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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Title|''Emp'seam''-pattern Antlion}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Status|Canon}}
|image= [[File:HW2-BlitzMegaturret.jpg|300px]]
{{Weapon infobox
|manufacturer=
|name=''Emp'seam''-pattern Sky Striker
|series=
|image= [[File:HW Antlion Crop.png|300px]]
|type=
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|series=[[Antlion]]
|type=Artillery
|cost=
|cost=
|variant=
|variant=
|weight=
|weight={{Convert|222.7|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|length=
|length={{Convert|32.8|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|ammotype=[[Plasma mortar]]
|ammotype=1 siege [[plasma mortar]]
|capacity=
|feed=
|feed=
|operation=
|operation-title=Crew
|operation=2 operators or remote link{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|rate=Three-shot burst  
|rate=Three-shot burst  
|velocity=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=Long
|range=Long
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|hidea=yes
}}
}}
The '''mega turret''' is a giant ground stationary weapon built by the [[Covenant]]. It is essentially a long-range, heavy [[plasma mortar]].
The '''''Emp'seam''-pattern Sky Striker''', more commonly known as the '''Antlion'''{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=305}} or '''mega turret''' is a giant ground stationary weapon built by the [[Covenant]]. It is essentially a long-range, heavy [[Plasma mortar#Siege plasma mortar|siege plasma mortar]].


==Specifications==
==Overview==
The mega turret is a massive Covenant [[plasma]] turret that was in service during and after the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the height of the empire, the turret was used by the Covenant to protect Covenant military and religious installations, but these massive cannons have also been encountered at remote colonies and outposts guarding nothing of obvious value and reflexively attacking all who approach without long-forgotten authorization codes. The [[Banished]] deploy the Mega Turret as a straightforward anti-siege weapon at [[Outpost|war camps]] on the [[Installation 00|Ark]] which have the necessary infrastructure and permanence to support their use.<ref name="PLWI">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', Phoenix Logs, Banished Buildings ''Mega Turret''</ref><ref name="BACK">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/back-mentality '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Back Mentality'']</ref> It is capable of dishing out considerable damage against hostile forces. It fires three bolts of superheated plasma in quick succession, doing considerably high damage to nearby enemy units.
===Design details===
The Antlion is a massive stationary [[plasma]] turret of [[Sangheili]] origin. It consists of an independently-constructed base mounting a large turret with a full 360 degrees of rotation. Due to their heavy and stationary nature, mega turrets are rarely employed in the field on expeditionary campaigns; they require assembly at the point of deployment and are totally immobile. They can be crewed by two operators, or completely crewed via a remote link.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


Its appearance, design and function is similar to that of the [[Type-48 Weevil|Type-48 Weevil Artillery Platform]].
===Armament===
The primary armament of the system is a single [[Plasma mortar#Siege plasma mortar|siege plasma mortar]], which has massive range. When firing, the ''Emp'seam'' charges for a short time before firing a volley of three plasma rounds, similar in nature to the {{Pattern|Ra'aam|burst cannon}}. The siege mortar is capable of levelling enemy fortifications and leaving [[Glassing|glass]] at the bottom of a crater.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
 
===Variants===
*'''[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion]]''' - a variant of the Antlion created for use by the [[Banished]] and widely adopted across the various [[clan]]s - only second to the [[Kywasky Workshop Gorespike cannon]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p481|Enc22|Page=481}}
<gallery class="center">
File:HW2-BlitzMegaturret.jpg|A Banished Antlion turret.
</gallery>
 
===Usage===
Antlion mega turrets were originally designed by the Sangheili as emplacements for use in inter-[[keep]] conflicts as opposed to more general [[Covenant military]] service.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} During the height of the empire, the turret was used by the Covenant to protect Covenant military and religious installations such as [[Covenant citadel|citadels]], though they were also used at remote colonies and outposts guarding nothing of obvious value.{{Ref/Game|Id=PL|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Mega Turret}}{{Ref/Site|Id=HWBack|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/back-mentality|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Back Mentality|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}} They were rarely deployed in offensive actions due to their static nature, and only saw service in niche situations in which [[Orbital bombardment|orbital fire support]] from [[glassing]] or a [[plasma bombardment mortar]] was unavailable, or the Covenant were unwilling to risk damaging a [[Forerunner]] artifact in the vicinity of the strike.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
 
With the Covenant empire's [[Great Schism|collapse]], many such weapons have been left abandoned where they stood - now reflexively firing upon any who approach them without the proper authorisation codes for friendly transit.{{Ref/Reuse|PL}}{{Ref/Reuse|HWBack}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
During the [[Battle for Arcadia]], the Covenant deployed a mega turret near one of [[Pirth City]]'s spaceports shortly before [[Unidentified civilian cargo ship|the evacuation ships]] were due to launch. The turret failed to stop the launch and two of the ships escaped.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Another mega turret was deployed in the outskirts of Pirth City, but was destroyed by the UNSC forces from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]''</ref> During the [[Battle of the Etran Harborage]], the Covenant forces abandoned one of their mega turrets near the exit that led to the surface of the [[shield world]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Escape]]''</ref>
During the [[Battle for Arcadia]], the Covenant deployed an Antlion near one of [[Arcadia City (location)|Arcadia City's]] spaceports shortly before [[Banta-class transport|the evacuation ships]] were due to launch. The turret failed to stop the launch and two of the ships escaped.{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia City}} Another Antlion was deployed in the outskirts of Arcadia City, but was destroyed by the UNSC forces from the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia Outskirts}} During the [[Battle of Trove]], the Covenant forces abandoned one of their Antlions near the exit that led to the surface of the [[shield world]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape}}
 
Several mega turrets were deployed by [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in order to secure a series of [[Bridge (structure)|bridges]] at the [[Epsilon Expanse]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', [[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Battle for Epsilon Expanse]]</ref> At least five mega turrets were deployed during contemporaneous operations on Draetheus V's artificial moon, [[X50]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 27: Breach of the Bulwark|Breach of the Bulwark]]''</ref>


During the [[Second Ark Conflict]] the Banished deployed mega turrets as a straightforward anti-siege weapon at war camps which had the necessary infrastructure and permanence to support their use.<ref name="BACK">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/back-mentality '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Back Mentality'']</ref> They were employed by the [[Jiralhanae]] [[Pavium]] during the [[Flood]] outbreak on [[Installation 00]] to combat the parasite and eventually kill the forming [[Proto-Gravemind]].<ref>'''Halo Wars 2 campaign level:''' ''[[Light the Fuse]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Wars 2 campaign level:''' ''[[Manifestation]]''</ref>
Several Antlions were deployed by [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in order to secure a series of [[Bridge (structure)|bridges]] at the [[Epsilon Expanse]].{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse}} At least five Antlions were deployed during contemporaneous operations on Draetheus V's artificial moon, [[X50]].{{Ref/Level|HSA|Mission 27: Breach of the Bulwark}} During the [[Second Ark Conflict]] the [[Banished]] would make use of their own [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Antlion|version]] of the Antlion.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p481}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' the Mega Turret is a strong and resilient stationary unit. The only instances that they can be controlled are on the campaign level ''[[Escape]]'' and [[Skirmish]] level ''[[Tundra]]''. A burst from the turret is strong enough to wipe out a squad of Marines. To destroy one, it is recommended to use units that has a high speed, because they can reach the turret before it fires at them. Another tactic is to attack from its back, since it takes time for it to turn around and fire. One can also exploit its long recharge time by sending a cannon fodder unit as a distraction for the turret to eliminate, and then attack the turret with full force while it recharges. In the level ''Escape'', the Mega Turret is located next to the initial [[Covenant citadel]], and can be used to destroy the base. Thanks to its long range of attack, one can also use it to destroy the Scarabs encountered in the level. An additional advantage is that it can fire on targets obscured by "the fog of war", requiring no nearby allies around its target unlike most leader abilities.
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' the Antlion is a strong and resilient stationary unit. The only instances that they can be controlled are on the campaign level ''[[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape]]'' and [[Skirmish]] level ''[[Tundra]]''. A burst from the turret is strong enough to wipe out a squad of Marines. To destroy one, it is recommended to use units that has a high speed, because they can reach the turret before it fires at them. Another tactic is to attack from its back, since it takes time for it to turn around and fire. One can also exploit its long recharge time by sending a cannon fodder unit as a distraction for the turret to eliminate, and then attack the turret with full force while it recharges. In the level ''Escape'', the Antlion is located next to the initial [[Covenant citadel]], and can be used to destroy the base. Thanks to its long range of attack, one can also use it to destroy the Scarabs encountered in the level. An additional advantage is that it can fire on targets obscured by "the fog of war", requiring no nearby allies around its target unlike most leader abilities.


In order to use the Mega Turret the player must station an infantry squad inside the structure and pay resources in order to fire it at a location. The player must wait until the turret recharges before they can fire it again.
In order to use the Antlion the player must station an infantry squad inside the structure and pay resources in order to fire it at a location. The player must wait until the turret recharges before they can fire it again.


A hidden Mega Turret is in the level ''[[Repairs]]'', but outside of the map since its blasts are being to used to represent those of the {{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}}. The only way to see it is through the [[Repairs glitch]].
A hidden Antlion is in the level ''[[Repairs]]'', but outside of the map since its blasts are being to used to represent those of the {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}. The only way to see it is through the [[Repairs glitch]].


===''Halo: Spartan Assault''===
===''Halo: Spartan Assault''===
In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' the mega turret is a stationary unit with strong durability. It can destroy Wraiths in three direct shots and Ghosts in one direct shot, and can also kill player with one direct hit. The only setback is the turret will give a warning where it will fire, giving the player a chance to evade it. The Mega Turret can be destroyed with one C4 explosive or several rounds of anti-armor weaponry; other weapons are not recommended due to its strong health. When firing, it emits two separate mortar projectiles. The Mega Turret cannot be disabled with a charged plasma pistol.
In ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' the Antlion is a stationary unit with strong durability. It can destroy Wraiths in three direct shots and Ghosts in one direct shot, and can also kill player with one direct hit. The only setback is the turret will give a warning where it will fire, giving the player a chance to evade it. The Antlion can be destroyed with one C4 explosive or several rounds of anti-armor weaponry; other weapons are not recommended due to its strong health. When firing, it emits two separate mortar projectiles. The Antlion cannot be disabled with a charged plasma pistol.
===''Halo Wars 2''===
*'''Info:''' Base Defense, Long range plasma mortar, Auto targets enemies
*'''Tier:''' 1
*'''Cost''': Population 0, Supplies 150, Power 150 {{C|Costs 150+ more supplies and power per extra turret}}
'''Mega Turret Upgrade: Lingering Death'''
*'''Info:''' Shell continues to cause damage after impact
*'''Tier:''' 2
*'''Cost''': Supplies 0, Power 300
'''Mega Turret Upgrade: Compound Detonators'''
*'''Info:''' An unstable core is added to the shells increasing the damage on impact
*'''Tier:''' 3
*'''Cost''': Supplies 0, Power 500
In ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' the mega turret is a base slot structure exclusive to [[Pavium]] once the player has used a leader power to unlock it. Unlike its ''Halo Wars'' counterpart the mega turret in ''Halo Wars 2'' is automated similar to the Banished Spike turrets. Pavium himself is able to highlight targets with his target locator though. Also like the Spike turrets, the upgrades apply only to the individual turret that was selected, except that it can be upgraded from War Council. With long range and heavy damage mega turrets are excellent for fighting infantry, vehicles, and even other structures, but they cannot attack aircraft. The only flaw is that due to the size of the turret, it cannot be constructed on Turret slot, and players have to sacrifice one of their building sockets to construct a Mega Turret.
 
The Mega Turret is a popular choice for those who pick Pavium in Terminus Firefight to strengthen defenses, as it is able to cover a wide range that is larger than  the UNSC Siege Turret.
 
In gameplay, the Mega Turret plays an important role in the level ''[[Manifestation]]'' where it is used to attack a [[Proto-Gravemind]]'s tentacles and then the creature itself. In this case, the player only has to construct a Banished Minibase which will automatically be constructed with a Mega Turret already in place. The player has to spot the target of the tentacles and Proto-Gravemind for it to successfully work, however.
 
==Trivia==
*In ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', the use of a spotter to target the Mega Turret's shots is similar to the UNSC's [[M400 Kodiak|Kodiak tank's]] long-range shelling guided by UNSC Snipers acting as spotters. As a result, the Kodiak and Mega Turret play similar roles in the campaign levels ''[[Under the Dark]]'' and ''[[Manifestation]]'' respectively where they, guided by spotters from their respective factions, are used to shell enemy targets at a distance to progress in the level.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:COVENANT Mega Turret.jpg|Concept art of the Covenant mega turret for ''Halo Wars''.
File:COVENANT Mega Turret.jpg|Concept art of the Covenant Antlion for ''Halo Wars''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|The Covenant mega turret firing upon attacking UNSC forces in ''Halo Wars''.
File:SCN05 MegaTurret-screenshot.jpg|A Covenant Antlion firing upon attacking UNSC forces in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HaloWars-CovenantMegaTurret.png|A Covenant mega turret.
File:HaloWars-CovenantMegaTurret.png|A Covenant Antlion.
File:HW CreviceBattle.jpg|A Mega turret on the map [[Crevice]] in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW CreviceBattle.jpg|An Antlion on the map [[Crevice]] in an early build of ''Halo Wars''.
File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|The Covenant mega turret on Draetheus V in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:HW MegaTurret.png|The Antlion garrisoned by Jiralhanae on the map [[Tundra]] in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HSA-Grizzly-DestroyedMegaTurret.jpg|A Mega Turret destroyed by an [[M850 Grizzly]].
File:HW MegaTurretFiring.png|The Antlion firing at enemies on the map ''Tundra'' in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HSA-MegaTurret-Closeup.jpg|Closeup of a mega turret in ''Halo: Spartan Assault''.
File:HW MegaTurretVenting.png|The Antlion venting after firing at enemies on the map ''Tundra'' in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HSA-Grizzly-Versus-MegaTurret.jpg|An [[M850 Grizzly]] fighting a mega turret on X50.
File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|An Antlion on Draetheus V in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:HW2-Megaturrets.png|A trio of mega turrets being used on a minibase in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HSA-Grizzly-DestroyedMegaTurret.jpg|An Antlion destroyed by an [[M850 Grizzly]].
File:HW2-Megaturretoutpost.png|An outpost of mega turrets.
File:HSA-MegaTurret-Closeup.jpg|Closeup of a Antlion in ''Halo: Spartan Assault''.
File:HSA-Grizzly-Versus-MegaTurret.jpg|An [[M850 Grizzly]] fighting a Antlion on X50.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''


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


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}


{{HW buildings}}
{{HW buildings}}

Latest revision as of 15:09, February 5, 2024

Emp'seam-pattern Sky Striker
A crop of the render of the Emp'seam-pattern Antlion model made for Halo Wars.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1]

Model series:

Antlion

Type:

Artillery

Specifications

Length:

10.0 meters (32.8 ft)[1]

Weight:

222.7 metric tons (219.2 LT; 245.5 ST)[1]

Ammunition type:

1 siege plasma mortar

Crew:

2 operators or remote link[1]

Rate of fire:

Three-shot burst

Effective range:

Long

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War
Post-Covenant War conflicts

 

The Emp'seam-pattern Sky Striker, more commonly known as the Antlion[1] or mega turret is a giant ground stationary weapon built by the Covenant. It is essentially a long-range, heavy siege plasma mortar.

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Antlion is a massive stationary plasma turret of Sangheili origin. It consists of an independently-constructed base mounting a large turret with a full 360 degrees of rotation. Due to their heavy and stationary nature, mega turrets are rarely employed in the field on expeditionary campaigns; they require assembly at the point of deployment and are totally immobile. They can be crewed by two operators, or completely crewed via a remote link.[1]

Armament[edit]

The primary armament of the system is a single siege plasma mortar, which has massive range. When firing, the Emp'seam charges for a short time before firing a volley of three plasma rounds, similar in nature to the Ra'aam-pattern burst cannon. The siege mortar is capable of levelling enemy fortifications and leaving glass at the bottom of a crater.[1]

Variants[edit]

Usage[edit]

Antlion mega turrets were originally designed by the Sangheili as emplacements for use in inter-keep conflicts as opposed to more general Covenant military service.[1] During the height of the empire, the turret was used by the Covenant to protect Covenant military and religious installations such as citadels, though they were also used at remote colonies and outposts guarding nothing of obvious value.[3][4] They were rarely deployed in offensive actions due to their static nature, and only saw service in niche situations in which orbital fire support from glassing or a plasma bombardment mortar was unavailable, or the Covenant were unwilling to risk damaging a Forerunner artifact in the vicinity of the strike.[1]

With the Covenant empire's collapse, many such weapons have been left abandoned where they stood - now reflexively firing upon any who approach them without the proper authorisation codes for friendly transit.[3][4]

Operational history[edit]

During the Battle for Arcadia, the Covenant deployed an Antlion near one of Arcadia City's spaceports shortly before the evacuation ships were due to launch. The turret failed to stop the launch and two of the ships escaped.[5] Another Antlion was deployed in the outskirts of Arcadia City, but was destroyed by the UNSC forces from the UNSC Spirit of Fire.[6] During the Battle of Trove, the Covenant forces abandoned one of their Antlions near the exit that led to the surface of the shield world.[7]

Several Antlions were deployed by Merg Vol's Covenant during the Battle of Draetheus V in order to secure a series of bridges at the Epsilon Expanse.[8] At least five Antlions were deployed during contemporaneous operations on Draetheus V's artificial moon, X50.[9] During the Second Ark Conflict the Banished would make use of their own version of the Antlion.[2]

Gameplay[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

In Halo Wars the Antlion is a strong and resilient stationary unit. The only instances that they can be controlled are on the campaign level Escape and Skirmish level Tundra. A burst from the turret is strong enough to wipe out a squad of Marines. To destroy one, it is recommended to use units that has a high speed, because they can reach the turret before it fires at them. Another tactic is to attack from its back, since it takes time for it to turn around and fire. One can also exploit its long recharge time by sending a cannon fodder unit as a distraction for the turret to eliminate, and then attack the turret with full force while it recharges. In the level Escape, the Antlion is located next to the initial Covenant citadel, and can be used to destroy the base. Thanks to its long range of attack, one can also use it to destroy the Scarabs encountered in the level. An additional advantage is that it can fire on targets obscured by "the fog of war", requiring no nearby allies around its target unlike most leader abilities.

In order to use the Antlion the player must station an infantry squad inside the structure and pay resources in order to fire it at a location. The player must wait until the turret recharges before they can fire it again.

A hidden Antlion is in the level Repairs, but outside of the map since its blasts are being to used to represent those of the Sinaris-pattern heavy destroyer. The only way to see it is through the Repairs glitch.

Halo: Spartan Assault[edit]

In Halo: Spartan Assault the Antlion is a stationary unit with strong durability. It can destroy Wraiths in three direct shots and Ghosts in one direct shot, and can also kill player with one direct hit. The only setback is the turret will give a warning where it will fire, giving the player a chance to evade it. The Antlion can be destroyed with one C4 explosive or several rounds of anti-armor weaponry; other weapons are not recommended due to its strong health. When firing, it emits two separate mortar projectiles. The Antlion cannot be disabled with a charged plasma pistol.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 305
  2. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 481
  3. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Mega Turret
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Back Mentality (Retrieved on Jul 30, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia City
  6. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia Outskirts
  7. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape
  8. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse
  9. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, campaign level Mission 27: Breach of the Bulwark