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{{Era|RW}}
{{Title|Armor customization (''Halo 3'')}}
{{center|For other uses, see [[armor permutations]].}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
Armor permutations, as a feature in ''Halo 3'', refers to the variety of armor pieces available for players' [[multiplayer]] character model. The feature is an improvement of ''Halo 2''<nowiki />'s player customisation feature.
{{Disambig header|the armor customization in Halo 3|other games|armor customizations}}
[[File:H3 Snowbound Customisation.jpg|thumb|300px|A player using a mix of armor sets in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.]]
'''Armor customization''' in ''[[Halo 3]]'' allows players to customize their [[SPARTAN programs|Spartan]] and [[Sangheili|Elite]] player model with a variety of armor pieces available to players. The feature is an improvement of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s player customization feature, and the first in the series to allow players to change the physical model of their character beyond species and colour selection.


== Overview ==
==Overview==
There are a total of 17 armor sets included in [[Halo 3|''Halo 3'']], 12 of which for the SPARTAN-II character model and 5 for the Elite character model. These armor permutations are organized into three categories: ''Helmet'', ''Chest'' and ''Shoulder''. Certain armor permutations can only be unlocked by completing the game on certain difficulties, accumulate certain [[gamerpoint]]s, or by obtaining certain multiplayer-specific achievements.
[[File:H3 - Multiplayer concept art.jpg|thumb|250px|Artwork by Isaac Hannaford revealing the existence of Recon, long before the armor was officially announced.]]
Halo 3 features a number of armor selections for both Spartan and Elite player characters, unlocked primarily by accomplishing feats within the [[campaign]], [[Matchmaking]] and earning [[achievement]]s. It was first hinted at during the [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' Beta]], with the limited-access featuring the ability for players to customise their armour colouration and [[Emblems|emblem]] - though no ability to customise armour permutations.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaAppearance|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 Beta: Identity and Appearance|D=24|M=01|Y=2021}}{{Ref/YouTube|Xy9bvuQ_eQE|dirtyShisno213|Halo 3 Beta Armor Customization}} Hidden in the Beta's files were strings referencing the in-development names for the multiplayer armours, with some [[Modding|modders]] able to figure out the existence of a potential armour customisation system ahead of the official release.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://flamesoffeenix.wordpress.com/2007/05/27/revealed-halo-3-new-custom-armour-types/|Site=7th Columnist|Page=*REVEALED* Halo 3 Custom New Armour Types|D=02|M=09|Y=2022}}


== Unlocking armor permutations ==
The system was initially unveiled in the July 2007 issue of GamePro, featuring a handful of images of the [[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA]] and [[CQB-class Mjolnir|CQB]] armor sets alongside the standard Mark VI, though was noted by Bungie to not be the full set of armor available in game.{{Ref/Comic|GamePro|Issue=226|Detail=July 2007 ([https://www.retromags.com/files/file/4420-gamepro-issue-226-july-2007/ Archive])}} Bungie later officially announced the inclusion of Elite armor variants{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12531|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update: 06/08/07}}, and on [[Bungie Day]] 2007 officially unveiled the CQB and EVA permutations' visuals and lore. A piece of art illustrated by [[Isaac Hannaford]] released at the same time additionally revealed the existence of the Recon armor, though the armor was not specifically called out by Bungie or given any attention until later.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12616|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Way Beyond the Beta: Screenshots Galore}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12630|Site=Bungie.net|Page=7/7/07: Love, Bungie}}
=== Spartans ===
 
<!-- Don't touch below -->
In total, there are 17 armor sets included in ''Halo 3'', 12 of which for the SPARTAN-II character model and 5 for the Elite character model. These armor permutations are organized into three categories: ''Helmet'', ''Chest'' and ''Shoulder''. There are a total of 30 color options to use with these armor permutations. Certain armor permutations can only be unlocked by completing the game on certain difficulties, accumulating certain [[Gamerscore]], or by obtaining certain multiplayer-specific achievements. Some, such as [[RECON-class Mjolnir|Recon]] or the exclusive [[Bungie Armor]], have more esoteric unlock requirements, and can only be granted under certain conditions. Additionally, some Spartan armor sets only contain a helmet piece or chest piece, with no other associated armor selections.
{{/tmp1}}
{{Clear}}
=== Elites ===
 
{{/tmp2}}
==''Halo 3'' unlock requirements==
<!-- Don't touch above -->
<center>''Note: The below unlock requirements only apply to the original ''Halo 3'' game on Xbox 360 or via Xbox One [[backward compatibility]]. In ''The Master Chief Collection'', all armors from Legacy ''Halo 3'' are unlocked by default for all players - including the Bungie armor.''</center>
{{Tabcontainer|
|title1=Spartan armor
|content1=
{{/Spartan}}
|title2=Elite armor
|content2=
{{/Elite}}
}}
 
==''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''==
[[File:HTMCC H3 NewArmour.jpg|thumb|250px|The Demo, Suture and Compass armors introduced into ''Halo 3''.]]
For the ''Halo 3'' multiplayer component of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', all armor - including Recon and Bungie - was unlocked for all players for use by default. Between the game's launch in [[2014]] and the launch of ''Halo 3'' on PC in [[2020]], armor customization was limited to full sets with no mix-and-match customization, due to the difficulties of running multiple engines in the menu component. In this launch rendition, the armor sets were displayed in the menu as static renders, with the armors using full armor sets or - in the case of armors with no associated armor for chest, helmet or shoulder elements - Mark VI to supplement missing elements. As such, using a helmet such as Mark V or ODST required the usage of all Mark VI for everything else. Using the Katana chest, however, would use Hayabusa for all other armor elements. Additionally and for the first time, ''The Master Chief Collection'' allowed players to use the Bungie Armor (now renamed "Flaming Head"), and would display the characteristic flames and EOD chest as it did in the original game, though with enforced Mark VI shoulders and helmet.
 
Following the launch of ''Halo 3'' on PC and start of [[Season 2: Spark]], this system was updated to display ''Halo 3'' character models in [[Wikipedia:Unreal Engine 4|Unreal Engine 4]], with full customization in-game as it was at the launch of ''Halo 3''. In this change, the Bungie Armor chest was renamed "Legacy", and the Security armour set was given a chest armour piece; in launch ''Halo 3'', equipping the Security helmet additionally outfitted the chest with a small antenna. Following the Season 2 update, the antenna is now considered a separate chest, and can be used regardless of helmet.
 
With the launch of [[Series 3: Recon]], ''Halo 3'' customisation was updated with the inclusion of [[Skins (Halo 3)|skins]] for application on a player's weapon and several new visor colour options for use with all helmets. The full list of ''Halo 3'' skins can be viewed [[Skins (Halo 3)|here]].
 
In the [[Season 4]] December update, ''Halo 3'' was expanded to include new techsuit customization, with the players being able to change it between a new ''Halo 3'' techsuit and ''[[Halo 4]]'' techsuit (both colored and full black).
 
[[Series 5: Anvil]] included twelve new armor permutations for ''Halo 3'', [[Armor customization (Halo Online)|originally created]] for the cancelled ''[[Halo Online]]''. Additionally, included new forearm and leg customisation, allowing players to choose between the new twelve armors or the default Mark VI. These armors can be toggled off for a more classic experience, with any players using ''Halo Online'' armor instead displaying as default Mark VI.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/243780d3b80b4bb6ac7917a8942286db/topics/mcc-development-flighting-updates/3e3252e1-297a-4590-a7ab-67c133b3d37d/posts?page=4#post63|Site=Halo Waypoint Forums|Page=MCC Development & Flighting Updates|Detail=Page 4, post 63|Quote=The team is currently working on a game update that expands the existing skin toggle in the settings menu to also apply to armor. If you prefer a true classic experience, you’ll be able to flip the “New Skins in Halo 3” toggle to “disabled” and you won’t see any new cosmetic items (weapon skins, vehicle skins, or armor) when you’re playing Halo 3. If you decide to turn off cosmetics, any players in your game who are wearing new armor will appear as default Mark VI.}}
 
[[Series 6: Raven]] included several new armor permutations, including six ''Halo Online'' armor permutations and the four ODST armors used by [[Fireteam Raven]] in the [[Halo: Fireteam Raven|namesake game]]. It also added a "Back Accessory" option, allowing players to choose between six new back packages (four being based on ''Halo: Fireteam Raven''), three new techsuit options, and fifteen new animated visor colors.
 
[[Series 7: Elite]] saw the inclusion of seven new ''Halo Online'' armor permutations for the ''Elites''. Additionally, it will include new forearm and leg customization, allowing players to choose between the new seven harnesses or the default Combat harness. The season also added seven new techsuit options. [[Series 8: Mythic]] will include new armor, visors and back accessories alongside skins for weapons and vehicles.{{Ref/Site|Id=Update2708|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/243780d3b80b4bb6ac7917a8942286db/topics/mcc-development-flighting-updates/3e3252e1-297a-4590-a7ab-67c133b3d37d/posts?page=5#post100|Site=Halo Waypoint Forums|Page=MCC Development & Flighting Updates Page 5|Detail=Post 100|D=27|M=8|Y=2021}}
 
For Halo's 20th Anniversary, a new armor permutation was added: the [[MIRAGE-class Mjolnir|Mirage armor]], based on the [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] used by [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]].{{Ref/Site|D=03|M=11|Y=2021|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/celebrating-20-years-of-halo-in-the-master-chief-collection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Celebrating 20 Years of Halo in The Master Chief Collection}}
 
{{Tabcontainer|
|title1=Spartan armor
|content1=
{{/MCC}}
|title2=Mythic armor
|content2=
Non canonical armor sets that were introduced with [[Series 8: Mythic]].
{{/MCCMythic}}
|title3=Elite harness
|content3=
{{/MCCElite}}
|title4=Visors
|content4=
Visor customisation was introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 3: Recon]]. A number of visor colours can be unlocked for {{SeasonPoint|Season Points}}, though like other ''Halo 3'' skins, they can be toggled off in the menu. Season 6 introduced more visors in the form of animated visors.
{{/Visors}}
|title5=Back accessories
|content5=
Back Accessory customisation was introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 6: Raven]].
{{/Back}}
|title6=Techsuit
|content6=
[[File:HTMCC H3 S5Techsuits.png|thumb|250px|A comparison of all Season 5 techsuit variants. From left to right: the original ''Halo 3'' techsuit, the new GEN1 techsuit, the GEN2 techsuit and the GEN2 Tinted techsuit.]]
As of the [[Series 4: Reclaimer#December 16 patch notes (Version 1.2028.0.0)|December 2020 update]], Spartans in ''Halo 3'' can now choose between three different techsuits to display underneath their MJOLNIR armor. Season 6 will include three new colored techsuits, with these techsuits not inhereting the player's primary color. These include the following;
*'''GEN1:''' ''Integral to the entire Mjolnir system, the techsuit encases the wearer's body and provides attachment points for the armor plating above it.''
**This techsuit replaces the standard ''Halo 3'' techsuit available in the original game and pre-update ''MCC''. It is noticeably more detailed than the original, and is much more form-fitting.
**By Season 6, if the player has the toggle option for ''Halo 3'' skins off, the Spartan model will be replaced with the original ''Halo 3'' Spartan model.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Tinted Smoke''' ''Hazardous for your enemy's health.''
**A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits a darker shade of the player's primary colour.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]] [[Challenges/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Challenge]]: Nightcrawler
*'''GEN2:''' ''Though similar to earlier systems, the GEN2 techsuit is a bespoke form-fitted armored polymuscle exoskeleton.''
**The standard GEN2 techsuit introduced in ''Halo 4'', ''Online'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''. This undersuit is only available in black.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Tinted:''' ''A variant of the standard GEN2 techsuit with additional chromatic customization options.''
**A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits the player's primary colour.
**Unlocked by default.
*'''GEN2 Azure:''' ''The sky is not the limit.''
**GEN2 techsuit with blue coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]] [[Challenges/Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Challenge]]: Double Up
*'''GEN2 Gunmetal:''' ''Never one for subtlety.''
**GEN2 techsuit with grey coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]], Tier 99 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Maroon:''' ''A pleasant color for a gruesome business.''
**GEN2 techsuit with dark red coloration.
**[[Series 6: Raven|Series 6]], Tier 95 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Umber:''' ''We don't know what color it actually is either.''
**GEN2 techsuit with yellow coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 9 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Army Green:''' ''They must love the smell.''
**GEN2 techsuit with dark green coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 22 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Burnt Ground:''' ''After the fire is when you see the most growth.''
**GEN2 techsuit with brown coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Cold Mud:''' ''Perfect for hiding from alien hunters.''
**GEN2 techsuit with green coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Purplex:''' ''Like purple, but with an extra helping of fancy.''
**GEN2 techsuit with purple coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], [[The Exchange]] ({{SeasonPoint|4}})
*'''GEN2 Slate Grey:''' ''Cold, capable, and calculated.''
**GEN2 techsuit with light grey coloration.
**[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]], Tier 98 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Chainmail:''' ''What's old is new again.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 3 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Dragonscale:''' ''The finest scales from the greatest wyrms.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 39 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
*'''GEN2 Latticeweave:''' ''A pattern of strength.''
**[[Series 8: Mythic|Series 8]], Tier 90 ({{SeasonPoint|1}})
<gallery>
File:HTMCC H3 Azure Techsuit Icon.png|Azure techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Gunmetal Techsuit Icon.png|Gunmetal techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Maroon Techsuit Icon.png|Maroon techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 TintedSmoke Techsuit.png|Tinted Smoke techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Umber Techsuit Icon.png|Umber techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 ArmyGreen Techsuit Chest Icon.png|Army Green techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 BurntGround Techsuit Icon.png|Burnt Ground techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3ColdMud Techsuit Icon.png|Cold Mud techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Purplex Techsuit Icon.png|Purplex techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 SlateGrey Techsuit Icon.png|Slate Grey techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Chainmail Techsuit Icon.png|Chainmail techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Dragonscale Techsuit Icon.png|Dragonscale techsuit.
File:HTMCC H3 Latticeweave Techsuit.png|Latticeweave techsuit.
</gallery>
|title7=Pose
|content7=
Pose customisation options were introduced to ''Halo 3'' in [[Series 8: Mythic]].
{{/Pose}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The [[Bungie Armor]] is the only armor not obtainable by players as it is exclusively for [[Bungie]] employees.
===Mistakes===
*There was originally going to be an [[Arbiter]] armor permutation in ''Halo 3'', but it was taken out before the game's release.{{fact}}
*In reusing tooltips from ''Halo: Reach's'' appearance menu, the updated customization menu for ''Halo 3'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' now erroneously states the choice between a Spartan and Elite player model is only applicable to appropriate, species-specific gametypes, despite the option being available regardless of gametype.
**Additionally, when hovering over the menu element to change Elite armor permutations, the game erroneously states the option is to change Spartan armor. This would be fixed with the release of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' on PC.
===Miscellaneous===
*In early [[Development of Halo 3|development]] for ''Halo 3'', the ability to play as Elites in multiplayer had some canonical justification. Early text strings indicate that ''"Spartans have been authorized to assume Elite skins in combat scenarios"''.{{Ref/Twitter|vengeful_vadam|1370418684066414593|The Vengeful 'Vadam|D=22|M=05|Y=2022}}
*A certain conceptual helmet seen in ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]'' greatly resembles the [[AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir]] set that'd later appear in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*In ''Halo 3'', the neck of an Elite (regardless what armor permutation used) is completely immune to any form of damage except for a shot from an overcharged [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]. In addition, the projectile will simply pass through the neck, as though the neck wasn't there, without a blood spatter. This is because both Elites and Spartans have similar models.
*In ''Halo 3'', the neck of an Elite (regardless what armor permutation used) is completely immune to any form of damage except for a shot from an overcharged [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]. In addition, the projectile will simply pass through the neck, as though the neck wasn't there, without a blood spatter. This is because both Elites and Spartans have similar models.
*Many people speculate that hitboxes of the Spartans and Elites are shared but this is not true. While Bungie has officially commented on the hitboxes, they regard the size of the hitbox not the arrangement. Hitboxes are an unseen registry mechanic, which fall into the player models. They determine whether or not something has collided with the player. If an Elite is facing profile (sideways), and a shot is fired underneath the head (to where a Spartan's chest would be), the game will not register a hit. The head "hitbox" is forward more on Elites than it is Spartans.
*Many people speculate that hitboxes of the Spartans and Elites are shared but this is not true. While Bungie has officially commented on the hitboxes, they regard the size of the hitbox not the arrangement. Hitboxes are an unseen registry mechanic, which fall into the player models. They determine whether or not something has collided with the player. If an Elite is facing profile (sideways), and a shot is fired underneath the head (to where a Spartan's chest would be), the game will not register a hit. The head "hitbox" is forward more on Elites than it is Spartans.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H3_ArmourSets_Concept.jpg|Four conceptual armor sets from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''. The Scout helmet is visible alongside an early depiction of the Air Assault helmet, later used in ''Reach''.
File:H3_EliteCommando_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili armor permutation bearing resemblance to the [[Commando harness]].
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_8.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_11.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:H3_MPSpartan_ArmourConcept_12.jpg|''Halo 3'' concept art for an unused armor set.
File:HTMCC Belos Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Belos armor|Belos]] armours.
File:HTMCC Blackguard Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Blackguard armor|Blackguard]] armours.
File:HTMCC Drengr Concept.jpg|''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'' Season 8 concept art for the [[Drengr armor|Drengr]] armours.
</gallery>
===Menu images===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H3_ArmourSets_Concept.jpg|Four conceptual armor sets from ''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''. The Scout helmet is visible.
File:H3 - Armor permutation menu (Spartans - Xbox 360).png|The armor permutation menu for Spartans in the Xbox 360 edition of ''Halo 3''.
File:Armor Permutations.png|All of the Spartan Permutations in ''Halo 3''. Note: If a part of the armor set doesn't exist, it has been substituted with its Mark VI counterpart.
File:H3 - Armor permutation menu (Sangheili - Xbox 360).png|The armor permutation menu for Sangheili in the Xbox 360 edition of ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Elite armor permutations.jpg|All the Elite Permutations in ''Halo 3''.
File:TMCC - Armor permutation menu (Pre-ODST patch).png|The armor permutation menu for ''Halo 3'' on ''The Master Chief Collection'' prior to ''Halo 3: ODST's'' PC launch, featuring an erroneous tooltip, and a different pose for the player's Spartan.
File:Halo3-Forge-SangheiliZealot.jpg|A recreation of a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on [[Valhalla]] using the armour customisation system.
File:H3-MCCH3colors.jpg|Color choices for ''Halo 3'' in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'', following ''Halo 3: ODST's'' launch, with an updated character pose.
File:FloodGateEESpecialOppsEliteArmour13.jpg|The glitched armor from [[Floodgate]], It appears to be a combination of the front part of the '''Assault''' permutation and the back of the '''Combat''' permutation.
File:HTMCC-H3-Elitecustomization.png|Elite customization in ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''.
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H3 Elite armor permutations.jpg|All the Elite permutations in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3-Forge-SangheiliZealot.jpg|A recreation of a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on [[Valhalla]] using the armor customization system.
File:FloodGateEESpecialOppsEliteArmour13.jpg|The glitched armor from [[Floodgate]], It appears to be a combination of the front part of the Assault harness and the back of the Combat harness.
File:H3-FlightingS&B.jpg|The Sword and Board back accessory featured two machetes during [[MCC Insider Program|flighting]] for Season 6: Raven.
File:H3-S&B.png|The Sword and Board back accessory featuring only one machete in Season 6: Raven.
File:H3 ColdStorage SniperSpartan.jpg|A Spartan on [[Cold Storage]] showcasing a mix of ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Online'' and ''Fireteam Raven''-derived armours.
</gallery>
 
===Miscellaneous===
<gallery>
File:Armor Permutations.png|All of the Spartan permutations in ''Halo 3''. Note: If a part of the armor set doesn't exist, it has been substituted with its Mark VI counterpart.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
== Note ==
<references group="note"/>


== External links ==
{{Armor/Permutation|H3}}
*[http://php.badrouter.net/bnet/ '''Armor Permutation Generator''']
{{Customization}}
*[http://zaamit.com/content/h3modelgenerator.aspx '''Player Generator''']
[[Category:Halo 3 multiplayer armor permutations| ]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Customization]]

Latest revision as of 21:35, April 19, 2023

This article is about the armor customization in Halo 3. For other games, see armor customizations.
Full Halo 3 customisation on PC!
A player using a mix of armor sets in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Armor customization in Halo 3 allows players to customize their Spartan and Elite player model with a variety of armor pieces available to players. The feature is an improvement of Halo 2's player customization feature, and the first in the series to allow players to change the physical model of their character beyond species and colour selection.

Overview[edit]

Game Pro cover artwork, according to this Artstation post.
Artwork by Isaac Hannaford revealing the existence of Recon, long before the armor was officially announced.

Halo 3 features a number of armor selections for both Spartan and Elite player characters, unlocked primarily by accomplishing feats within the campaign, Matchmaking and earning achievements. It was first hinted at during the Halo 3 Beta, with the limited-access featuring the ability for players to customise their armour colouration and emblem - though no ability to customise armour permutations.[1][2] Hidden in the Beta's files were strings referencing the in-development names for the multiplayer armours, with some modders able to figure out the existence of a potential armour customisation system ahead of the official release.[3]

The system was initially unveiled in the July 2007 issue of GamePro, featuring a handful of images of the EVA and CQB armor sets alongside the standard Mark VI, though was noted by Bungie to not be the full set of armor available in game.[4] Bungie later officially announced the inclusion of Elite armor variants[5], and on Bungie Day 2007 officially unveiled the CQB and EVA permutations' visuals and lore. A piece of art illustrated by Isaac Hannaford released at the same time additionally revealed the existence of the Recon armor, though the armor was not specifically called out by Bungie or given any attention until later.[6][7]

In total, there are 17 armor sets included in Halo 3, 12 of which for the SPARTAN-II character model and 5 for the Elite character model. These armor permutations are organized into three categories: Helmet, Chest and Shoulder. There are a total of 30 color options to use with these armor permutations. Certain armor permutations can only be unlocked by completing the game on certain difficulties, accumulating certain Gamerscore, or by obtaining certain multiplayer-specific achievements. Some, such as Recon or the exclusive Bungie Armor, have more esoteric unlock requirements, and can only be granted under certain conditions. Additionally, some Spartan armor sets only contain a helmet piece or chest piece, with no other associated armor selections.

Halo 3 unlock requirements[edit]

Note: The below unlock requirements only apply to the original Halo 3 game on Xbox 360 or via Xbox One backward compatibility. In The Master Chief Collection, all armors from Legacy Halo 3 are unlocked by default for all players - including the Bungie armor.
Spartan armor
Spartan armor
Armor Helmet Chest Shoulders
HTMCC H3 MarkVI Menu Render.png
Mark VI
Unlocked by default Unlocked by default Unlocked by default
HTMCC H3 CQB Menu Render.png
CQB
Unlocked by default Unlocked by default Unlocked by default
HTMCC H3 EVA Menu Render.png
EVA
Complete the entire Halo 3 campaign on Normal difficulty or higher (Campaign Complete: Normal) Beat Tsavo Highway on Normal difficulty or higher (The Road) Beat The Ark on Normal difficulty or higher (Refuge)
HTMCC H3 EOD Menu Render.png
EOD
Complete the entire Halo 3 campaign on Legendary difficulty (Campaign Complete: Legendary) Beat Tsavo Highway on Legendary difficulty Beat The Ark on Legendary difficulty
HTMCC H3 Hayabusa Menu Render.png
HAYABUSA
Collect all 13 skulls Collect 5 skulls Collect 9 skulls
HTMCC H3 Scout Menu Render.png
Scout
Unlock the Used Car Salesman achievement Unlock the Too Close to the Sun achievement Unlock the Mongoose Mowdown achievement
HTMCC H3 Recon Menu Render.png
Recon
HTMCC H3 Security Menu Render.png
Security
Get 1,000 gamerscore N/A Get 750 gamerscore
HTMCC H3 ODST Menu Render.png
ODST
Reach the rank of H3 Rank Private Icon.svg Private in multiplayer (Spartan Graduate) N/A
HTMCC H3 MarkV Menu Render.png
Mark V
Achieve the rank of H3 Rank Sergeant Icon.svg Sergeant in multiplayer (UNSC Spartan) N/A
HTMCC H3 Rogue Menu Render.png
Rogue
Reach the rank of H3 Rank Lt Icon.svg Lieutenant in multiplayer (Spartan Officer) N/A
HTMCC H3 Katana Menu Render.png
Katana
N/A Earn 49 achievements or earn 1,000 gamerscore N/A
HTMCC H3 Bungie Menu Render.png
Bungie Armor ("Flaming head")
N/A Be an employee of Bungie Studios N/A
Elite armor
Elite armor
Armor Helmet Chest Shoulders
HTMCC H3 Combat Menu Render.png
Combat
Unlocked by default Unlocked by default Unlocked by default
HTMCC H3 Assault Menu Render.png
Assault
Unlocked by default Unlocked by default Unlocked by default
HTMCC H3 Flight Menu Render.png
Flight
Complete the entire Halo 3 campaign on Heroic difficulty or higher (Campaign Complete: Heroic) Beat Tsavo Highway on Heroic difficulty or higher Beat The Ark on Heroic difficulty or higher
HTMCC H3 Ascetic Menu Render.png
Ascetic
Unlock the Steppin' Razor achievement Unlock the Up Close and Personal achievement Unlock the Overkill achievement
HTMCC H3 Commando Menu Render.png
Commando
Unlock the Overkill achievement Unlock the Triple Kill achievement

Halo: The Master Chief Collection[edit]

The Demo, Suture and Compass armors introduced into Halo 3.

For the Halo 3 multiplayer component of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, all armor - including Recon and Bungie - was unlocked for all players for use by default. Between the game's launch in 2014 and the launch of Halo 3 on PC in 2020, armor customization was limited to full sets with no mix-and-match customization, due to the difficulties of running multiple engines in the menu component. In this launch rendition, the armor sets were displayed in the menu as static renders, with the armors using full armor sets or - in the case of armors with no associated armor for chest, helmet or shoulder elements - Mark VI to supplement missing elements. As such, using a helmet such as Mark V or ODST required the usage of all Mark VI for everything else. Using the Katana chest, however, would use Hayabusa for all other armor elements. Additionally and for the first time, The Master Chief Collection allowed players to use the Bungie Armor (now renamed "Flaming Head"), and would display the characteristic flames and EOD chest as it did in the original game, though with enforced Mark VI shoulders and helmet.

Following the launch of Halo 3 on PC and start of Season 2: Spark, this system was updated to display Halo 3 character models in Unreal Engine 4, with full customization in-game as it was at the launch of Halo 3. In this change, the Bungie Armor chest was renamed "Legacy", and the Security armour set was given a chest armour piece; in launch Halo 3, equipping the Security helmet additionally outfitted the chest with a small antenna. Following the Season 2 update, the antenna is now considered a separate chest, and can be used regardless of helmet.

With the launch of Series 3: Recon, Halo 3 customisation was updated with the inclusion of skins for application on a player's weapon and several new visor colour options for use with all helmets. The full list of Halo 3 skins can be viewed here.

In the Season 4 December update, Halo 3 was expanded to include new techsuit customization, with the players being able to change it between a new Halo 3 techsuit and Halo 4 techsuit (both colored and full black).

Series 5: Anvil included twelve new armor permutations for Halo 3, originally created for the cancelled Halo Online. Additionally, included new forearm and leg customisation, allowing players to choose between the new twelve armors or the default Mark VI. These armors can be toggled off for a more classic experience, with any players using Halo Online armor instead displaying as default Mark VI.[8]

Series 6: Raven included several new armor permutations, including six Halo Online armor permutations and the four ODST armors used by Fireteam Raven in the namesake game. It also added a "Back Accessory" option, allowing players to choose between six new back packages (four being based on Halo: Fireteam Raven), three new techsuit options, and fifteen new animated visor colors.

Series 7: Elite saw the inclusion of seven new Halo Online armor permutations for the Elites. Additionally, it will include new forearm and leg customization, allowing players to choose between the new seven harnesses or the default Combat harness. The season also added seven new techsuit options. Series 8: Mythic will include new armor, visors and back accessories alongside skins for weapons and vehicles.[9]

For Halo's 20th Anniversary, a new armor permutation was added: the Mirage armor, based on the Semi-Powered Infiltration armor used by SPARTAN-IIIs.[10]

Spartan armor
Spartan armor
Armor Helmet Chest Shoulders Forearms Legs
Air Assault HTMCC H3 AirAssault Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 3 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 AirAssault Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 15 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 AirAssault LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 AirAssault RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 7(Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 AirAssault Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 12 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 AirAssault Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 27 (Spartan Point 1)
Aviator HTMCC H3 Aviator Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 9 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Aviator Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 11 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Aviator LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Aviator RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 17 (Spartan Point 1)
N/A HTMCC H3 Aviator Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 94 (Spartan Point 1)
COS HTMCC H3 COS Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 53 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 COS Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 73 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 COS LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 COS RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 66 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 COS Forearm Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 90 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 COS Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 71 (Spartan Point 1)
Compass HTMCC H3 Compass Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 82 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Compass Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 96 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Compass LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Compass RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 62 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Compass Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 74 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Compass Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 89 (Spartan Point 1)
Deadeye HTMCC H3 Deadeye Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 78 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Deadeye Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 38 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Deadeye LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Deadeye RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 54 (Spartan Point 1)
N/A HTMCC H3 Deadeye Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 97 (Spartan Point 1)
Demo HTMCC H3 Demo Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 37 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Demo Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 26 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Demo LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Demo RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 39 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Demo Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 32 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Demo Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 66 (Spartan Point 1)
Hammerhead HTMCC H3 Hammerhead Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 75 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hammerhead Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 11 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hammerhead LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Hammerhead RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 35 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hammerhead Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 22 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hammerhead Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 46 (Spartan Point 1)
Hivemind HTMCC H3 Hivemind Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 64 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hivemind Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 41 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Hivemind LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Hivemind RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 59 (Spartan Point 1)
N/A HTMCC H3 Hivemind Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 67 (Spartan Point 1)
Infiltrator HTMCC H3 Infiltrator Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 33 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Infiltrator Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 13 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Infiltrator LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Infiltrator RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 29 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Infiltrator Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 49 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Infiltrator Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 59 (Spartan Point 1)
Lancer HTMCC H3 Lancer Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 16 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Lancer Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 42 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Lancer LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Lancer RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 27 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Lancer Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 31 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Lancer Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 56 (Spartan Point 1)
Navigator HTMCC H3 Navigator Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 72 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Navigator Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 92 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Navigator LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Navigator RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 81 (Spartan Point 1)
N/A HTMCC H3 Navigator Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 75 (Spartan Point 1)
Nomdagro HTMCC H3 Nomdagro Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 4 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Nomdagro Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 39 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Nomdagro LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Nomdagro RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 19 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Nomdagro Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 7 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Nomdagro Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 26 (Spartan Point 1)
ODST/COMM HTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 40 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 52 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 62 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 60 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTCOMM Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 64 (Spartan Point 1)
ODST/DEMO HTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 20 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 32 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 55 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 48 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTDEMO Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 44 (Spartan Point 1)
ODST/HVY HTMCC H3 ODSTHVY Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 57 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTHVY Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 72 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTHVY LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 ODSTHVY RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 93 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTHVY Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 68 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTHVY Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 76 (Spartan Point 1)
ODST/TAC HTMCC H3 ODSTTAC Helmet Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 2 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTTAC Chest Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 14 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTTAC LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 ODSTTAC RShoulder Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 30 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTTAC Forearms Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 25 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 ODSTTAC Legs Icon.png
Series 6, Tier 6 (Spartan Point 1)
Pioneer HTMCC H3 Pioneer Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 49 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Pioneer Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 34 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Pioneer LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Pioneer RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 29 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Pioneer Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 16 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Pioneer Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 57 (Spartan Point 1)
Rhine HTMCC H3 Rhine Helmet Icon.png HTMCC H3 Rhine Chest Icon.png Crop of the H3 Rhine shoulders, to substitute a lack of images in the files.Crop of the H3 Rhine shoulders, to substitute a lack of images in the files. Crop of the H3 Rhine arms, to substitute a lack of images in the files. HTMCC H3 Rhine Legs Icon.png
Series 6, purchase at The Exchange (Spartan Point 20)
Soldier HTMCC H3 Soldier Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 19 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Soldier Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 98 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Soldier LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Soldier RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 73 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Soldier Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 99 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Soldier Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 44 (Spartan Point 1)
Suture HTMCC H3 Suture Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 63 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Suture Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 69 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Suture LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Suture RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 71 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Suture Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 5 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Suture Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 52 (Spartan Point 1)
Tanker HTMCC H3 Tanker Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 87 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Tanker Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 6 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Tanker LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Tanker RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 23 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Tanker Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 84 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Tanker Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 8 (Spartan Point 1)
Warrior HTMCC H3 Warrior Helmet Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 56 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Warrior Chest Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 14 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Warrior LShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Warrior RShoulder Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 47 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Warrior Forearms Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 88 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Warrior Legs Icon.png
Series 5, Tier 46 (Spartan Point 1)
Mirage Mirage armour icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
Mirage armour icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
Mirage armour icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
Mirage armour icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
Mirage armour icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
Duke Shoulders N/A MCC Menu icon.
The Exchange (Spartan Point 2)
N/A
Mythic armor

Non canonical armor sets that were introduced with Series 8: Mythic.

Mythic armor
Armor Helmet Chest Shoulders Forearms Legs
Belos Heran HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Syntrofos HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Kerata HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Leontokardos HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Stheno HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Cerberus HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Belos Kardia N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Belos Lochagos N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Belos Dartbreaker N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Belos Valorous N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Belos Lionmarked N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A
Belos Lionbreaker N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Belos Chosen N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Belos Lionmark N/A N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Blackguard Warfeast HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Fallen Equerry MCC Menu icon.
The Exchange
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Forsaken Dragon HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Carrion Crow HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Sorrowful Visage HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Ashen Crown HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Banetouched N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Margrave N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Blackguard Knight of Venezia N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Blackguard Knight of Verent N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Blackguard Knight of Aleria N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Blackguard Knight of Madrigal N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Blackguard Bane Marked N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A
Blackguard Sorrow Marked N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A
Blackguard Tribute Keep N/A N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Blackguard Far Isle Keep N/A N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Drengr Skald HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Valdemar HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Dvalinn HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Thyra HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Nari HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Tyr HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Geirfugl N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Vinr N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A N/A
Drengr Oathbound N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Drengr Thornbound N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Drengr Fangbound N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Drengr Scalebound N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A N/A
Drengr Truthteller Spines N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A
Drengr Scandalizer Spines N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
N/A
Drengr Far Striders N/A N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Drengr Traveller's Striders N/A N/A N/A N/A HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Series 8
Elite harness
Elite harness
Harness Helmet Chest Shoulders Forearms Legs
Accord HTMCC H3 Accord Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 31 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Accord Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 39 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Accord RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Accord LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 95 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Accord Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 48 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Accord Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 76 (Spartan Point 1)
Artisan HTMCC H3 Artisan Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 14 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Artisan Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 34 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Artisan RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Artisan LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 73 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Artisan Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 51 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Artisan Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 66 (Spartan Point 1)
General HTMCC H3 General Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 3 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 General Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 23 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 General RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 General LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 91 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 General Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 41 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 General Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 86 (Spartan Point 1)
Keepward HTMCC H3 Keepward Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 4 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Keepward Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 12 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Keepward RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Keepward LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 75 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Keepward ForearmIcon.png
Series 7, Tier 52 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Keepward Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 63 (Spartan Point 1)
Seneschal HTMCC H3 Seneschal Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 10 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Seneschal Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 44 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Seneschal RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Seneschal LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 70 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Seneschal Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 27 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Seneschal Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 54 (Spartan Point 1)
Scion HTMCC H3 Scion Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 7 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Scion Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 37 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Scion RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Scion LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 90 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Scion Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 60 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Scion Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 82 (Spartan Point 1)
Ossoona HTMCC H3 Ossoona Helmet Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 5 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Ossoona Chest Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 21 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Ossoona RShoulder Icon.pngHTMCC H3 Ossoona LShoulder Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 65 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Ossoona Forearm Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 42 (Spartan Point 1)
HTMCC H3 Ossoona Leg Icon.png
Series 7, Tier 58 (Spartan Point 1)
Visors

Visor customisation was introduced to Halo 3 in Series 3: Recon. A number of visor colours can be unlocked for Spartan Point Season Points, though like other Halo 3 skins, they can be toggled off in the menu. Season 6 introduced more visors in the form of animated visors.

In-game Appearance Name Unlock Requirements Description
H3 Blue Visor Icon.png
Blue Series 3, Tier 1 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Red Visor Icon.png
Red Series 3, Tier 3 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Green Visor Icon.png
Green Series 3, Tier 4 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Yellow Visor Icon.png
Yellow Series 3, Tier 5 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Purple Visor Icon.png
Purple Series 3, Tier 7 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Orange Visor Icon.png
Orange Series 3, Tier 8 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Bronze Visor Icon.png
Bronze Series 3, Tier 10 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Silver Visor Icon.png
Silver Series 3, Tier 11 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkRed Visor Icon.png
Dark Red Series 3, Tier 13 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkYellow Visor Icon.png
Dark Yellow Series 3, Tier 15 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkPurple Visor Icon.png
Dark Purple Series 3, Tier 17 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkBlue Visor Icon.png
Dark Blue Series 3, Tier 19 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkGreen Visor Icon.png
Dark Green Series 3, Tier 20 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Spectrum Visor Icon.png
Spectrum Series 3, Tier 23 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 DarkOrange Visor Icon.png
Dark Orange Series 3, Tier 26 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelBlue Visor Icon.png
Pastel Blue Series 3, Tier 27 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelGreen Visor Icon.png
Pastel Green Series 3, Tier 29 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelRed Visor Icon.png
Pastel Red Series 3, Tier 30 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelYellow Visor Icon.png
Pastel Yellow Series 3, Tier 32 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelPurple Visor Icon.png
Pastel Purple Series 3, Tier 34 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 PastelOrange Visor Icon.png
Pastel Orange Series 3, Tier 35 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Groovy Visor Icon.png
Groovy Series 3, Tier 37 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Yellow Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Yellow Series 3, Tier 38 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Blue Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Blue Series 3, Tier 41 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Platinum Visor Icon.png
Platinum Series 3, Tier 42 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Red Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Red Series 3, Tier 44 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Green Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Green Series 3, Tier 45 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Orange Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Orange Series 3, Tier 47 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Pearlescent Purple Visor Icon.png
Pearlescent Purple Series 3, Tier 48 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 Onyx Visor Icon.png
Onyx Series 3, Tier 49 (Spartan Point 1) Part of a suite of experimental VISR enhancements.
H3 AnotherSunrise Visor Icon.png
Another Sunrise Series 6 Challenge: Package Deal Every sunrise is proof of victory.
H3 CoolDepths Visor Icon.png
Cool Depths Series 6, Tier 5 (Spartan Point 1) What lies beneath?
H3 Neon Visor Icon.png
Neon Series 6, Tier 37 (Spartan Point 1) Let's be frank...
H3 BurnRadius Visor Icon.png
Burn Radius Series 6, Tier 98 (Spartan Point 1) Danger! Do not touch!
H3 Nebula Visor Icon.png
Nebula Series 6, Tier 74 (Spartan Point 1) So close, yet so far away.
H3 OldSalt Visor Icon.png
Old Salt Series 6, Tier 82 (Spartan Point 1) Worn, but ready for battle.
H3 Patina Visor Icon.png
Patina Series 6, Tier 69 (Spartan Point 1) Mark of a true veteran.
H3 Plated Visor Icon.png
Plated Series 6, Tier 84 (Spartan Point 1) Anniversary edition faceplate.
H3 RedShift Visor Icon.png
Red Shift Series 6, Tier 92 (Spartan Point 1) Spartans in motion around distant stars.
H3 Shadow Visor Icon.png
Shadow Series 6, Tier 89 (Spartan Point 1) What lies within?
H3 ShorelineSunset Visor Icon.png
Shoreline Sunset Series 6, Tier 10 (Spartan Point 1) This is living.
H3 TallTales Visor Icon.png
Tall Tales Series 6, Tier 80 (Spartan Point 1) The after-action reports may have been exaggerated.
H3 Turbulence Visor Icon.png
Turbulence Series 6, Tier 67 (Spartan Point 1) Spartans work well in murky environments.
H3 UncontrolledGrowth Visor Icon.png
Uncontrolled Growth Series 6, Tier 78 (Spartan Point 1) Even the flower of life can bring death.
H3 TropicCove Visor Icon.png
Tropic Cove Series 6, Tier 8 (Spartan Point 1) Smells like vacation.
H3 EclipseDream Visor Icon.png
Eclipse Dream Series 8, The Exchange (Spartan Point 2) Feels like yesterday.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Dot Product Series 8, Tier 99 (Spartan Point 1) Full spectrum battle management.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Umbral Cold Series 8, The Exchange (Spartan Point 2) Cool as ice.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Astral Heat Series 8, Tier 35 (Spartan Point 1) Some like it hot.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Prism Scan Series 8, The Exchange (Spartan Point 2) Eyes on. Target locked.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Solar Circles Series 8, Tier 64 (Spartan Point 1) Blinding in its majesty.
H3 Nightscan Visor Icon.png
Nightscan Series 8, The Exchange (Spartan Point 2) Your distinctiveness will betray you.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Scrambler Series 8, Tier 78 (Spartan Point 1) System Error!
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Seattle Sunset Series 8, Tier 4 (Spartan Point 1) The smoke makes for great vistas.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Teal Dream Series 8, Tier 91 (Spartan Point 1) Imagination run riot.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Search and Assess Series 8, Tier 71 (Spartan Point 1) Tracking down the prime instigator.
Back accessories

Back Accessory customisation was introduced to Halo 3 in Series 6: Raven.

In-game Appearance Name Unlock Requirements Description
Default Default No back accessory attached.
HTMCC H3 Tactical Backpack Icon.png
Tactical Pack Series 6: Raven, Tier 23 (Spartan Point 1) All-purpose hardened storage.
HTMCC H3 Demolitions Backpack Icon.png
Demolitions Pack Series 6: Raven, Tier 50 (Spartan Point 1) A one-stop shop for your front-line combat engineer.
HTMCC H3 Communications Backpack Icon.png
Communications Pack Series 6: Raven, Tier 54 (Spartan Point 1) Battle network relay.
HTMCC H3 Ammo Backpack Icon.png
Ammo Pack Series 6: Raven, Tier 97 (Spartan Point 1) Keep the party going.
HTMCC H3 Pulaski Backpack Icon.png
Pulaski Series 6: Raven, Tier 86 (Spartan Point 1) Spartans serve as a fire break for many existential threats.
HTMCC H3 SwordAndBoard Backpack Icon.png
Sword and Board Series 6 Challenge: Best at Both Survive the onslaught.
H3 Katana.png
Katana Unlocked by default Like cheddar.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Evalach's Lament Series 8 Challenge: Lamentable Ambition is your shield.
MCC Season 8 menu icon.
Ironburst The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) This mace has shattered the bones of countless heroes and villains.
HTMCC H3 LastWord Backpack Icon.png
Last Word The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) Settling arguments, one swing at a time.
Law's End The Exchange Deeds will always trump words.
Lionheart Shield The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) The guardians of Lacadaemon either return carrying their shields or reposed upon them.
HTMCC H3 Oaklimb Backpack Icon.png
Oaklimb The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) One cannot throw a cruel barb without expecting some in return.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Ravenoak Series 8, Tier 15 (Spartan Point 1) Inspiration can be found in the strangest places.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Reaver's Tooth Series 8, Tier 83 (Spartan Point 1) A tool of war and peace.
MCC Season 8 menu icon.
Seafoam Trident The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) The arms of the sea lords are now prized heirlooms.
HTMCC Season 8 battlepass icon.
Sorrowmourn Series 8, Tier 22 (Spartan Point 1) It's blade is a thorn of malice.
MCC Season 8 menu icon.
Taygetus Dory The Exchange A symbol of martial prowess.
MCC Season 8 menu icon.
Thessalian Bow The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) A bow fit for the greatest of archers.
MCC Menu Icon.
Rucksack The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) The gear gets lighter, but the soldier's load gets heavier. Law of the universe.
MCC Menu Icon.
The Beast The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) At least it's lighter than your team.
MCC Menu Icon.
Grunt Plush The Exchange, (Spartan Point 3) Single-handedly funding YapYap's latest scheme.
MCC Menu Icon.
X-Pack The Exchange The CRT television must be carried separately.
MCC Menu Icon.
FronkBox The Exchange A classic 2483 Fronk's lunchbox kit? You could trade a Marathon-class cruiser for that!
Bean-117 Unlocked by default after June 29, 2022 This bean always has your back.
Techsuit
A comparison of all Season 5 techsuit variants. From left to right: the original Halo 3 techsuit, the new GEN1 techsuit, the GEN2 techsuit and the GEN2 Tinted techsuit.

As of the December 2020 update, Spartans in Halo 3 can now choose between three different techsuits to display underneath their MJOLNIR armor. Season 6 will include three new colored techsuits, with these techsuits not inhereting the player's primary color. These include the following;

  • GEN1: Integral to the entire Mjolnir system, the techsuit encases the wearer's body and provides attachment points for the armor plating above it.
    • This techsuit replaces the standard Halo 3 techsuit available in the original game and pre-update MCC. It is noticeably more detailed than the original, and is much more form-fitting.
    • By Season 6, if the player has the toggle option for Halo 3 skins off, the Spartan model will be replaced with the original Halo 3 Spartan model.
    • Unlocked by default.
  • GEN2 Tinted Smoke Hazardous for your enemy's health.
    • A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits a darker shade of the player's primary colour.
    • Series 7 Challenge: Nightcrawler
  • GEN2: Though similar to earlier systems, the GEN2 techsuit is a bespoke form-fitted armored polymuscle exoskeleton.
    • The standard GEN2 techsuit introduced in Halo 4, Online and Halo 5: Guardians. This undersuit is only available in black.
    • Unlocked by default.
  • GEN2 Tinted: A variant of the standard GEN2 techsuit with additional chromatic customization options.
    • A coloured variant of of the GEN2 undersuit, which inherits the player's primary colour.
    • Unlocked by default.
  • GEN2 Azure: The sky is not the limit.
  • GEN2 Gunmetal: Never one for subtlety.
    • GEN2 techsuit with grey coloration.
    • Series 6, Tier 99 (Spartan Point 1)
  • GEN2 Maroon: A pleasant color for a gruesome business.
    • GEN2 techsuit with dark red coloration.
    • Series 6, Tier 95 (Spartan Point 1)
  • GEN2 Umber: We don't know what color it actually is either.
    • GEN2 techsuit with yellow coloration.
    • Series 7, Tier 9 (Spartan Point 1)
  • GEN2 Army Green: They must love the smell.
    • GEN2 techsuit with dark green coloration.
    • Series 7, Tier 22 (Spartan Point 1)
  • GEN2 Burnt Ground: After the fire is when you see the most growth.
  • GEN2 Cold Mud: Perfect for hiding from alien hunters.
  • GEN2 Purplex: Like purple, but with an extra helping of fancy.
  • GEN2 Slate Grey: Cold, capable, and calculated.
    • GEN2 techsuit with light grey coloration.
    • Series 7, Tier 98 (Spartan Point 1)
  • GEN2 Chainmail: What's old is new again.
  • GEN2 Dragonscale: The finest scales from the greatest wyrms.
  • GEN2 Latticeweave: A pattern of strength.
Pose

Pose customisation options were introduced to Halo 3 in Series 8: Mythic.

Armor customization (Halo 3)/Pose

Trivia[edit]

Mistakes[edit]

  • In reusing tooltips from Halo: Reach's appearance menu, the updated customization menu for Halo 3 in Halo: The Master Chief Collection now erroneously states the choice between a Spartan and Elite player model is only applicable to appropriate, species-specific gametypes, despite the option being available regardless of gametype.
    • Additionally, when hovering over the menu element to change Elite armor permutations, the game erroneously states the option is to change Spartan armor. This would be fixed with the release of Halo 3: ODST on PC.

Miscellaneous[edit]

  • In early development for Halo 3, the ability to play as Elites in multiplayer had some canonical justification. Early text strings indicate that "Spartans have been authorized to assume Elite skins in combat scenarios".[11]
  • A certain conceptual helmet seen in The Art of Halo 3 greatly resembles the AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir set that'd later appear in Halo: Reach.
  • In Halo 3, the neck of an Elite (regardless what armor permutation used) is completely immune to any form of damage except for a shot from an overcharged Plasma Pistol. In addition, the projectile will simply pass through the neck, as though the neck wasn't there, without a blood spatter. This is because both Elites and Spartans have similar models.
  • Many people speculate that hitboxes of the Spartans and Elites are shared but this is not true. While Bungie has officially commented on the hitboxes, they regard the size of the hitbox not the arrangement. Hitboxes are an unseen registry mechanic, which fall into the player models. They determine whether or not something has collided with the player. If an Elite is facing profile (sideways), and a shot is fired underneath the head (to where a Spartan's chest would be), the game will not register a hit. The head "hitbox" is forward more on Elites than it is Spartans.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Menu images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Miscellaneous[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3 Beta: Identity and Appearance (Retrieved on Jan 24, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ YouTube - dirtyShisno213, Halo 3 Beta Armor Customization
  3. ^ 7th Columnist, *REVEALED* Halo 3 Custom New Armour Types (Retrieved on Sep 2, 2022) [archive]
  4. ^ GamePro, issue 226: July 2007 (Archive)
  5. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update: 06/08/07 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  6. ^ Bungie.net, Way Beyond the Beta: Screenshots Galore (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  7. ^ Bungie.net, 7/7/07: Love, Bungie (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint Forums, MCC Development & Flighting Updates: Page 4, post 63 "The team is currently working on a game update that expands the existing skin toggle in the settings menu to also apply to armor. If you prefer a true classic experience, you’ll be able to flip the “New Skins in Halo 3” toggle to “disabled” and you won’t see any new cosmetic items (weapon skins, vehicle skins, or armor) when you’re playing Halo 3. If you decide to turn off cosmetics, any players in your game who are wearing new armor will appear as default Mark VI." (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint Forums, MCC Development & Flighting Updates Page 5: Post 100 (Retrieved on Aug 27, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ Halo Waypoint, Celebrating 20 Years of Halo in The Master Chief Collection (Retrieved on Nov 3, 2021) [archive]
  11. ^ Twitter, The Vengeful 'Vadam (@vengeful_vadam) (Retrieved on May 22, 2022) [archive]