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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|HW|H2|H3|H3R|}}
[[File:Two Scarabs.jpg|thumb|x300px|''Shua'ee''-pattern Locusts and ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarabs firing their weapons in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.]]
The term '''Plasma Beam''' is used to describe superheated [[Plasma]] fired in a concentrated form from a [[Covenant]] weapon, able to fire its energy in that state.
'''Focus cannons''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Manual|Halo: Reach manual|Page=9}} or '''focus beams''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Excavators|Enc22|Page=278-279}} are a classification of heavy [[plasma weaponry]] used by the [[Covenant]] and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].{{Ref/Site|Id=WPScarab|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
Typically the Covenant fire their Plasma in bolts, which is accomplished by forming a magnetic bubble around the superheated ionized gas - once fired, the magnetic bubble holding the Plasma is guided towards its destination. Plasma fired in a narrow, concentrated beam is accomplished by modifying the magnetic field so that the superheated Plasma is guided continuously in a straight line towards its destination. The Plasma Beam is used on specific Covenant weapons and are reserved for assault platforms like the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]] or the [[Locust]]. A Plasma Beam is used to take down large scale objects, that either may be in the way of infantry objectives, or as part of destroying a habitable area. If faced with a large military presence assault platforms can use their plasma beam to cut through armor and infantry with ease.
===Design details===
Focus cannons are a type of [[energy projector]] similar to the capital-grade models used on [[Covenant starship]]s. They can be individually tuned to allow for fine-excavation of [[Forerunner]] reliquaries or massive destruction of enemy ground forces.{{Ref/Reuse|WPScarab}}


Locusts use their Charged Plasma Cannon<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Factory.aspx#Locust</ref> to deal with structures that may be too small for a larger assault platform to destroy. Locusts may be able to perform hunter-killer roles, finding infantry and eliminating them. They can also fulfill an anti-armor role, capable of destroying heavy armor if needed.
The exact specifics on the operation of focus cannons are vague; while classed as a large type of [[plasma cannon]], they generally operate by firing continuous streams of plasma at their targets - usually in a yellow-green colouration as opposed to the blue-red-purple of standard plasma weapons. As a form of energy projector, they presumably utilise the same magnetic confinement and [[anti-gravity technology]] to contain the plasma streams. A similar operation can be observed in the infantry-held {{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}} - with a similar beam colouration and operating mechanism.


Scarabs use their Front-Mounted Cannon to destroy large structures that may be blocking infantry objectives, or if a area must be effectively destroyed. Their main weapon can be used against vehicles if they are within the Scarab's line of sight. They cannot, however, be used in hunter-killer situations against single, or small groups of infantry.
The plasma streams fired bear great resemblance to the [[assault cannon]]s of the [[Mgalekgolo]], though it is unknown to what degree the two technologies are related. Some focus cannons, such as those of the {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}, can be observed dripping some kind of green, glowing fluid after firing{{Ref/Level|H2|Metropolis}} - indicating that they may additionally use [[incendiary gel]] in their operation similar to the aforementioned assault cannons. Some models of focus cannon can be modified to support the injection and firing of [[infusion gel]] (itself a derivative of incendiary gel), further lending credence to this implication.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLInf|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Infused Scarab}}


Covenant capital ships also have a weapon that can fire a Plasma Beam and is used when a large ship is too close to a planetary surface to bombard it from orbit with its normal weaponry - Plasma Beams are fired from the belly of the ship right where the ship's central [[Gravity Lift]] is deployed when unloading troops and supplies.
===Variants===
*'''Bloodfuel beam:''' a special variant of light focus cannon equipped on the [[Bloodfuel Locust|Bloodfuel]] variant of the [[Locust]] walker used by the [[Banished]].
*'''Infused focus cannon:''' a specially modified focus cannon created by [[Voridus]] to fire and spread infusion gel.{{Ref/Reuse|PLInf}}
<gallery>
File:HW2_Blitz_Bloodfuel_Locust.png|A Bloodfuel Locust sporting a very heavily-modified Bloodfuel beam.
</gallery>


===Advantages===
==Usage==
*Weapons with the ability to fire a Plasma Beam can destroy obstacles with ease and speed, cutting down the time it would take Plasma Mortars to accomplish the same job.
;Ultra-heavy focus cannons
*A Plasma Beam is easy to control, and can destroy with precision and accuracy.
*{{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLore|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-give-em-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - If They Want Lore, We'll Give 'Em Lore|D=21|M=02|Y=2024}} - considered to be the most powerful of all known Scarab types{{Ref/Reuse|WPScarab}}
*Can be used to destroy a large enemy presence with destructive ease.
*{{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon - considered to be one of the most powerful ever fielded on a combat walker{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*{{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Manual}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*{{Pattern|Sumda'te|Scarab}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*{{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}} - 1x ultra-heavy focus drill{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}


===Disadvantages===
;Heavy focus cannons
*The range of destruction is not as effective as a Plasma Mortar, as the resulting impact will not spread outside of the initial impact zone.
*[[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] - 1x heavy focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*The beam can only sustain fire for a short amount of time before recharging.
*{{Pattern|Zashk|Draugr}} - 5x heavy focus cannons{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=277}}
*Fast and nimble vehicles can out-maneuver the weapon.
 
*It is ineffective at long range, as the magnetic field loses its energy at long distances.
;Light focus cannons
*{{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}} - 1x light focus cannon (alternatively termed a "charged plasma cannon"){{Ref/Site|Id=OHWCS|URL=http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Summit.aspx#Vampire|Site=Official Halo Wars Community Site|Page=Game Info - Covenant Factory|LocalArchive=Archive:Halowars.com/Covenant#Locust|D=22|M=01|Y=2010}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*[[Barukaza Workshop Locust]] - 1x light focus cannon{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
 
;Undefined
The "light"/"heavy" classification of focus cannon (if any) for the following weapons is unknown, meaning where they are placed in the hierarchy of focus cannon power is presently unknown.
*{{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}} - 1x ''Emim''-pattern focus beam{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Excavators}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Lich]] - 1x focus cannon{{Ref/Note|The ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'' specifically notes the Banished Lich as equipped with a plasma cannon. However, the beam's depiction in-game is clearly intended to mimic the visual effect of the Lich focus beam in ''[[Halo 4]]'', and the Scarabs in prior titles.}}
*{{Pattern|Pnap|Goblin}} - 1x focus cannon (select "Beam Goblin" variants-only)


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape">   
<gallery>   
File:Walkers.JPG|Locusts and Scarabs firing their weapons.
File:H2 scarab fire.jpg|Closeup of the {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}}'s focus cannon prior to firing in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:69504874-Full.jpg|A Scarab firing its main weapon at a [[Scorpion Tank]].
File:Scarabcannon.jpg|A {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} destroying an [[M808B Scorpion]] in [[New Mombasa]].
File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|A Scarab's weapon destroying a vehicle.  
File:69504874-Full.jpg|A {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} firing its main weapon at an [[M808C Scorpion]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:1216050538 Scarab.jpg|A {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}'s weapon destroying a vehicle in ''Halo 3''.
File:HW ScarabFiring.png|A ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarab firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW Scarab&Locusts.png|A ''Deutoros''-pattern Scarab and two {{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}}s firing their focus cannons in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Harvester firing mining laser.png|A {{Pattern|Za'zayara|Harvester}} firing its ultra-heavy focus drill in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:H4-SpOps HarvesterExcavation.png|The result of a Harvester's excavation.
File:H4-SpOps HarvesterTunnel.png|Interior of a tunnel shortly after being excavated by a Harvester's focus beam.
File:H2A - Scarab cannon.jpg|A {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} preparing to fire its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H5G-BeamGoblin.jpg|A {{Pattern|Pnap|Goblin}} firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:HW2-BlitzScarab.png|A [[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] firing its focus cannon in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


{{Covenant Weapons}}
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:Covenant Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Weapons]]
{{Covenant heavy weapons}}
[[Category:Covenant weapons]]
[[Category:Plasma weapons]]

Latest revision as of 14:37, October 29, 2024

Two Deutoros-pattern Scarab and two Shua'ee-pattern Locusts firing their focus cannons at UNSC units on the Halo Wars Skirmish map Chasm.
Shua'ee-pattern Locusts and Deutoros-pattern Scarabs firing their weapons in Halo Wars.

Focus cannons,[1] or focus beams,[2] are a classification of heavy plasma weaponry used by the Covenant and its remnants.[3]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Focus cannons are a type of energy projector similar to the capital-grade models used on Covenant starships. They can be individually tuned to allow for fine-excavation of Forerunner reliquaries or massive destruction of enemy ground forces.[3]

The exact specifics on the operation of focus cannons are vague; while classed as a large type of plasma cannon, they generally operate by firing continuous streams of plasma at their targets - usually in a yellow-green colouration as opposed to the blue-red-purple of standard plasma weapons. As a form of energy projector, they presumably utilise the same magnetic confinement and anti-gravity technology to contain the plasma streams. A similar operation can be observed in the infantry-held M'tara-pattern focus rifle - with a similar beam colouration and operating mechanism.

The plasma streams fired bear great resemblance to the assault cannons of the Mgalekgolo, though it is unknown to what degree the two technologies are related. Some focus cannons, such as those of the Protos-pattern Scarab, can be observed dripping some kind of green, glowing fluid after firing[4] - indicating that they may additionally use incendiary gel in their operation similar to the aforementioned assault cannons. Some models of focus cannon can be modified to support the injection and firing of infusion gel (itself a derivative of incendiary gel), further lending credence to this implication.[5]

Variants[edit]

  • Bloodfuel beam: a special variant of light focus cannon equipped on the Bloodfuel variant of the Locust walker used by the Banished.
  • Infused focus cannon: a specially modified focus cannon created by Voridus to fire and spread infusion gel.[5]
  • A Bloodfuel Locust sporting a very heavily-modified Bloodfuel beam.

    A Bloodfuel Locust sporting a very heavily-modified Bloodfuel beam.

Usage[edit]

Ultra-heavy focus cannons
Heavy focus cannons
Light focus cannons
Undefined

The "light"/"heavy" classification of focus cannon (if any) for the following weapons is unknown, meaning where they are placed in the hierarchy of focus cannon power is presently unknown.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition) specifically notes the Banished Lich as equipped with a plasma cannon. However, the beam's depiction in-game is clearly intended to mimic the visual effect of the Lich focus beam in Halo 4, and the Scarabs in prior titles.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: Reach manual, page 9
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 278-279
  3. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Scarab (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  5. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Infused Scarab
  6. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - If They Want Lore, We'll Give 'Em Lore (Retrieved on Feb 21, 2024) [archive]
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 277
  8. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site, Game Info - Covenant Factory (Retrieved on Jan 22, 2010) [local archive] [external archive]

v • d • e
 
Heavy weaponry in service of the Covenant and its remnants
Support weapons
Stationary weapon emplacements
Vehicle-mounted weapons
Starship weapons
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