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Gravity hammer: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H2|H3|HW|H3R|RE|HE|UP|HGN|LE|FA}}
[[File:HW Thrallslayer 2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Avitus]] wielding his Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.]]
{{cleanup}}
{{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.}}}}
{{Weapon
'''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}}
| image=[[File:Type-2_Energy_Weapon_Hammer_Halo_Reach.png|150px]] 
| 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 to minimal. High area-of-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]] ; [[Combat Knife]]
*[[Covenant Separatist]]s: [[Energy Sword]]
| counterwep=[[Energy Sword]], [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Shotgun]]
| affiliation=[[Covenant Loyalist]]
}}
The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' (or T2 EW/H), more commonly known as the '''Gravity Hammer''', is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the [[Jiralhanae]].


==Background==
==Overview==
The Gravity Hammer first appeared in ''Halo 2'' as the personal weapon of the Brute Chieftain, [[Tartarus]]. At the point of time, it was the [[Fist of Rukt]]. This weapon was a symbolic representation of Tartarus' power and standing. He used it against the player and could kill with a single hit, but after his death, the weapon becomes unusable. ''[[Halo 3]]'' introduced a newer and more utilitarian version of the Hammer that serves as a companion to the [[Energy Sword]] in the game.
[[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}}


==Design Details==
===History===
The Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer is a large hammer that serves as an excellent and powerful melee weapon in the game. It is a highly symbolic [[Jiralhanae]] weapon that is analogous to the Sangheili [[Energy Sword]]. This powerful weapon can also be used to manipulate gravity, allowing it to push opponents away or pull them towards the wielder, as well as deflecting incoming projectiles. This weapon consists of a haft, head, and blade. A field generator, which is located in the head, emits a kinetic pulse (~4.5 meters). The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the UNSC.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref>
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}}


===Fist of Rukt===
[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus holding the Fist of Rukt, with its modifications by the Covenant.]]
{{Main|Fist of Rukt}}
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}}
The Fist of Rukt was Tartarus' personal gravity hammer, one with a rich legacy befitting his tribe. It was passed down from [[Brute Chieftain|Chieftain]] to Chieftain in the Brute pack, and belonged to his uncle, [[Maccabeus]], before Tartarus killed him in combat and claimed the legendary hammer for himself.<ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref>.


===Halo Wars===
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}}
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' multiplayer, and skirmish mode, the player has access to the Brute Chieftain. The Brute Chieftain's gravity hammer looks very similar to the hammer in ''Halo 3'', except for the fact that it has a very powerful vortex ability. The vortex has the ability to rip things apart, and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as marines, the marines will actually be battered about by the shrapnel in the vortex, and by their fellow squad members. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing, or by the opposing armies, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. This hammer also has the ability, if you upgrade the chieftain, to pull enemies towards it just before the chieftain strikes.


==Changes from Halo 3 to Halo: Reach==
===Usage===
*The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
{{Quote|no=three
*The head and blade of the hammer are larger.
|1=Avery Johnson
*The handle is shorter.
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
*The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the hammer's head.
|2=Ponder
*The shaft is missing the hand guard found at the bottom.
|q2=Say again?
*All colors of the weapon are changed.
|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}}


==Advantages==
==Variants==
[[File:TataurusHammer4.jpg|130px|thumb|The Gravity Hammer in ''Halo 3''.]]
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
The Gravity Hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quaters. With a bit of skill, they can even be used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. They have a splash damage, so a well placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful then the Energy Sword- a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the Energy Sword battery, whereas the Gravity Hammer only uses 5%. When timed perfectly, the Gravity Hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades.
*'''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>
 
== 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.
 
=== Disadvantages ===
* 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.
* 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.
 
=== ''Halo Wars'' ===
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: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike'' ===
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.


==Disadvantages==
=== ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
*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.
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.
*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 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.


==Tactics==
== Gameplay changes ==
===Campaign===
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
*Very useful weapon against Brutes (one hit will kill most opponents on [[Normal]]).
* The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
*The Gravity Hammer is an excellent anti-[[Flood]] weapon. It is capable of killing multiple Flood forms in one swing due to its massive shock wave.
* The head of the hammer is larger.
*Try to use it against large groups of fleeing Grunts. The shockwave will kill any surrounding Grunts that are close to the one you hit.
* The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
*Reserve usage of the Gravity Hammer for priority targets, such as high-ranking Brutes or Tank Forms. It will normally kill them in one hit.
* The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
{{SectStub}}
* The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
* The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.


===Multiplayer===
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*The Gravity Hammer is best used as a secondary weapon to pull out if faced with nearby foes on a ledge, an incoming vehicle, or a grenade coming towards the player. The Hammer is apt at dealing with all three of these threats.
* 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 Gravity Hammer's blast can go through walls and floors, and this can be used to hit players in an adjacent room.
* The sound of the hammer has changed.
*The Gravity Hammer can be used to propel the player higher than normal, if the player times the attack as they jump, it will elevate them farther and higher. You can gain just as much height as a grenade jump with very little or no risk.
* The blast radius has been increased.
*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.
* Aiming reticle is now vertical instead of diagonal.
*Try hammering enemy warthogs and mongooses on Rat's Nest near the Rocket Spawn. It can result in the vehicle sailing to the death barrier.
*If you time the shock wave from the hammer at the right time you can send a [[Rocket Launcher]] missile and [[Missile Pod]] missile in a another direction.
*The Hammer may be known as a great CQB weapon, but it is slower to compete against the [[Shotgun]]. Also, even though the energy sword lunges slightly slower, it has a farther lunge and can parry your attacks, but you cannot parry the sword carrier's attacks. If you find yourself up against one of these weapons, create space between you and your opponent (you can knock him back with the shockwave if he's too close) and change to a long range weapon to take down the enemy. It is important to remember that [[Mauler]] wielders are considered easy targets for the Gravity Hammer.
*Try combining a Gravity Hammer jump and grenade jump to get to spots that aren't normally reachable for an advantage.
*It is possible to stick a Plasma or Spike Grenade on the end of the Hammer.


==Trivia==
=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
===Miscellaneous===
* 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.
*If you use the Armless Glitch, the range of the Gravity Hammer will be greatly increased and will cause players to float and lose their shields.
* Base lunge range decreased slightly.
*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. 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.
* Uses a new diagonal reticle based on the one seen in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
*The Gravity Hammer included with the [[McFarlane Toys/Series 1#Brute Chieftain|Brute Chieftain Action Figure]] has four lines that make an 'X' shape. The same shape is on the [[Beam Rifle]] that comes with other ''Halo 3'' figures.
* Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
*In the map [[Sandbox]], there is a remodeled version of the Gravity Hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The Hammer acts the same, but is modeled to look like a Golf Club with a new reticule.
* Custom animations for ground pounds, Spartan charges, and assassinations.
*ODSTs can use the Gravity Hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', despite them being normal humans, and not having the strength of a [[SPARTAN-II]], [[Elite]], or [[Brute]].
*In a cutscene in Halo 3: ODST, a Brute Chieftain demonstrates the ability to hit with the blade on the rear side of the Gravity Hammer, and use it to finish off opponents ([[Kojo Agu|Romeo]] in this case).
*The Gravity Hammer will be appearing in the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]].<ref>''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Trailer]]''</ref>


===Glitches===
=== Changes from ''Halo Wars'' to ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
{{Main|Glitches}}
* New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
*The Gravity 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 only occurs with the SPARTAN models, however. Sangheili models have the same animation they have if they melee someone with a flag. This has been fixed in [[Halo 3: ODST]] - the Hammer now has a third person animation for melee.
* Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
*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. Also, if you press the RT button and then crouch, you will achieve the same effect.
* The Gravity Hammer is very effective against buildings, performs okay against infantry and vehicles, and cannot attack air units.
*When a passenger in a warthog or [[mongoose]] uses the Gravity Hammer, it kills the driver.
* A special animation is featured when a Gravity Hammer wielder defeats a UNSC Marine or Spartan in a melee fight.
*In the Halo 3 campaign if you give the Gravity Hammer to an elite he won't use it. He will just hold it and run up to an enemy and do nothing. Also you cannot get it back unless he dies.
=== 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.


==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="137">
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Gravity hammers}}
File:Brute Army Commander.jpg|The Brute Army Commander from ''[[Halo Wars]]'' with his Gravity Hammer.
=== Concept art and illustrations ===
File:SpartanCTF.JPG|A gravity hammer wielded, in [[Grifball]], by a [[SPARTAN-II]].
<gallery>
File:Schism 2.png|A [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[The Return]]''.
File:Escalation schism.png|A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HLC The Great Schism.jpg|Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''.
File:HW2 HammerBruteConcept.jpg|''Halo Wars 2'' concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.
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>
</gallery>


==Sources==
== List of appearances ==
<references/>
{{Col-begin}}
{{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}}


==Links==
== Sources ==
===Internal===
{{Ref/Sources}}
*[[Fist of Rukt]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Hammer Time]]
*[[Hammer Spree]]
*[[7 wood]]


===External===
{{Covenant sidearms}}
*[http://www.grifball.com GrifBall Official Website] - (Gravity Hammer as a primary weapon for the most recently popular gametype/sport)
{{Melee Weapons}}
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24150.html Omegathon]


{{Covenant Weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
{{Melee Weapons}}
[[Category:Jiralhanae weapons]]
[[Category:Melee Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Halo: Reach 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 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]

Concept art and illustrations[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

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]