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Sentinel beam: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|TF|H2|GOO|H3}}
{{Center|For other uses of the term '''beam''', see [[Beam|here]].}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[Image:8311761-Full.jpg|300px]]
|image = [[File:H3-SentinelBeam.png|300px]] [[File:H2A-SentinelBeam-SideProfile.png|300px]] [[File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png |300px]] [[File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|300px]]
| name=Sentinel Beam
|manufacturer= [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=393}}
| manufacturer=Forerunners
|series= Containment/Sterilization Instrument<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 168''</ref>
| model=
|type= [[Particle beam weapon]]
| type=Directed Energy Weapon
|cost=
| cost=
|variant=
| size=Handheld, Two-handed
|service=*Forerunner era
| damage per hit=Chronological
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
| magazine=100 battery units
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| maxammo=100 battery units
|affiliation = Forerunner
| fire=Continuous Fire
|weight=
| ammotype=*Minor:Orange Energy Beams
|length=
*Major:Blue Energy Beam
;Varies
| operation=
{{Convert|63.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| rate of fire=Medium
{{Convert|77.2|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| accuracy=Very High
|ammotype = Superheated negative charged ion particle beam{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
| range=Medium to Long Range
|capacity=
| era=[[Halo CE]](unusable), but usable on [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]
|feed= 100 battery units housing
| counterpart=[[Assault Rifle]], [[Plasma Rifle]]
|operation=
| counterwep=[[Plasma]] weapons and explosives
|rate= Automatic
| affiliation=[[Forerunner]]
|velocity =  
|optics=
|range = Infinite
}}
}}
{{Quote|You can totally dig the [[Aggressor Sentinel|bug-bots]]' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!|[[Otto-031]]{{Ref/Reuse|bl}}}}
The '''sentinel beam''', also known as the '''sterilization beam''',{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=326}} is a [[Forerunner]] [[directed energy weapon]], most commonly used by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The weapon is particularly effective against small [[The Flood|Flood]] outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping [[Energy shielding|energy shields]]. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.<ref name="bl">'''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''', ''[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 3|Issue 3]]''</ref><ref name="h2">'''[[Halo 2]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>


{{HaloWikiLink|Sentinel_Beam}}
==Design details==
The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.<ref name="Encyclopedia">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 339''</ref> The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by [[Ferrarius Assembler Vats]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


The '''Sentinel Beam''' is a [[Forerunner]] Directed Energy [[weapon]] that is equipped on a [[Sentinel]] and is the Forerunner constructs primary weapon.
Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.{{Ref/Reuse|h2}}


==Introduction==
There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.{{Ref/Note|In-game, the calibration dial cannot be adjusted.}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
The Sentinel Beam is a [[Forerunner]] [[weapon]] that is an integral part of [[Sentinel]]s, who use it to control outbreaks of [[The Flood]], however it can only fight small outbreaks. It is projected as an orange beam of energy that can efficiently cut through the hordes of parasites, [[Infection Forms]] in particular, that the [[Sentinels]] have to deal with when an outbreak occurs. The blue Sentinel Beam is a stronger, more efficient version of the common orange Sentinel Beam, but it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes quicker.
In Halo 2 [[multiplayer]], the Sentinel Beam appears as a default weapon in the bases on [[Backwash]] and on [[Desolation]], and it can be added to most maps using [[Forge]] on [[Halo 3]].


==Combat Usage==
The beams used by the [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] at [[Onyx]] were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 156''</ref> Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|MJOLNIR Mark V Armor]] suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire [[Covenant]] [[Covenant cruiser|cruisers]].  
[[Image:Sentinel Firing.jpg|left|thumb|A Sentinel firing a Sentinel Beam]]
Like the Energy Sword and Fuel Rod Gun, the Sentinel Beam is not player-usable in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], but it is usable in [[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]. The more powerful blue version of the beam is only available in [[Halo 2]] campaign, not in multiplayer.


The Sentinel Beam runs on a non-rechargeable battery with a maximum charge of 100%. Like the [[Covenant]]'s [[Plasma]] weapons, it can temporarily overheat if 23% of the battery is used up in one continuous stream. It is effective against the [[The Flood|Flood]] and [[Sentinel]]s, and can be used to deplete shields like [[Plasma]] weapons.
===Advantages===
Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.  


Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating against any opponent.
It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] — if aimed properly.


The beam used by the [[Sentinel]]s at [[Onyx]] was  a golden color, an odd exception to the usual rule of blue beams being the most powerful,  Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of destroying a fully shielded [[Spartan]], and gained exponential increases in power when multiple Sentinels worked together, to the point where it could be used to destroy entire fleets of [[Covenant Cruiser]]s. It may be worth noting that there were some other differences between the Sentinels of Onyx and the ones that appear on the Halo Installations; these were pointed out by [[Dr. Halsey]]. These are listed under [[Onyx Sentinel]].
It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's [[melee]] attack is about as strong as that of a [[M41 SPNKR|Rocket Launcher]], and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a [[Flood combat form]], although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.


In the Halo 2 campaign, the Sentinel Beam is a deadly, all-around good weapon. It sports a high rate of fire, amazing accuracy & range, and great damage against both shielded and unshielded opponents. The beam's targeting reticule is also reasonably centered, providing a better aim. The weapon's melee attack is about as strong as that of the [[Rocket Launcher]]'s, and is likewise considerably slow. Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen in the campaign: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing. While the blue version is more powerful, it also quite rare and will overheat faster than the standard beam.
===Disadvantages===
When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and the {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}.


The beam makes another appearance in [[Halo 3]], with a few graphical upgrades and several technical fixes. Unlike its Halo 2 counterpart, the weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within a few seconds. It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form, including the vaunted Pure Forms, if aimed properly. The beam does not spawn on any multiplayer maps using the standard weapons settings, and players cannot spawn with them in any game type, custom or otherwise. However, the weapon may be added to a map through the Forge editor.
==Variants==
*'''Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam''': A Sentinel Beam utilized by the [[Aggressor Sentinel Eliminator|Sentinel Eliminators]] from [[Installation 05]]. It fires a stronger blue beam.
*'''Safeguard Sentinel Beam''': The sterilization beams of [[Safeguard Sentinel]]s are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 12/7/2016: Issue 94 Bounty Hunters'']</ref>
*'''[[Arcane Sentinel Beam]]''': White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by [[Thav 'Sebarim]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].
<gallery>
File:H2A gold sent beam.png|Gold Sentinel Beam.
File:H5G - Safeguard Sentinel beam.png|Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Crop.png|Installation 07 Sentinel beam.
File:HINF SentinelBeam Arcane Crop.png|Arcane Sentinel Beam.
</gallery>


Also worth noting is the version of the beam that the Monitor [[343 Guilty Spark]] makes use of.  In Halo 3, the construct uses the integrated weapon to destroy a Flood Combat Form, mortally wound [[Sergeant Avery Johnson]] and fight off the Master Chief and the Arbiter. The beam he fires is more powerful, twice as thick as the usual Sentinel Beam, and is bright red in color rather than orange.
==In-game information==
{{Article quote|Continuous fire, directed hardlight energy weapon useful for stripping shields.{{Ref/Game|HI|Academy - Weapon Drills - Sentinel Beam description}}}}
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
* Like the [[Type-1 energy sword|Energy Sword]] and the [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|Fuel Rod Gun]], the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. In ''Halo 2'', the Sentinel Beam can finally be wielded.
* A golden Aggressor variant is introduced along with its blue-colored beam. This harder-burning beam is more powerful, but it overheats and depletes faster.


==Appearances==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' ===
In Halo 2 it first appears on [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]], where Heretic Elites used it as a weapon to stop the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] and his allies from eradicating the Heretic force on the [[Gas Mine]]. Flood Elite [[Flood Combat Form|Combat Forms]] then used it on [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]], since most of the Elite forms were once Heretic Elites. Many of these weapons appear on [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] and [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]], where the stronger blue beam versions where available from destroyed Sentinel Majors.
* The Sentinel Beam has a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes.  
* The weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds.


In [[Halo 3]], It first appears on [[The Ark (Level)|the Ark]], where it can be gained by picking one of the Sentinels being destroyed (By you or the Covenant Loyalists) patrolling the area. Then it was seen on [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]], where some Sentinels were tasked to aid the Arbiter and [[Master Chief]] in their escape from the Flood in the [[Ark]]'s [[Citadel]]. When the two warriors and [[Sergeant Johnson]] arrive on the new [[Installation 04(II)]], they had to clear the Flood blocking their way to the Control Room, along with the assistance of Sentinels, and those which were destroyed, have a Sentinel Beam remaining. When the monitor [[343 Guilty Spark]] was destroyed, and the Halo ring activated, Sentinels turned on the escaping Spartan and the [[Arbiter]], which caused several casualties and leaving their Beam weapons collectible to them.
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*The beam fired is now colored purple.
*The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.


==Character Compatibility==
===Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
*[[Elite]]s
* In the remastered multiplayer component of ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', the Sentinel Beam has been made noticeably more powerful than in the original ''Halo 2''.<ref name="H2A teamB">[http://teambeyond.net/warlock-coming-halo-2-anniversary/ '''Team Beyond''': ''Warlock coming to Halo 2: Anniversary'']</ref>
*[[Spartan]]s
* The lights on the Sentinel Beam now change color and build up along the firing channel's shroud to indicate the level of the weapon's heating.{{Ref/Reuse|H2A teamB}}
*[[Sentinels]]
*[[Monitor]]s
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Human)]]
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]


==Multiplayer==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
[[Image:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|thumb|Right|A Spartan firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.]]The sentinel weapon is a rarity in multiplayer games, and if available, it should be your weapon of choice. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the Sentinel Beam is useful, but in ''[[Halo 3]]'' it is one of the best weapons in the game. On many Infection game types, when zombies have instant death, the sentinel beam is ridiculously powerful, allowing a player to sweep an area at any range, killing all foes in said area. The sentinel beam is one of the few weapons that is wielded in both hands on foot, and in one hand in a vehicle.
* Weapon can now be [[Smart Scope|Smart-Scoped]].
* Players killed by the Sentinel Beam now disintegrate upon death.
* The insignia on the back of the Sentinel Beam changes colors depending on how close it is to overheating.
* When the Sentinel Beam is smart linked, the Spartan will hold it sideways.


===Other tips===
=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
====Halo 2====
* The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
*The weapon can actually make it harder for enemy players to see if it is aimed at their head but should only be done at close to medium range.
* The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the [[Halo 2: Anniversary]] design.
*This is best used in a small map like [[Warlock]]. Also good for [[Headlong]] as long as you have other strong weapons with you.
* The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
*If the Sentinel Beam is the only weapon you have, conserve ammo and rely on melee as much as possible. It has a greatly effective and quick [[melee]]. Only fire the weapon when your target is far away, because ammo goes fast. Melee in close quarters, and avoid deadly crossfire. Replace as often as possible.
* The Sentinel Beam emits the same particle effects as the [[Heatwave]] and the [[Cindershot]] on the front of the weapon.
*If you have other weapons on the map, use those. The Sentinel Beam is effective, but hard to aim. Only use it if you have advantages over other players such as better aim, etc.
* The Sentinel Beam has a harsh vertical recoil as the weapon is fired.
*Use grenades! A Sentinel Beam is horrendously useful against flesh, so a quick grenade toss is all that is needed to take down the opponent's shields and seal the deal.
*A widely reputed myth about this weapon is that it can score head shots. This is partially true. Like the [[Magnum]], [[Battle Rifle]], [[Covenant Carbine]], [[Sniper Rifle]], and [[Beam Rifle]], it can get head shots, but only if you are already aiming at the head when you start shooting- i.e., it will not work if you sweep the beam to the target's head.
*The beam is accurate to any distance.
*Ironically it is the best weapon (except for the [[M90 Shotgun]]) for destroying sentinels.


====Halo 3====
==Trivia==
*During a game of Infection, the Sentinel Beam is an effective way to rid yourself of chasing Zombie forces. But take care as to where you aim, since the laser is easy to spot and is likely to give your position away if the shot goes astray.
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sentinel Beam}}
*When loading up vehicles, a Sentinel beam in the passenger seat is an incredibly deadly tool. The most flexible location is in the back seat of a [[Mongoose]], although the passenger seat of a [[warthog]] is also useful. The advantage of vehicle bound Sentinel Beams are that it can clothesline foes.
*The only way to use the Sentinel Beam in the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' engine without extensive use of the Developer mode is to use ''[[Halo Custom Edition]]''. Such usage is to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain an Aggressor Sentinel, then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Aggressor, and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The Beam is not visible from the first- or third-person view, and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen.
*If a head shot does not work, try aiming it at the stomach area.
*Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
*Steady shots can make the Sentinel Beam a great sniper weapon. Fire at a target, then sweep the area. You will eventually meet your target, and they will have a difficult time evading the beam.
*In ''Halo 2'', an [[Enforcer]] will fire an invisible Sentinel Beam if all of its other weapon system have been destroyed. If the Enforcer is destroyed, there will not be any Sentinel Beam left in its wreckage for the player to use.
*The Sentinel Beam has an extremely large power consumption rate, about 5%/second, so always carry a backup weapon and try to save the Beam for emergencies.
*In ''Halo 2'', if the player throws a grenade when their Sentinel Beam is overheating, sometimes the animation for throwing the explosive will not appear, and a grenade will just "fly" out from the player.
*The Sentinel Beam is also very useful for taking down [[Brute]] [[Power Armor|Armor]] quickly.
*In ''Halo 3'', the beam appears to impact with large force, as it is able to flip an airborne Warthog with minimal effort, a feat that not even explosive weapons can achieve. This is easily witnessed during the Warthog run near the end of the game.
*The Sentinel Beam is great for taking down Jackals and their shields as well as Grunts and Brute armor, but it may overheat which leaves you a sitting duck for the brutes, and sentinels.
*In ''Halo 3'', the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered multiplayer maps, and [[gametype]]s cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in [[Forge]]d map variants, the [[Bungie vs World]] playlist and the Maption Sack playlist. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
*The Sentinel Beam is great against the flood, infection forms will burst if they are even caught in the beam, human flood forms will die instantly, elite and brute forms may take longer to kill, but aim for the feelers (the red brush like things) and you'll kill it, and pure forms are tougher, but stalkers and range forms will die by the time it overheats tanks however will take two long blast to take it down, from the stomach aim for the mouth.
*The [[Forerunner automated turret]] in ''Halo 3'' fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
*The Covenant [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|Focus Rifle]] is an attempt at reverse-engineering the Sentinel Beam, though it has several functional differences.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 71''</ref>
*Although the Aggressor Sentinel does make an appearance in ''Halo 4'', when destroyed by Covenant remnant forces, if the wreckage of the sentinels is investigated, the player will find no leftover Sentinel Beams. This is because sentinels in ''Halo 4'' disappear instead of producing pieces of wreckage.<ref>'''Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide''' (Collector's Edition), page 110</ref>
*For some reason, in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', both the basic and gold versions of the Sentinel Beam have the same in-game model after they leave the body of its host sentinel.


==Trivia==
==Gallery==
*This is the ''only'' player-controlled [[Forerunner]] [[Weapon]] seen in the Halo Trilogy.
===''Halo 2''===
*The [[Automated Turret]] uses a similar beam to that of the [[Sentinel Major]] from Halo 2.
<gallery>
*In Halo 2, there is a lone Sentinel that fires actual [[Needler]] rounds. This was meant to be a test when Bungie was experimenting with different weapons for the Sentinels but was not deleted from the final product.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
*In [[Halo 2]] when a [[Sentinel Major]]'s Sentinel Beam is dropped it has the steel color of a Minor's but when picked up is colored gold, denoting an error on Bungie's behalf.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
*In [[Halo 3]], there are sparks that come off of the laser when fired.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side-Screen.png|An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinels on Onyx have beam's with temperatures as high as 15,000 degrees Kelvin<ref> [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]</ref>
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side.png|Extracted view of the Sentinel beam.
*The sentinel beam has unlimited range.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
*Some have speculated that the [[Spartan Laser]] was based on the Sentinel Beam. This is, if unlikely, certainly possible as Humans were alleged to have discovered Forerunner structures before meeting the [[Covenant]].
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinel Beam can also be treated as a sniper weapon, due to the range.
File:H2A Gold Beam.png|An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam.
*A Sentinel Beam can easily drain a players shields on multiplayer, even with overshields on, a player can be killed in just a few seconds of direct fire.
File:H2 Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side.
*It is a two handed weapon but is held and fired one handed when riding as a passenger in a vehicle.  
</gallery>
*A concentrated beam fired from this weapon held halfway until it overheats can destroy a [[Mongoose]]
===''Halo 3''===
*The only enemy that uses sentinel beams besides the [[Sentinels]] are [[Heretic Elites]] in [[Halo 2]].
<gallery>
*Spartans and Elites hold the sentinel beam like a Support Weapon such as a turret or a Flamethrower.
File:8311761-Full.jpg|A Sentinel beam on [[Installation 00]].
File:H3-SentinelBeam-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands.
File:Halo-3-20070923023602661.jpg|The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule.
File:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.
File:H3_SentinelFiring.jpg|A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in.
</gallery>
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorSentinels 2.png|Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorsVsKnight 2.png|Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a [[Promethean Knight]] in ''Spartan Ops''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Render-02.jpg|Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2ACP-SentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Base Beam.png|An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud3.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
File:H2A Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in ''Halo 2''.
File:Warlord-5.png|The Sentinel beam being used on the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer map [[Warlord]].
File:H2AMP-SentinelBeam.png|A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on [[Skyward]].
</gallery>
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches.jpg|Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-sketches 2.jpg|Concept art nearing the final design.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-handles.jpg|Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.
File:H5G-sentinelbeam-concept-rough.jpg|Rough concept art of the Sentinel beam.
File:H5G sentinel beam concept art final.jpg|Finalized concept art.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat.png|The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamFiring.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.
File:H5G-SafeguardSentinelBeamOverheat-ThirdPerson.png|A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on [[Torque]].
</gallery>
===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeamSketch.png|Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-Concept-SentinelBeam.jpg|Finalized concept art of the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-SentinelBeamFirstPerson.png|First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam.
File:HI-sentinelbeam-firing.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired.
File:HINF SentinelBeam HUD Reload.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam reloading.
File:HINF Aggressor Beam.png|An Aggressor Sentinel fires its Sentinel beam.
File:HINF-SentinelBeam-ThirdPerson.png|A [[FIREFALL-class Mjolnir|Firefall]]-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam.
File:HINF Sentinel Beam Disintegrating Elite.png|[[John-117]] uses a sentinel Beam to disintegrate a [[Banished]] [[Sangheili Mercenary]].
File:HINF Command Spire disintegrating grunt.png|The sentinel beam being used to vaporize an [[Unggoy Conscript]].
File:HINF Nexus hunter vaporized.png|The sentinel beam vaporize a [[Mgalekgolo]].
</gallery>
 
===''Halo Online''===
<gallery>
File:HO-SentinelBeam.jpg|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
</gallery>


==References==
==List of appearances==
<references/>
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''


==Related Links==
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


*[[Sentinels]]
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


<br clear="all">
{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
{{WepList}}
[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]
{{Forerunner2}}
[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
[[Category:The Forerunner]]
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 04:39, July 11, 2024

For other uses of the term beam, see here.
Sentinel beam
H3-SentinelBeam.png H2A-SentinelBeam-SideProfile.png A render of the Safeguard Sentinel Beam. A transparent crop of the Halo Infinite Sentinel Beam in-game model. Courtesy of User:BaconShelf.
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Ferrarius Assembler Vats[1]

Model series:

Containment/Sterilization Instrument[2]

Type:

Particle beam weapon

Specifications

Length:

Varies

63.7 centimetres (25.1 in)[2] 77.2 centimetres (30.4 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

Superheated negative charged ion particle beam[2]

Feed system:

100 battery units housing

Rate of fire:

Automatic

Effective range:

Infinite

Service history

In service:

 

"You can totally dig the bug-bots' own blasters out of their guts and use 'em yourself!"
— Otto-031[3]

The sentinel beam, also known as the sterilization beam,[4] is a Forerunner directed energy weapon, most commonly used by Aggressor Sentinels.[1] The weapon is particularly effective against small Flood outbreaks, and is efficient at stripping energy shields. Although typically integrated into the structure of an Aggressor, it can be used as a hand-held weapon if scavenged from a destroyed machine.[3][5][6]

Design details[edit]

The Sentinel Beam was designed to effectively destroy Flood biomatter, and is intended for use against minor Flood outbreaks. Although the weapon is integrated into an Aggressor's structure, a limited internal power supply allows it to function independently if its wielder is destroyed, though it remains unknown how exactly users trigger the beam. However, when it is not hooked up to an Aggressor, its battery life is very short. The weapon projects a yellow-orange or blue beam of superheated anion particles, which is capable of effectively cutting through flesh, bone and metal.[7] The Sentinel Beam was manufactured and developed by Ferrarius Assembler Vats.[1]

Two variants of the Sentinel Beam are seen: the standard yellow-orange one in the silver housing, and the more powerful blue beam, which is encased in a gold housing.[5]

There is a battery housing on side of the weapon, which has a calibration dial on it and can be adjusted by the user.[Note 1][2]

The beams used by the Sentinels at Onyx were a golden color, with temperatures as high as 15,000 Kelvin.[8] Although this variation of the weapon took significantly longer to charge, it is thought to have been capable of depleting a fully shielded MJOLNIR Mark V Armor suit. Furthermore, Onyx Sentinels were capable of cooperating to generate golden beams capable of destroying entire Covenant cruisers.

Advantages[edit]

Continuous contact from a Sentinel Beam can be devastating even for armored opponents, and its ability to rapidly drain energy shields makes it an effective weapon against the Aggressors themselves. The weapon can temporarily overheat if 20% of the battery is used up in one continuous shot; the weapon vents excess heat in an attempt to counter this.

It is, obviously enough, extremely effective when used against Flood, and will cut down any form — including the vaunted pure forms — if aimed properly.

It possesses a decent damage rate, amazing accuracy and range, and sustained attacks with the weapon will inflict large amounts of damage. The weapon's melee attack is about as strong as that of a Rocket Launcher, and is likewise considerably slow. The melee is also capable of disintegrating a Flood combat form, although this process takes many hits and is impractical in most situations.

Disadvantages[edit]

When compared to the standard silver variant, the golden Sentinel Beam is more powerful, however it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. This difference is very similar to the relationship between the Covenant's Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle and the Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle.

Variants[edit]

  • Gold Aggressor Sentinel Beam: A Sentinel Beam utilized by the Sentinel Eliminators from Installation 05. It fires a stronger blue beam.
  • Safeguard Sentinel Beam: The sterilization beams of Safeguard Sentinels are highly efficient at containing and cauterizing intrusions into their assigned protectorate. Beam projectors stolen from these Forerunner constructs are still extremely effective, but do suffer from overheating and a limited internal power supply.[9]
  • Arcane Sentinel Beam: White painted Sentinel Beam with a mag that was decreased from 250 to 80 but has greatly increased damage. Used by Thav 'Sebarim during the Battle for Zeta Halo.
  • Gold Sentinel Beam.

    Gold Sentinel Beam.

  • Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • Installation 07 Sentinel beam.

    Installation 07 Sentinel beam.

  • Arcane Sentinel Beam.

    Arcane Sentinel Beam.

In-game information[edit]

“ Continuous fire, directed hardlight energy weapon useful for stripping shields.[10] ”

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • Like the Energy Sword and the Fuel Rod Gun, the Sentinel Beam cannot be used by players in Halo: Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the Sentinel Beam can finally be wielded.
  • A golden Aggressor variant is introduced along with its blue-colored beam. This harder-burning beam is more powerful, but it overheats and depletes faster.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3[edit]

  • The Sentinel Beam has a few visual upgrades and several technical fixes.
  • The weapon now has virtually infinite range and fires a much stronger beam that, if held consistently on an enemy, can destroy them within seconds.

Changes from Halo 3 to Halo 4[edit]

  • The beam fired is now colored purple.
  • The Sentinel Beam can no longer be acquired, even after killing an Aggressor Sentinel.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • In the remastered multiplayer component of Halo 2: Anniversary, the Sentinel Beam has been made noticeably more powerful than in the original Halo 2.[11]
  • The lights on the Sentinel Beam now change color and build up along the firing channel's shroud to indicate the level of the weapon's heating.[11]

Changes from Halo 2: Anniversary to Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • Weapon can now be Smart-Scoped.
  • Players killed by the Sentinel Beam now disintegrate upon death.
  • The insignia on the back of the Sentinel Beam changes colors depending on how close it is to overheating.
  • When the Sentinel Beam is smart linked, the Spartan will hold it sideways.

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

  • The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
  • The Sentinel Beam’s appearance is based more heavily on the Halo 2: Anniversary design.
  • The Sentinel Beam pierces through multiple targets depending on the angle.
  • The Sentinel Beam emits the same particle effects as the Heatwave and the Cindershot on the front of the weapon.
  • The Sentinel Beam has a harsh vertical recoil as the weapon is fired.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Sentinel beam on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The only way to use the Sentinel Beam in the Halo: Combat Evolved engine without extensive use of the Developer mode is to use Halo Custom Edition. Such usage is to acquire the Sentinel Beam involves using bump possession to attain an Aggressor Sentinel, then switching back to Master Chief and have him destroy said Aggressor, and exchange a weapon for the Beam. The Beam is not visible from the first- or third-person view, and if the player presses the fire button a damaging red beam will appear from the center of the screen.
  • Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
  • In Halo 2, an Enforcer will fire an invisible Sentinel Beam if all of its other weapon system have been destroyed. If the Enforcer is destroyed, there will not be any Sentinel Beam left in its wreckage for the player to use.
  • In Halo 2, if the player throws a grenade when their Sentinel Beam is overheating, sometimes the animation for throwing the explosive will not appear, and a grenade will just "fly" out from the player.
  • In Halo 3, the beam appears to impact with large force, as it is able to flip an airborne Warthog with minimal effort, a feat that not even explosive weapons can achieve. This is easily witnessed during the Warthog run near the end of the game.
  • In Halo 3, the weapon does not spawn on any unaltered multiplayer maps, and gametypes cannot be used to force it to spawn; it is only available in Forged map variants, the Bungie vs World playlist and the Maption Sack playlist. This is likely due to the weapon's increased power and range, which make it devastating in Multiplayer matches.
  • The Forerunner automated turret in Halo 3 fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
  • The Covenant Focus Rifle is an attempt at reverse-engineering the Sentinel Beam, though it has several functional differences.[12]
  • Although the Aggressor Sentinel does make an appearance in Halo 4, when destroyed by Covenant remnant forces, if the wreckage of the sentinels is investigated, the player will find no leftover Sentinel Beams. This is because sentinels in Halo 4 disappear instead of producing pieces of wreckage.[13]
  • For some reason, in Halo 2: Anniversary, both the basic and gold versions of the Sentinel Beam have the same in-game model after they leave the body of its host sentinel.

Gallery[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

  • First-person of the Sentinel beam.

    First-person of the Sentinel beam.

  • First-person of the Sentinel beam.

    First-person of the Sentinel beam.

  • An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam.

    An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam.

  • Extracted view of the Sentinel beam.

    Extracted view of the Sentinel beam.

  • First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.

    First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.

  • First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.

    First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.

  • An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam.

    An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam.

  • Both Sentinel beam designs side by side.

    Both Sentinel beam designs side by side.

Halo 3[edit]

  • A Sentinel beam on Installation 00.

    A Sentinel beam on Installation 00.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands.

  • The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule.

    The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule.

  • A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.

    A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.

  • A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in.

    A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in.

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • Concept art for the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art for the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam being fired in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam being fired in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

    Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in Halo 2.

  • The Sentinel beam being used on the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map Warlord.

    The Sentinel beam being used on the Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer map Warlord.

  • A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on Skyward.

    A Sangheili firing a Sentinel beam on Skyward.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Early concept art for the Safeguard Sentinel beam in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Concept art nearing the final design.

    Concept art nearing the final design.

  • Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.

    Concept art of Sentinel beam handles.

  • Rough concept art of the Sentinel beam.

    Rough concept art of the Sentinel beam.

  • Finalized concept art.

    Finalized concept art.

  • First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    First-person view of the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • Smart scope with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    Smart scope with the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.

    The Safeguard Sentinel beam overheating.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV firing the Safeguard Sentinel beam.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on Torque.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with an overheated Safeguard Sentinel beam on Torque.

Halo Infinite[edit]

  • Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam.

    Concept sketches of the Sentinel beam.

  • Finalized concept art of the Sentinel beam.

    Finalized concept art of the Sentinel beam.

  • First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam.

    First-person view of holding the Sentinel beam.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired.

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam reloading.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam reloading.

  • An Aggressor Sentinel fires its Sentinel beam.

    An Aggressor Sentinel fires its Sentinel beam.

  • A Firefall-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam.

    A Firefall-clad Spartan holding the Sentinel beam.

  • John-117 uses a sentinel Beam to disintegrate a Banished Sangheili Mercenary.

    John-117 uses a sentinel Beam to disintegrate a Banished Sangheili Mercenary.

  • The sentinel beam being used to vaporize an Unggoy Conscript.

    The sentinel beam being used to vaporize an Unggoy Conscript.

  • The sentinel beam vaporize a Mgalekgolo.

    The sentinel beam vaporize a Mgalekgolo.

Halo Online[edit]

  • First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo Online.

    First-person view of the Sentinel beam in Halo Online.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In-game, the calibration dial cannot be adjusted.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 393
  2. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 168
  3. ^ a b Halo: Blood Line, Issue 3
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 326
  5. ^ a b Halo 2
  6. ^ Halo 3
  7. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 339
  8. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 156
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 12/7/2016: Issue 94 Bounty Hunters
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - Sentinel Beam description
  11. ^ a b Team Beyond: Warlock coming to Halo 2: Anniversary
  12. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 71
  13. ^ Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition), page 110

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The Forerunners

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Weaponry
Infantry weapons
Grenades
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For a complete list, check out our Forerunner category.
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