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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|HW|H2|H3|UP|HGN|FA}}
[[File:HW Thrallslayer 2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Avitus]] wielding his Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.]]
{{Article quote|The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.{{Ref/Game|Id=forge|HINF|[[Forge]] - Gravity Hammer description|Quote=The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.}}}}
'''Gravity hammers''' are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the [[Covenant]] and inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]]. To their users, the [[Jiralhanae]], they are formally designated as '''war hammers'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p307|Enc22|Page=307}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p484|Enc22|Page=484}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T-2 EW/H''').{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=21|M=2|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint11|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Gravity Hammer|D=14|M=03|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Gravity Hammer}} Nicknames for the gravity hammer include the '''Hammer''' and the '''Club'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=348}}


The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''', also called the '''Gravity Hammer''', is the largest [[weapon]] in the [[Halo 3]], usually wielded with both hands, and can only be used for close combat.
==Overview==
[[File:HW2-Gravhammerimpact.png|thumb|350px|A Jiralhanae use his gravity hammer's impact to generate a pulse to repel the [[Flood]] during the [[Outbreak on Installation 00]].]]
===Design details===
{{Quote|One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood.|Private Aaron Landvik{{Ref/Game|HSA|[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Pre-mission quotes]]}}}}
A gravity hammer typically consists of a two-meter long haft,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=82}} A counterweight is attached to the bottom end of the haft.{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=93}} A short-range, shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/halo4guide|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons|D=27|M=03|Y=2014|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Covenant Weapons}} while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} which release a concussive force upon impact.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} Together, the devices allows the wielder to briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Site|Id=stormsurge|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-storm-surge|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer|D=22|M=9|Y=2021}} while producing an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters).{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The gravity drive can also manipulate localized energy fields,{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}} granting the user the ability to pull a target towards themselves or push the target away.{{Ref/Level|H2|The Oracle}}{{Ref/Level|H2|Quarantine Zone}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Great Journey}} However, the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}} means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Although [[human]]s first encountered the weapon in [[2526]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}


===History===
The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on [[Doisac]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/gravity-hammer|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer|D=16|M=04|Y=2021}} Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}


[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus holding the Fist of Rukt, with its modifications by the Covenant.]]
Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in [[2492]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} the war hammers were modified with [[Forerunner]] technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Reuse|stormsurge}} The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after [[Tartarus]] was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt|D=18|M=09|Y=2021}} After Tartarus was  granted the Fist of Rukt, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} Over the course of the [[Human-Covenant War]], a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} The gravity hammers inherited the war hammers' totemistic and ceremonial significance,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.{{Ref/Novel|CH|Chapter=15|Quote=This was the ''Fist of Rukt'', an ancient weapon passed down from one Chieftain to the next for generations of Maccabeus'clan. It deserved greater care.}} Furthermore, some hammer have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} resulting in numerous variants. During his rise to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the [[San'Shyuum]] to reward loyal lieutenants with similarly-advanced hammers secretly forged within the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Site|Id=closequarters|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-close-quarters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Close Quarters|D=17|M=10|Y=2021}}


{{Weapon
In [[2552]], only a few months before the [[Great Schism]] and the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of ''[[High Charity]]'', the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} likely as a part of the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s order to expand the Sacred Promissory's scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel for the impending purge of the [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=128}} Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the [[Banished]] seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
| image=[[Image:TataurusHammer4.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gravity Hammer
| manufacturer= [[Jiralhanae]]
| model=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
| type=Melee Weapon
| cost=
|  size=Hand held, Two-Handed
| damage per hit=Instant death. High area-effect damage
| magazine=
| maxammo=100 Battery Units
| fire=Gravity shockwave/Blunt Melee Strike
| ammotype=
| operation=
| rate of fire=None (Melee Only)
| accuracy=
| range=Close
| era=
| counterpart= *[[UNSC]]: [[Shotgun]]  
*[[Covenant Separatist]]s: [[Energy Sword]]
| counterwep=[[Energy Sword]], [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Shotgun]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant Loyalists]]
}}


==Background==
===Usage===
The Gravity Hammer is a large hammer that serves as an excellent and powerful [[melee]] weapon because of its tremendous weight and through the enormous strength, of its intended user species. It can also manipulate gravity, allowing it to propel objects and enemies away from its wielder. This tremendous weapon may also ricochet rockets being shot at the user, if used at the appropriate time.
{{Quote|no=three
|1=Avery Johnson
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
|2=Ponder
|q2=Say again?
|3=Avery Johnson
|q3=A giant hammer, sir. On [[Maccabeus|their leader]].
|4=[[Avery Johnson]] describing [[Maccabeus]] with the Fist of Rukt, to [[Ponder]]{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=245}}}}
The gravity hammer serves dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers were commonly wielded by Chieftains.{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}} Atriox, being a Bloodstar in the Covenant and no implication that he was a Chieftain, is seen using a gravity hammer implying that Jiralhanae Bloodstars in the Covenant were allowed Gravity Hammers.{{Ref/Level|HW2|A New Enemy}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=RoA1|RoA|Issue=1}} Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Signal}}{{Ref/Level|HW2|What Could Go Wrong?}} notably being used by [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Gameplay}} The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the [[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer|Sepulo'tez]], Halbashi, and [[Akelas Workshop gravity hammer|Akelas]] variants.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}


The Gravity Hammer was first seen in ''[[Halo 2]]'' called the [[Fist of Rukt]] which was used by [[Tartarus]], although it was unusable by the player at the time. In ''[[Halo 3]]'' a weaker and much more common variant of the Gravity Hammer appears and can be used. This weapon has been labeled a [[nub]] weapon, as it features a one hit kill. It is used only by [[Brute Chieftains]] as a sign of rank, except in multiplayer. Despite being labeled a Hammer, it, like all [[Brute]] weapons, has a blade attached to the backside for slashing opponents.
==Variants==
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Akelas Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant used by the Covenant and the Banished, with a notable wielder being [[Chieftain]] [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
*'''[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s in the Covenant during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Eektah-fel siphon hammer''': A variant used by some Banished Jiralhanae Warlords.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLH|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)|D=23|M=1|Y=2021}}
**'''[[Voridus]]' infused hammer''': A variant which leaves pools of [[infusion gel]] on impact. Only wielded by [[Voridus]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|Voridus in-game unit}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Hero|Phoenix Logs - Voridus]]|Quote=Though he takes to the field with a standard gravity hammer, once he acquires enough resources he replaces it with an Infused Hammer, which creates energy pools with each strike and synergizes with his armor.}}
*'''Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant of the gravity hammer used by the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HINF|HI|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Rushdown Hammer]]''': A variant that has been painted white. It contains an upgraded gravetic core that increases its effective range; its made of composite materials that allow users to be more mobile.{{Ref/Reuse|forge}} One notable wielder being [[En'Geddon]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|HINF}}
*'''[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Jiralhanae in the Covenant during the [[Fall of Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} then Banished [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|In-game model}} Models recovered from the field were used by [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] in [[War Games]] simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}}{{Ref/Game|H4|Gameplay}}
*'''[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Banished, but also by Spartan-IVs in War Games simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Corpsemaker]]''': An improved variant with faster swing time and additional energy capacity, made from the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]].{{Ref/Site|Id=nofake|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=13|M=11|Y=2020}}
**'''[[Grinder]]''': An improved variant with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
**'''[[Tartarus' Gavel]]''': One of the many advanced variants secretly forged from the Sacred Promissory, with its creation tracing back to Tartarus, who used his relationship with the Prophets during his ascent to power within the Covenant to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Enc22-AkelasGravityHammer.png|Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.
File:H3-GravityHammer.png|[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:HW2 Siphon Hammer custom render.png|Eektah-fel siphon hammer.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer custom render.png|Voridus' unique infused hammer.
File:HINF GravityHammer Crop.png|Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer.
File:HINF GravityHammer Rushdown Crop.png|Rushdown Hammer.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|[[Corpsemaker]].
File:H5G-Grinder render.png|[[Grinder]].
File:H5G-Tartarus Gavel render.png|[[Tartarus' Gavel]].
</gallery>


The very notable Gravity Hammer, is the [[Fist of Rukt]], which was wielded by the Chieftain of the Brutes, Tartarus before his death. Tartarus acquired the Fist of Rukt from [[Maccabeus]], his uncle, in a fight to the death. During the mission [[Tartarus]] attempts to kill the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] but instead fails and is killed.
== In-game information==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
{{Main|Gravity hammer}}
The gravity hammers were introduced into the ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] games with the debut of the [[Fist of Rukt]] in [[2004]]'s ''[[Halo 2]]'', albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in ''[[Halo 3]]'' as a second melee weapon after the [[energy sword]], and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are [[power weapon]]s which appear on some multiplayer maps.
<!--
=== Advantages ===
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.


==Fist Of Rukt==
=== Disadvantages ===
{{Main|Fist of Rukt}}
* The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
The Fist of Rukt was Tartarus's personal gravity hammer. It was passed down from Brute Chieftain to Brute Chieftain in a Brute pack, and belonged to Maccabeus before Tartarus defeated him in combat and claimed the legendary hammer for himself. This is stated in [[Halo: Contact Harvest]]. It also seems that the hammer had no effect on gravity at the time of Halo: Contact Harvest, but was upgraded around the time of ''Halo 2''. This hammer is believed to be the strongest Gravity Hammer in existence. The Fist of Rukt is basically an overpowered version of a normal Gravity Hammer. It can also be noted that instead of the "implosion" sound that the Halo 3 hammer makes, the Halo 2 hammer merely sounds like a grenade exploding.
* If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
* The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[active camouflage]].
* The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
* An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
* While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing—compared with the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
* If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.


==Appearances==
=== ''Halo Wars'' ===
Gravity Hammers were never seen or mentioned in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', and are only wieldable in  ''[[Halo 3]]'' and seen in ''[[Halo 2]]''
In  multiplayer and skirmish mode in ''Halo Wars'', the [[Avitus|Brute chieftain]] is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. Upgrades to the hammer include adding a stun, pulling enemies toward him, and increasing range and damage.


===''[[Halo 2]]''===
=== ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike'' ===
[[Image:Tartarushammer.PNG|left|thumb|Tartarus wielding the [[Fist of Rukt]] in [[Installation 05]]'s [[Control Room]].]]
Each smash from a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute chieftain]]'s gravity hammers can send a medium-range shockwave forward. The shockwaves are powerful enough to disable shields, making the player vulnerable to damage. Unlike the FPS games, the gravity hammer does not give a knockback effect when it hits an opponent.
[[Tartarus]] was always seen with his personal Gravity Hammer, the Fist of Rukt.  


After the conclusion of the [[Battle of the Gas Mine]] and after the Arbiter killed the [[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]], Tartarus appeared on the scene, using his Gravity Hammer to freeze [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]], and send him hurtling towards the hammer. Tartarus proceeded to pluck it out of the air and disposed of 343 Guilty Spark up the [[Gravity Lift]] of a nearby [[Phantom]].
=== ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
In Campaign and Skirmish, Jump pack Brutes are armed with Gravity Hammers. Jiralhanae Warlords are armed with Gravity Hammers as their primary weapon. The weapon is quite effective at dealing with Pod Infectors; however, its best use is against structures.


After the conclusion of the [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Avery Johnson of the [[UNSC]] were able to retrieve the [[Sacred Icon]] from [[Delta Halo]]'s [[Library]]. The Arbiter, however, knocked Johnson unconscious, and Tartarus once again appeared on the scene. The [[Chieftain of the Brutes]] was able to levitate Miranda towards himself with his hammer. Subsequently, Tartarus used the Fist of Rukt to attack the Arbiter, using the gravity shock wave to send the Arbiter flying into a seemingly bottomless pit.
== Gameplay changes ==
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
* The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
* The head of the hammer is larger.
* The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
* The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
* The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
* The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.


At the [[Control Room]] of [[Installation 05]], the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]], [[Johnson]], and numerous [[Elite]] [[Councilors]], [[Zealots]], [[Ultra Elite|Ultras]] and [[Special Operations Elites]] attempted to kill [[Tartarus]] and deactivate Installation 05. The Fist of Rukt was one of Tartarus's few advantages, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the massive area effect damage was able to send most of the Elites flying into oblivion, and any Sangheili that attempted to attack Tartarus at close range with [[Energy Swords]] were beaten to death by the massive Fist of Rukt. After the Arbiter and Johnson killed Tartarus, the Fist of Rukt fell from the [[Brute Chieftain]]'s limp hands, although its fate afterwards is uncertain. It is assumed that the Elites kept it as a trophy to remember their bloody war against the Brutes.
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
The Gravity Hammer is unusable by players in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
* Knock-back from the weapon is dramatically increased. A hit from this can send you flying; however, this can be used to the would-be victim's advantage to escape from the wielder.
* The sound of the hammer has changed.
* The blast radius has been increased.
* Aiming reticle is now vertical instead of diagonal.


===''[[Starry Night]]''===
=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
{{Main|Starry Night}}
* Like all other weapons in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the gravity hammer can now be smart-scoped, increasing lunge range noticeably. This expands the head of the hammer slightly.
The first hint of the Gravity Hammer's appearance in ''[[Halo 3]]'' was seen in the "Starry Night" TV spot released on December 4, 2006. In the very end of the trailer (00:52), one of the Brute Chieftains that [[SPARTAN-117]] was about to attack was carrying a Gravity Hammer.
* Base lunge range decreased slightly.
* Uses a new diagonal reticle based on the one seen in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
* Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
* Custom animations for ground pounds, Spartan charges, and assassinations.


===''[[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]]''===
=== Changes from ''Halo Wars'' to ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?}}
* New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
In the video documentary ''Et Tu, Brute?'' released December 20, 2006, there were a few animations of Brutes using Gravity Hammers, and Brutes in game play that were wielding hammers in mostly untextured alpha builds.The hammer in the video showed an almost exact resemblance with the [[Fist of Rukt]] of [[Halo 2]]. The hammers were unique in the fact that when they swung, a massive electric blue shock wave was projected in a spherical blast from the head of the hammer, mirroring a [[Plasma Grenade]]'s detonation, except possibly larger and stronger. Crates and other objects in the path of the shock wave were displaced.
* Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
Also, there is a Brute Chieftain seen holding a gravity hammer that resembled the Fist of Rukt.
* The Gravity Hammer is very effective against buildings, performs okay against infantry and vehicles, and cannot attack air units.
* A special animation is featured when a Gravity Hammer wielder defeats a UNSC Marine or Spartan in a melee fight.
=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
* The Gravity Hammer no longer has the ability to Smart Scope.
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer depletes 10% of its battery as opposed to 5%.
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer are slower, but it produces a powerful blast in close proximity.
* Power ammunition crates and Gravity Hammers in the battlefield refill its battery without the need to pick up a fresh one.
-->
== Trivia ==
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist [[Grifball]], in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* In ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they are hit with explosives in the campaign.


===''[[Halo 3]]''===
== Gallery ==
[[Image:H3_MP_Sandtrap.jpg|right|thumb|221px|Gravity hammer on a Spartan's back in ''[[Sandtrap]]'', a Halo 3 map.]]
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Gravity hammers}}
[[Image:H3_MP_Epitaph_FP4.jpg|right|thumb|221px|An Elite holding a Gravity Hammer on ''[[Epitaph]]'' in Halo 3.]]
=== Concept art and illustrations ===
The Gravity Hammer is usable only in ''Halo 3''. It is devastating in close quarter combat, capable of smashing vehicles away, and bouncing grenades and rockets (with lots of practice) away from the wielder. The attack is an instant kill on any target (unless damage resistance or shields have been modified), except if the target deflects the blow with an Energy Sword. In addition, anyone within the radius will be flung backwards and sometimes fall off a ledge, gifting the user a kill. Even then, it is an instant shield drain, although the Sword-wielder will normally kill a Hammer wielder before a second blow can be made. But if an Elite jumps and tries to hit the wielder with the sword, the Hammer can and will kill the [[Elite]] player. This can only happen in multiplayer. The Hammer creates small shock-waves, shaking the perspective of players nearby. The Hammer also hurls targets backwards if it connects, often times sending them incredibly far. In addition, rockets shot at the wielder can be knocked away if the attack is timed well. However, to make up for the power of the weapon, the battery drains slightly faster than an Energy Sword, and attacks can be very slow. On maps with platforms in the air, the weapon can be utilized to fling an opponent off.  
<gallery>
On very rare occasions, [[Flood]]-infected Brutes have been seen wielding Gravity Hammers particularly on the level [[Halo]]. Giving a Gravity Hammer to [[Elite]] allies in ''[[Halo 3]]'' is a bad idea; they will not swing it at all & will charge uselessly into battle, probably because it's a Brute ceremonial weapon, such as its [http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Elite Sangheili] counterpart, the Energy Sword. Upon killing the Arbiter, leaving a Hammer near his corpse will result in him springing up with it. He will not swing it, but will charge you bellowing a war cry. After a while he will put the Hammer on his back & pull out an Energy Sword.
File:Schism 2.png|A [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[The Return]]''.
*In the [[Campaign]], Gravity Hammers can be found on all levels except in [[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]].  
File:Escalation schism.png|A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
*The Gravity Hammer is an excellent anti-[[Flood]] weapon. It is capable of killing multiple Flood enemies in one swing due to its massive shock wave, this is useful for killing swarms of Infection forms or combat forms. (Though use it wisely on the level Cortana as it is easy to miss and hit the sacs of infection forms on the walls.)
File:HLC The Great Schism.jpg|Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''.
*It should be noted that taking out a Hammer in the midst of [[Grunt]]s will cause them to immediately panic (even Ultras will panic).
File:HW2 HammerBruteConcept.jpg|''Halo Wars 2'' concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.
*The Shotgun is seemingly better than the Hammer in [[Multiplayer]], as in a Hammer vs [[Shotgun]], the Shotgun wielder normally wins...this is in opposition to the Campaign though, as the Hammer can kill [[Brute]]s in one swing; the Shotgun on the other hand, takes two blasts to kill a Brute.
File:HW2 Blitz Boundless fury.jpg|Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-BlitzJiralhanaeWarlord.jpg|Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Warlord Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HINF JohnVsBruteConcept.jpg|''[[Halo Infinite]]'' concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at [[John-117]].
File:HINF BrutesVsSoldiersConcept.jpg|''Halo Infinite'' concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting [[Armiger Soldier]]s with the gravity hammer.
</gallery>
=== Screenshots ===
<gallery>
File:H3 Raging Brute chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 CethegusSmash.png|[[Cethegus]] with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST War Chieftain with Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HW Thrallslayer.jpg|[[Avitus]] holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HTMCC-HR ChieftainChargingTroopers.png|A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two [[UNSC Army]] troopers in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo-Reach-Defiant-11.jpg|A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4_Prologue_HammerStrike.png|A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in ''[[Halo 4]]''{{'}}s [[Prologue]].
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:Gravity Hammer - Basic.jpg|The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:JiralhanaeChieftain SpartanAssault.png|A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at [[Edward Davis|Spartan Davis]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:H2A - Fist of Rukt on Arbiter.jpg|The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-Gen1Operator.jpg|A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2-AkelasHammerWrestle.png|A [[Flood gaunt form]] pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2_Gravity_Hammer_Heroes.png|Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HINF Horatius.jpg|Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Hammercutscene.png|John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:Fortnite-GravityHammer.jpg|John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Fortnite''.
</gallery>


===''[[Halo: Uprising]]''===
== List of appearances ==
[[Image:Halo 3 Weapon (Jiralhanae Chieftain Gravity Hammer).JPG|thumb|right|The Hammer as it appears in ''Halo: Uprising'']]
{{Col-begin}}
In ''Halo: Uprising'', on the cover of [[Halo: Uprising Issue 3|Issue 3]], John-117 is seen holding a Gravity Hammer. It is virtually identical to the one seen in ''Halo 3''.
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Starry Night]]''
*''[[Believe]]''
**''[[Diorama]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[On the Brink]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Carry On]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
*''[[Halo: The Third Life]]''
*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Multiplayer Recommendations==
== Sources ==
*Try to use the Gravity Hammer as a secondary weapon because its battery runs out too fast. Whip it out when someone throws a grenade at you. If you hit the ground soon enough, the grenade will fly away. Also, if someone is coming towards you in a ground vehicle, hit the ground to send the vehicle flying away from you. Try to melee with it as much as you can, but otherwise use another weapon. If the vehicle gets away, try doing another primary attack. The shock wave will sometimes flip the vehicle leaving its occupants exposed for a follow up. At the same time you can also flip a vehicle off a map if they're near the edge on maps like [[Rat's Nest]] and [[Standoff]].
{{Ref/Sources}}
*On Guardian try to hide behind one of the walls near the lift so enemies not coming by the lift can't see you and they will be easier to kill.
*On maps with a Gravity Hammer, use your built-in scope to look at opponents. Since their secondary weapon is on their back or side, the Gravity Hammer is visible even when not in use. If you can, it is advisable to take the hammer-wielder out from a distance using a [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Beam Rifle]], [[Carbine]], or [[Battle Rifle]]. Some skilled marksman may attempt to use a [[Magnum]] at a medium range. [[Spartan Lasers]] can also be used due to their one-hit kill and 2x zoom, however, like the Hammer, ammo is scarce, so this is not recommended.
*The Gravity Hammer may also be used to gain distance from another player or stay in the air for a certain amount of time if timed right but you must aim at the ground and attack while in air with the hammer to do this. As an addition, if unlimited ammo and minimal gravity are enabled, repeatedly using the hammer after jumping causes the shock waves to drastically increase the distance of your jumps. This is called a grav hammer jump and is like the brute shot jump and the grenade jump. It is particularly useful on [[Valhalla]], as combining the effects of the Man-Cannon with the Smash-Jump can propel the user nearly across the entire map.
*The best tactic in Hammers-Only matches, such as "Hammerzeit", or "Hammer Time" is to use lots of grenades. If you can get a grenade hit on an enemy they will die easier with a hit. And since the Hammer has area effect damage you can score a hit at a bit longer range than standard Melee then drop a [[grenade]] for the kill. Another good tactic is to wait until the targeting reticule turns red and you are apt enough to attack the enemy. Be aware, however, as waiting for the reticule can create situations where you both either cancel out, if you both have the gravity hammer, or don't make contact at all and miss. The best allies when using the gravity hammer are distance and timing, and it is a good idea to use them well.
*The Gravity Hammer is also one of the only two weapons available in the [[Grifball]] gametype along with the [[Energy Sword]].  It is the cause of many betrayals, however you can also "ride the wave" and use your enemy's gravity hammer to launch yourself to their goal.
*If you time the shock wave from the hammer at the right time you can send a [[Rocket Launcher]] missile in a another direction and blow up but there have been some cases in which the missile doesn't blow up.
*The Hammer may be known as a great CQB weapon, but it is far too slow to compete against the Energy Sword or the [[Shotgun]]. If you find your self up against one of these weapons, create space between you and your opponent, and either change to a dual wield configuration, such as plasma rifle and SMG (great combo with the plasmas shield drain and SMG's flesh cutting rounds) or use grenades and head shots to take down the enemy. Although it is important to remember that the [[Mauler]] is considered an easy target for the Gravity Hammer.
*If someone is using a light vehicle like a [[Brute Chopper]] or a [[Mongoose]] a good tactic is to sneak up to the vehicle with active camo and do hit assaults to all parts of the vehicle with the Gravity Hammer. Make sure you are moving quickly and closely around the vehicle so your opponent can not pinpoint you for an attack.
*When playing in a large map with a low gravity and high speed game type, it is possible to "fly" across the map by running at top speed and jumping while attacking with the gravity hammer.
*Try combining a gravity hammer jump and grenade jump to get to spots that arent normally reachable and camp/snipe people


==Disadvantages in Multiplayer==
{{Covenant sidearms}}
[[Image:SpartanCTF.JPG|thumb|left|A gravity hammer wielded, in [[Grifball]], by a [[SPARTAN]]]]
{{Melee Weapons}}
The Gravity Hammer is clearly visible on your back (unless the player has active camouflage, unlike the Energy Sword which, placed on the [[Spartan]] or Elite's thigh, is considerably hard to see, and if you rush head on with a Gravity Hammer, your opponent may just back pedal and fire at you out of fear. It has a shorter and slower lunge distance compared to that of the Energy Sword. Having the Gravity Hammer on open maps with little inside fighting makes the wielder a sniper target.
*Also, if you're too slow to swing your weapon, your opponent may have the chance to evade the attack, and can quickly take you down or the weapon's shock wave could simply knock the player back far enough to be out of range of your hammer and finish you off with a well placed grenade or weapon bursts. It also gives time for Sword or Shotgun users to counter.
Just like the Energy Sword in ''Halo 2'', the Active Camouflage has little effect on the Gravity Hammer, making it highly visible to your opponents. Also, even when you are invisible, the little blue light on top of the hammer is still able to be seen, thus making hammer attacks while invisible useless against a vigilant player.
*The chief concern when using the Gravity Hammer is the powerful splash damage surrounding a hammer stroke and blow. If used too close to other players, the massive shock wave will take down their shields. This makes friendly fire a very real and factual possibility and concern.
*If you get too close to another player while wielding the Gravity Hammer, they may simply sidestep and strafe to evade the attack.
*An enemy wielding a Shotgun can easily take down a player with the Gravity Hammer before he has time to swing.
*A big concern with the Gravity Hammer is that if the player misses with the Hammer, the shock waves will push the enemy out of range, weakening the enemy's shields, but making the Hammer carrier an easy target. For this reason, it is advantageous to carry a Battle Rifle along with a Gravity Hammer.
*The Hammer is heavy and slow, allowing an [[Energy Sword]] user to sidestep the blow and follow up with a sword lunge, resulting in a quick kill.
 
==Glitches==
*The Hammer, has been seen to have no alternate third person animation for melee, in third person, you would simply look like you're swinging the hammer with just no explosive effect or splash effect. This will only work for Spartans, though. Elites have the same animation they have if you melee someone with a flag.
*When you combine RT with clicking LT, the shock wave will have ''no'' sound effect, the attack will be negated, and it will count as a normal melee attack.
*Occasionally, if you hit the roof of the [[Elephant]]'s cabin, the Hammer's blast will go through and kill the driver and its occupants.
*The gravity hammer can be used alongside grenades to see the naked jason jones in the level halo of halo 3.
 
==Trivia==
*The Gravity Hammer has been seen to be used in a game players call 'Baseball' were the Gravity Hammer deflects rockets shot by the [[Rocket Launcher]] or when a friend is in [[Forge]] mode and throws crates/barrels at the person or someone uses grenades instead of rockets.
*If you use the Armless Glitch, the range of the Gravity Hammer will be greatly increased and will cause players to float and will cause loss of their shields.
*The melee of a Gravity Hammer uses no energy and has medium damage.
*The Gravity Hammer is the only weapon that can travel through solid walls.
*The Gravity Hammer is used in the popular Double xp weekend playlist [[Grifball]], in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base.
*In [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]] difficulties, one hit by the Gravity Hammer is enough to kill you.
*This is described as the most popular weapon in ''[[Halo 3]]'' along with the [[Energy Sword]].
*It is possible that all [[Brute]] tribes' Gravity Hammers have names, like the [[Fist of Rukt]].
*The Gravity Hammer is mostly used as a primary weapon in [[Grifball]].
*The [[Thel 'Vadam]] is the only known [[Elite]] to wield and use the Gravity Hammer.
*A picture from ''[[Halo Wars]]'' shows that the [[Brute Chieftain]]s may be able to wield the Gravity Hammer.
*[[Brute]]s, with the exception of the [[Thel 'Vadam]] and/or [[Master Chief]] are the only species seen with the Gravity Hammer.
*It is said that one can parry a Hammer with a [[Energy Sword]] but needs confirmation. More likely is that it would merely produce a Double Beatdown, as seen in [[Grifball]].
*The [[Flood]] never use the Gravity Hammer but instead just use the normal [[melee]].
*A useful trick for taking down [[Mongoose]]s with the Gravity Hammer is to use it when it is in medium range,about 3 or 4 feet away. This will cause the [[Mongoose]] to flip or spin.
*In the [[Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]], the Gravity Hammer had a much more barbaric and rough appearance than the Gravity Hammer in [[Halo 3]].
*It is possible that the Fist of Rukt is one of many original Gravity Hammers, and that the ones appearing in [[Halo 3]] are the ones that the [[Brute]]s make after they take the [[Elite]]s spot, therefore making them the equivalent of modern replicas. Another theory for the change in appearance is that [[Bungie]] thought the old model of Gravity Hammers would be too big for the screen, and will cover much of the players view.
*The Gravity Hammer included with the [[Halo 3 Brute Chieftain Action Figure|Brute Chieftain action figure]] has four lines that make a X shape. The same shape is on the [[Beam Rifle]] that comes with other Halo 3 figures.
*If you time it right you can use the [[Gravity Hammer]] to deflect rockets, grenades, etc.
*If you have a [[Spartan Laser]] and a [[Gravity Hammer]] in [[Valhalla]], you can do an extreme visual effect. Just before you fire the laser, change to your [[Gravity Hammer]] and attack. If done properly, your target will be killed by a Gravity Hammer attack sphere with a red beam through their body. If done on a [[Spartan]], you can also sub the [[Spartan Laser]] for a [[Energy Sword]]. Using the energy sword, attack your enemy at a near range where you can lunge him but before you complete the uppercut, quickly attack with your [[Gravity Hammer]]. It will show an [[Energy Sword]] stabbing through the Spartan in a Gravity Hammer attack sphere.


== External Links ==
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
*[http://www.grifball.com GrifBall Official Website] - (Gravity Hammer as a primary weapon for the most recently popular gametype/sport)
[[Category:Jiralhanae weapons]]
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24150.html Omegathon]
 
== References ==
<references/>
 
==Related Pages==
*[[Grifball]]
 
{{clear}}
{{Melee Weapons}}
{{WepList}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Brute Weapons]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 18:19, October 22, 2024

Keyart for the Jiralhanae Chieftain, Avitus.
Avitus wielding his Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.
“ The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.[1] ”

Gravity hammers are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the Covenant and inherited by its splinter factions. To their users, the Jiralhanae, they are formally designated as war hammers.[2][3] The Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer (T-2 EW/H).[4][5] Nicknames for the gravity hammer include the Hammer and the Club.[6]

Overview[edit]

A Jiralhanae use his gravity hammer's impact to generate a pulse to repel the Flood during the Outbreak on Installation 00.

Design details[edit]

"One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood."
— Private Aaron Landvik[7]

A gravity hammer typically consists of a two-meter long haft,[5] a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.[4][8] A counterweight is attached to the bottom end of the haft.[9] A short-range, shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,[6][10] while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,[2] which release a concussive force upon impact.[3] Together, the devices allows the wielder to briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback,[2][11] while producing an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters).[4] The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do.[6] The gravity drive can also manipulate localized energy fields,[9] granting the user the ability to pull a target towards themselves or push the target away.[12][13][14] However, the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,[10] means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.[5] Although humans first encountered the weapon in 2526,[15] the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by United Nations Space Command in 2552.[4]

History[edit]

The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,[2] dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on Doisac.[3][15] Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of clan leadership,[8][5] taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.[6] The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.[5]

Tartarus holding the Fist of Rukt, with its modifications by the Covenant.

Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in 2492,[5] the war hammers were modified with Forerunner technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.[2][3][11] The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the Fist of Rukt, an ancestral war hammer of Maccabeus' clan which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae in the Covenant.[16] After Tartarus was granted the Fist of Rukt, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.[15] Over the course of the Human-Covenant War, a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.[2] The gravity hammers inherited the war hammers' totemistic and ceremonial significance,[8] with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.[17] Furthermore, some hammer have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs,[5] resulting in numerous variants. During his rise to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the San'Shyuum to reward loyal lieutenants with similarly-advanced hammers secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory.[18]

In 2552, only a few months before the Great Schism and the fall of High Charity, the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse,[8] likely as a part of the Prophet of Truth's order to expand the Sacred Promissory's scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel for the impending purge of the Sangheili.[19] Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the Banished seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.[3]

Usage[edit]

Avery Johnson: "Heavy pistols, and a hammer."
Ponder: "Say again?"
Avery Johnson: "A giant hammer, sir. On their leader."
— Avery Johnson describing Maccabeus with the Fist of Rukt, to Ponder[20]

The gravity hammer serves dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.[5] Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers were commonly wielded by Chieftains.[21][22][23] Atriox, being a Bloodstar in the Covenant and no implication that he was a Chieftain, is seen using a gravity hammer implying that Jiralhanae Bloodstars in the Covenant were allowed Gravity Hammers.[24][25] Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,[26][27] notably being used by Jiralhanae Warlords and Jiralhanae Jumpers.[28] The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the Sepulo'tez, Halbashi, and Akelas variants.[3]

Variants[edit]

During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.[2]

In-game information[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Gravity hammer on its gameplay page.
Main article: Gravity hammer

The gravity hammers were introduced into the Halo first-person shooter games with the debut of the Fist of Rukt in 2004's Halo 2, albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in Halo 3 as a second melee weapon after the energy sword, and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are power weapons which appear on some multiplayer maps.

Trivia[edit]

  • The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist Grifball, in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
  • In Halo 3 and Halo: Reach, there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "7 wood". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
  • In Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they are hit with explosives in the campaign.

Gallery[edit]

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

Concept art and illustrations[edit]

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in The Return.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in The Return.

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

  • Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from Halo Legendary Crate.

    Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from Halo Legendary Crate.

  • Halo Wars 2 concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.

    Halo Wars 2 concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.

  • Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in Halo Wars 2.

    Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in Halo Wars 2.

  • Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at John-117.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at John-117.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting Armiger Soldiers with the gravity hammer.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting Armiger Soldiers with the gravity hammer.

Screenshots[edit]

  • A chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

    A chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

  • Cethegus with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

    Cethegus with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

  • A War Chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

    A War Chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Avitus holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Wars.

    Avitus holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Wars.

  • A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two UNSC Army troopers in Halo: Reach.

    A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two UNSC Army troopers in Halo: Reach.

  • A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo: Reach.

    A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo: Reach.

  • A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in Halo 4's Prologue.

    A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in Halo 4's Prologue.

  • A Spartan-IV wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 4.

    A Spartan-IV wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 4.

  • The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

    The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

  • A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

    A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

  • The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Flood gaunt form pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in Halo Wars 2.

    A Flood gaunt form pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in Halo Wars 2.

  • Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in Halo Wars 2.

    Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in Halo Wars 2.

  • Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

    Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

  • John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

    John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

  • John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Fortnite.

    John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Fortnite.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Forge - Gravity Hammer description: "The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse."
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 484
  4. ^ a b c d Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 21, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  6. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 348
  7. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Pre-mission quotes
  8. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 82
  9. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 93
  10. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons (Retrieved on Mar 27, 2014) [local archive] [external archive]
  11. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer (Retrieved on Sep 22, 2021) [archive]
  12. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  13. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  15. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Apr 16, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt (Retrieved on Sep 18, 2021) [archive]
  17. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 15: "This was the Fist of Rukt, an ancient weapon passed down from one Chieftain to the next for generations of Maccabeus'clan. It deserved greater care."
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Close Quarters (Retrieved on Oct 17, 2021) [archive]
  19. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
  20. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 245
  21. ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
  22. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Gameplay
  23. ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
  24. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level A New Enemy
  25. ^ Halo: Rise of Atriox, issue 1
  26. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Signal
  27. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level What Could Go Wrong?
  28. ^ Halo Wars 2, Gameplay
  29. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Warlord
  30. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s) (Retrieved on Jan 23, 2021) [archive]
  31. ^ Halo Wars 2, Voridus in-game unit
  32. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Voridus: "Though he takes to the field with a standard gravity hammer, once he acquires enough resources he replaces it with an Infused Hammer, which creates energy pools with each strike and synergizes with his armor."
  33. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Gameplay
  34. ^ Halo Wars 2, In-game model
  35. ^ Halo 4, Gameplay
  36. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - No Joke (Retrieved on Nov 13, 2020) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Sidearms and melee weapons of the Covenant and its remnants
Sidearms
Energy-based melee weapons

v • d • e
 
List of UNSC, Covenant and Forerunner melee weapons
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