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{{Era|Forerunner|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{References}}
{{Disambig header|the general term|the specific Flood form commonly referred to as a combat form|Flood attacker form}}
{{Flood Species Infobox
{{Flood infobox
|name=Combat form
|name=Combat form
|image=[[File:1195430022 100.jpg|350px]]
|image=[[File:H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png|350px]]<br>Several variations of combat form
|height=Varies on host
|height=Varies depending on type and host species.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
|distinctions=Host body covered with greenish-gray decaying skin and armed with mutated appendages. The host's head is pushed aside to make room for the [[Flood infection form|infection form]].
|distinctions=
|species=*[[Human]]
|attacks=Lunging at enemies with claws and whip-like tendrils, biting, and/or firing infectious barbs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
*[[Sangheili]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Unggoy]]
*[[Kig-Yar]]
*[[Forerunner]]
|attacks=Lunging at a victim, whipping with appendages and using held weapon
|notable=
|notable=
*[[Bero 'Kusovai]]
*[[Flood attacker form|Attacker form]]
*[[Wallace A. Jenkins]]
*[[Flood thrasher form|Thrasher form]]
*[[Manuel Mendoza]]
*[[Flood swarm|Swarm form]]
*[[Jacob Keyes]]
|notable-title=Notable types
}}
}}
A '''Flood combat form'''<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 225'' (''"The first of these '''combat forms''' he'd seen had once been Elites."'')</ref> is the product of [[Flood Super Cell]]s, typically via an [[Flood infection form|infection form]], infecting a [[Sentience|sentient]] host organism. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection.
 
The '''Flood combat form''' is the primary form used by the [[Flood]] to overwhelm and decimate surviving populations, and one of the most common forms found in [[Feral Stage|early stages]] of a Flood outbreak. Combat forms can be created using either sapient or non-sapient hosts infected via means of the [[Flood Super Cell]], typically by a [[pod infector]]. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection. The most common variation of combat form is the [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P408|Enc22|Page=408}}


==Pathology==
==Pathology==
When an infection form successfully enters a host body, it takes over the organism's nervous system and mutates its body using [[LF.Xx.3273 Flood Super Cell|Flood Super Cells]];<ref name="bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> inhalation of [[Flood spore|spores]] can have the same effect. During the infection process, the host's internal organs are broken down, and the resultant nutrient stockpile is used to develop the tentacles, claws and various other appendages and apparatuses. Combat forms can spread the Super Cell merely through wounding a victim, though such infection may progress gradually.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''' - ''The Mona Lisa''</ref> If the combat form is infected by an infection form, it maintains the infection form's red sensory appendages as an impromptu central nervous system until the host has been completely assimilated.<ref name="wp flood">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/flood '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Flood'']</ref>
===Infection and creation===
Combat forms are typically created when a [[pod infector]] is successfully able to enter a host's body, though this is not the only vector by which hosts can be infected.{{Ref/Site|Id=Universe|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/flood|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Flood}} Flood outbreaks can often be caused by [[Flood spore|spores]] or other microbiological vectors entering the host body,{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} or by contact with other forms that include Flood [[Seeder infector|Seeder]]s or [[Flood infester form|Infester]]s.{{Ref/Game|Id=ATN|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]}} In more advanced stages of infection, the need for specific [[infection form]]s is decreased as the Flood-infected area converts to a [[Blightlands|Blightland]] or [[Flood hive]]. By this point, the Flood presence makes up the majority of the terrain in the area, making contact with the Flood Super Cell and the naturally-generated spores an inevitability. Some Flood structures such as the "[[Flood launcher|launcher]]" specialize in firing clouds of spores at uninfected forces, causing them to succumb to the infection without any kind of infection form involved.{{Ref/Game|HW|Flood Launcher in-game unit}}


Both living and deceased hosts can be infected, although the infection process is inherently fatal to living hosts. If the host is still living when initially infected, or at the very least has not suffered somatic brain cell death, the Flood is able to retrieve comparatively vast quantities of information from the host's memory, ranging from muscle memory to specific coordinates, access codes, flight protocols, etc.<ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''</ref> Once it has total control over the host's corpse, the infection form changes the physiology of the body to better suit its own needs. As combat forms retain most of the host's abilities they are able to utilize their host's weapons and vehicles, albeit with less finesse.
As Flood forms, including the combat form, naturally produce the Flood Super Cell (FSC), even being in contact with one can result in infection for an unprotected potential host. Given the combat forms' preference for melee combat, this makes even non-fatal strikes a death sentence, though such infections may progress slowly.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=MonaLisa|Evo|[[The Mona Lisa]]}} However, infection by spore inhalation or infection form is extremely quick, with a host succumbing often in as little as a few seconds.


On rare occasions, weak or damaged infection forms cannot properly take over a host, allowing the host to survive, even retaining some control and consciousness, as in the case of [[Private First Class]] [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Wallace Jenkins]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''pages 171-176, 273-276''</ref>
When conventionally infected by a pod infector, the infector latches onto the host and dig into the host's flesh with a razor-sharp barb-like appendage, injecting the FSC and proceeding to burrow themselves within the host. Typically, the pod infector makes its home within the chest cavity of the host life form, though depending on circumstance this is not always the case. Depending on the host in question, the pod infector will dislodge the host's bones and organs to make room for itself, resulting in extreme disfiguration such as dislocating the host's jaw{{Ref/Game|Id=H2AMP|H2A|[[Infection]] game mode}} or, in the case of infected [[Sangheili]], completely snapping the neck. This process can be performed on living or recently-deceased hosts, though often results in the "death" of a living host prior to their re-animation once the FSC takes hold.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} Some hosts may be attacked and infected by multiple pod infectors.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Even if the infection form is removed, the injection of FSC into the generated wounds results in those wounds becoming spore-filled blisters, and the host cannot be saved from infection.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfectionForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infection Forms}}


In the initial stage of a Flood outbreak, the [[Feral Stage]], combat forms communicate using pheromones and have one instinctual behavior: to secure new hosts to strengthen the local [[Proto-Gravemind|controlling intelligence]]. It is to be noted that a group of Flood will occasionally go after [[Sentinel]]s if they are perceived to be the greatest threat in an area, even though Sentinels are unable to be infected by the Flood due to their inorganic nature.
Once infected, the super cell begins to consume and convert sections of the host body, creating growths and new appendages of new super cell. As this process occurs, bodies take on the appearance and smell of decay.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Flood10|TF|Chapter=10}} With sapient hosts, some limbs and sensory organs are preserved in the transformation, and are used to operate tools, equipment, weapons, vehicles, and even ships.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Infection forms will often augment a host's body to better serve as a living weapon, and damage taken during fighting and infection can be repaired by the controlling infection form, though the combat form is ultimately disposable.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLCombatForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Combat Forms}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Any damage that the combat form receives ultimately creates more vectors of infection as the chunks of infected flesh it leaves behind are scattered throughout the environment.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} The Flood Super Cell is able to arrange itself to mimic any organ needed to keep the host working,{{Ref/Game|Id=Bestiarum|H3|[[Bestiarum]]}} while other internal organs are replaced with accretions that function as support lattices containing a sickly green liquid full of spores in suspension. Spore-filled polyps also often cover the exterior of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Even once the FSC has taken control of the victim, the controlling infection form can often be seen buried within the victim, with the infection form's red sensory appendages poking out of the flesh. Until the body is completely subsumed by super cell growth, these appendages are maintained as an impromptu central nervous system.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Some combat form super cell growths take on a more chitinous nature, akin to armor plating, helping protect the combat form from enemy attacks.{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4|[[Flood (gametype)|Flood]] gametype}}
Once a sufficient store of biomass is available the Flood enters the [[Coordinated Stage]], and begins forming [[Flood pure form|pure form]] Flood, with the combat forms being used either as defensive units or [[calcium]]/biomass reserves.


Flood infection is a rapid and efficient biological process, as it can take under a minute in certain cases.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref> Infected hosts are rapidly digested while being converted, which leaves the host severely ravaged and decayed, much like a corpse that had been exhumed a few weeks after its burial.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 220''</ref> Over time, the combat form begins to generate new infection forms in its back, transforming it into a [[Flood carrier form|carrier form]] once it has outlived its combat utility.<ref name="wp flood"/><ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 47''</ref>
With sapient hosts, the victim may still attempt to cry out from what remains of its mouth and throat even while being controlled, though it is also possible for the infection form to do so using the host's thoughts and memories as a psychological weapon.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfected|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infected}} In extremely rare circumstances, a victim may remain fully aware of their present status, unable to do much but watch as their body is controlled by an outside force.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}


==Types of combat forms==
===Capabilities===
Virtually any creature can be infected to become a combat form, but the most frequently-used hosts are [[Sangheili]], [[human]]s and [[Jiralhanae]]. [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]] can be used as combat forms, but this is uncommon due to their weaker body structure. A small number of species are known to be immune to conversion, including the [[Mgalekgolo]]/[[Lekgolo]] (which are composed of boneless worms and are only sentient as a collective), the [[Yanme'e]], whose exoskeleton lacks the required amount of calcium which renders infection impossible, and the [[Huragok]] which is an artificial organism, and therefore believed to be immune.  
The infection form controlling a host body does not feel pain or fear, though the host is able to feel the physical effect of attacks rendered upon it.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In extreme cases, the infection form will resort to self-mutilation of the host body if it needs to, such as breaking its own arms to use the snapped bone as an improvised weapon. However, the pain inflicted on the host body may also weaken the controlling infection form, provided that it was old and weak prior to infecting the host.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Combat forms are reliant on their infection form for all bodily and motor functions, and shooting the infection form will "kill" the combat form, though the body can be re-reanimated if another infection form is able to reach it. As a result, a combat form can be resurrected as many times as is needed, provided the body is still intact enough to be a viable host. To properly kill a combat form, it must be dismembered or disfigured to the point at which it is no longer a suitable host body for an infection form.{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}}


All victims of the Flood's infection, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. The host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which will serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the Infection form now serves as the host's "brain", the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.<ref group="notes">In ''Halo 3'', the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the infection form will force itself out of the host's chest.</ref>
When a sapient host is infected and made into an [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]], the infection form is able to absorb all of the host's knowledge and memories. As a result, attacker forms are capable of operating firearms, driving vehicles, operating tools and even starships.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In the case of the ''[[Infinite Succor]]''{{'}}s [[Skirmish on Infinite Succor|infection]], infected warriors were able to set up patrols of the ship's corridors to guard the [[Proto-Gravemind]] growing in the ship.{{Ref/Comic|Id=Succor|HGN|Detail=[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]}} The Flood's possession of an individual's body allows it to speak with the host's tongue.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Succor}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}} This memory-absorption extends critical knowledge such as command codes or colony locations. As such, when critical personnel are infected, they are contributed to the construction of a [[Gravemind]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Keyes|HCE|Keyes}}


===Human form===
Attacker combat forms use their whip or scythe-like growths to attack their opponents in melee combat, and are capable of performing feats that their hosts previously could not, such as leaping large distances to cover ground. Even if a melee strike is not fatal, the imparted Flood Super Cell is enough to ensure the target's infection and death.{{Ref/Reuse|MonaLisa}} As the infection forms do not feel pain, combat forms are undeterred by enemy attacks and will not stop until they are destroyed, or their enemy is killed. Ballistic weapons are notably less effective against some combat forms because of this, with [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]] rounds passing through combat forms with virtually no effect.{{Ref/Game|HCE|Gameplay}} Targeted shots against the limbs and embedded infection form are effective ways of dispatching combat forms.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=172-175}}
[[File:Humanflood.png|right|200px|thumb|A human combat form]]
The human combat form is significantly smaller than other forms due to their hosts' smaller stature. As with other combat forms, it is capable of sustaining massive physical damage before being unusable to the Flood. Although it cannot take as much damage as the Sangheili combat form, the human form has some advantages, being more agile, harder to hit due to its small size, and quicker to melee an opponent. The head of the combat form is pushed to the right side of the body to make room for the infection form.
{{Clear}}


====Spartan form<ref group="notes">No actual examples of Flood-infected Spartans are known to exist. The UNSC ''Infinity'''s combat training deck featured simulations of Spartan-IV combat forms, which may have been based on conjecture or on information from actual encounters.</ref>====
===Role within the Flood===
[[File:Halo 4 Flood concept art 2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A [[SPARTAN-IV]] combat form]]
Combat forms make up the majority of the Flood's combatant forces, particularly in the [[Feral Stage]] of the parasite's development in which it has yet to acquire enough raw biomass for the creation of a [[Gravemind]] or [[Flood pure form|pure forms]]. During this stage, combat forms are not centrally controlled, and will begin to gather bodies for conversion into more Flood forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Keyes}} If a location cannot be immediately secured, multiple combat forms may merge to create the [[Flood Juggernaut|Juggernaut]] and [[Abomination]] keymind forms, able to direct local forces in the area until a permanent presence can be established.
Flood-infected Spartans bear several differences from standard human combat forms. The right arm is converted into a pincer-like, bladed appendage, and the left leg sustains similarly drastic mutations. Exposed parts of the body are covered with what appear to be calcareous plates, and red "muscle" tissue can be seen in the gaps between plates. A large hump or tumor-like growth on the back is apparent, perhaps serving to shield the infection form. Perhaps because of the obstructing bodysuit, the typical Flood sensory tentacles do not protrude from the chest cavity. The form appears to retain more of its original silhouette than typical combat forms. Although most of the Spartan's armor is discarded, the components responsible for generating the energy shield are retained.  


===Sangheili form===
When a local biosphere has been completely assimilated into the Flood, typically once the Flood has entered the [[Coordinated Stage]], combat forms cannot be created anymore due to a lack of viable hosts. Due to this, the Flood moves onto breaking down raw biomass into Flood Super Cell, thereby creating [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] of wholly Flood biomass. Once the number of pure forms reaches a sufficient equilibrium, combat forms are relegated to defensive roles or added to the hive's raw biomass and [[calcium]] reserves.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Otherwise, aging or damaged combat forms are turned into [[Flood carrier form|carrier form]]s, growing infection forms within a large, bulbous mass on their back.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P409|Enc22|Page=409}}
[[File:Eliteflood.png|thumb|200px|right|A Sangheili combat form]]
The Sangheili combat form is agile, resilient, and capable of utilizing its host's armor abilities such as [[active camouflage]] and [[Energy shielding|energy shields]] to assist them in combat. The Sangheili combat forms are slightly larger than the human form and as such present a larger target. The head of the combat form is typically slung over the right shoulder, the neck bones having been "liquefied" during infection.
{{Clear}}


===Jiralhanae form===
==Types of combat forms==
[[File:BruteFloodCombatForm.png|thumb|right|200px|A Jiralhanae combat form]]
Virtually any creature with sufficiently complex nervous systems can be infected and made a combat form, but the most commonly-seen hosts are those of sapient species such as [[human]]s, [[Sangheili]], and [[Jiralhanae]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}} [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Unggoy]] can also be made into combat forms, though are seemingly more rare.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} Sapient hosts such as these are generally made into the most basic version of combat form, simply known as an attacker form.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Non-sapient animals can also be made into combat forms provided they have sufficient calcium reserves and neuro-complexity.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
The [[Jiralhanae]] combat form is a formidable enemy and is more aggressive in combat than other combat forms, as it will charge towards an opponent recklessly; this behavior is most likely a holdover from the Jiralhanae's savage nature and preference for close combat. The Jiralhanae form is more powerful than the human form, but falls short against the Sangheili form. It is bulkier and slower than other combat forms. Since a Jiralhanae cannot be infected until their [[Jiralhanae power armor|power armor]] is destroyed, the Jiralhanae form cannot make use of their host's armor abilities. Unlike the Sangheili or human combat form, where the infection form burrows into the left side of the chest of its victim, the infection form apparently burrows into the mouth of a Jiralhanae, pushing the lower jaw and rest of the head apart to fit into the body.
{{Clear}}


===Unggoy and Kig-Yar combat forms===
All victims of infection via pod infector, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. In the case of attacker combat forms, the host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the pod infector now serves as the host's "brain," the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.{{Ref/Game|Id=H3Gameplay|H3|Gameplay}}<ref group="notes">In ''Halo 3'', the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the pod infector will force itself out of the host's chest.</ref>
These forms do not appear in the trilogy and are instead introduced in ''Halo Wars''.<ref group="notes"> While no canon source ever ''denied'' it was possible for Unggoy or Kig-Yar to be converted, it was thought that they were unsuitable for conversion due to their small size and an assumed lack of sufficient calcium stores. Instead of using Unggoy and Kig-yar as combat forms, the Flood typically used them as a type of 'nucleus' that a Carrier Form would grow around. The two species had originally been intended by Bungie to become Combat Forms, but limitations in resources and staff at the time of the formative years of the franchise led to the introduction into the fiction of the Unggoy's and Kig-yar's supposed unsuitable status as combat forms. They would also serve as building blocks for a Gravemind. It wasn't until the release of ''Halo Wars'' that they were formally implemented in-game.</ref> Rarely seen in actual combat situations, infected Unggoy and Kig-Yar are more commonly converted into carrier forms or processed for their biomass. These "building blocks" can be used to add to a Gravemind's superstructure or be molded into Flood pure forms.


Unggoy and Kig-Yar combat forms have only been witnessed in the [[Battle of Shield 0459|first recorded contact]] between the Covenant and the Flood.
===Attacker===
{{Main|Flood attacker form}}
The most common and basic combat form is the attacker. These forms are created solely from sapient hosts bent to the Flood's will. As the parasite takes over their thoughts and memories, it uses this information to allow the attacker to use weapons, equipment, and vehicles to further the Flood's reach and overall threat level. Given the intelligence of the host, occasionally the victims can manage a whisper pleading for mercy or simply cries of pain. However, the parasite will more often speak on their behalf using their stolen thoughts to terrorize both the host and any nearby survivors.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Potential hosts used for attackers include humans, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} and Forerunners.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''[[Defender of the Storm]]'', ''page 231''</ref>


==Anti-Flood countermeasures==
<gallery>
*Combat forms can take extensive and sizable amounts of damage before being neutralized. Arms, legs and even heads can be dismembered before they are incapacitated. The weak areas of a combat form are its sensory appendages that normally develop on the upper chest. This is where the Infection Form has nestled, and the body is incapacitated if this area is destroyed by a projectile weapon.
File:Anniversary, FloodCombatForm.jpg|A human attacker form.
File:H4-FloodCombatForm-Spartan.png|A [[Spartan-IV]] attacker form.
File:H2A-InfectedSpartan.png|A Spartan-II attacker form.
File:FCFelite.jpg|A Sangheili attacker form.
File:HW2-Unleashed.png|A Jiralhanae attacker form.
File:Kig-Yar_Combat_Form.png|A Kig-Yar attacker form.
File:HW2 - Flood Unggoy form.jpg|An Unggoy attacker form.
</gallery>


*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a combat form may fall only to stand up again and keep fighting. This can only happen if it is not damaged enough. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', if the body is not destroyed, combat forms can be revived if another Infection Form crawls into it.
===Thrasher===
{{Main|Flood thrasher form}}
Thrashers are a hulking, vicious variant of combat form created through the infection of certain non-sapient animals with sufficient neuro-complexity. Limited in intellect compared to attackers, thrashers are used as simple weapons in early stages of Flood infiltration and expansion. They have whip-like barbed tentacles and toothy maws suited to gorging on the flesh that fuels their violent rampage. Bearing resemblance to [[Flood tank form|some]] [[Flood pure form|pure form]]s, thrashers are primarily employed to defend existing Flood hives.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}


*Human weapons are generally more effective against the Flood, as Covenant plasma weaponry is designed to debilitate targets by causing burning pain and structural damage to bodies, and the Flood cannot feel pain or be crippled.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''' - ''[[The Mona Lisa]]''</ref> However, In ''Halo 3'', plasma-based weaponry and melee attacks, formerly weak against the combat forms in the previous two games, are now highly effective. Piercing weapons such as the [[Sniper rifle|Sniper Rifle]] and the [[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System|Beam Rifle]] have little effect on combat forms, as both are designed to cause damage to internal organs, which the combat form does not require. At a distance, explosive ordnance such as grenades, rockets, and fuel rod gun projectiles, and ranged weapons such as the [[Battle rifle|Battle Rifle]] or the [[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant Carbine]] can perform well against combat forms. Do note that Plasma and Spike grenades should be used with caution, as the combat form will sometimes ignore all other targets and charge players using such weapons at high speed. The [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]] can be devastating, as the supercombine explosion will prevent it coming back to life in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', and will shatter it in ''Halo 2'' and ''3''. In addition, the Needler's explosions will destroy an entire horde of charging Flood combat forms, similar to grenades and rocket launchers, minus the chance of self-injury. For ranged weapons, it is recommended for players to focus their fire at the sensory appendages that are visible on combat forms as successfully firing at one will immediately bring down a combat form. Dismemberment with ranged weapons is also recommended to prevent combat forms from firing their held weapons. At close combat, it is recommended that individuals acquire close-quarters weapons such as the Shotgun, Energy Sword and Gravity Hammer as they perform exceptionally well against Combat Forms. The melee attacks from the Brute Shot and Spiker will also do impressively well, no doubt due to the large bayonets that each weapon possesses. Burning combat forms with sufficient amounts of heat (such as that generated by the Sentinel Beam) is one of the most effective methods in any situation, as is the destruction of the torso. Automatic weapons are also effective, though ammo inefficient (it can take up to an entire magazine of assault rifle ammunition to kill a single combat form).
<gallery>
 
File:FloodThrasher 1.png|A model of a thrasher form.
==Trivia==
File:HW thrashersrunning2.jpg|Several thrasher forms on [[Trove]].
===General===
File:Enc22 Thrasher.png|A thrasher form in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
* In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', combat forms will not disintegrate from successive melee hits when they are dead like in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''.
</gallery>
* In ''Halo 2'', all combat forms are also capable of driving and boarding vehicles and are able to do so in ''Halo 3'', though the ability to drive vehicles is lost. They still retain the ability to board slow moving vehicles however.
* In ''Halo 2'', all of the Sangheili forms encountered use one armor palette; the [[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] [[Sangheili combat harness|Combat Harness]]. In ''Halo 3'' however, the Sangheili Forms will retain its host's armor palette. Strength of each Sangheili Form will be dependent on the ranks of its host; an infected [[Sangheili Major]] will be considerably harder to kill than a [[Sangheili Minor]]. Killing a Sangheili combat form is easier than a human combat form, a shot from a Carbine or Battle Rifle will take one down immediately.
* Flood combat forms seem to take on physiological and biological changes throughout the Halo trilogy; these changes from game to game could be due to the Gravemind's influence in attempting to create a better Flood soldier or they could simply be graphical updates.
* In all of the ''Halo'' games, Flood combat forms always hold certain two-handed weapons with one hand, and can actually reload them without doing a reload animation. These weapons include the [[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|Shotgun]], the [[M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon|Rocket Launcher]], the [[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System|Assault Rifle]] and others. They can also use the [[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System|Magnum]] with one hand and reload it without doing any animation for it.
 
===Halo: Combat Evolved===
*Combat forms will run towards the player when armed. Both human combat forms and Sangheili combat forms will berserk when they have their arm that holds a gun shot off and will rush the player. Combat Forms that are unarmed will rush the player by default.
*Elite combat forms can have their head and arms shot off while human combat forms can have their head, arms and chest cavity shot off.
*In the campaign level [[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]], if you stand on a [[light bridge]], the Flood combat forms will leap onto the bridge and get stuck. They will only be able to move by jumping at you.
*If you shoot both arms off a combat form in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' it will not be able to attack you and will simply follow you around. Players have dubbed this instance as creating a ''"[[Flood Friends|Flood Buddy]]"''.
*This is the only game in which an infection form cannot revive a dead combat form; instead they may just get back up.
 
===Halo 2===
*When using the Grunt Birthday Party skull against the Flood in ''Halo 2'', the effect of the skull will cause the plasma grenade explosion to occur when you shoot the combat form in the chest, where the Infection Form is.
*Reflecting their enhanced intelligence, human combat forms still wear the armor they had on when they first transformed making it significantly harder to shoot the infection form in their chest. Elite forms can now also have shields which recharge over time. Once the shield is taken, though, they are very easy to incapacitate.
*The combat form's performance in close quarters combat has improved. They can now bite and headbutt enemies if both arms are removed, they will kick enemies if their head and arms are removed.
*The combat form can sprint towards enemies at a distance (unable to shoot while sprinting).
*In ''Halo 2'', a combat form will explode if both of its arms are shot off.


===Halo 3===
===Swarm===
* The Combat Form can pick up any weapon should it be near them when they "resurrect". They will also pick up two handed weapons such as the [[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon|Plasma Cannon]] and [[M7057/Defoliant Projector|Flamethrower]] if close by. Like other weapons, they will wield it with only one hand.
{{Main|Flood swarm}}
*Probably to prevent the player from getting a big combat advantage from Jiralhanae combat forms during the brief time they are allies in [[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]], or perhaps to prevent enemy Flood combat forms from overwhelming the player, weapons that would normally be picked up when a Jiralhanae combat form "resurrects" are deleted by the game's code, rendering them unusable.
Swarm forms are flying combat forms made via the infection of certain non-sapient avian predators with sufficient calcium reserves and resilient neurosystems. Despite their large size, swarm forms are remarkably swift and capable of performing coordinated attacks from the air with others of their kind. In addition to their sharp talons and teeth, swarm forms can fire infectious barbed projectiles at enemies.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
* An infected Jiralhanae Chieftain will turn into the generic Jiralhanae combat form character model, which is used for all Jiralhanae that become infected, regardless of rank or armor type. This is a pattern shown throughout the games; Combat Forms are all portrayed with a singular generic character model, depending on the species that is infected.
* Regardless of gender, an infected [[human]] Flood becomes a male combat form. There are no variations between an infected male or female Marine, because there is only one character model for a Human Combat Form in the game.
* Combat forms are capable of speech in an echoing voice. They usually speak for the [[Gravemind]] or quote their host.
* ''Halo 3'' is the only game in which a combat form can be killed instantly by meleeing them with something other than a [[Energy Sword]], [[Gravity Hammer]] or [[Brute Shot]].


===Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary===
*Human combat forms receive a graphical update while Elite combat forms appear to be using the models from ''Halo 3''. This is most noticeable at the legs, which do not end with ''Halo: Reach''-styled feet. Additionally, all the Elite combat forms appear to be Ultras.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Flood combat forms}}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Grunt Concept.jpg|Early concept art of an [[Unggoy]] combat form.
File:HW FloodSwarm Concept.jpg|A swarm form.
File:FloodBase-Marine.jpg|Concept art of a human combat form for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW FloodSwarmForm 1.png|Another view of a swarm form.
File:HGN-FloodCombatForm.jpg|Two [[human]] combat forms in ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'': ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''.
File:Elite Flood Combat Form (Very Angry).jpg|A [[Sangheili]] combat form in the ''Halo Graphic Novel''.
File:Flood.jpg|A human combat form action figure.
File:Warrior Form Human2.png|A human combat form from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:Warrior Form Covie2.png|A Sangheili combat form from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Flood human form.jpg|A human combat form in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:FloodWeaponless05.jpg|A Sangheili combat form from ''Halo 2''.
File:1216051647 Infected.jpg|A Marine undergoing the reanimation process after getting infected by an Infection form in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Flood Marine 01-horz.jpg|A Marine killed mid-transformation.
File:CEAhumancombat.png|A human combat form in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:FCFelite.jpg|A Sangheili combat form in ''Halo 3''.
File:FloodFaces-large.jpg|A Jiralhanae combat form and a human combat form in ''Halo 3''.
File:H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png|A horde of combat form onboard the [[prison ship]] ''[[Mona Lisa]]''.
File:Anniversary, FloodCombatForm.jpg|A human combat form in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'''s [[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]].
File:HCE Human Flood Combat Form.png|In-game view of a human Flood combat form in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2 Human Flood Combat Form.png|Human Flood combat form in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Elite Flood Combat Form.png|Sangheili Flood combat form in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3-BruteFloodCombatForm.jpg|Jiralhanae Flood combat form in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3 51016200 Full.jpg|Human Flood combat form in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3 61026908 Full.jpg|Elite Flood combat form wielding a fuel rod gun in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 - Sangheili Major combat form.jpg|A Sangheili Major combat form.
File:H4-MP-Flood-Complex.jpg|Spartan combat forms in the ''Halo 4'' [[Flood (gametype)|Flood gametype]].
File:H4-FloodCombatForm-Spartan.png|Detail view of the Spartan Flood combat form.
File:H4 Flood Claw.jpg|Render of the SPARTAN-IV combat forms' claw.
File:H4 Combat form concept.jpg|Concept art of a combat form in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Production notes==
Prior to the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', all human, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy combat forms were simply referred to as combat forms. While the Encyclopedia does not dispute this, it further clarified that these kinds of Flood forms are all part of the "[[Flood attacker form|attacker]]" subset of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 146: Line 93:
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{MCCo}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
Line 151: Line 99:
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{C|Simulation-only}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 4|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' {{C|Simulation-only}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Defender of the Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Flood}}
{{Flood}}
[[Category:Flood]]
[[Category:Flood forms]]

Latest revision as of 01:00, March 24, 2024

This article is about the general term. For the specific Flood form commonly referred to as a combat form, see Flood attacker form.
Combat form
H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png
Several variations of combat form
General overview

Height:

Varies depending on type and host species.[1][2]

Method of attack:

Lunging at enemies with claws and whip-like tendrils, biting, and/or firing infectious barbs.[1][2]

Notable types:

 

The Flood combat form is the primary form used by the Flood to overwhelm and decimate surviving populations, and one of the most common forms found in early stages of a Flood outbreak. Combat forms can be created using either sapient or non-sapient hosts infected via means of the Flood Super Cell, typically by a pod infector. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection. The most common variation of combat form is the attacker form.[1]

Pathology[edit]

Infection and creation[edit]

Combat forms are typically created when a pod infector is successfully able to enter a host's body, though this is not the only vector by which hosts can be infected.[3] Flood outbreaks can often be caused by spores or other microbiological vectors entering the host body,[3] or by contact with other forms that include Flood Seeders or Infesters.[4] In more advanced stages of infection, the need for specific infection forms is decreased as the Flood-infected area converts to a Blightland or Flood hive. By this point, the Flood presence makes up the majority of the terrain in the area, making contact with the Flood Super Cell and the naturally-generated spores an inevitability. Some Flood structures such as the "launcher" specialize in firing clouds of spores at uninfected forces, causing them to succumb to the infection without any kind of infection form involved.[5]

As Flood forms, including the combat form, naturally produce the Flood Super Cell (FSC), even being in contact with one can result in infection for an unprotected potential host. Given the combat forms' preference for melee combat, this makes even non-fatal strikes a death sentence, though such infections may progress slowly.[6] However, infection by spore inhalation or infection form is extremely quick, with a host succumbing often in as little as a few seconds.

When conventionally infected by a pod infector, the infector latches onto the host and dig into the host's flesh with a razor-sharp barb-like appendage, injecting the FSC and proceeding to burrow themselves within the host. Typically, the pod infector makes its home within the chest cavity of the host life form, though depending on circumstance this is not always the case. Depending on the host in question, the pod infector will dislodge the host's bones and organs to make room for itself, resulting in extreme disfiguration such as dislocating the host's jaw[7] or, in the case of infected Sangheili, completely snapping the neck. This process can be performed on living or recently-deceased hosts, though often results in the "death" of a living host prior to their re-animation once the FSC takes hold.[3] Some hosts may be attacked and infected by multiple pod infectors.[8] Even if the infection form is removed, the injection of FSC into the generated wounds results in those wounds becoming spore-filled blisters, and the host cannot be saved from infection.[9]

Once infected, the super cell begins to consume and convert sections of the host body, creating growths and new appendages of new super cell. As this process occurs, bodies take on the appearance and smell of decay.[8] With sapient hosts, some limbs and sensory organs are preserved in the transformation, and are used to operate tools, equipment, weapons, vehicles, and even ships.[1] Infection forms will often augment a host's body to better serve as a living weapon, and damage taken during fighting and infection can be repaired by the controlling infection form, though the combat form is ultimately disposable.[10][1] Any damage that the combat form receives ultimately creates more vectors of infection as the chunks of infected flesh it leaves behind are scattered throughout the environment.[1] The Flood Super Cell is able to arrange itself to mimic any organ needed to keep the host working,[11] while other internal organs are replaced with accretions that function as support lattices containing a sickly green liquid full of spores in suspension. Spore-filled polyps also often cover the exterior of combat forms.[1] Even once the FSC has taken control of the victim, the controlling infection form can often be seen buried within the victim, with the infection form's red sensory appendages poking out of the flesh. Until the body is completely subsumed by super cell growth, these appendages are maintained as an impromptu central nervous system.[3][1] Some combat form super cell growths take on a more chitinous nature, akin to armor plating, helping protect the combat form from enemy attacks.[12]

With sapient hosts, the victim may still attempt to cry out from what remains of its mouth and throat even while being controlled, though it is also possible for the infection form to do so using the host's thoughts and memories as a psychological weapon.[13] In extremely rare circumstances, a victim may remain fully aware of their present status, unable to do much but watch as their body is controlled by an outside force.[10][1]

Capabilities[edit]

The infection form controlling a host body does not feel pain or fear, though the host is able to feel the physical effect of attacks rendered upon it.[10] In extreme cases, the infection form will resort to self-mutilation of the host body if it needs to, such as breaking its own arms to use the snapped bone as an improvised weapon. However, the pain inflicted on the host body may also weaken the controlling infection form, provided that it was old and weak prior to infecting the host.[8] Combat forms are reliant on their infection form for all bodily and motor functions, and shooting the infection form will "kill" the combat form, though the body can be re-reanimated if another infection form is able to reach it. As a result, a combat form can be resurrected as many times as is needed, provided the body is still intact enough to be a viable host. To properly kill a combat form, it must be dismembered or disfigured to the point at which it is no longer a suitable host body for an infection form.[14]

When a sapient host is infected and made into an attacker form, the infection form is able to absorb all of the host's knowledge and memories. As a result, attacker forms are capable of operating firearms, driving vehicles, operating tools and even starships.[10] In the case of the Infinite Succor's infection, infected warriors were able to set up patrols of the ship's corridors to guard the Proto-Gravemind growing in the ship.[15] The Flood's possession of an individual's body allows it to speak with the host's tongue.[10][15][16] This memory-absorption extends critical knowledge such as command codes or colony locations. As such, when critical personnel are infected, they are contributed to the construction of a Gravemind.[17]

Attacker combat forms use their whip or scythe-like growths to attack their opponents in melee combat, and are capable of performing feats that their hosts previously could not, such as leaping large distances to cover ground. Even if a melee strike is not fatal, the imparted Flood Super Cell is enough to ensure the target's infection and death.[6] As the infection forms do not feel pain, combat forms are undeterred by enemy attacks and will not stop until they are destroyed, or their enemy is killed. Ballistic weapons are notably less effective against some combat forms because of this, with SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle rounds passing through combat forms with virtually no effect.[18] Targeted shots against the limbs and embedded infection form are effective ways of dispatching combat forms.[19]

Role within the Flood[edit]

Combat forms make up the majority of the Flood's combatant forces, particularly in the Feral Stage of the parasite's development in which it has yet to acquire enough raw biomass for the creation of a Gravemind or pure forms. During this stage, combat forms are not centrally controlled, and will begin to gather bodies for conversion into more Flood forms.[17] If a location cannot be immediately secured, multiple combat forms may merge to create the Juggernaut and Abomination keymind forms, able to direct local forces in the area until a permanent presence can be established.

When a local biosphere has been completely assimilated into the Flood, typically once the Flood has entered the Coordinated Stage, combat forms cannot be created anymore due to a lack of viable hosts. Due to this, the Flood moves onto breaking down raw biomass into Flood Super Cell, thereby creating pure forms of wholly Flood biomass. Once the number of pure forms reaches a sufficient equilibrium, combat forms are relegated to defensive roles or added to the hive's raw biomass and calcium reserves.[11] Otherwise, aging or damaged combat forms are turned into carrier forms, growing infection forms within a large, bulbous mass on their back.[3][2]

Types of combat forms[edit]

Virtually any creature with sufficiently complex nervous systems can be infected and made a combat form, but the most commonly-seen hosts are those of sapient species such as humans, Sangheili, and Jiralhanae.[14] Kig-Yar and Unggoy can also be made into combat forms, though are seemingly more rare.[10] Sapient hosts such as these are generally made into the most basic version of combat form, simply known as an attacker form.[1] Non-sapient animals can also be made into combat forms provided they have sufficient calcium reserves and neuro-complexity.[2]

All victims of infection via pod infector, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. In the case of attacker combat forms, the host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the pod infector now serves as the host's "brain," the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.[14][notes 1]

Attacker[edit]

Main article: Flood attacker form

The most common and basic combat form is the attacker. These forms are created solely from sapient hosts bent to the Flood's will. As the parasite takes over their thoughts and memories, it uses this information to allow the attacker to use weapons, equipment, and vehicles to further the Flood's reach and overall threat level. Given the intelligence of the host, occasionally the victims can manage a whisper pleading for mercy or simply cries of pain. However, the parasite will more often speak on their behalf using their stolen thoughts to terrorize both the host and any nearby survivors.[1] Potential hosts used for attackers include humans, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,[10] and Forerunners.[20]

  • A human attacker form.

    A human attacker form.

  • A Spartan-IV attacker form.

    A Spartan-IV attacker form.

  • A Spartan-II attacker form.

    A Spartan-II attacker form.

  • A Sangheili attacker form.

    A Sangheili attacker form.

  • A Jiralhanae attacker form.

    A Jiralhanae attacker form.

  • A Kig-Yar attacker form.

    A Kig-Yar attacker form.

  • An Unggoy attacker form.

    An Unggoy attacker form.

Thrasher[edit]

Main article: Flood thrasher form

Thrashers are a hulking, vicious variant of combat form created through the infection of certain non-sapient animals with sufficient neuro-complexity. Limited in intellect compared to attackers, thrashers are used as simple weapons in early stages of Flood infiltration and expansion. They have whip-like barbed tentacles and toothy maws suited to gorging on the flesh that fuels their violent rampage. Bearing resemblance to some pure forms, thrashers are primarily employed to defend existing Flood hives.[2]

Swarm[edit]

Main article: Flood swarm

Swarm forms are flying combat forms made via the infection of certain non-sapient avian predators with sufficient calcium reserves and resilient neurosystems. Despite their large size, swarm forms are remarkably swift and capable of performing coordinated attacks from the air with others of their kind. In addition to their sharp talons and teeth, swarm forms can fire infectious barbed projectiles at enemies.[2]

  • A swarm form.

    A swarm form.

  • Another view of a swarm form.

    Another view of a swarm form.

Production notes[edit]

Prior to the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), all human, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy combat forms were simply referred to as combat forms. While the Encyclopedia does not dispute this, it further clarified that these kinds of Flood forms are all part of the "attacker" subset of combat forms.[1]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In Halo 3, the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the pod infector will force itself out of the host's chest.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 408
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 409
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, Flood (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare
  5. ^ Halo Wars, Flood Launcher in-game unit
  6. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions - The Mona Lisa
  7. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Infection game mode
  8. ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 10
  9. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infection Forms
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Combat Forms
  11. ^ a b Halo 3, Bestiarum
  12. ^ Halo 4, Flood gametype
  13. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infected
  14. ^ a b c Halo 3, Gameplay
  15. ^ a b Halo Graphic Novel: The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  16. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  17. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Keyes
  18. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Gameplay
  19. ^ Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 172-175
  20. ^ Halo: Fractures, Defender of the Storm, page 231

v • d • e
 
Known Flood forms
Regular Spore • Pod • Seeder • Tadpole • Dispersal pod
Growths Stalk • Blister
Other Flood Super Cell (FSC)
Infected
Structures
Hives Hive • Den • Nest • Colony • Spore Mound • Cocooned base • Blightlands
Defensive Launcher • Root
Other Porta • Vent
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Flood_combat_form&oldid=1623870"