [[Needler]] in Halo: Combat Evolved. The size of the blast animation and radius also got smaller going into Halo 2, and smaller still in Halo 3.
*In Halo: CE multiplayer, the human frag grenade is considered more effective against large groups of infantry, while the plasma grenade is used for single opponents or fast-moving vehicles.
*In [[Halo 2]], when the Covenant use plasma grenades in battle, they will shout phrases as they throw them, such as "cleansing flame", "flare" and "holy light". This is similar to their belief of [[Halo]].
*If [[John-117]] throws a plasma grenade, the Covenant will call it a "demon flare". However, when the Arbiter throws a plasma grenade, Elites and Grunts will still address it as a demon flare, even if the grenade is a frag. This may prove that all kinds of enemy grenades are demon flares. This may be as a kind of slang, with "demon" referring to the enemy, or enemy thrown grenades, and only in the opposite manner.
*Often times, when an NPC is stuck, they will have some type of reaction to being stuck.
*Occasionally, if two plasma grenades are thrown in succession at the same spot; one will detonate, launching the other far into the air. The airborne grenade will explode in mid-air, causing a "fireworks" effect. This is easiest to perform in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].
*If you stick a charging [[Hunter]] with a plasma grenade the Hunter will instantly turn around, exposing its back, when the grenade explodes, it is unknown why this occurs.
*It is possible to stick a [[Hunter]] on the back of the head. It will charge at you, but if you manage to get away, then Hunter will die immediatlly.
*In Halo:CE or Halo 3, if you throw a [[Frag grenade]] where a group of plasma grenades are, the detonation of the frag will make the plasma grenades explode.
*In Halo:CE, Plasma Grenades take 4 seconds to detonate. In Halo 2, they take 3 seconds. In Halo 3, they take about 2 and 1/2 seconds.
*On one side of the Plasma Grenade, a Forerunner Symbol like that of an Halo:CE Elite is visible.
*In Halo 3, when you throw a plasma grenade, it makes a long beep before exploding.
*Plasma Grenades are favorite weapons of the "Ghosts" of multiplayer maps, nearly always sticking people in the face and chest.
*In [[Halo 3]], physics made it possible that if timed correctly at a position, when an opponent's Plasma Grenade is aimed at a player's left elbow (virtually), and when the grenade itself is about a foot away and the player throws his/her own Plasma Grenade, then both plasma grenades will stick each other and explode midway in the air.
*It is possible to stick the grenade while it is in the opponent's hand, meaning they get to throw two grenades at you.
*It has been found to be possible to stick yourself.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/forums/posts.aspx?h3fileid=22640242</ref> Often achieved by bouncing a grenade off a wall, or by getting (un)lucky and throwing one onto your knee.
*It, like all grenades, can be shot and detonated by a weapon. A sniper rifle works best.
*It can be used for the [[Warthog Jump]].
*Occasionally, in Halo PC the Plasma Grenade will stick but will not explode and instead just disappear, called a "dud".  It is unknown whether this is intentional or due to lag or a glitch.
*If you wish to kill a Chieftan with a Plasma Grenade, then you must stick the weapon.
*[[Kamikaze Grunts]] will activate two plasma grenades at once and charge the player, they are the only species known to wield two grenades at once.


== Sources ==
===Changes between ''Halo 5: Guardians'' and ''Halo Infinite''===
*The explosion of the Plasma Grenade leaves behind "splatters" of blue plasma residue.
{{Expand-section}}


{{Explosives List}}
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Plasma Grenade}}
*It is difficult but possible to stick another grenade while it is in the air, effectively stopping and detonating both.
*Although they do not stick to regular surfaces, Plasma Grenades will appear to sink into the ground after bouncing off of a surface.
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the plasma grenade has the same throwing noise as the UNSC frag grenade.
*In the ''Halo 2'' video "[[Another Day at the Beach]]", [[Private]] [[Walpole]] is stuck with a Plasma Grenade on his ODST helmet, but saves himself by throwing away the helmet.
*It is possible to create a makeshift grenade launcher in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' using two Plasma Grenades. To do this, one should throw a Plasma Grenade at the ground from a safe distance. When it hits the ground, wait a few seconds and then throw the other Plasma Grenade in front of it. If timed right, the blast from the first grenade will launch the other grenade across the map.
*If one sticks an overshielded player with a Plasma Grenade and kills them, one will not receive a stick medal. However, using a Spike Grenade will do so.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', Unggoy will sometimes arm two Plasma Grenades and run towards the player, becoming suicide bombers. This feature is prominent on the level ''[[Exodus]]'' in ''Halo: Reach''.
*Like the [[Orgudam Workshop firebomb]] grenade and [[Spike Grenade]], if a [[Flood Carrier Form]] is stuck by a Plasma Grenade, it will not release any Infection forms.
*''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved '' are so far the only games in which the player can stick themselves with a plasma grenade by throwing the grenade directly at their foot.
*In the game ''Killer Instinct'', the Plasma Grenades used by Arbiter take the same time to explode as in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and the Arbiter often calls them "Cleansing Flame".
*In ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', plasma grenades that have been dropped will detonate instantly if shot with a precision weapon such as the magnum.


==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE Plasma nade on the ground.png|The Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HaloCE-PlasmaGrenade.png|A Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Catch.jpg|A Sangheili throws a Plasma Grenade at oncoming [[Flood]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2-PlasmaGrenade.png|An in-game view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3-PlasmaGrenade.png|An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-PlasmaGrenade02.png|Another angled view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:PlasGren.png|A front view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Suicide Grunt Minor.png|A Suicide Grunt charging at his foes in ''Halo 3''.
File:Plasma grenade study.jpg|A study of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:Plas gren primed.jpg|A study of the Plasma Grenade when primed in ''Halo 3''.
File:Explosion study.jpg|Various stages of a Plasma Grenade exploding in ''Halo 3''.
File:HaloReach - Plasma Grenade.png|The Plasma Grenade in the ''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''.
File:HReach-PlasmaGrenade.png|An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach T1 Plas Grenade.png|Front view of the Plasma Grenade's arming mechanism in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach-PlasmaGrenade-Front.png|Alternate front view of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-T1APG-PlasmaGrenade-RefChart.jpg|Reference chart of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4PlasmaGrenade.png|The Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-PlasmaGrenades.png|2 Plasma Grenades in ''Halo 4''.
File:PlasmaGrenade-HUD.png|HUD Icon of the Plasma Grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-SIVwithSticky.jpg|A [[STRIDER-class Mjolnir|Strider]]-clad Spartan-IV throwing a plasma grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-PlasmaGrenadeDetonation.jpg|A plasma grenade explosion in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A - Plasma grenades render.jpg|Renders of the plasma grenade for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A Render PlasmaGrenade.png|A render of the plasma grenade in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-Sticky.png|A render of a plasma grenade in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-PlasmaGrenade.jpg|An [[EOD-class Mjolnir|EOD]]-clad Spartan-IV throws a plasma grenade in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF_XGS2020_Plasma_Grunt.png|An Unggoy flying through the sky holding two plasma grenades as seen in the [[Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer]].
File:HW2 Yapyap Plasma Grenade.png|A unique Plasma Grenade used by Grunt Riders.<ref name="PLH">'''Halo Wars 2''': [[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Grunt Riders]]</ref>
File:HW2 Grunt Rider Grenades.png|A closer look of the Grunt Riders' Plasma Grenade.
File:HINF plasma grenades.png|A collection of Banished plasma grenades.
File:HINF Sangheili Mercenary plasma grenade.png|A Sangheili mercenary getting ready to throw a plasma grenade.
File:HINF Banished Unggoy Ultra plasma grenade.png|A Banished Unggoy Ultra prepares to throw a plasma grenade.
File:HTV-Halo-Sticky.png|[[John-117/Silver|John-117]] sticking a Sangheili with a plasma grenade in ''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''.
</gallery>


[[Category:Weapons]]
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Inheritance]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
{{Col-end}}


[[Category:The Covenant]]
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
{{Covenant ordnance}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Grenades]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 16:36, September 14, 2024

Anskum-pattern Firebomb
H5G-Plasma Grenade.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Iruiru Armory

Type:

Anti-Personnel Grenade

Specifications

Diameter:

14.8 centimetres (5.8 in) (Covenant)[1]
10.7 centimetres (4.2 in) (Banished)[2]

Weight:

2 pounds (0.91 kg)

Filling:

9.3 oz Latent plasma

Operation:

Fused when activated, explodes 3 seconds after hitting a surface.

Damage radius:

  • Kill Radius: 3.96 metres (13.0 ft)[3]
  • Damage Radius: 12.9 metres (42 ft)[3]
Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Great Schism
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 
“ Plasma Grenades are elegant and deadly explosive devices developed by the Covenant, and now used in large numbers by the Banished and other successor powers. The smart-matter casing allows it to stick to infantry and vehicles, making it extraordinarily deadly in the hands of skilled users. Stuck plasma grenades bypass shields.[4] ”

The Anskum-pattern Firebomb[2] or Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade, more commonly known as the plasma grenade, is a thrown Covenant anti-personnel explosive device.[3] It is analogous to human hand grenades.

Design details[edit]

A blueprint of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

"Holy Light!"
— Anonymous Sangheili

The Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade is a dangerous hand-thrown weapon utilized by Covenant forces, typically used by Unggoy and Sangheili soldiers as both a thrown anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon. The grenade is spherical in shape and straightforward in design, with the activation "switch" located on the orange-colored area of the grenade. Above the activation pad is a Forerunner glyph. The glyphs seen on the plasma grenade are known to change with each new model and are believed to be based upon the time of manufacturing and the Covenant religious rituals.[citation needed]

The plasma grenade's casing is made of smart matter programmed to stick to infantry targets. When primed, the Type-1 plasma grenade starts to vent its coolant.[5] After the coolant has been discharged, the plasma generator inside destabilizes and the grenade detonates after approximately 3 seconds. The grenade contains some type of internal mechanism that allows it to distinguish between targets and background, it will stick to a soldier or vehicle, but not to a tree or wall.[6] Post-war study and analysis have discovered that the grenade relies on heat signatures to distinguish targets.[7] Once something has been stuck with a grenade, there is no normal way to remove it, only devices like an advanced electromagnetic shield can temporary disable the internal mechanism. However, this technology is rare and only issued to special forces of both the UNSC and Covenant. Detonation is first visible as a flash of white-blue light, and the kill zone area is instantly subjected to extreme temperatures; whatever is in the ground zero area, be it natural or otherwise, is instantly vaporized. Because there is no magnetic field to contain the plasma, it begins to cool very quickly - thermal expansion begins to take over and the resulting heat fans outward and upward, continuing to burn areas up to forty feet away until the resulting flames have cooled to the point where it cannot continue to expand. After the initial explosion, the kill radius area becomes charged with negative and positive particles which will form electrical currents visible for a short period after the explosion.

The sheer destructive power the plasma grenade deals to any living creature within its vicinity is extreme; when a plasma grenade detonates on, or near a target it is subjected to extreme temperatures, killing anything within a 13-feet radius instantly;[8] damage to the body is extreme, as the heat flash vaporizes the bodies internal fluids and burns flesh and bone to an unrecognizable charred state. The concussion wave released by the grenade will also cause additional damage to anything within the kill radius. Any living being outside of the kill zone may sustain heat damage as well, as non-heat resistant clothing or flammable material may be ignited by the heat released from a detonating plasma grenade. The concussive force released by the grenade can also harm or disorient anything just outside the kill radius and can also be affected by the flames released from the grenade - a person can also receive injuries from objects being ejected out of the kill zone at high speeds as a result of a plasma grenade detonating.

Advantages[edit]

The ability of the T-1 plasma grenade to stick to its target is extremely useful when encountering moving targets that could easily evade other explosive devices. This adhesive property allows the plasma grenade to function as both an anti-infantry and anti-vehicle weapon, where a stuck grenade can take down light vehicles and cause moderate damage to heavier ones. The explosive damage the plasma grenade releases is also effective at destroying objects not sensitive to the heat released by one, and can also serve as an effective support weapon as well. Plasma grenades are also effective at disrupting electronics and shielding when they detonate.[9] The plasma grenade is known to be used by the lesser races of the Covenant as an effective suicidal weapon, a tactic most commonly used by mortally wounded or psychologically unstable Unggoy who will attach primed grenades to their bodies before hurling themselves at their enemies. Against UNSC forces the plasma grenade is an effective psychological weapon due to the various consequences the grenade brings to anyone in its path. Its destructive properties can also leave terrible psychological effects on a person who has witnessed one detonate on a fellow soldier and seeing the destructive damage it has done.[10]

Disadvantages[edit]

The plasma grenade has a three-second fuse that the human equivalent lacks. Therefore, if the plasma grenade does not stick it to the target, the target will have ample time to evade the explosion. Sticking a plasma grenade to enemy infantry can be a gamble, as the target stuck with the grenade will have three seconds to chase down the opposite opponent and kill them as well.

Gameplay changes[edit]

Changes between Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2[edit]

  • The color of the grenade itself changed from a light blue to a dark blue.
  • The explosive effects of the grenade are more detailed.
  • The explosion sound effect for the grenade is different and now has more of a subtle hint of a natural explosion.
  • The Forerunner glyph on the grenade is different.
  • The grenade's fuse timer has been reduced (4 seconds to 2 seconds).

Changes between Halo 2 and Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

  • The color of the gas and explosion are now dark blue and the grenade's explosive effect is much brighter and more detailed.
  • The model for the plasma grenade is now much more detailed and the Forerunner glyph is different.
  • The grenade now emits a high pitched noise when sticking and preparing to detonate.
  • Will sometimes stick to a wall.
  • The fuse timer has been reduced by about one second.

Changes between Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach[edit]

  • The holographic Forerunner glyph on the casing is different.
  • The grenade is more detailed, featuring four triangular red "buttons".
  • The Plasma grenade, like most Covenant weapons in Halo: Reach, now has a scale pattern on it.

Changes between Halo: Reach and Halo 4[edit]

  • The blast radius is now smaller, making it harder to get a kill when the grenade doesn't stick an enemy.
  • The color of the grenade has been changed to a dark purple, while the lights are a bright green.
  • The grenade has a simpler design, with the Covenant glyphs noticeably absent.

Changes between Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • The lights on the grenade are now blue instead of green.
  • The fuse is slightly longer.
  • Although the blast radius remains small, a blinding effect is inflicted on players at the edge of the explosion.
  • Dropped plasma grenades laying on the ground will explode when shot.

Changes between Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2[edit]

  • The Plasma Grenade emit red colors.
  • The Plasma Grenade deals less damage.

Changes between Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite[edit]

  • The explosion of the Plasma Grenade leaves behind "splatters" of blue plasma residue.
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Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Anskum-pattern plasma grenade on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • It is difficult but possible to stick another grenade while it is in the air, effectively stopping and detonating both.
  • Although they do not stick to regular surfaces, Plasma Grenades will appear to sink into the ground after bouncing off of a surface.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, the plasma grenade has the same throwing noise as the UNSC frag grenade.
  • In the Halo 2 video "Another Day at the Beach", Private Walpole is stuck with a Plasma Grenade on his ODST helmet, but saves himself by throwing away the helmet.
  • It is possible to create a makeshift grenade launcher in Halo: Combat Evolved using two Plasma Grenades. To do this, one should throw a Plasma Grenade at the ground from a safe distance. When it hits the ground, wait a few seconds and then throw the other Plasma Grenade in front of it. If timed right, the blast from the first grenade will launch the other grenade across the map.
  • If one sticks an overshielded player with a Plasma Grenade and kills them, one will not receive a stick medal. However, using a Spike Grenade will do so.
  • In Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite, Unggoy will sometimes arm two Plasma Grenades and run towards the player, becoming suicide bombers. This feature is prominent on the level Exodus in Halo: Reach.
  • Like the Orgudam Workshop firebomb grenade and Spike Grenade, if a Flood Carrier Form is stuck by a Plasma Grenade, it will not release any Infection forms.
  • Halo: Reach and Halo: Combat Evolved are so far the only games in which the player can stick themselves with a plasma grenade by throwing the grenade directly at their foot.
  • In the game Killer Instinct, the Plasma Grenades used by Arbiter take the same time to explode as in Halo: Combat Evolved, and the Arbiter often calls them "Cleansing Flame".
  • In Halo: Reach and Halo 5: Guardians, plasma grenades that have been dropped will detonate instantly if shot with a precision weapon such as the magnum.

Gallery[edit]

  • The Plasma Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The Plasma Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A Plasma Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A Plasma Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A Sangheili throws a Plasma Grenade at oncoming Flood in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A Sangheili throws a Plasma Grenade at oncoming Flood in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • An in-game view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 2.

    An in-game view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 2.

  • An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

    An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

  • Another angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

    Another angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

  • A front view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

    A front view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

  • A Suicide Grunt charging at his foes in Halo 3.

    A Suicide Grunt charging at his foes in Halo 3.

  • A study of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

    A study of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 3.

  • A study of the Plasma Grenade when primed in Halo 3.

    A study of the Plasma Grenade when primed in Halo 3.

  • Various stages of a Plasma Grenade exploding in Halo 3.

    Various stages of a Plasma Grenade exploding in Halo 3.

  • The Plasma Grenade in the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta.

    The Plasma Grenade in the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta.

  • An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

    An angled view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

  • Front view of the Plasma Grenade's arming mechanism in Halo: Reach.

    Front view of the Plasma Grenade's arming mechanism in Halo: Reach.

  • Alternate front view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

    Alternate front view of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

  • Reference chart of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

    Reference chart of the Plasma Grenade in Halo: Reach.

  • The Plasma Grenade in Halo 4.

    The Plasma Grenade in Halo 4.

  • 2 Plasma Grenades in Halo 4.

    2 Plasma Grenades in Halo 4.

  • HUD Icon of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 4.

    HUD Icon of the Plasma Grenade in Halo 4.

  • A Strider-clad Spartan-IV throwing a plasma grenade in Halo 4.

    A Strider-clad Spartan-IV throwing a plasma grenade in Halo 4.

  • A plasma grenade explosion in Halo 4.

    A plasma grenade explosion in Halo 4.

  • Renders of the plasma grenade for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Renders of the plasma grenade for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A render of the plasma grenade in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A render of the plasma grenade in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A render of a plasma grenade in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A render of a plasma grenade in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • An EOD-clad Spartan-IV throws a plasma grenade in Halo 5: Guardians.

    An EOD-clad Spartan-IV throws a plasma grenade in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • An Unggoy flying through the sky holding two plasma grenades as seen in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer.

    An Unggoy flying through the sky holding two plasma grenades as seen in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer.

  • A unique Plasma Grenade used by Grunt Riders.[11]

    A unique Plasma Grenade used by Grunt Riders.[11]

  • A closer look of the Grunt Riders' Plasma Grenade.

    A closer look of the Grunt Riders' Plasma Grenade.

  • A collection of Banished plasma grenades.

    A collection of Banished plasma grenades.

  • A Sangheili mercenary getting ready to throw a plasma grenade.

    A Sangheili mercenary getting ready to throw a plasma grenade.

  • A Banished Unggoy Ultra prepares to throw a plasma grenade.

    A Banished Unggoy Ultra prepares to throw a plasma grenade.

  • John-117 sticking a Sangheili with a plasma grenade in Halo: The Television Series Season Two.

    John-117 sticking a Sangheili with a plasma grenade in Halo: The Television Series Season Two.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 306
  2. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 482
  3. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), "chapter 11", page 332
  4. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - Plasma Grenade description: "Plasma Grenades are elegant are deadly explosive devices developed by the Covenant, and now used in large numbers by the Banished and other successor powers. The smart-matter casing allows it to stick to infantry and vehicles, making it extraordinarily deadly in the hands of skilled users. Stuck plasma grenades bypass shields."
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint: Plasma Grenade
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Game Manual, page 21
  7. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo 4 Interactive Guide
  8. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, "chapter 39", page 359
  9. ^ Halo: First Strike, "chapter 7", page 69
  10. ^ Halo: The Flood, "chapter 2", page 67
  11. ^ Halo Wars 2: Phoenix Logs - Grunt Riders

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