Gameplay

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|}}
[[File:MCC - Normal symbol.png|150px|thumb|The Normal shield, as per ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Halo: The Master Chief Collection's]]'' release.]]
{{Quote|Hordes of aliens vie to destroy you, but nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger give you a solid chance to prevail.|Description from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', and ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.}}
{{Quote|Face firm resistance from competent, determined enemies, but burn through enough ammo and you will eventually triumph.|Description from ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''}}
{{Quote|Face firm resistance from determined enemies. Fight hard and you will triumph|Description from ''[[Halo 4]]''}}
{{Quote|Hordes of enemy forces converge to destroy you. Show no mercy. Recommended for players with first person shooter experience.|Description from ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''}}
{{Quote|The enemy will not relent, but a considered strategy should earn you a victory. Recommended for players with RTS experience.|Description from ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''}}
{{Quote|Brutal enemies threaten humanity and test your indomitable spirit. First-person shooter experience recommended.|Description from ''[[Halo Infinite]]''}}
'''Normal''' is the default difficulty rating on ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2|2]]'', ''[[Halo 3|3]]'', ''[[Halo 4|4]]'', ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', ''[[Halo Wars]]'', ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]''. It is ranked second in the list of four difficulties.


[[Image:Normal.jpg|thumb|Normal icon]]
== Summary ==
{{Article Quote|Hordes of aliens live to destroy you, but nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger give you a solid chance to prevail.}}
[[File:Halo 3 - Normal Symbol.png|thumb|The original Normal shield.]]
<center>Description from both ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''.<center>
{{Article Quote|Face firm resistance from competent, determined enemies, but burn through enough ammo and you will eventually triumph.}}
<center>Description from ''[[Halo 3]]''.<center>


==Summary==
Normal is not too hard, but correspondingly not as easy. Enemies will behave more competently than they did in Easy, and they can deal a reasonable amount of damage. Players are expected to put forth the effort and think on their feet. While Normal mode represents strength, firepower, and health for [[John-117|Master Chief]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and all other [[Covenant]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], Heroic accurately depicts intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers.
''Normal'' is the default difficulty rating on Halo 1, 2, and 3; it's not too hard, but not too easy. The enemies will not cower as much, and a few [[Grunts]] will throw [[Plasma Grenades]]. It is ranked second in the list of four difficulties.
In addition, this difficulty is another good starting level for beginners to the [[Halo series]] as is the [[Easy]] Mode. [[Normal]] mode has the most realistic strength for [[Master Chief]], [[Elites]] and all other [[Covenant]] and [[Marines]], though intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers are the most realistic in [[Heroic]]. Although, the strength of the [[Master Chief]] is reasonable in [[Heroic]], the strength of the Master Chief is slightly stronger than the [[Elites]], hence, this is disputably the most realistic mode.


The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the [[Marathon]] Logo encrusted into the center, over the shield is a [[UNSC]] [[Close Quarters Combat Weapon System]] from right to left.
The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the [[Marathon]] Logo encrusted into the center. Over the shield is a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[machete]] from right to left; in ''Halo 3: ODST'', the knife is replaced with an [[M7S SMG]].


Normal is a little harder than Easy, but players can move through levels relatively easily. This difficulty doesn’t ruin your gaming experience by being too difficult, but isn't too easy as to eliminate the challenge, either.
Elites, [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]], and [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] are the more challenging enemies the player must prioritize on taking down first. The most dangerous threats at close range are Elites with [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]]s and Brutes armed with [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammers]]. From a distance, the player must also watch out for Hunters with their [[Assault cannon|Fuel Rod Cannons]], Brutes armed with [[Jovokada Workshop brute shot|Brute Shots]], and [[Kig-Yar Sniper|Jackal Sniper]]s. Grunts can easily be dispatched of. However, they will seldom throw [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|Plasma Grenades]] and can potentially overwhelm a careless player in groups. But if the Elite or Brute leading them is slain, they will often flee in terror. [[Yanme'e|Drones]] will come in swarms, but they are manageable if the player can engage them properly. [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] can easily be dispatched if the player can utilize the weakness on their [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|shielding]]. However, precautions should be made on [[Kig-Yar Major|Majors]], as will often rely on charging their [[Eos'Mak-pattern plasma pistol|Plasma Pistol]] shots to disable the player's shields.


The most dangerous thing at close range is an [[Elite]] with an [[Energy Sword]], and from a distance is a [[Sniper Jackal]] with a [[Beam Rifle]]. [[Grunts]] are still very easy to dispatch of and will more often than not run if the Elite with them is killed, which is also fairly easy. [[Drones]] and [[Jackals]] (with the exception to snipers) are the second easiest to kill, even with their unique capabilities. Elites, [[Brutes]], and [[Hunters]] are around the same overall in difficulty to kill. It mainly depends on the player's weakness as to which enemy is harder to kill.
When the player encounters the [[Flood]], the biggest threats to consider are [[Attacker form|Combat Forms]] armed with [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launchers]] and [[M90 Shotgun|Shotguns]]. The Shotgun and Energy Sword are generally the best weapons to take down the Combat Forms and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]], while the [[MA5B assault rifle|Assault Rifle]], [[M7 SMG|SMG]], and the [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|Plasma Rifle]] can dispatch swarms of [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]]. As the Flood often comes in large swarms, it is best to avoid getting surrounded or cornered, as that will lead players to get killed quicker.  


On the level ''[[Regret (Level)|Regret]]'', where you have to kill the [[Prophet of Regret]], his gravity beam will drain around one third of your [[energy shield]]. He is fairly easy to kill when you jump on him and start punching him. Only if you stay on him for a considerably long time will he [[teleport]] away. The [[Honor Guards]] protecting him will not do much damage, unless they have [[energy swords]].
[[Sentinel|Sentinels]] will often come in swarms of at least 2 to 3. In clusters, they can easily drain the player's shields. But if the player can access plasma weapons, they can quickly eliminate them.


When you encounter the [[Flood]], most [[plasma]] weapons are average and most human weapons are a bit better. The most effective weapon is the Energy Sword, which will kill a [[Combat Form]] in one hit. The second most effective is the [[Shotgun]]. The Flood's unarmed attacks are not that worrying on their own, but if large groups attack you or you get hit from behind, then you have an extremely good chance of being killed.
Marines are well-balanced as allies. They can dispatch a [[File (unit)|file]] of Grunts, Jackals, and Drones with minimal effort. And in squads, they are very likely to prevail against lower ranking Elites and Brutes. However, they will not fare well if facing against higher ranking Elites and Brutes, and Hunters. To maximize the Marines' effectiveness and survival, the player must prioritize on engaging the stronger enemies while letting the Marines focus only on the weaker ones. Alternatively, the player must often provide allies with the appropriate weaponry to efficiently take out such stronger enemies.


==''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Anniversary''==
===General differences===
===Awards===
*In ''Halo: Anniversary'':
**The [[Birth of a Spartan (achievement)|Birth of a Spartan]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo: Anniversary'' on Normal.
**The [[Standard Operating Brocedure]] achievement is awarded for completing a level of ''Halo: Anniversary'' on Normal, in cooperative play.
*In ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'':
**The [[Birth of a Spartan (achievement)|Birth of a Spartan]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo: Anniversary'' on Normal.
***The blue Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
**If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the [[Veteran (achievement)|Veteran]] achievement.
***Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
{{Clear}}
==''Halo 2''==
===General differences===
===Awards===
*In ''Halo 2: Vista'':
**The [[Warrior (achievement)|Warrior]] achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
*In ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'':
**The [[Warrior (achievement)|Warrior]] achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
***The bronze Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
**If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the [[Veteran (achievement)|Veteran]] achievement.
***Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
{{clear}}
==''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''==
[[File:Halo 3 ODST - Normal Symbol.png|The ''Halo 3: ODST'' Normal shield.|150px|thumb]]
===General differences===
===Awards===
*In ''Halo 3'':
**Completing [[Tsavo Highway]] on Normal will unlock the EVA chest for multiplayer use.
**Completing [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]] on Normal will unlock the EVA shoulders for multiplayer use.
**Completing the campaign on Normal will unlock the [[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA]] helmet for multiplayer use.
**The [[Campaign Complete: Normal (Halo 3 achievement)|Campaign Complete: Normal]] achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'':
**The [[Campaign Complete: Normal (Halo 3: ODST achievement)|Campaign Complete: Normal]] achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
*In ''Halo 3'' on ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'':
**The [[Prophet's Bane]] achievement is awarded for completing all levels of ''Halo 3'' on Normal.
***The silver Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
**If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the [[Veteran (achievement)|Veteran]] achievement.
***Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'' on ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'':
**The [[Urban Warfare Badge]] achievement is awarded for completing all levels of ''Halo 3: ODST'' on Normal.
***The silver Superintendent nameplate is awarded to the player.
{{clear}}
==''Halo: Reach''==
[[File:HR Normal Icon.png|thumb|The ''Halo: Reach'' Normal shield. Notice the lack of the Marathon symbol.]]
===General differences===
===Awards===
*The [[The Soldier We Need You To Be]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo: Reach'' on Normal.
{{clear}}
==''Halo 4''==
===General differences===
===Awards===
*In ''Halo 4'':
**The [[Wake Up, John]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo 4'' on Normal.
*In ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'':
**The [[Wake Up, John]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo 4'' on Normal.
***The gold Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
**If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the [[Veteran (achievement)|Veteran]] achievement.
***Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
{{clear}}
== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ==
[[File:Halo 5 Guardians - Normal symbol.png|150px|thumb|The ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Normal shield.]]
=== General differences ===
* [[Promethean Crawler]]s' built-in [[Z-110 Boltshot|Boltshots]] start exhibiting tracking behavior.
=== Awards ===
* The [[Legacy (achievement)|Legacy]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo 5: Guardians'' on Normal.
{{clear}}
==''Halo Wars 2''==
[[File:Halo Wars 2 - Normal symbol.png|150px|thumb|The ''Halo Wars 2'' Normal shield.]]
===General differences===
{{Expand-section}}
{{Clear}}
==''Halo Infinite''==
===General differences===
{{Expand-section}}
===Awards===
The [[Bare Your Fangs]] achievement is awarded for completing ''Halo Infinite'' on Normal.
{{Clear}}
== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*Every difficulty shield icon has the Marathon symbol on it.
*In ''Halo 3'', Normal difficulty or higher is required for the player to collect [[skulls]].
*On ''Halo 3'', Normal difficulty or higher is required for you to collect [[skulls]].
*''Halo Wars'' and ''Halo Wars 2'' are some of the only ''Halo'' titles to not include achievements for completing the campaign on Normal.


== Related Links ==
{{Halo Difficulty Levels}}
*[[Easy]]
*[[Heroic]]
*[[Legendary]]
*[[Campaign Complete: Normal]]
[[Category:Difficulties|2]]
[[Category:Difficulties|2]]

Latest revision as of 19:48, July 17, 2024

The Normal shield, as per Halo: The Master Chief Collection's release.

"Hordes of aliens vie to destroy you, but nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger give you a solid chance to prevail."
— Description from Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

"Face firm resistance from competent, determined enemies, but burn through enough ammo and you will eventually triumph."
— Description from Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach

"Face firm resistance from determined enemies. Fight hard and you will triumph"
— Description from Halo 4

"Hordes of enemy forces converge to destroy you. Show no mercy. Recommended for players with first person shooter experience."
— Description from Halo 5: Guardians

"The enemy will not relent, but a considered strategy should earn you a victory. Recommended for players with RTS experience."
— Description from Halo Wars 2

"Brutal enemies threaten humanity and test your indomitable spirit. First-person shooter experience recommended."
— Description from Halo Infinite

Normal is the default difficulty rating on Halo: Combat Evolved, 2, 3, 4, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars, Halo: Reach, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Wars 2, and Halo Infinite. It is ranked second in the list of four difficulties.

Summary[edit]

The original Normal shield.

Normal is not too hard, but correspondingly not as easy. Enemies will behave more competently than they did in Easy, and they can deal a reasonable amount of damage. Players are expected to put forth the effort and think on their feet. While Normal mode represents strength, firepower, and health for Master Chief, Elites, and all other Covenant and Marines, Heroic accurately depicts intelligence, enemy accuracy, and enemy numbers.

The icon for the Normal difficulty setting is represented with a shield that has the Marathon Logo encrusted into the center. Over the shield is a UNSC machete from right to left; in Halo 3: ODST, the knife is replaced with an M7S SMG.

Elites, Brutes, and Hunters are the more challenging enemies the player must prioritize on taking down first. The most dangerous threats at close range are Elites with Energy Swords and Brutes armed with Gravity Hammers. From a distance, the player must also watch out for Hunters with their Fuel Rod Cannons, Brutes armed with Brute Shots, and Jackal Snipers. Grunts can easily be dispatched of. However, they will seldom throw Plasma Grenades and can potentially overwhelm a careless player in groups. But if the Elite or Brute leading them is slain, they will often flee in terror. Drones will come in swarms, but they are manageable if the player can engage them properly. Jackals can easily be dispatched if the player can utilize the weakness on their shielding. However, precautions should be made on Majors, as will often rely on charging their Plasma Pistol shots to disable the player's shields.

When the player encounters the Flood, the biggest threats to consider are Combat Forms armed with Rocket Launchers and Shotguns. The Shotgun and Energy Sword are generally the best weapons to take down the Combat Forms and Carrier Forms, while the Assault Rifle, SMG, and the Plasma Rifle can dispatch swarms of Infection Forms. As the Flood often comes in large swarms, it is best to avoid getting surrounded or cornered, as that will lead players to get killed quicker.

Sentinels will often come in swarms of at least 2 to 3. In clusters, they can easily drain the player's shields. But if the player can access plasma weapons, they can quickly eliminate them.

Marines are well-balanced as allies. They can dispatch a file of Grunts, Jackals, and Drones with minimal effort. And in squads, they are very likely to prevail against lower ranking Elites and Brutes. However, they will not fare well if facing against higher ranking Elites and Brutes, and Hunters. To maximize the Marines' effectiveness and survival, the player must prioritize on engaging the stronger enemies while letting the Marines focus only on the weaker ones. Alternatively, the player must often provide allies with the appropriate weaponry to efficiently take out such stronger enemies.

Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo: Anniversary[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo: Anniversary:
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Birth of a Spartan achievement is awarded for completing Halo: Anniversary on Normal.
      • The blue Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 2[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 2: Vista:
    • The Warrior achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Warrior achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
      • The bronze Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

The Halo 3: ODST Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 3:
    • Completing Tsavo Highway on Normal will unlock the EVA chest for multiplayer use.
    • Completing The Ark on Normal will unlock the EVA shoulders for multiplayer use.
    • Completing the campaign on Normal will unlock the EVA helmet for multiplayer use.
    • The Campaign Complete: Normal achievement is awarded for completing the game on Normal.
  • In Halo 3: ODST:
  • In Halo 3 on Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Prophet's Bane achievement is awarded for completing all levels of Halo 3 on Normal.
      • The silver Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
  • In Halo 3: ODST on Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Urban Warfare Badge achievement is awarded for completing all levels of Halo 3: ODST on Normal.
      • The silver Superintendent nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo: Reach[edit]

The Halo: Reach Normal shield. Notice the lack of the Marathon symbol.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • In Halo 4:
    • The Wake Up, John achievement is awarded for completing Halo 4 on Normal.
  • In Halo: The Master Chief Collection:
    • The Wake Up, John achievement is awarded for completing Halo 4 on Normal.
      • The gold Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.
    • If the player has completed all other Normal campaign missions or playlists and obtained the associated achievements, they will also unlock the Veteran achievement.
      • Additionally, the platinum Normal nameplate is awarded to the player.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

The Halo 5: Guardians Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

Awards[edit]

  • The Legacy achievement is awarded for completing Halo 5: Guardians on Normal.

Halo Wars 2[edit]

The Halo Wars 2 Normal shield.

General differences[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Halo Infinite[edit]

General differences[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Awards[edit]

The Bare Your Fangs achievement is awarded for completing Halo Infinite on Normal.

Trivia[edit]

  • In Halo 3, Normal difficulty or higher is required for the player to collect skulls.
  • Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2 are some of the only Halo titles to not include achievements for completing the campaign on Normal.
Halo games' difficulty levels
Easy • Normal • Heroic • Legendary • Mythic • GASO
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Normal&oldid=1636947"