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{{Covenant Rank Infobox
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Outdated|[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]] and [[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Ranger
|name=Ranger
|image=[[Image:Elite ranger.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Sangheili-Ranger H2A.png|250px]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|weapons=[[Plasma Rifle]]
|authority-title=Authority
|equipment=[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]], [[Jetpack]]
|authority=[[Special Warfare Group]]<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 58''</ref>
|vehicles=
|branch=[[Fleet Security]]{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|missions=Space operations, defense, patrol
|mission=Unconventional warfare{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|role=Space patrol, vertical flanking
|role=[[Extra-vehicular activity]]{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|notable=
<br> Specialized reconnaissance{{Ref/Reuse|visual}}
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|size=
|equipment=[[Ranger harness]]
<br>[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
<br>[[Antigravity pack]]/[[Covenant thruster pack|Thruster pack]]
<br>[[Type-3 active camouflage]]
|notable=[[Vil 'Kthamee]] <br> [[Loquen 'Nvong]] <br> [[Ziln 'Klel]] <br> [[Kola 'Baoth]] <br> [[Gri 'Waqilsee]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]] <br>
*[[Covenant separatists]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
**[[Banished]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|Glory and honor guide our ascension.|Sangheili Ranger's mantra<ref name="reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''Armor description''</ref>}}


The '''Ranger Elite''' is a [[Covenant]] [[Elite]] (Sangheili) rank, a specialty class of [[Special Operations Elite]]s suited for zero-gravity battlefields.
The '''Sangheili Rangers''' are a specialized [[Sangheili]] unit in the [[Covenant]], its post-war [[Covenant remnants|remnant factions]],<ref name="h4">'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''Interactive Guide''</ref> and a few in the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Reuse|HW2}} Within the Covenant Empire, they were organized under [[Fleet Security]], a division of the [[Special Warfare Group|Covenant Special Warfare Group]].{{Ref/Reuse|visual}} Experts in [[Extra-vehicular activity|extra-vehicular]] space and aerial combat, the Rangers are a threat to ships, stations, as well as many other types of flightcraft.


The Ranger corps is a Special Forces branch that conducts its operations in usually dangerous battlegrounds: the unforgiving vacuum of space, though [[Special Operations Elite]] are more skilled for the even more dangerous suicide missions. Whether they joined for personal glory or ancestral duty, each individual Ranger knows that a gruesome end awaits them from even the most inconsequential of injuries (the breach of a vacuum suit leads to immediate explosive decompression).  
==Description==
===Recruitment===
Before the [[Great Schism]], Sangheili Rangers were an all-volunteer force. While some joined for personal glory or ancestral duty, they each know that a gruesome end could await them from even the most inconsequential of injuries.<ref name="Joyride">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070411233153/http://www.joyridestudios.com/halo2_4_ranger_elite.asp '''Joyride Ranger Elite description''']</ref>


Normally deployed for zero-G enviornments, it is they who are ordered by their superiors to scout/hunt and destroy a certain target. Experts in zero-G combat, they are capable of posing a certain threat to ships.  
===Role===
==Rank==
Normally deployed as an expeditionary force during limited naval engagements, it is they who choose which craft are to be boarded and which destroyed. Experts in both zero-g combat and demolitions, they have been the bane of many a ship.{{Ref/Reuse|Joyride}} Rangers also perform HAZOP operations and traditional scouting roles.<ref name="H4Rangertoy">'''Halo 4 Series 2 Elite Ranger Action Figure''' box description</ref>
Although they have similarly coloured armor as that of the [[Minor Domo Elite]], the lowest of the Elite forces, they are actually higher ranked than minor-domos and possibly higher ranked than even [[Major Domo Elite]] elites.


==Appearance==
As part of the [[Covenant]]'s [[Fleet Security]], the Rangers were tasked with the security of a [[Covenant fleet|fleet]]. This placed the Rangers in a defensive role, such as removing foreign forces from entering and/or commandeering the ship.<ref name="lnos">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)]]''</ref> The Rangers can also perform offensive roles such as space insertion and demolition tasks.<ref name="tfor">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page ??''</ref><ref name="cairo">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> In this, they are normally deployed as an expeditionary force during limited naval engagements, it is they who choose which craft are to be boarded and which destroyed. Rangers also perform HAZOP operations and traditional scouting roles.{{Ref/Reuse|H4Rangertoy}}
[[Image:Rangerelite2.jpg|thumb|left|100px]]
In zero gravity conditions, they will perch on top of walls or on the side of objects and attack suddenly when an enemy's back is turned.(Sometimes with dual-[[plasma rifle]]s.)
On [[Cairo Station]],depending on the difficulty setting, rangers can appear in pairs or groups of three, but sometimes are organized in units as large as 4-6.


They are seen only in [[Halo 2]], on the campaign levels [[Cairo Station (Level)|Cairo Station]], [[Regret (Level)|Regret]], and [[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]].
Sangheili Rangers are combat experts in environments with little or no gravity. However, they are commonly deployed planetside during engagements. A Ranger's ease of mobility poses the greatest threat to his opponents on a world's surface.<ref name="enc133">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 133'' (2011 edition)</ref>


==Combat==
===Operational history===
These Elites are unique in that they hover and strafe in the air during combat. They always wield Plasma Rifles, some of them dual wield, others do not. They also occasionally operate [[Plasma Cannon]]s.  
Sangheili Rangers have served since the dawn of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|H4Rangertoy}}<ref name="BC">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'''</ref> Sangheili Rangers were deployed during the [[Covenant]]'s [[Fall of Reach|attack]] on the human colony planet [[Reach]]. During the later stages of the [[Siege of New Alexandria]], a team of Sangheili Rangers entered the [[New Alexandria Hospital]] shortly after [[SPARTAN-B312]] destroyed a [[Covenant communications jammer]]. They attempted to kill the Spartan, but were ultimately killed by the supersoldier.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria]]''</ref> During their attempts to seize the [[Forerunner]] [[Babd Catha Forerunner vessel|artifact]] located under [[SWORD Base]], the Covenant deployed many Sangheili Rangers along with other troops to attack [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]'s laboratory, but all were slain by the defending [[SPARTAN-III]]s of [[NOBLE Team]]. Several were also present at the [[Asźod ship breaking yards]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[The Package]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> Near the end of the battle, a large contingent of Sangheili Rangers was dispatched to the [[UNSC Circumference]] along with their [[Kig-Yar]] [[Kig-Yar Ranger|counterparts]] in order to retrieve the ship's NAV database. They were stopped by [[SPARTAN-II]] [[Blue Team]], but not before causing the presumed death of [[James-005|one of its members]].<ref name="ReferenceA">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page ??''</ref>


==Background==
During the opening stages of the [[Battle of Earth]], Sangheili Rangers were among the forces deployed to a cluster of [[orbital defense platform]]s above [[Earth]] to destroy them with [[antimatter charge]]s and tip the battle in favor of the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration|Covenant fleet]]. They were successful in destroying [[Athens Station|two]] [[Malta Station|of]] the platforms but were prevented from destroying the [[Cairo Station (station)|third]] due to the intervention of a [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] [[John-117|soldier]].{{Ref/Reuse|cairo}} Upon his arrival at [[Installation 05]], the [[Prophet of Regret]] deployed his forces onto the surface of the ringworld. Among these forces were Sangheili Rangers. They were unable to prevent the Hierarch's assassination at the hands of the Master Chief.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>
Ranger Elites were the first type of Elite encountered by the [[Master Chief]]. That took place in ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', the [[Battle of Reach]]. At that time, they apparently had a different configuration of helmet, as the chief was able to see the Elite's whole face in the encounter.


There were [[Ranger Jackals]] as well, present at the [[Battle of Reach]]. It seems that by the time of [[The First Battle of Earth]], the Ranger Jackals have been replaced in combat by the [[Drone]]s, which are already suited for space and are much more versatile in aiding the Ranger Elites.
Later in the [[Battle of Installation 05]], when the Sangheili were cast out of the Covenant and [[Great Schism|civil war]] broke out on [[High Charity]], many Sangheili Rangers aided their species in their fight against the now [[Jiralhanae]]-led Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>


Ranger Elites have been observed at The Battle of Reach, [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], and [[The First Battle of Earth]]. They were also seen at the planet [[Reach]] when the Master Chief returned to the planet aboard the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]''. Thus it is possible that every ship in the Covenant has a detatchment of Rangers for external security purposes.
With the Sangheili no longer in the Covenant, their role as aerial infantry units was taken by the [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]. Jumpers were equipped with [[jump pack]]s that, rather than allowing complete aerial maneuverability, gave them the ability to make large jumps across the battlefield. The [[Yanme'e]] also continued to serve in the Covenant as aerial units.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>


Though they are best suited for zero-G environments, Ranger Elites are able to operate just as well within an atmosphere. This is evidenced by their deployment and functionality in environments like [[High Charity]] or [[Delta Halo]].
After the [[Human-Covenant War]]s conclusion, the rank of Sangheili Ranger continued to see use in several [[Covenant remnants|remnant groups]] of the original [[Covenant]]. The [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|faction]] lead by [[Jul 'Mdama]] utilized Sangheili Rangers, along with their [[Unggoy Ranger|Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar Ranger|Kig-Yar]] counterparts in many engagements. A group of Sangheili Rangers were deployed to the exterior of the [[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|''Forward Unto Dawn'']] when the ship drifted into proximity of the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]] in order to prevent any humans from entering the planet.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Dawn]]''</ref> They were also part of the contingent of Covenant troops taking part in the [[Raid on Ivanoff Station|attack]] on the [[Ivanoff Station|research facility]] located in an asteroid belt near [[Installation 03]], under command of the [[Ur-Didact]], who was searching for the [[Composer]] on board the station. While all Covenant attackers were slain, the Didact was successful in locating the Composer and using it on the stations [[human]] inhabitants.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Composer (level)|Composer]]''</ref> Sangheili Rangers continued to see actions on the [[shield world]] of Requiem as part of Jul 'Mdama's unified Covenant-[[Promethean]] resistance to the crew of the [[UNSC Infinity|UNSC ''Infinity'']] during the [[Requiem Campaign|conflict]] on the planet during February–March [[2558]]. One of their most notable deployments was as part of the massive boarding action conducted against the UNSC ship towards the end of the battle.<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Invasion|S1E7 ''Invasion'']]</ref>


==Related Pages==
Sangheili Rangers were deployed to the ''[[Argent Moon]]'', a derelict [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] research and development station later in the year in search of supplies in order to aid Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in their ongoing war with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. They were stopped when a [[Blue Team|team of SPARTAN-IIs]] scuttled the station.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]]''</ref> Many Sangheili Rangers helped the remnants of Jul's Covenant in defending their final stronghold, [[Sunaion]] against the combined forces of the Swords of Sanghelios and the [[SPARTAN-IV]] [[Fireteam Osiris]], but were defeated and ended up being hunted to the last by the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]]'s forces.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>
*[[Ranger Jackals]]
*[[Special Operations Elite]]


{{Elite Ranks}}
When [[Shipmaster]] [[Let 'Volir]] joined the mercenary group known as [[Banished]], several Sangheili Rangers were part of 'Volir's [[Enduring Conviction|crew]] and served the Banished by extension.<ref name="HW2">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> These forces were part of the massive Banished deployment onto [[Installation 00]] in [[2559]]. The Sangheili Rangers of the Banished served as marksmen and skirmishers, rather than extravehicular combat specialists.<ref name="HW2">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref>


[[Category: The Covenant]]
==Equipment==
[[Category:Elites]]
The Rangers wear hermetically sealed combat armor that would allow them to work in the vacuum of space or other similarly hazardous environment.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}} In addition to this, the Rangers are equipped with either an [[antigravity pack]] or a [[Covenant thruster pack|thruster pack]], providing them greater mobility. The armor of a Sangheili Ranger allows them to operate in gravity and [[oxygen]]-free environments, but the thrusters on their armor are specifically designed for mobility in gravity-intensive environments.{{Ref/Reuse|enc133}}
[[Category: Ranks]]
 
Like most Sangheili units, the Rangers utilize [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifle]]s and [[Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater|plasma repeater]]s as their standard armament.{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}{{Ref/Reuse|cairo}} On some occasions, Rangers within the original Covenant would use the [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|focus rifle]] and the [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|needle rifle]].{{Ref/Reuse|cairo}}<ref name="nightfall">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Nightfall]]''</ref> [[Lodam Armory]] also produces a combat harness for Rangers, based off their harness for Covenant [[Sangheili Storm|Storm units]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fury-s-road '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fury's Road'']</ref>
 
<gallery>
File:H5G-Sangheili Ranger.png|
File:Sangheili-Ranger H2A.png
File:HReach - Ranger 2.png
</gallery>
 
== Gameplay ==
[[File:reach 1641531 Medium.jpg|thumb|250px|A Ranger in mid-flight.]]
The Rangers will use their thruster packs to great effect in battle, using them to strafe while firing their weapons. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo: Reach'', their energy shield strength is similar to that of a Sangheili Minor. For combat, they are often seen dual-wielding plasma rifles (''Halo 2'') as well as using suppression rifles such as the focus rifle and the needle rifle. Ranger armor is colored cyan in ''Halo 2'' and grey in ''Halo: Reach''.
 
==In-Game Information==
===Halo: Reach===
'''Unlock''': Achieve Sergeant.
*Description: Glory and honor guide our ascension.
 
== Appearances ==
In ''Halo 2'', the Rangers' combat armor design was a combination of the [[Flight harness]] and the [[Assault harness]]. This design was changed significantly in ''Halo: Reach'' where they now have their own unique armor design to distinguish themselves from the rest of the Sangheili units. This was carried on in ''Halo 4''.
 
==Gameplay==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
*They now have their own armor design, capable of distinguishing them from the rest of the Covenant units.
*They are a playable class in multiplayer and matchmaking.
*They now use a wider range of weapons, including plasma repeaters, needle rifles, focus rifles and concussion rifles.
*They are now equipped with thruster packs, restricting them to low-altitude flight.
 
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*Rangers have less bulky armor with larger gaps between pieces
*Their visors are transparent, leaving the face fully visible.
*Their armor comes in blue, white, and gray.
*They are often seen leading [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s and [[Unggoy Ranger]]s.
*The armor has four extra thrusters above the wrists and kneecaps.
 
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
*The helmet face mask is orange-colored and no longer transparent
*They more commonly utilize a [[type-56D needler]] in combat.
 
===''Halo Wars 2''===
*'''Info:''' Medium long range, Detects cloaked units
*'''Tier:''' 2
*'''Cost:''' Population 3, Supplies 90, Power 125
Sangheili Rangers are anti-infantry units armed with {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}s that can be built by every Banished leader at the [[Raid Camp]]. Unlike Rangers in other games Banished Rangers do not use jetpacks, and are not equipped with energy shields. In [[Blitz]] Rangers cost 30 energy while Assault Rangers cost 50 energy. They come in pairs and threes unlike UNSC [[sniper]]s, who are deployed alone.
 
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Rangers}}
*In ''Halo 2'', the Rangers' eyes can be seen through their helmets' eye pieces.
*In ''Halo 2'', while firing, a Ranger wielding one weapon will have both hands affected by recoil, as if holding two weapons. This is probably because they often wield two plasma rifles,and the game does not support an animation with only one weapon.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', dead Rangers (or a player with this armor permutation) will have their mandibles protruding from their faceplate.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', there are special gold/yellow-armored Rangers known as [[BOB]]s. In the post-game carnage report, they are listed as Covenant vehicles.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H2_EliteRanger_Cairo.jpg|A Sangheili Ranger in combat in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2 Elite Ranger.png|A Sangheili Ranger standing still in ''Halo 2''.
File:Sangheili Ranger 01.png|Alternate view of a Sangheili Ranger charging in ''Halo 2''.
File:hhh.JPG|[[Halo ActionClix]] model of a Sangheili Ranger.
File:Reach E310 SangheiliRanger.png|A Sangheili Ranger with a [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|focus rifle]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HReach - Ranger 2.png|A Sangheili Ranger standing still wielding a [[Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater|plasma repeater]] in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - Ranger Sangheili.png|A Sangheili Ranger strafe-running in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Ranger group.jpg|A squad of Sangheili Rangers.
File:H4-Concept-EliteRanger-Armor.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili Ranger's armor in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4 Sangheili Ranger HD render.jpg|An untextured model of the ''Halo 4'' Sangheili Ranger.
File:H4 Sangheili Ranger Model.jpg|Model of a Sangheili Ranger in ''Halo 4''.
File:Halo 4 Ranger.png|A Sangheili Ranger in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4SangheiliRanger.png|Another view of a Sangheili Ranger in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-SO-S1E6-SangheiliRangers.jpg|A pair of Sangheili Rangers in ''Halo 4''<nowiki />'s ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:H4-SangheiliRanger.png|A Sangheili Ranger in ''Spartan Ops''.
File:H2A-pavel-belov-helms-ranger.jpg|Concept art of Ranger helmets for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A Ranger Helmet.jpg|Final render of the Ranger helmet for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Sangheili-Ranger H2A.png|A Sangheili Ranger from ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-SangheiliRanger.jpg|A Sangheili Ranger in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-Ranger.png|A Sangheili Ranger in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-SangheiliRanger.png|A Sangheili Ranger on [[Escape from ARC]].
File:Ranger 859.png|A Sangheili Ranger on [[Sanghelios]].
File:H5G-Rangers.png|Sangheili Rangers with [[Unggoy Ranger]]s on [[Attack on Sanctum]].
File:H5G-SangheiliRangerthruster.png|A Sangheili Ranger activating his thrusters in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:Kola 'Baoth.jpg|[[Kola 'Baoth]] in [[Swords of Sanghelios]] Ranger armor.
File:KillerInstinctRangerOptions.png|The Ranger harness in ''Killer Instinct''.
File:HW2B Elite rangers.png|Sangheili Rangers in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2 SangheiliRangerMenu.png|Rangers wielding ''Mosa''-pattern carbines in the ''Halo Wars 2'' main menu.
File:HW2-RangersvsMarines.png|Rangers fighting Marines in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 Sangheili Rangers Frontier.png|thumb|A squad of Sangheili Rangers on the map [[Frontier]] in ''Halo Wars 2''.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
==See also==
*[[Jump Pack Jiralhanae]]
*[[Kig-Yar Ranger]]
*[[Unggoy Ranger]]
 
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
 
[[Category:Sangheili ranks and titles|Ranger]]

Latest revision as of 10:44, December 9, 2023

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Ranger
Sangheili-Ranger H2A.png

Function:

Unconventional warfare[1]

Species:

Sangheili

Affiliation:

Authority:

Special Warfare Group[1]

Group:

Fleet Security[1]

Other role(s):

Extra-vehicular activity[1]
Specialized reconnaissance[1]

Notable individuals:

Vil 'Kthamee
Loquen 'Nvong
Ziln 'Klel
Kola 'Baoth
Gri 'Waqilsee

 

"Glory and honor guide our ascension."
— Sangheili Ranger's mantra[2]

The Sangheili Rangers are a specialized Sangheili unit in the Covenant, its post-war remnant factions,[3] and a few in the Banished.[4] Within the Covenant Empire, they were organized under Fleet Security, a division of the Covenant Special Warfare Group.[1] Experts in extra-vehicular space and aerial combat, the Rangers are a threat to ships, stations, as well as many other types of flightcraft.

Description[edit]

Recruitment[edit]

Before the Great Schism, Sangheili Rangers were an all-volunteer force. While some joined for personal glory or ancestral duty, they each know that a gruesome end could await them from even the most inconsequential of injuries.[5]

Role[edit]

Normally deployed as an expeditionary force during limited naval engagements, it is they who choose which craft are to be boarded and which destroyed. Experts in both zero-g combat and demolitions, they have been the bane of many a ship.[5] Rangers also perform HAZOP operations and traditional scouting roles.[6]

As part of the Covenant's Fleet Security, the Rangers were tasked with the security of a fleet. This placed the Rangers in a defensive role, such as removing foreign forces from entering and/or commandeering the ship.[7] The Rangers can also perform offensive roles such as space insertion and demolition tasks.[8][9] In this, they are normally deployed as an expeditionary force during limited naval engagements, it is they who choose which craft are to be boarded and which destroyed. Rangers also perform HAZOP operations and traditional scouting roles.[6]

Sangheili Rangers are combat experts in environments with little or no gravity. However, they are commonly deployed planetside during engagements. A Ranger's ease of mobility poses the greatest threat to his opponents on a world's surface.[10]

Operational history[edit]

Sangheili Rangers have served since the dawn of the Covenant.[6][11] Sangheili Rangers were deployed during the Covenant's attack on the human colony planet Reach. During the later stages of the Siege of New Alexandria, a team of Sangheili Rangers entered the New Alexandria Hospital shortly after SPARTAN-B312 destroyed a Covenant communications jammer. They attempted to kill the Spartan, but were ultimately killed by the supersoldier.[12] During their attempts to seize the Forerunner artifact located under SWORD Base, the Covenant deployed many Sangheili Rangers along with other troops to attack Dr. Catherine Halsey's laboratory, but all were slain by the defending SPARTAN-IIIs of NOBLE Team. Several were also present at the Asźod ship breaking yards.[13][14] Near the end of the battle, a large contingent of Sangheili Rangers was dispatched to the UNSC Circumference along with their Kig-Yar counterparts in order to retrieve the ship's NAV database. They were stopped by SPARTAN-II Blue Team, but not before causing the presumed death of one of its members.[15]

During the opening stages of the Battle of Earth, Sangheili Rangers were among the forces deployed to a cluster of orbital defense platforms above Earth to destroy them with antimatter charges and tip the battle in favor of the Covenant fleet. They were successful in destroying two of the platforms but were prevented from destroying the third due to the intervention of a SPARTAN-II soldier.[9] Upon his arrival at Installation 05, the Prophet of Regret deployed his forces onto the surface of the ringworld. Among these forces were Sangheili Rangers. They were unable to prevent the Hierarch's assassination at the hands of the Master Chief.[16]

Later in the Battle of Installation 05, when the Sangheili were cast out of the Covenant and civil war broke out on High Charity, many Sangheili Rangers aided their species in their fight against the now Jiralhanae-led Covenant forces.[17]

With the Sangheili no longer in the Covenant, their role as aerial infantry units was taken by the Jiralhanae Jumper. Jumpers were equipped with jump packs that, rather than allowing complete aerial maneuverability, gave them the ability to make large jumps across the battlefield. The Yanme'e also continued to serve in the Covenant as aerial units.[18]

After the Human-Covenant Wars conclusion, the rank of Sangheili Ranger continued to see use in several remnant groups of the original Covenant. The faction lead by Jul 'Mdama utilized Sangheili Rangers, along with their Unggoy and Kig-Yar counterparts in many engagements. A group of Sangheili Rangers were deployed to the exterior of the Forward Unto Dawn when the ship drifted into proximity of the Forerunner shield world Requiem in order to prevent any humans from entering the planet.[19] They were also part of the contingent of Covenant troops taking part in the attack on the research facility located in an asteroid belt near Installation 03, under command of the Ur-Didact, who was searching for the Composer on board the station. While all Covenant attackers were slain, the Didact was successful in locating the Composer and using it on the stations human inhabitants.[20] Sangheili Rangers continued to see actions on the shield world of Requiem as part of Jul 'Mdama's unified Covenant-Promethean resistance to the crew of the UNSC Infinity during the conflict on the planet during February–March 2558. One of their most notable deployments was as part of the massive boarding action conducted against the UNSC ship towards the end of the battle.[21]

Sangheili Rangers were deployed to the Argent Moon, a derelict ONI research and development station later in the year in search of supplies in order to aid Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in their ongoing war with the Swords of Sanghelios. They were stopped when a team of SPARTAN-IIs scuttled the station.[22] Many Sangheili Rangers helped the remnants of Jul's Covenant in defending their final stronghold, Sunaion against the combined forces of the Swords of Sanghelios and the SPARTAN-IV Fireteam Osiris, but were defeated and ended up being hunted to the last by the Arbiter's forces.[23]

When Shipmaster Let 'Volir joined the mercenary group known as Banished, several Sangheili Rangers were part of 'Volir's crew and served the Banished by extension.[4] These forces were part of the massive Banished deployment onto Installation 00 in 2559. The Sangheili Rangers of the Banished served as marksmen and skirmishers, rather than extravehicular combat specialists.[4]

Equipment[edit]

The Rangers wear hermetically sealed combat armor that would allow them to work in the vacuum of space or other similarly hazardous environment.[15] In addition to this, the Rangers are equipped with either an antigravity pack or a thruster pack, providing them greater mobility. The armor of a Sangheili Ranger allows them to operate in gravity and oxygen-free environments, but the thrusters on their armor are specifically designed for mobility in gravity-intensive environments.[10]

Like most Sangheili units, the Rangers utilize plasma rifles and plasma repeaters as their standard armament.[7][9] On some occasions, Rangers within the original Covenant would use the focus rifle and the needle rifle.[9][24] Lodam Armory also produces a combat harness for Rangers, based off their harness for Covenant Storm units.[25]

Gameplay[edit]

A Ranger in mid-flight.

The Rangers will use their thruster packs to great effect in battle, using them to strafe while firing their weapons. In Halo 2 and Halo: Reach, their energy shield strength is similar to that of a Sangheili Minor. For combat, they are often seen dual-wielding plasma rifles (Halo 2) as well as using suppression rifles such as the focus rifle and the needle rifle. Ranger armor is colored cyan in Halo 2 and grey in Halo: Reach.

In-Game Information[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Unlock: Achieve Sergeant.

  • Description: Glory and honor guide our ascension.

Appearances[edit]

In Halo 2, the Rangers' combat armor design was a combination of the Flight harness and the Assault harness. This design was changed significantly in Halo: Reach where they now have their own unique armor design to distinguish themselves from the rest of the Sangheili units. This was carried on in Halo 4.

Gameplay[edit]

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo: Reach[edit]

  • They now have their own armor design, capable of distinguishing them from the rest of the Covenant units.
  • They are a playable class in multiplayer and matchmaking.
  • They now use a wider range of weapons, including plasma repeaters, needle rifles, focus rifles and concussion rifles.
  • They are now equipped with thruster packs, restricting them to low-altitude flight.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4[edit]

  • Rangers have less bulky armor with larger gaps between pieces
  • Their visors are transparent, leaving the face fully visible.
  • Their armor comes in blue, white, and gray.
  • They are often seen leading Kig-Yar Rangers and Unggoy Rangers.
  • The armor has four extra thrusters above the wrists and kneecaps.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • The helmet face mask is orange-colored and no longer transparent
  • They more commonly utilize a type-56D needler in combat.

Halo Wars 2[edit]

  • Info: Medium long range, Detects cloaked units
  • Tier: 2
  • Cost: Population 3, Supplies 90, Power 125

Sangheili Rangers are anti-infantry units armed with Mosa-pattern carbines that can be built by every Banished leader at the Raid Camp. Unlike Rangers in other games Banished Rangers do not use jetpacks, and are not equipped with energy shields. In Blitz Rangers cost 30 energy while Assault Rangers cost 50 energy. They come in pairs and threes unlike UNSC snipers, who are deployed alone.

Trivia[edit]

  • In Halo 2, the Rangers' eyes can be seen through their helmets' eye pieces.
  • In Halo 2, while firing, a Ranger wielding one weapon will have both hands affected by recoil, as if holding two weapons. This is probably because they often wield two plasma rifles,and the game does not support an animation with only one weapon.
  • In Halo: Reach, dead Rangers (or a player with this armor permutation) will have their mandibles protruding from their faceplate.
  • In Halo: Reach, there are special gold/yellow-armored Rangers known as BOBs. In the post-game carnage report, they are listed as Covenant vehicles.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 58
  2. ^ Halo: Reach, Armor description
  3. ^ Halo 4, Interactive Guide
  4. ^ a b c Halo Wars 2
  5. ^ a b Joyride Ranger Elite description
  6. ^ a b c Halo 4 Series 2 Elite Ranger Action Figure box description
  7. ^ a b Halo: Reach, campaign level Long Night of Solace (level)
  8. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page ??
  9. ^ a b c d Halo 2, campaign level Cairo Station
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 133 (2011 edition)
  11. ^ Halo: Broken Circle
  12. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  13. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Package
  14. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  15. ^ a b Halo: The Fall of Reach, page ??
  16. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Regret
  17. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
  18. ^ Halo 3
  19. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Dawn
  20. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Composer
  21. ^ Spartan Ops, S1E7 Invasion
  22. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Blue Team
  23. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Battle of Sunaion
  24. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Nightfall
  25. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Fury's Road

See also[edit]