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{{era|H1|H2|H3|TF|HGN}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{ratings}}
{{Disambig header|the general term|the specific Flood form commonly referred to as a combat form|Flood attacker form}}
{{Flood Species Infobox
{{Flood infobox
|name=Combat Form
|name=Combat form
|[[Image:image=[[Image:1195430022 100.jpg|400px]]]]
|image=[[File:H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png|350px]]<br>Several variations of combat form
|height=*[[Human]] - 2 meters (6.6 feet)
|height=Varies depending on type and host species.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
*[[Sangheili]] - 2.4 meters (8.6 feet)
|distinctions=
*[[Jiralhanae]] - 2.8 meters (9.2 feet)
|attacks=Lunging at enemies with claws and whip-like tendrils, biting, and/or firing infectious barbs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
|distinctions=The host body with greenish-grey decaying skin (more so in Halo: CE)They are armed with tentacles and the weapon that their host was carrying at the time (if any).  The head is pushed aside to make room for the [[Infection Form]] (most noticeable on Human Combat Forms).
|notable=
|species=*[[Human]]
*[[Flood attacker form|Attacker form]]
*[[Sangheili]] (Elite)
*[[Flood thrasher form|Thrasher form]]
*[[Jiralhanae]] (Brute)
*[[Flood swarm|Swarm form]]
|attacks=Lunging at a victim, whipping with tentacles, using held weapon
|notable-title=Notable types
|notable=*[[Kusovai]]
*[[Wallace A. Jenkins]]
*[[Manuel Mendoza]]
}}
}}
A '''Flood Combat Form''' is a vertebrate suitable for combat that has been infected with the [[Flood]] parasite via an Infection Form and mutated into a combat unit that fights for Flood goals and objectives. Controlled by a gravemind if there is one.
 
The '''Flood combat form''' is the primary form used by the [[Flood]] to overwhelm and decimate surviving populations, and one of the most common forms found in [[Feral Stage|early stages]] of a Flood outbreak. Combat forms can be created using either sapient or non-sapient hosts infected via means of the [[Flood Super Cell]], typically by a [[pod infector]]. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection. The most common variation of combat form is the [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P408|Enc22|Page=408}}


==Pathology==
==Pathology==
[[Video:The Flood Attack-1209600219-900|300px]]
===Infection and creation===
A Combat Form (''Inferi redivivus'') is not a natural organism, but rather a mutated host infected by parasitic [[Flood Super Cell]]s implanted by an Infection Form. Successful creation of a Combat Form requires a host with sufficient biomass and calcium store. After mutation begins, the infection form attaches with a protruding neural connection that allows it to command the host's nervous system. During the infection process, the host's internal organs are liquefied and the nutrients from them are used to develop the tentacles and other appendages.
Combat forms are typically created when a [[pod infector]] is successfully able to enter a host's body, though this is not the only vector by which hosts can be infected.{{Ref/Site|Id=Universe|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/flood|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Flood}} Flood outbreaks can often be caused by [[Flood spore|spores]] or other microbiological vectors entering the host body,{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} or by contact with other forms that include Flood [[Seeder infector|Seeder]]s or [[Flood infester form|Infester]]s.{{Ref/Game|Id=ATN|HW2|Detail=[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]}} In more advanced stages of infection, the need for specific [[infection form]]s is decreased as the Flood-infected area converts to a [[Blightlands|Blightland]] or [[Flood hive]]. By this point, the Flood presence makes up the majority of the terrain in the area, making contact with the Flood Super Cell and the naturally-generated spores an inevitability. Some Flood structures such as the "[[Flood launcher|launcher]]" specialize in firing clouds of spores at uninfected forces, causing them to succumb to the infection without any kind of infection form involved.{{Ref/Game|HW|Flood Launcher in-game unit}}
The host stays alive during the transformation process and is even conscious and aware after the final transformation{{fact}}. This process is presumably painful and terrifying. Once fully transformed, the Infection Form has total control over the host's body and changes the physical appearance of the host to better suit its own needs. (Although an infected host will be roughly the same size as it was before.) On rare occasions, this effect may be weakened by time in stasis, allowing the host to regain some control <ref>[[Halo: The Flood]]</ref>. Combat Forms retain the host's previous skills and so can wield weapons, drive [[vehicles]] and [[boarding|board]] enemy vehicles. However, Infection Forms do not require their hosts to still be alive for infection. Even dead hosts are suitable for conversion into a Combat Form, [[reanimation|reanimating]] again after being infected. Though the brain tissue remains dead, the victim's biomass and calcium reserves are sufficient to warrant infection.
 
In the initial stage of a Flood outbreak, the [[Feral Stage]], Combat Forms communicate using pheromones and have one instinctual behavior: to secure new hosts to strengthen the local [[Proto-Gravemind|controlling intelligence]]. Once a sufficient store of biomass is available for the Flood to enter the [[Coordinated Stage]] and begin forming [[Pure Form]] Flood, the Combat Forms are used either as defensive units or calcium/biomass reserves.
As Flood forms, including the combat form, naturally produce the Flood Super Cell (FSC), even being in contact with one can result in infection for an unprotected potential host. Given the combat forms' preference for melee combat, this makes even non-fatal strikes a death sentence, though such infections may progress slowly.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=MonaLisa|Evo|[[The Mona Lisa]]}} However, infection by spore inhalation or infection form is extremely quick, with a host succumbing often in as little as a few seconds.
Eventually, a healthy Combat Form will mutate into a [[Carrier Form]] or Pure Form to perpetuate the Flood species. The Combat Form will prematurely transform if it takes so much damage that it cannot function effectively.
 
Flood infection is a rapid and efficient biological process, which can take under a minute in extreme cases. An interesting side effect of the deadly human disease [[Boren's Syndrome]], which [[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] suffered from, is total immunity to Flood super cells. The Flood can recognize if a potential  host is immune, and will focus on that organism above other threats in the area. A group of Flood will occasionally go after Sentinels if they are perceived the greatest threat in the area, although Sentinels are unable to be infected with the Flood virus. <ref>Halo Graphic Novel</ref>
When conventionally infected by a pod infector, the infector latches onto the host and dig into the host's flesh with a razor-sharp barb-like appendage, injecting the FSC and proceeding to burrow themselves within the host. Typically, the pod infector makes its home within the chest cavity of the host life form, though depending on circumstance this is not always the case. Depending on the host in question, the pod infector will dislodge the host's bones and organs to make room for itself, resulting in extreme disfiguration such as dislocating the host's jaw{{Ref/Game|Id=H2AMP|H2A|[[Infection]] game mode}} or, in the case of infected [[Sangheili]], completely snapping the neck. This process can be performed on living or recently-deceased hosts, though often results in the "death" of a living host prior to their re-animation once the FSC takes hold.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}} Some hosts may be attacked and infected by multiple pod infectors.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Even if the infection form is removed, the injection of FSC into the generated wounds results in those wounds becoming spore-filled blisters, and the host cannot be saved from infection.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfectionForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infection Forms}}
 
Once infected, the super cell begins to consume and convert sections of the host body, creating growths and new appendages of new super cell. As this process occurs, bodies take on the appearance and smell of decay.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Flood10|TF|Chapter=10}} With sapient hosts, some limbs and sensory organs are preserved in the transformation, and are used to operate tools, equipment, weapons, vehicles, and even ships.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Infection forms will often augment a host's body to better serve as a living weapon, and damage taken during fighting and infection can be repaired by the controlling infection form, though the combat form is ultimately disposable.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLCombatForm|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Combat Forms}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Any damage that the combat form receives ultimately creates more vectors of infection as the chunks of infected flesh it leaves behind are scattered throughout the environment.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} The Flood Super Cell is able to arrange itself to mimic any organ needed to keep the host working,{{Ref/Game|Id=Bestiarum|H3|[[Bestiarum]]}} while other internal organs are replaced with accretions that function as support lattices containing a sickly green liquid full of spores in suspension. Spore-filled polyps also often cover the exterior of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Even once the FSC has taken control of the victim, the controlling infection form can often be seen buried within the victim, with the infection form's red sensory appendages poking out of the flesh. Until the body is completely subsumed by super cell growth, these appendages are maintained as an impromptu central nervous system.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Some combat form super cell growths take on a more chitinous nature, akin to armor plating, helping protect the combat form from enemy attacks.{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4|[[Flood (gametype)|Flood]] gametype}}
 
With sapient hosts, the victim may still attempt to cry out from what remains of its mouth and throat even while being controlled, though it is also possible for the infection form to do so using the host's thoughts and memories as a psychological weapon.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInfected|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infected}} In extremely rare circumstances, a victim may remain fully aware of their present status, unable to do much but watch as their body is controlled by an outside force.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}
 
===Capabilities===
The infection form controlling a host body does not feel pain or fear, though the host is able to feel the physical effect of attacks rendered upon it.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In extreme cases, the infection form will resort to self-mutilation of the host body if it needs to, such as breaking its own arms to use the snapped bone as an improvised weapon. However, the pain inflicted on the host body may also weaken the controlling infection form, provided that it was old and weak prior to infecting the host.{{Ref/Reuse|Flood10}} Combat forms are reliant on their infection form for all bodily and motor functions, and shooting the infection form will "kill" the combat form, though the body can be re-reanimated if another infection form is able to reach it. As a result, a combat form can be resurrected as many times as is needed, provided the body is still intact enough to be a viable host. To properly kill a combat form, it must be dismembered or disfigured to the point at which it is no longer a suitable host body for an infection form.{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}}
 
When a sapient host is infected and made into an [[Flood attacker form|attacker form]], the infection form is able to absorb all of the host's knowledge and memories. As a result, attacker forms are capable of operating firearms, driving vehicles, operating tools and even starships.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} In the case of the ''[[Infinite Succor]]''{{'}}s [[Skirmish on Infinite Succor|infection]], infected warriors were able to set up patrols of the ship's corridors to guard the [[Proto-Gravemind]] growing in the ship.{{Ref/Comic|Id=Succor|HGN|Detail=[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]}} The Flood's possession of an individual's body allows it to speak with the host's tongue.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}}{{Ref/Reuse|Succor}}{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}} This memory-absorption extends critical knowledge such as command codes or colony locations. As such, when critical personnel are infected, they are contributed to the construction of a [[Gravemind]].{{Ref/Level|Id=Keyes|HCE|Keyes}}
 
Attacker combat forms use their whip or scythe-like growths to attack their opponents in melee combat, and are capable of performing feats that their hosts previously could not, such as leaping large distances to cover ground. Even if a melee strike is not fatal, the imparted Flood Super Cell is enough to ensure the target's infection and death.{{Ref/Reuse|MonaLisa}} As the infection forms do not feel pain, combat forms are undeterred by enemy attacks and will not stop until they are destroyed, or their enemy is killed. Ballistic weapons are notably less effective against some combat forms because of this, with [[SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle]] rounds passing through combat forms with virtually no effect.{{Ref/Game|HCE|Gameplay}} Targeted shots against the limbs and embedded infection form are effective ways of dispatching combat forms.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=172-175}}
 
===Role within the Flood===
Combat forms make up the majority of the Flood's combatant forces, particularly in the [[Feral Stage]] of the parasite's development in which it has yet to acquire enough raw biomass for the creation of a [[Gravemind]] or [[Flood pure form|pure forms]]. During this stage, combat forms are not centrally controlled, and will begin to gather bodies for conversion into more Flood forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Keyes}} If a location cannot be immediately secured, multiple combat forms may merge to create the [[Flood Juggernaut|Juggernaut]] and [[Abomination]] keymind forms, able to direct local forces in the area until a permanent presence can be established.


==Types of Combat Forms==
When a local biosphere has been completely assimilated into the Flood, typically once the Flood has entered the [[Coordinated Stage]], combat forms cannot be created anymore due to a lack of viable hosts. Due to this, the Flood moves onto breaking down raw biomass into Flood Super Cell, thereby creating [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] of wholly Flood biomass. Once the number of pure forms reaches a sufficient equilibrium, combat forms are relegated to defensive roles or added to the hive's raw biomass and [[calcium]] reserves.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Otherwise, aging or damaged combat forms are turned into [[Flood carrier form|carrier form]]s, growing infection forms within a large, bulbous mass on their back.{{Ref/Reuse|Universe}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P409|Enc22|Page=409}}
When infection takes place, not just any creature will do for creation of Combat Forms by the Flood. Of the various [[Covenant]] races, only a few species meet the necessary requirements. Species known to be immune to conversion include the [[Mgalekgolo|Hunter]], whose complete lack of skeletal calcium (i.e. bones), colonial physiology and insignificant biomass per individual worm make infection and neural synchronization impossible for Infection Forms. The [[Kig-yar|Jackals]] whose avian bodies, with their hollow bone structure, lack sufficient calcium stores. The  [[Grunt]]s, for the same reason as Jackals; and the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] whose chitinous shell and lack of a bone structure makes infection impossible. The [[Huragok|Engineer]], is artificial and therefore believed immune. Grunts and Jackals are instead used as biomass for creating [[Carrier Form]]s. Presumably, infinite possible host species exist. However, only three are seen in gameplay.


[[Image:Humanflood.png|right|thumb|250px|A [[Human]] Combat Form.]]
==Types of combat forms==
===Human Form===
Virtually any creature with sufficiently complex nervous systems can be infected and made a combat form, but the most commonly-seen hosts are those of sapient species such as [[human]]s, [[Sangheili]], and [[Jiralhanae]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3Gameplay}} [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Unggoy]] can also be made into combat forms, though are seemingly more rare.{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} Sapient hosts such as these are generally made into the most basic version of combat form, simply known as an attacker form.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Non-sapient animals can also be made into combat forms provided they have sufficient calcium reserves and neuro-complexity.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
The '''Human Combat Form''' is significantly smaller than other forms due to their originaly smaller size.
As with other Combat Forms, it is capable of sustaining massive physical damage before being unusable to the Flood controller; in fact, as long as the chest cavity and legs remain intact, it will continue to fight.
Although it cannot take as much damage as the Elite Combat Form can, it has some advantages.
It seems to be more alert, and is quicker to melee an opponent. It also presents a smaller, harder to hit target, especially the [[Infection Form]], as it isn't protruding out of the body as much as those of Elite Forms.
They wield the weapons of former [[UNSC Marines]] and, if available, those of the Covenant. They can be dangerous when wielding [[UNSC]] weapons like the Shotgun, which on higher difficulties can kill you in a couple of shots.
In ''Halo 2'', they are also capable of driving vehicles such as [[Warthog]]s, [[Scorpion Tank]]s, and [[Ghost]]s.
While they lose the ability to drive vehicles in ''[[Halo 3]]'', slow moving ones can still be boarded.
They can wield any weapon, including [[Gravity Hammer]]s and [[Brute Shot]]s. But like the Brute Combat Form, they only use their tentacle arm to attack -- they never use the hammer.


All victims of infection via pod infector, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. In the case of attacker combat forms, the host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the pod infector now serves as the host's "brain," the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.{{Ref/Game|Id=H3Gameplay|H3|Gameplay}}<ref group="notes">In ''Halo 3'', the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the pod infector will force itself out of the host's chest.</ref>


[[Image:Eliteflood.png|right|thumb|250px|An [[Elite]] Combat Form.]]
===Attacker===
===Elite Form===
{{Main|Flood attacker form}}
During infection, the Elite's head is forced backwards to create space for the [[infection form]] to reside.
The most common and basic combat form is the attacker. These forms are created solely from sapient hosts bent to the Flood's will. As the parasite takes over their thoughts and memories, it uses this information to allow the attacker to use weapons, equipment, and vehicles to further the Flood's reach and overall threat level. Given the intelligence of the host, occasionally the victims can manage a whisper pleading for mercy or simply cries of pain. However, the parasite will more often speak on their behalf using their stolen thoughts to terrorize both the host and any nearby survivors.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}} Potential hosts used for attackers include humans, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,{{Ref/Reuse|PLCombatForm}} and Forerunners.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''[[Defender of the Storm]]'', ''page 231''</ref>
This Combat Form is a formidable enemy and is capable of deadly physical attacks using whip-like tentacles. It can also wield both [[Human]] and [[Covenant]] weapons.
It is very fast, very strong, and can jump great distances and heights like most other flood. Some Elite combat forms can still use their armor's [[Active Camouflage]] and [[Energy Shields]].
Fortunately for the player, because of [[Elite]] physiology, they are bigger than the human form and present a larger target to hit.
All of the elite combat forms encountered have the blue armor of a Minor Elite regardless of the hosts actual rank and original armor color. They can use any vehicle in [[Halo 2]], but like the others, they can't use any in [[Halo 3]], but they still can board a slow moving one and hit a devastating blow. If equipped with a hammer it will use its tentacles and not the hammer blow.


===Brute Form===
<gallery>
[[Image:Bruteflood.png|right|thumb|250px|A [[Brute]] Combat Form.]]
File:Anniversary, FloodCombatForm.jpg|A human attacker form.
[[Brute]] Combat Forms behave much more aggressively in combat towards an opponent. It charges at an opponent much more than normal [[Brutes]].
File:H4-FloodCombatForm-Spartan.png|A [[Spartan-IV]] attacker form.
During infection, the [[Infection Form]] burrows into their skulls and force the jaws apart to create a residual space.
File:H2A-InfectedSpartan.png|A Spartan-II attacker form.
The creature seems to draw on its host's brutish nature and often forgo projectile weapons in favor of close combat.
File:FCFelite.jpg|A Sangheili attacker form.
They usually wield Brute weapons such as Spikers, Maulers, Brute Shots, and even Gravity Hammers, as well as more traditional Covenant weaponry and human armaments.
File:HW2-Unleashed.png|A Jiralhanae attacker form.
However, they do not use the hammer to great effect, they just use it to melee instead of using the primary explosive hit (though that may have been a consideration on Bungie's part). They are more powerful than the [[Human] Form, but they are slower (bulkier) and can't jump as high due to their weight. Since when a brute's armor is damaged far enough, it falls off leaving a stripped body. When a Flood infection form infects them, they don't have shielding capabilities like the Elite form. A shotgun round or a few melee attacks should be able to kill one.
File:Kig-Yar_Combat_Form.png|A Kig-Yar attacker form.
File:HW2 - Flood Unggoy form.jpg|An Unggoy attacker form.
</gallery>


==Anti-Flood Countermeasures==
===Thrasher===
{{Main|Flood thrasher form}}
Thrashers are a hulking, vicious variant of combat form created through the infection of certain non-sapient animals with sufficient neuro-complexity. Limited in intellect compared to attackers, thrashers are used as simple weapons in early stages of Flood infiltration and expansion. They have whip-like barbed tentacles and toothy maws suited to gorging on the flesh that fuels their violent rampage. Bearing resemblance to [[Flood tank form|some]] [[Flood pure form|pure form]]s, thrashers are primarily employed to defend existing Flood hives.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}


Combat Forms can take extensive and sizable amount damage before being neutralized. Arms, legs, even heads can be totally blown off and before they are incapacitated.
<gallery>
The weak areas of a Combat Form are its sensory appendages that normally develop on the upper chest. This is where the Infection Form has nestled, and the body is incapacitated if this area is destroyed by a projectile weapon.
File:FloodThrasher 1.png|A model of a thrasher form.
In all three Halo games, a Combat Form may fall only to stand up again and keep fighting. This can only happen if it still has a usable limb and appendage.
File:HW thrashersrunning2.jpg|Several thrasher forms on [[Trove]].
In Halo 2 and 3, if the body is not destroyed, such as by an [[Energy Sword]], [[Grenade]] or [[Brute Shot]] blade, Combat Forms can be revived by other Infection Forms crawling into it.  
File:Enc22 Thrasher.png|A thrasher form in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
Human weapons are generally more effective against the Flood. Covenant plasma weaponry is designed to debilitate by causing burning pain and structural damage to bodies, but the Flood cannot feel pain or be crippled.
</gallery>
Piercing weapons such as the [[Sniper Rifle]] have little effect on combat forms. However, they can be killed with sufficient force from projectile and melee weapons.
Explosives such as grenades, rocket launchers, and the Brute Shot can easily kill a combat form. Plasma or Spike grenades should be used with caution, as the Combat Form will sometimes ignore all other targets and charge players using those weapons at high speed.
The [[Needler]] can be devastating, as the seven-needle explosion will prevent it coming back to life in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], and will shatter it in Halo 2 and 3.
At close range the [[Shotgun]], [[Mauler]], [[Brute Spiker]], [[Brute Shot]] (melee only), and [[Energy Sword]] are the best weapons.
At close to medium ranges the [[M6C Magnum]] and [[SMG]] are fairly effective against Combat Forms due to their fast fire rate, as well as the [[Sentinel Beam]] due to its continuous fire and burning capabilities.
At long range the [[BR55 Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], or the [[M6D]] can be used to fire two shots to the upper chest.
Burning Flood forms is one of the most effective methods in any situation, as is destruction of the torso.
In Halo 2, the Sentinel Beams dropped by the Forerunner Sentinels are also very effective against the flood.
In [[Halo 3]], plasma and melee attacks, formerly weak against the Flood Combat Forms, are now highly effective: a Combat Form can usually be destroyed with 1-3 melee attacks depending on its type and the difficulty setting, and weapons such as the Plasma Rifle are very effective, especially when dual-wielded. Also, a melee attack with any weapon to a Combat Form corpse render it unusable to Infection forms. This makes gameplay easier.


==Harmless Combat Forms==
===Swarm===
In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] it's possible to remove both arms off a Combat Form, rendering it harmless and even helpful.
{{Main|Flood swarm}}
These forms will follow the player and "nestle" close to it in an attempt to attack. It is only necessary to remove the un-tentacled arm of the Combat Form if it is unarmed.
Swarm forms are flying combat forms made via the infection of certain non-sapient avian predators with sufficient calcium reserves and resilient neurosystems. Despite their large size, swarm forms are remarkably swift and capable of performing coordinated attacks from the air with others of their kind. In addition to their sharp talons and teeth, swarm forms can fire infectious barbed projectiles at enemies.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P409}}
If it has a weapon, both limbs must be removed. These forms can be used as effective shields and will often charge Covenant enemies as a distraction.
This bug was removed in [[Halo 2]]. Instead, removing both arms will cause the [[Infection Form]] to abandon the damaged host in search of another.
It is still possible to remove one arm if the Combat Form is not carrying a weapon. In [[Halo 3]] removing the tentacled limb of an unarmed Combat Form causes it to melee the player.
But, in some rare cases, in [[Halo 3]] if they pick up a [[Gravity Hammer]] and have their tentacle arm shot off, they will act similar to the "[[Flood Buddies]]", approaching the player for a few seconds then walking away then repeating and, in some cases, attacking the player with invisible arms. Occasionally, if a Flood is not completely destroyed (i.e. all limbs removed, splattered, head removed), it will eventually get back up and keep fighting. If you kill the Flood but not the dead host (if the Flood leaves its host) it will become an open host for a new Flood to occupy.


== Trivia ==
<gallery>
*A Brute combat form jaw is pushed below the infection's opening.
File:HW FloodSwarm Concept.jpg|A swarm form.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] during the final level, Human Combat Forms can be found in the armory that have [[Active Camouflage]] . (This is puzzling as humans do not posses this technology.)
File:HW FloodSwarmForm 1.png|Another view of a swarm form.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] Combat Forms will not disintegrate from successive melee hits when they are dead like in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]].
</gallery>
*[[Elites]] will have the same armor color after infected, seven armor colors are seen, Minors (standard)-Light Blue, Minors (Alt)-Dark Blue SpecOps (Standard)-Purple, Specops (Alt)- teal-black, Majors (standard)-Red, Majors (Alt)-Orangeish/copper and Ultras-White.
*[[Halo 2]] is the only game where the [[Flood]] use vehicles.
*If the [[IWHBYD]] skull is activated in [[Halo 3]], the background murmuring of the combat forms sounds like ''brains''. Also, if you try hiding in a corner, it may sound like "I see you..."
*[[Flood Juggernaut]], [[Flood]] Combat, and Tank Forms have a "mouth like" head, where the sensory tentacles are located. Shooting this area counts as a [[headshot]].
*In all of the Halo games, [[Flood]] Combat Forms always hold the [[Shotgun]] with one hand, and fire it without pumping another round into the chamber. In [[Halo 1]], they somehow manage to make the shotgun pump itself.
*Sometimes in [[Halo 3]] [[Flood]] will wield [[flamethrower|flamethrowers]] if they are revived close to one.
*Sometimes in [[Halo 3]] [[Flood]] combat forms can be seen wielding [[Plasma turrets]] with one arm or tentacle. This is common on the level [[The Covenant]], right after you kill the Brute Chieftain with the Plasma Cannon.
*In [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]], [[Flood]] Combat Forms retain more of the host's armor, such as chest plating. They were almost naked in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]]. This could be attributed to the [[Flood]] becoming more intelligent, due to the [[Gravemind]]'s influence.
*In [[Halo 2]], all the Flood infected Elites wear the armor of an [[Elite Minor]], even on levels where no Minor Elites were found. In Halo 3, an infected Elite Ultra retains the appropriate armor of an Ultra, but reverts to that of a Minor when it is killed. In Halo 3, an infected Chieftain will turn into a Brute combat form with Minor Brute Armor on. These errors were due to memory constraints and also represent the rapid increase of visual effects technology over the course of the development of the games.
*Occasionally, if a player throws a [[Plasma Grenade]] on a Combat Form it will charge towards the player, ignoring any other non-Flood targets. In Halo 3 they will jump away from grenades.
*During some parts of the Halo 2 levels with Combat Forms some are seen rarely using sniper rifles, although their poor aim suggests that the forms feeler-based sensory would make using scope-based weapons pointless (when they use the M6D pistol in Combat Evolved they always aim for the chest). On Legendary difficulty, however, these Combat Forms are incredibly deadly as they can one-shot-kill the player with great accuracy.
*Flood Combat Forms in Halo 3 can pick up weapons discarded by the player, i.e. Spartan Lasers, if there is any ammo/charge left in the weapon. Care should be taken when dropping these kinds of powerful weapons around Flood forms, as they might be used against you by revived Flood.
*If a [[Brute Chieftain]] with a [[Gravity Hammer]] is infected, the hammer will most likely be "dissolved" into the Combat Form, making it disappear completely.
*A Combat Form's old "head" (the one that used to belong to the host) will move or twitch as if in pain if you watch it in the theater in Halo 3.
*In [[Halo 3]], if an Elite is infected, a Gravity Hammer like pulse will be emitted from his suit. It is unknown why this happens, though it could be a remnant of an energy shield.
*In [[Halo 2]] if you look at the flood infected [[Elites]] mouth the mandible guards are white like an Ultras.
*In [[Halo 3]], the gold skull "fog" is held by a [[Flood]] combat form.
*Halo 3 is the only game where you can instantly kill a combat form by meleeing them.
*In the Halo: CE level, The Maw, 2-3 Flood forms will attack with their hosts' Active Camouflage still activated attack you in the armory, and if you kill them and they get back up, their Active Camo won't work.
*Combat forms can hold two-handed weapons ( brute shot,shotgun,etc.) with one hand.
*In [[Halo 3]] if you shoot a Combat Form's "host face" it will "pop" and be covered in blood.
*In [[Halo 3]] if you shoot off a Flood Combat Form's arms it will try to push you off a cliff by running into you.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] if you stand on a Light Bridge (343 Guilty Spark) and shoot off armed [[Flood]] gun arms they will leap onto the bridge and get stuck and only able to move by jumping at you.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], the [[Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 AM]] is all but useless due to the insides being liquefied.
*If the [[Suicidal Marine]] gets infected, he will fight by your side.


==Production notes==
Prior to the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', all human, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy combat forms were simply referred to as combat forms. While the Encyclopedia does not dispute this, it further clarified that these kinds of Flood forms are all part of the "[[Flood attacker form|attacker]]" subset of combat forms.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P408}}


<GALLERY>
==Notes==
Image:Warrior Form Human2.png
<references group="notes"/>
Image:FloodWeaponless05.jpg
Image:Warrior Form Covie2.png
Image:Ultra Flood Combat.jpg
Image:BRUTEBUDDY.jpg
Image:26834428-Full.jpg
Image:1195430022_100.jpg
Image:1209876658 Flood.jpg
Image:1212975093 Flood Combat Forms.JPG </GALLERY>


==References==
==List of appearances==
<references/>
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' {{MCCo}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Defender of the Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''


{{flood}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:The Flood]]
{{Flood}}
[[Category:Flood forms]]

Latest revision as of 01:00, March 24, 2024

This article is about the general term. For the specific Flood form commonly referred to as a combat form, see Flood attacker form.
Combat form
H Evol - Mona Lisa Flood Combat Forms.png
Several variations of combat form
General overview

Height:

Varies depending on type and host species.[1][2]

Method of attack:

Lunging at enemies with claws and whip-like tendrils, biting, and/or firing infectious barbs.[1][2]

Notable types:

 

The Flood combat form is the primary form used by the Flood to overwhelm and decimate surviving populations, and one of the most common forms found in early stages of a Flood outbreak. Combat forms can be created using either sapient or non-sapient hosts infected via means of the Flood Super Cell, typically by a pod infector. They serve as the Flood's primary combatants, defending the Flood against attack and securing additional hosts for infection. The most common variation of combat form is the attacker form.[1]

Pathology[edit]

Infection and creation[edit]

Combat forms are typically created when a pod infector is successfully able to enter a host's body, though this is not the only vector by which hosts can be infected.[3] Flood outbreaks can often be caused by spores or other microbiological vectors entering the host body,[3] or by contact with other forms that include Flood Seeders or Infesters.[4] In more advanced stages of infection, the need for specific infection forms is decreased as the Flood-infected area converts to a Blightland or Flood hive. By this point, the Flood presence makes up the majority of the terrain in the area, making contact with the Flood Super Cell and the naturally-generated spores an inevitability. Some Flood structures such as the "launcher" specialize in firing clouds of spores at uninfected forces, causing them to succumb to the infection without any kind of infection form involved.[5]

As Flood forms, including the combat form, naturally produce the Flood Super Cell (FSC), even being in contact with one can result in infection for an unprotected potential host. Given the combat forms' preference for melee combat, this makes even non-fatal strikes a death sentence, though such infections may progress slowly.[6] However, infection by spore inhalation or infection form is extremely quick, with a host succumbing often in as little as a few seconds.

When conventionally infected by a pod infector, the infector latches onto the host and dig into the host's flesh with a razor-sharp barb-like appendage, injecting the FSC and proceeding to burrow themselves within the host. Typically, the pod infector makes its home within the chest cavity of the host life form, though depending on circumstance this is not always the case. Depending on the host in question, the pod infector will dislodge the host's bones and organs to make room for itself, resulting in extreme disfiguration such as dislocating the host's jaw[7] or, in the case of infected Sangheili, completely snapping the neck. This process can be performed on living or recently-deceased hosts, though often results in the "death" of a living host prior to their re-animation once the FSC takes hold.[3] Some hosts may be attacked and infected by multiple pod infectors.[8] Even if the infection form is removed, the injection of FSC into the generated wounds results in those wounds becoming spore-filled blisters, and the host cannot be saved from infection.[9]

Once infected, the super cell begins to consume and convert sections of the host body, creating growths and new appendages of new super cell. As this process occurs, bodies take on the appearance and smell of decay.[8] With sapient hosts, some limbs and sensory organs are preserved in the transformation, and are used to operate tools, equipment, weapons, vehicles, and even ships.[1] Infection forms will often augment a host's body to better serve as a living weapon, and damage taken during fighting and infection can be repaired by the controlling infection form, though the combat form is ultimately disposable.[10][1] Any damage that the combat form receives ultimately creates more vectors of infection as the chunks of infected flesh it leaves behind are scattered throughout the environment.[1] The Flood Super Cell is able to arrange itself to mimic any organ needed to keep the host working,[11] while other internal organs are replaced with accretions that function as support lattices containing a sickly green liquid full of spores in suspension. Spore-filled polyps also often cover the exterior of combat forms.[1] Even once the FSC has taken control of the victim, the controlling infection form can often be seen buried within the victim, with the infection form's red sensory appendages poking out of the flesh. Until the body is completely subsumed by super cell growth, these appendages are maintained as an impromptu central nervous system.[3][1] Some combat form super cell growths take on a more chitinous nature, akin to armor plating, helping protect the combat form from enemy attacks.[12]

With sapient hosts, the victim may still attempt to cry out from what remains of its mouth and throat even while being controlled, though it is also possible for the infection form to do so using the host's thoughts and memories as a psychological weapon.[13] In extremely rare circumstances, a victim may remain fully aware of their present status, unable to do much but watch as their body is controlled by an outside force.[10][1]

Capabilities[edit]

The infection form controlling a host body does not feel pain or fear, though the host is able to feel the physical effect of attacks rendered upon it.[10] In extreme cases, the infection form will resort to self-mutilation of the host body if it needs to, such as breaking its own arms to use the snapped bone as an improvised weapon. However, the pain inflicted on the host body may also weaken the controlling infection form, provided that it was old and weak prior to infecting the host.[8] Combat forms are reliant on their infection form for all bodily and motor functions, and shooting the infection form will "kill" the combat form, though the body can be re-reanimated if another infection form is able to reach it. As a result, a combat form can be resurrected as many times as is needed, provided the body is still intact enough to be a viable host. To properly kill a combat form, it must be dismembered or disfigured to the point at which it is no longer a suitable host body for an infection form.[14]

When a sapient host is infected and made into an attacker form, the infection form is able to absorb all of the host's knowledge and memories. As a result, attacker forms are capable of operating firearms, driving vehicles, operating tools and even starships.[10] In the case of the Infinite Succor's infection, infected warriors were able to set up patrols of the ship's corridors to guard the Proto-Gravemind growing in the ship.[15] The Flood's possession of an individual's body allows it to speak with the host's tongue.[10][15][16] This memory-absorption extends critical knowledge such as command codes or colony locations. As such, when critical personnel are infected, they are contributed to the construction of a Gravemind.[17]

Attacker combat forms use their whip or scythe-like growths to attack their opponents in melee combat, and are capable of performing feats that their hosts previously could not, such as leaping large distances to cover ground. Even if a melee strike is not fatal, the imparted Flood Super Cell is enough to ensure the target's infection and death.[6] As the infection forms do not feel pain, combat forms are undeterred by enemy attacks and will not stop until they are destroyed, or their enemy is killed. Ballistic weapons are notably less effective against some combat forms because of this, with SRS99C-S2 AM sniper rifle rounds passing through combat forms with virtually no effect.[18] Targeted shots against the limbs and embedded infection form are effective ways of dispatching combat forms.[19]

Role within the Flood[edit]

Combat forms make up the majority of the Flood's combatant forces, particularly in the Feral Stage of the parasite's development in which it has yet to acquire enough raw biomass for the creation of a Gravemind or pure forms. During this stage, combat forms are not centrally controlled, and will begin to gather bodies for conversion into more Flood forms.[17] If a location cannot be immediately secured, multiple combat forms may merge to create the Juggernaut and Abomination keymind forms, able to direct local forces in the area until a permanent presence can be established.

When a local biosphere has been completely assimilated into the Flood, typically once the Flood has entered the Coordinated Stage, combat forms cannot be created anymore due to a lack of viable hosts. Due to this, the Flood moves onto breaking down raw biomass into Flood Super Cell, thereby creating pure forms of wholly Flood biomass. Once the number of pure forms reaches a sufficient equilibrium, combat forms are relegated to defensive roles or added to the hive's raw biomass and calcium reserves.[11] Otherwise, aging or damaged combat forms are turned into carrier forms, growing infection forms within a large, bulbous mass on their back.[3][2]

Types of combat forms[edit]

Virtually any creature with sufficiently complex nervous systems can be infected and made a combat form, but the most commonly-seen hosts are those of sapient species such as humans, Sangheili, and Jiralhanae.[14] Kig-Yar and Unggoy can also be made into combat forms, though are seemingly more rare.[10] Sapient hosts such as these are generally made into the most basic version of combat form, simply known as an attacker form.[1] Non-sapient animals can also be made into combat forms provided they have sufficient calcium reserves and neuro-complexity.[2]

All victims of infection via pod infector, regardless of their physiology, will undergo a similar mutation process. The skin decays rapidly, and changes to the color and texture of Flood biomass as the Flood Super Cells overtake the body. In the case of attacker combat forms, the host's arm bones elongate and grow into whip or claw-like appendages, which serve as their primary melee weapon in close-combat situations. As the pod infector now serves as the host's "brain," the head is usually forced aside, and can be severed without any effect on the combat form.[14][notes 1]

Attacker[edit]

Main article: Flood attacker form

The most common and basic combat form is the attacker. These forms are created solely from sapient hosts bent to the Flood's will. As the parasite takes over their thoughts and memories, it uses this information to allow the attacker to use weapons, equipment, and vehicles to further the Flood's reach and overall threat level. Given the intelligence of the host, occasionally the victims can manage a whisper pleading for mercy or simply cries of pain. However, the parasite will more often speak on their behalf using their stolen thoughts to terrorize both the host and any nearby survivors.[1] Potential hosts used for attackers include humans, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,[10] and Forerunners.[20]

  • A human attacker form.

    A human attacker form.

  • A Spartan-IV attacker form.

    A Spartan-IV attacker form.

  • A Spartan-II attacker form.

    A Spartan-II attacker form.

  • A Sangheili attacker form.

    A Sangheili attacker form.

  • A Jiralhanae attacker form.

    A Jiralhanae attacker form.

  • A Kig-Yar attacker form.

    A Kig-Yar attacker form.

  • An Unggoy attacker form.

    An Unggoy attacker form.

Thrasher[edit]

Main article: Flood thrasher form

Thrashers are a hulking, vicious variant of combat form created through the infection of certain non-sapient animals with sufficient neuro-complexity. Limited in intellect compared to attackers, thrashers are used as simple weapons in early stages of Flood infiltration and expansion. They have whip-like barbed tentacles and toothy maws suited to gorging on the flesh that fuels their violent rampage. Bearing resemblance to some pure forms, thrashers are primarily employed to defend existing Flood hives.[2]

Swarm[edit]

Main article: Flood swarm

Swarm forms are flying combat forms made via the infection of certain non-sapient avian predators with sufficient calcium reserves and resilient neurosystems. Despite their large size, swarm forms are remarkably swift and capable of performing coordinated attacks from the air with others of their kind. In addition to their sharp talons and teeth, swarm forms can fire infectious barbed projectiles at enemies.[2]

  • A swarm form.

    A swarm form.

  • Another view of a swarm form.

    Another view of a swarm form.

Production notes[edit]

Prior to the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), all human, Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, and Unggoy combat forms were simply referred to as combat forms. While the Encyclopedia does not dispute this, it further clarified that these kinds of Flood forms are all part of the "attacker" subset of combat forms.[1]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In Halo 3, the reanimation process can be witnessed; the host will twitch around in pain, and eventually collapse on the ground. Afterwards, the whip appendages will force itself out of the host's left arm, and the pod infector will force itself out of the host's chest.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 408
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 409
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, Flood (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare
  5. ^ Halo Wars, Flood Launcher in-game unit
  6. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions - The Mona Lisa
  7. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Infection game mode
  8. ^ a b c Halo: The Flood, chapter 10
  9. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infection Forms
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Combat Forms
  11. ^ a b Halo 3, Bestiarum
  12. ^ Halo 4, Flood gametype
  13. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infected
  14. ^ a b c Halo 3, Gameplay
  15. ^ a b Halo Graphic Novel: The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  16. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  17. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Keyes
  18. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, Gameplay
  19. ^ Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 172-175
  20. ^ Halo: Fractures, Defender of the Storm, page 231

v • d • e
 
Known Flood forms
Regular Spore • Pod • Seeder • Tadpole • Dispersal pod
Growths Stalk • Blister
Other Flood Super Cell (FSC)
Infected
Structures
Hives Hive • Den • Nest • Colony • Spore Mound • Cocooned base • Blightlands
Defensive Launcher • Root
Other Porta • Vent
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Flood_combat_form&oldid=1623870"