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{{era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{references}}
{{Unit infobox
{{Unit infobox|variant=Cov
|variant=Cov
|name=Sniper
|name=Sniper
|image=[[File:H4 profile - JackalSniper.png|300px]]
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Ruuhtian|content1=[[File:HINF-Kig-Yar Sniper.png|300px]]|title2=Ibie'shan|content2=[[File:H5G-Kig-Yar Sniper.png|300px]]}}
|species=[[Kig-Yar]]
|species=*[[Kig-Yar]]
**[[Ibie'sh]]ans{{Ref/Reuse|h4}}
**[[Ruuht]]ians{{Ref/Game|H2|Detail=campaign gameplay}}
|authority=
|authority=
|branch=
|branch=
|mission=
|mission=Long-range combat, support
|role=Reconnaissance, support
|role=Reconnaissance, assassination
|size=
|size=
|armament=*[[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc09}}
*[[Type-51 Carbine]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Type-31 Rifle]]
**[[Banished]]{{Ref/Reuse|Hi}}
*[[Type-52 Special Applications Rifle]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|h4}}
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]] (side arm)
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]{{Ref/Reuse|esc}}
*[[Type-27 Special Application Sniper Rifle]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
|equipment=[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear|Targeting headgear]]
|notable=
|notable=
}}
}}
{{Quote|The only thing worse than Jackals are Jackals with sniper rifles!|Marine about Jackal Snipers}}
{{Quote|The only thing worse than Jackals are Jackals with sniper rifles!|Anonymous Marine during the [[Battle of Mombasa]]{{Ref/Level|Id=outskirt|H2|Outskirts}}}}
'''Sniper''' is a specialized [[Kig-Yar]] [[Kig-Yar#Rank structure|rank]]. They are highly skilled marksmen, though they are uncommon relative to their more typically deployed comrades. Unlike most Kig-yar, snipers rarely make use of [[Kig-yar point defense gauntlet|personal energy shields]].


==Description==
The '''Kig-Yar Sniper''' is a specialized combat role for [[Kig-Yar]] in the [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]]. They are highly skilled marksmen, though they are not deployed as often as their infantry comrades. Unlike most Kig-Yar, Snipers rarely make use of [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|personal energy shields]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=146-147}}{{Ref/Book|Id=essential|EVG|Page=100}}{{Ref/Site|Id=H4 Interactive Guide|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide|D=01|M=11|Y=2012}}{{Ref/Book|Id=prima|Halo 4: Official Game Guide|Page=52|Detail=Collector's Edition}}
Exceptionally skilled in precision shooting, Kig-yar snipers wield [[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System|particle beam rifles]] or [[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant carbines]] to great effect, eliminating long-range targets that are often hidden from sight. They act as counterparts to [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] sharpshooters.


==Combat==
==Overview==
Generally, Kig-yar snipers are considered as support units to the Covenant forces when engaging an enemy. With their superior accuracy, the Kig-yar snipers can eliminate any enemy from a distance with their long range weaponry. They are known to snipe from hard to reach places such as ledges, cliffs, rooftops, [[deployable lookout tower]]s, and occasionally large branches on trees which provide them a wide view of the battleground, and more importantly, conceal their location. Their positions are often easily revealed when they fire their weapons.
===Roles and responsibilities===
[[File:SO Pelican Down - KigYar.png|thumb|250px|left|A Sniper commanding another Sniper and a [[Kig-Yar Heavy]].]]
Kig-Yar Snipers are generally tasked with roles revolving around long-range combat, sniper support, scouting, and assassinations. Kig-Yar Snipers have served in the [[Covenant military]] for centuries. The role of Kig-Yar Snipers has been viewed as critical to achieve success in most groundside engagements. Only battle-hardened veteran Kig-Yar are chosen to become a part of the Sniper class.{{Ref/Site|Id=stats|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/GameStatsCampaignHalo3.aspx?gameid=20779|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Stats|D=14|M=11|Y=2014}} All Kig-Yar are born gifted with extraordinarily acute senses of sight, hearing, and smell, making them adept as scouts and snipers in the Covenant military.{{Ref/Reuse|H4 Interactive Guide}} The Kig-Yar's natural ability and skill at stealth makes them efficient hunters.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc154|Enc11|Page=154-155}} Exceptionally skilled in precision shooting, Kig-Yar snipers wield beam rifles or Covenant carbines to great effect, eliminating long-range targets that are often hidden from sight.{{Ref/Reuse|H4 Interactive Guide}} Kig-Yar Snipers were often used as lookouts posted on patrol or on sniper perches around Covenant installations and military bases. These lookout positions would be rotated multiple times a day between several Kig-Yar.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]|Pg=165-167}}


Kig-yar snipers often wear headpieces which emit a faint purple glow. This glow can be seen from a distance, thus giving away the sniper's position. On lower difficulties, Kig-yar snipers are commonly seen with Covenant carbines, though snipers armed with beam rifles will still be encountered, albeit less frequently. On higher difficulties, they are more commonly seen to wield the beam rifle. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', a single beam rifle shot on the [[Legendary]] difficulty is instantly fatal, regardless of the hit location. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Jackal snipers wield [[Type-31 Rifle|needle rifles]] and [[Type-52 Special Applications Rifle|focus rifles]] instead of carbines and beam rifles, preventing them from achieving one-hit kills.
===History===
Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], Kig-Yar Snipers continued to serve in [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant]], holding largely the same position that they once did in the Covenant military. Some Kig-Yar Snipers also served as mercenaries in [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]]{{Ref/Comic|Id=esc|HE|Issue=[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|#1]]}} and the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|Detail=campaign gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi|Detail=campaign gameplay}}


The most efficient and effective way to eliminate Kig-yar snipers is by using a long-range weaponry such as the [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Anti-Matériel|sniper rifle]], [[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle|battle rifle]], Covenant carbine, or beam rifle and by firing from afar without having them discovering the player's location. Sidearms with mounted scopes such as the [[M6C/SOCOM]] are also exceptional in killing them, provided that the player aims at the head. Medium-range weaponry such as the [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|plasma rifle]], the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]], and the [[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System|assault rifle]] can suppress the sniper, allowing the player to finish them off with a quick [[melee]]. Also if you get close enough to a sniper and it sees you, it may drop its rifle and flee.
==Equipment==
===Armor===
Kig-Yar Snipers are protected by a moderate amount of armor. They are largely distinguished among their Kig-Yar brethren by their [[Kig-Yar targeting headgear|ocular enhancement helmet]]—targeting headgear that is smart-linked to their weapon of choice, which provides the Kig-Yar Sniper with targeting capabilities including an enhanced zoom that allows the sniper to target hostiles at extreme distances.{{Ref/Reuse|H4 Interactive Guide}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc154}} The helmet comes in at least three varieties; one is mostly used by the Covenant, while the other is most commonly associated with the snipers that serve Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction, and finally, the Banished have their own version.{{Ref/Game|Id=h3|H3|Detail=campaign gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|Detail=campaign gameplay}} Some Kig-Yar Snipers in 'Mdama's Covenant are equipped with [[Type-3 active camouflage]] armor plug-ins for additional stealth.{{Ref/Quest|Id=s1e6|H4|Expansion=Spartan Ops|Chapter=Scattered|Mission=[[Scattered/Search and Destroy|Search and Destroy]]}} The armor donned by the Kig-Yar Sniper class was slightly more protective and covering than the armor worn by other classes of Kig-Yar—in both the original Covenant and 'Mdama's faction. Some snipers wear colored armor to blend in with their surroundings.{{Ref/Level|Id=infinity|H4|[[Infinity (Halo 4 level)|Infinity]]}}{{Ref/Level|Id=requiem|H4|[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]}} Unlike most Kig-Yar, snipers did not equip themselves with [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|personal energy shields]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc154}}
 
===Weaponry===
[[File:H4FUD-JackalSniper-NeedleRifle.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Kig-Yar Sniper wielding a [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|needle rifle]] during the [[Battle of Circinius IV]].]]
Kig-Yar Snipers in service with the Covenant military were armed with a variety of weapons. For long range combat positions, snipers were generally armed with {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}s, {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}s, and {{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}. For medium range encounters, Kig-Yar would be armed with {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}s or {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}s. In the event of a close-quarter encounter, snipers equipped [[Type-25 plasma pistol]]s as a sidearm. Kig-Yar Snipers serving in Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant faction during the [[Battle of Requiem]] and [[Requiem Campaign]] were mostly armed with {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}}s and occasionally {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}s or {{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}}s, in addition to the Type-51 carbine.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} By October [[2558]], snipers in service of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant began to use ''Mosa''-pattern carbines.{{Ref/Game|Id=h5|H5|Detail=campaign gameplay}} Banished Kig-Yar Snipers deployed on [[Installation 07]] in [[2560]] made heavy use of the {{Pattern|Elutuzem|stalker rifle}} during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo|conflict]] on the surface of the ring.{{Ref/Reuse|Hi}}
 
==Gameplay==
Generally, Kig-Yar Snipers are considered as support units to other Covenant forces when engaging an enemy. With their superior accuracy, the Kig-Yar Snipers can eliminate any enemy from a distance with their long range weaponry. They are known to snipe from hard to reach places such as ledges, cliffs, rooftops, [[Covenant watchtower]]s, and occasionally large branches on trees which provide them a wide view of the battleground, and more importantly, conceal their location. Their positions are often easily revealed when they fire their weapons.
 
Kig-Yar Snipers often wear [[Kig-Yar targeting headgear|headpieces]] which emit a faint purple glow. This glow can be seen from a distance, thus giving away the sniper's position. On lower difficulties, Kig-Yar Snipers are commonly seen with [[Vostu-pattern carbine|Covenant carbine]]s, though snipers armed with [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|particle beam rifle]]s will still be encountered, albeit less frequently. On higher difficulties, they are more commonly seen to wield the particle beam rifle. In ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', a single particle beam rifle shot on the [[Legendary]] difficulty will kill the player, regardless of the hit location. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Kig-Yar Snipers wield [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|needle rifle]]s and [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|focus rifle]]s instead of carbines and particle beam rifles, preventing them from achieving one-hit kills. In ''[[Halo 4]]'', Kig-Yar Snipers are nearly always seen with [[Zubo-pattern beam rifle|beam rifles]], with [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s being the primary wielders of carbines. Some snipers also wield [[Type-55 Directed Energy Rifle/Advanced|storm rifles]].
 
The most efficient and effective way to eliminate Kig-Yar Snipers is by using a long-range weapon such as the [[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]], [[BR55HB battle rifle|battle rifle]], Covenant carbine, particle beam rifle, [[Z-250 Directed Energy Engagement Weapon|lightrifle]], or [[Z-750 Special Application Sniper Rifle|binary rifle]] and by firing from afar without them discovering the player's location. Sidearms with mounted scopes such as the [[M6C/SOCOM]] are also exceptional at killing them, provided that the player aims at the head. Medium-range weaponry such as the {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}, the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]], and the [[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System|assault rifle]] can suppress the sniper, allowing the player to finish them off with a quick [[melee]]. Sometimes if the player gets close enough to a sniper and is detected by it, it may drop its rifle and flee. Snipers in ''Halo 4'', however, will almost never flee from melee combat, instead firing their weapon at close range.
 
== Production notes ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Kig-Yar Snipers}}
It is stated on the Bungie site that only battle hardened veterans are selected to become Jackal Snipers. This could suggest that as well as being a special type of rank, Sniper is an elevated rank either for [[Kig-Yar Major]]s, or that the rank exists between [[Kig-Yar Minor]] and Major. However, their duties do not tend to involve commanding other troops.{{citation needed}}


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*In a [[Bungie]] interview, they stated that Jackal snipers in ''Halo 2'' were too dangerous and too accurate. To balance the gameplay, Bungie made the Jackals' aim less accurate in ''Halo 3'' than it was in ''Halo 2''.{{citation needed}}
*In ''Halo 2'', the Kig-Yar Snipers do not wear helmets, instead wearing a silver combat suit.
*In ''Halo 2'', the Jackal snipers do not wear helmets, instead wearing a silver combat suit.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', an upgrade for Kig-Yar anti-infantry units replaces their weapons with [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|particle beam rifle]]s, implying that ''all'' Kig-Yar can become snipers. In addition, these Kig-Yar do not lose the ability to wear the species' trademark [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|energy shield gauntlets]].
*It is stated on the Bungie site that only battle hardened veterans are selected to become Jackal snipers. This could suggest that as well as being a special type of rank, sniper is an elevated rank either for Jackal Majors, or that the rank exists between Minor and Major. However, their duties do not tend to involve commanding other troops.
*In ''Halo 4'', Kig-Yar Snipers can be colored red, orange, blue/grey, or green. In the missions [[Infinity (Halo 4 level)|Infinity]] and [[Requiem (level)|Requiem]], green snipers can blend in with the vegetation if a player is inattentive.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', an upgrade for Jackal anti-infantry units replaces their weapons with particle beam rifles, implying that ''all'' Jackals can become snipers. In addition, these Jackals do not lose the ability to wear the Jackals' trademark [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|energy shield gauntlets]].
*During the level ''[[Sierra 117]]'' in ''Halo 3'', when the difficulty is set to Legendary, the Kig-yar on the ridge that are equipped with carbines on [[Easy]], [[Normal]], and [[Heroic]], will instead be equipped with much more accurate and more powerful beam rifles.
*Kig-yar Snipers appear as hazards on many Firefight maps, such as ''Halo 3: ODST's'' level [[Crater]] (the day version), and in ''Halo: Reach'' on the maps [[Waterfront]] and [[Unearthed]].
*In halo 4 some jackal snipers wear green instead of the normal grey/blue colouration.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Concept art and illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HW_SniperRoost_Concept.jpg|''Halo Wars'' concept art of a Kig-Yar sniper roost.
File:Headhunters - Jungle.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on a scouting outpost on an [[Unidentified moon (Headhunters)|unnamed moon]] in the ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]'' motion comic.
File:Thel Ealen IV.png|[[Thel 'Vadam]] slaying a Kig-Yar Sniper part of [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|a mercenary group]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2''===
<gallery>
File:H2-JackalSniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper standing guard.
File:Jackal_Sniper.JPG|A Kig-Yar Sniper takes aim.
</gallery>
===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:JackalSniper.png|Full-body portrait of a Kig-Yar Sniper.
File:H3_Jackal_Sniper_3.jpg|A close-up of the Kig-Yar Sniper's head gear.
File:H3_Jackal_Sniper_2.jpg|Kig-Yar wielding a {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}.
File:H3 Jackal Sniper.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper wielding a {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}.
File:H3-CovJackalSniper-PBR.jpg|Closeup of a Kig-Yar Sniper aiming a particle beam rifle.
File:1217438061 Jackalsnipers.jpg|Kig-Yar Snipers shooting with their carbines in [[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]].
</gallery>
===''Halo Wars''===
<gallery>
File:HW Jackal.png|Two Kig-Yar Snipers with Vostu-pattern carbines.
File:HW JackalShields.png|Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]s.
File:HW JackalBeamRifles.png|Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry point defense gauntlets and beam rifles.
</gallery>
===''Halo: Reach''===
<gallery>
File:Halo Reach Jackal Sniper.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper onboard ''[[Ardent Prayer]]''.
File:HR JackalSniper NeedleRifle.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper in Firefight.
</gallery>
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H2-JackalSniper.png|In-game view of a Jackal Sniper in ''Halo 2''.
File:H4 profile - JackalSniper.png|Render of a Kig-Yar Sniper.
File:Jackal_Sniper.JPG|Kig-yar snipers as they appear in ''Halo 2''.
File:Kig-Yar in Halo 4.PNG|A Kig-Yar Sniper on Requiem wielding a {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}.
File:JackalSniper.png|Full-body portrait of a Kig-Yar Sniper in ''Halo 3''.
File:H4 JackalSnipersOnGuard.png|A Kig-Yar stationed at an elevated location during the [[Battle of Requiem]].
File:1218738807 Sniper Jackel2.jpg|A close-up of the Jackal sniper's head gear.
File:SO Hacksaw - Sniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper taking aim in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:Carbine Jackal.jpg|Jackals wielding Covenant carbines in the ''Halo 3'' level ''Sierra 117''.
</gallery>
File:1217438061 Jackalsnipers.jpg|Jackal snipers shooting with their carbines in ''Halo 3'' level ''Crow's Nest''.
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
File:Halo Reach Jackal Sniper.jpg|A Jackal sniper as it appears in ''Halo: Reach''.
<gallery>
File:H4 profile - JackalSniper.png|A [[Covenant remnant]] Jackal Sniper using the [[Type-27 Special Application Sniper Rifle|Beam rifle]] in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A Beach - Elite and Jackal.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper with a [[Special Operations Sangheili]].
File:H2A-JackalSniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on Installation 05.
File:H2A-Jackal Sniper.jpg|John-117 targeting Kig-Yar Snipers.
</gallery>
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-Kig-Yar Sniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper with a {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}}.
File:H5G-KigYarSniper.png|Another Kig-Yar sniper on [[Escape from ARC]].
File:H5G-KigYarSniper&T57Bcarbine.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper with a [[Mosa-pattern carbine|T-57B carbine]] on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G-UrbanKigYarSniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on [[Urban]].
File:H2A-JackalSniper.png|A Kig-Yar Sniper on Installation 05.
</gallery>
===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF JackalSniper.png|Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers beside a cliffside on [[Installation 07]].
File:HINF AngryJackal.png|A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper getting spooked by two UNSC Marines in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Unggoy Assault Kig Yar Sniper.png|A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper and an [[Unggoy Assault]] on [[Installation 07]].
File:HINF JackalSniperLightLaser.jpg|A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear projecting a laser.
File:HINF JackalSniperLight.png|A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear emitting a purple glow.
File:HINF Kig-Yar Sniper Front.png|Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers seen from the front.
File:HINF JackalSniperHelmetAntenna.png| Banished Kig-Yar sniper with a headgear that has an antenna on its right side.
File:HINF Banished Kig-Yar Sniper Alt Headgear.png|Kig-Yar snipers with different headgears.
File:HINF Kig-Yar sniper behind.png|A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper seen from the back.
File:HINF CombinedArms KeyArtClean.png|[[Dahks]], a [[Kig-Yar]] sniper assigned to a joint-operations [[Swords of Sanghelios ]] strike-team, with a human [[SRS99-S7 AM sniper rifle|sniper rifle]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' {{c|Motion comic only}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''


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


{{Jackal Ranks}}
{{Kig-Yar Ranks}}


[[Category:Covenant ranks]]
[[Category:Kig-Yar ranks]]

Latest revision as of 20:30, October 9, 2024

Sniper
Ruuhtian
Render of a Kig-Yar sniper in Halo Infinite
Ibie'shan
H5G-Kig-Yar Sniper.png

Function:

Long-range combat, support

Species:

Affiliation:

Other role(s):

Reconnaissance, assassination

 

"The only thing worse than Jackals are Jackals with sniper rifles!"
— Anonymous Marine during the Battle of Mombasa[6]

The Kig-Yar Sniper is a specialized combat role for Kig-Yar in the Covenant and its remnants. They are highly skilled marksmen, though they are not deployed as often as their infantry comrades. Unlike most Kig-Yar, Snipers rarely make use of personal energy shields.[3][7][8][9]

Overview[edit]

Roles and responsibilities[edit]

A Sniper commanding another Sniper and a Kig-Yar Heavy.

Kig-Yar Snipers are generally tasked with roles revolving around long-range combat, sniper support, scouting, and assassinations. Kig-Yar Snipers have served in the Covenant military for centuries. The role of Kig-Yar Snipers has been viewed as critical to achieve success in most groundside engagements. Only battle-hardened veteran Kig-Yar are chosen to become a part of the Sniper class.[10] All Kig-Yar are born gifted with extraordinarily acute senses of sight, hearing, and smell, making them adept as scouts and snipers in the Covenant military.[8] The Kig-Yar's natural ability and skill at stealth makes them efficient hunters.[11] Exceptionally skilled in precision shooting, Kig-Yar snipers wield beam rifles or Covenant carbines to great effect, eliminating long-range targets that are often hidden from sight.[8] Kig-Yar Snipers were often used as lookouts posted on patrol or on sniper perches around Covenant installations and military bases. These lookout positions would be rotated multiple times a day between several Kig-Yar.[12]

History[edit]

Following the Human-Covenant War, Kig-Yar Snipers continued to serve in Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant, holding largely the same position that they once did in the Covenant military. Some Kig-Yar Snipers also served as mercenaries in Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group[5] and the Banished.[13][4]

Equipment[edit]

Armor[edit]

Kig-Yar Snipers are protected by a moderate amount of armor. They are largely distinguished among their Kig-Yar brethren by their ocular enhancement helmet—targeting headgear that is smart-linked to their weapon of choice, which provides the Kig-Yar Sniper with targeting capabilities including an enhanced zoom that allows the sniper to target hostiles at extreme distances.[8][11] The helmet comes in at least three varieties; one is mostly used by the Covenant, while the other is most commonly associated with the snipers that serve Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction, and finally, the Banished have their own version.[14][1] Some Kig-Yar Snipers in 'Mdama's Covenant are equipped with Type-3 active camouflage armor plug-ins for additional stealth.[15] The armor donned by the Kig-Yar Sniper class was slightly more protective and covering than the armor worn by other classes of Kig-Yar—in both the original Covenant and 'Mdama's faction. Some snipers wear colored armor to blend in with their surroundings.[16][17] Unlike most Kig-Yar, snipers did not equip themselves with personal energy shields.[11]

Weaponry[edit]

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn screenshot
A Kig-Yar Sniper wielding a needle rifle during the Battle of Circinius IV.

Kig-Yar Snipers in service with the Covenant military were armed with a variety of weapons. For long range combat positions, snipers were generally armed with Gadulo-pattern needle rifles, Sulok-pattern beam rifles, and M'tara-pattern focus rifle. For medium range encounters, Kig-Yar would be armed with Vostu-pattern carbines or Mosa-pattern carbines. In the event of a close-quarter encounter, snipers equipped Type-25 plasma pistols as a sidearm. Kig-Yar Snipers serving in Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant faction during the Battle of Requiem and Requiem Campaign were mostly armed with Zubo-pattern beam rifles and occasionally Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifles or Elo'Nakada-pattern concussion rifles, in addition to the Type-51 carbine.[1] By October 2558, snipers in service of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant began to use Mosa-pattern carbines.[18] Banished Kig-Yar Snipers deployed on Installation 07 in 2560 made heavy use of the Elutuzem-pattern stalker rifle during the conflict on the surface of the ring.[4]

Gameplay[edit]

Generally, Kig-Yar Snipers are considered as support units to other Covenant forces when engaging an enemy. With their superior accuracy, the Kig-Yar Snipers can eliminate any enemy from a distance with their long range weaponry. They are known to snipe from hard to reach places such as ledges, cliffs, rooftops, Covenant watchtowers, and occasionally large branches on trees which provide them a wide view of the battleground, and more importantly, conceal their location. Their positions are often easily revealed when they fire their weapons.

Kig-Yar Snipers often wear headpieces which emit a faint purple glow. This glow can be seen from a distance, thus giving away the sniper's position. On lower difficulties, Kig-Yar Snipers are commonly seen with Covenant carbines, though snipers armed with particle beam rifles will still be encountered, albeit less frequently. On higher difficulties, they are more commonly seen to wield the particle beam rifle. In Halo 2 and Halo 3, a single particle beam rifle shot on the Legendary difficulty will kill the player, regardless of the hit location. In Halo: Reach, Kig-Yar Snipers wield needle rifles and focus rifles instead of carbines and particle beam rifles, preventing them from achieving one-hit kills. In Halo 4, Kig-Yar Snipers are nearly always seen with beam rifles, with Kig-Yar Rangers being the primary wielders of carbines. Some snipers also wield storm rifles.

The most efficient and effective way to eliminate Kig-Yar Snipers is by using a long-range weapon such as the sniper rifle, battle rifle, Covenant carbine, particle beam rifle, lightrifle, or binary rifle and by firing from afar without them discovering the player's location. Sidearms with mounted scopes such as the M6C/SOCOM are also exceptional at killing them, provided that the player aims at the head. Medium-range weaponry such as the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle, the SMG, and the assault rifle can suppress the sniper, allowing the player to finish them off with a quick melee. Sometimes if the player gets close enough to a sniper and is detected by it, it may drop its rifle and flee. Snipers in Halo 4, however, will almost never flee from melee combat, instead firing their weapon at close range.

Production notes[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

It is stated on the Bungie site that only battle hardened veterans are selected to become Jackal Snipers. This could suggest that as well as being a special type of rank, Sniper is an elevated rank either for Kig-Yar Majors, or that the rank exists between Kig-Yar Minor and Major. However, their duties do not tend to involve commanding other troops.[citation needed]

Trivia[edit]

  • In Halo 2, the Kig-Yar Snipers do not wear helmets, instead wearing a silver combat suit.
  • In Halo Wars, an upgrade for Kig-Yar anti-infantry units replaces their weapons with particle beam rifles, implying that all Kig-Yar can become snipers. In addition, these Kig-Yar do not lose the ability to wear the species' trademark energy shield gauntlets.
  • In Halo 4, Kig-Yar Snipers can be colored red, orange, blue/grey, or green. In the missions Infinity and Requiem, green snipers can blend in with the vegetation if a player is inattentive.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art and illustrations[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper standing guard.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper standing guard.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper takes aim.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper takes aim.

Halo 3[edit]

  • Full-body portrait of a Kig-Yar Sniper.

    Full-body portrait of a Kig-Yar Sniper.

  • A close-up of the Kig-Yar Sniper's head gear.

    A close-up of the Kig-Yar Sniper's head gear.

  • Kig-Yar wielding a Vostu-pattern carbine.

    Kig-Yar wielding a Vostu-pattern carbine.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper wielding a Sulok-pattern beam rifle.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper wielding a Sulok-pattern beam rifle.

  • Closeup of a Kig-Yar Sniper aiming a particle beam rifle.

    Closeup of a Kig-Yar Sniper aiming a particle beam rifle.

  • Kig-Yar Snipers shooting with their carbines in Crow's Nest.

    Kig-Yar Snipers shooting with their carbines in Crow's Nest.

Halo Wars[edit]

  • Two Kig-Yar Snipers with Vostu-pattern carbines.

    Two Kig-Yar Snipers with Vostu-pattern carbines.

  • Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.

    Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.

  • Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry point defense gauntlets and beam rifles.

    Two Kig-Yar Snipers upgraded to carry point defense gauntlets and beam rifles.

Halo: Reach[edit]

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper onboard Ardent Prayer.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper onboard Ardent Prayer.

  • A Kig-Yar Sniper in Firefight.

    A Kig-Yar Sniper in Firefight.

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo Infinite[edit]

  • Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers beside a cliffside on Installation 07.

    Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers beside a cliffside on Installation 07.

  • A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper getting spooked by two UNSC Marines in Halo Infinite.

    A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper getting spooked by two UNSC Marines in Halo Infinite.

  • A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper and an Unggoy Assault on Installation 07.

    A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper and an Unggoy Assault on Installation 07.

  • A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear projecting a laser.

    A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear projecting a laser.

  • A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear emitting a purple glow.

    A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper's headgear emitting a purple glow.

  • Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers seen from the front.

    Two Banished Kig-Yar Snipers seen from the front.

  • Banished Kig-Yar sniper with a headgear that has an antenna on its right side.

    Banished Kig-Yar sniper with a headgear that has an antenna on its right side.

  • Kig-Yar snipers with different headgears.

    Kig-Yar snipers with different headgears.

  • A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper seen from the back.

    A Banished Kig-Yar Sniper seen from the back.

  • Dahks, a Kig-Yar sniper assigned to a joint-operations Swords of Sanghelios strike-team, with a human sniper rifle.

    Dahks, a Kig-Yar sniper assigned to a joint-operations Swords of Sanghelios strike-team, with a human sniper rifle.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo 4: campaign gameplay
  2. ^ Halo 2: campaign gameplay
  3. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 146-147
  4. ^ a b c Halo Infinite: campaign gameplay
  5. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, issue #1
  6. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Outskirts
  7. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 100
  8. ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide (Retrieved on Nov 1, 2012) [archive]
  9. ^ Halo 4: Official Game Guide, page 52: Collector's Edition
  10. ^ Bungie.net, Stats (Retrieved on Nov 14, 2014) [archive]
  11. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 154-155
  12. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Headhunters, page 165-167
  13. ^ Halo Wars 2: campaign gameplay
  14. ^ Halo 3: campaign gameplay
  15. ^ Halo 4 - Spartan Ops, campaign mission Scattered: Search and Destroy
  16. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Infinity
  17. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Requiem
  18. ^ Halo 5: Guardians: campaign gameplay

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Kig-Yar ranks
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