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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 seen by ally/opposing Sentinels), 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]], and is the primary weapon of Forerunner constructs, specifically [[Sentinel]]s.
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 Sentinels, who use it to control the massive outbreaks of the [[Flood]]. However it was designed to only fight small outbreaks. It is projected as a yellow-orange or blue beam of energy that can efficiently cut through the hordes of Flood, [[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 yellow-orange Sentinel Beam, but it overheats more quickly and its charge depletes faster. The blue Sentinel Beam is used by [[Sentinel Major]]s.  


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 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]].  


The Sentinel Beam runs on a non-rechargeable battery with a maximum charge of 100, so this means that when depleted you will have to find a new weapon or a new Sentinel Beam(this is common for many of the Covenant weapons). 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 Flood and Sentinels, and is able to quickly deplete shields like Plasma weapons, though it does less physical damage.
===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, especially in Halo 3.
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 beams used by the Sentinels at [[Onyx]] were 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]]. Also, the Sentinels on Onyx are of a different design to the ones on the [[Halo]] rings, as these were meant to guard a Shield World, not Flood containment facilities.  
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 possesses a decent 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 visual 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 must (at this time) be added to a map through the Forge editor for use in multiplayer. Combat-wise, in Halo 3, this weapon is a very useful weapon in the right situation, the ammunition is depleted quickly, but it is a powerful tool in combat.
==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 almost all 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 were available from the many 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 with the assistance of Sentinels. When one of the Sentinels is destroyed, the Sentinel Beam will remain intact. 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 left 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([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
* 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([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
* 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)]]([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]])
*[[Flood]] [[Combat Form|Combat Form (Elite)]]([[Halo 2]] and [[Halo 3]]


==Multiplayer==
=== Changes from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
[[Image:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|thumb|Right|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.]]The sentinel weapon is quite rare 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 the immediate 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 besides the [[Mongoose]](another is the [[Brute shot]]).
* 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 CE====
* The Sentinel Beam runs on ammunition instead of a battery.
*The Sentinel Beam is only available for use if you bump-possess a [[Sentinel]] in [[Halo:Custom Edition|Custom Edition]], or simply modify the desired level so that you start with a Sentinel Beam, or so that you start as a Sentinel. The beam never runs out, but it is relatively ineffective against other players. Otherwise, this weapon is not seen at all with anything other than the Sentinels in Campaign.
* 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.


====Halo 2====
==Trivia==
*In Halo 2 [[multiplayer]], the Sentinel Beam appears as a default weapon in the bases on [[Backwash]] and on [[Desolation]].
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sentinel Beam}}
*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 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.
*This is best used in a small map like [[Warlock]]. Also good for [[Headlong]] as long as you have other more powerful weapons with you.
*Flood Combat Forms are able to wield Sentinel Beams with one hand.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*A Sentinel Beam is useful against flesh, so a grenade to take down the opponent's shields followed by a burst from the Sentinel Beam can quickly kill an opponent.
*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.
*A widely refuted 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.
*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 beam is accurate at any distance.
*The [[Forerunner automated turret]] in ''Halo 3'' fire beams similar to that of the Sentinel Beam.
*Ironically it is the best weapon (except for the [[M90 Shotgun]]) for destroying sentinels.
*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.


====Halo 3====
==Gallery==
*During a game of [[Infection]] on Halo 3 Multiplayer, 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.
===''Halo 2''===
*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 and advantageous to the match. The advantage of vehicle bound Sentinel Beams are that it can clothesline foes.
<gallery>
*Even though it is a headshot weapon, try aiming it at the stomach area for better accuracy, as the weapon is powerful enough to not need a headshot.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
*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.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinel Beam has an extremely large power consumption rate, about 5% per second, so always carry a backup weapon and try to save the Beam for emergencies.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side-Screen.png|An in-game side view of a Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinel Beam is also very useful for taking down [[Brute]] [[Power Armor|Armor]] quickly.
File:H2-SentinelBeam-Side.png|Extracted view of the Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinel Beam is also great for taking down Jackals and their shields as well as Grunts' armor, but it may overheat which leaves you a sitting duck for attacks against you.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud1.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
*The Sentinel Beam is great against the Flood, as 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. Aim for the Infection Form embedded in their chest and you'll kill it. Pure forms are tougher, but Stalkers and Ranged Forms will die by the time it overheats. [[Tank]]s; however, will take two long blasts to take down, from the stomach aim for the mouth.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud2.png|First-person of the Gold Sentinel beam.
 
File:H2A Gold Beam.png|An in-game side view of a Gold Sentinel beam.
==Trivia==
File:H2 Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side.
*It is currently not available by default in any known Halo 3 map. It is available in Forge, and Custom Games, though.
</gallery>
*This is the ''only'' player-controlled [[Forerunner]] Weapon seen in the [[Halo]] Trilogy.
===''Halo 3''===
*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 and drops a needler when killed. This was meant to be a test when Bungie was experimenting with different weapons for the Sentinels. None of these new weapons made it into the final version of the game, but the lone Needler Sentinel was not deleted from the final product.
File:8311761-Full.jpg|A Sentinel beam on [[Installation 00]].
*In [[Halo 2]], when a Sentinel Major's Sentinel Beam is dropped, it has the steel color of a Minor's beam, but when picked up is colored gold like a [[Sentinel Major]]'s beam, denoting an error on Bungie's behalf.
File:H3-SentinelBeam-FirstPerson.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in the player's hands.
*In [[Halo 3]], there are sparks that come off of the beam when fired.
File:Halo-3-20070923023602661.jpg|The Sentinel beam's targeting reticule.
*The Sentinels on Onyx have beams with temperatures as high as 15,000 degrees Kelvin<ref> [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]</ref>
File:Sentinel Warthog.jpg|A player firing the weapon from the passenger seat of a Warthog. Note the single-handed wielding.
*The Sentinel Beam in [[Halo 3]] seemed to have unlimited range.
File:H3_SentinelFiring.jpg|A Sentinel Aggressor firing its Sentinel beam in.
*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]].
</gallery>
*Despite the fact that it has no scope, the Sentinel Beam can also be treated as a sniper weapon, due to the range and accuracy.  
===''Halo 4''===
*A Sentinel Beam can easily drain a player's shields on multiplayer, even with overshields on. A player can be killed in just a few seconds of direct fire.
<gallery>
*A concentrated beam fired from this weapon held halfway until it overheats can destroy a [[Mongoose]].
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorSentinels 2.png|Aggressor Sentinels firing their Sentinel beams in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
*The only enemies that use Sentinel Beams besides the Sentinels are [[Heretic Elites]] and their infected [[Combat Form|counterpart]] in Halo 2.
File:HTMCC-H4 AggressorsVsKnight 2.png|Sentinels firing Sentinel beams at a [[Promethean Knight]] in ''Spartan Ops''.
*Spartans and Elites hold the sentinel beam like a Support Weapon such as a turret or a Flamethrower.
</gallery>
*The Sentinel Beam is used as "cutting laser" and a holy beam to end the Preceptor's power in the popular Halo Machinima [[The Codex]].
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
*A quick shot followed by a melee will almost always kill an enemy.
<gallery>
*In [[Halo 3]], the Sentinel Beam's range is equal to the sniper rifle though not as effective at long range use.  
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sentinel beam in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
*The Sentinel Beam's beam appears in orange and light blue colors. 343 Guilty Spark uses a much stronger and more powerful red colored Sentinel Beam.
File:H2A-SentinelBeam-Render-02.jpg|Unfinished renders of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], this weapon was not wieldable. When a [[Sentinel]] was destroyed, the weapon was either destroyed with the body, or simply too attached to be removed.
File:H2ACP-SentinelBeamHUD.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
* In certain [[Halo: Custom Edition]] maps, you can use both the Minor and Major [[Sentinel]] Beams.
File:H2A Base Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
*When the popular machinima Red vs Blue first began utilizing [[Halo 2]], the players used as camera men used the Sentinel Beam to film as the makers of the show felt that it took up the least amount of room on the screen.
File:H2A Base Beam.png|An in-game side view of the Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
*The Sentinel Beam is extremely powerful against [[Flood]], and if the player concentrates a shot for a few seconds it will kill most Flood Forms.
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud3.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
*[[Forerunners]] referred to the [[Sentinels]] and their beams as "our very basic countermeasures".
File:H2A Gold Beam Hud4.png|First-person view of the Gold Sentinel beam being fired in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' campaign.
*While your [[Sentinel]] Beam is recovering from overheating, you can throw a grenade, though there is no animation.
File:H2A Compare beams.png|Both Sentinel beam designs side by side in ''Halo 2''.
*The beam from the [[Sentinel]] beam bears a resemblance to the beam that appears in the [[Halo 3]] multiplayer map, [[Sandtrap]] that comes form the large structures( or possibly the [[Easter Egg]]) when the land mines fail to kill you. Although the Sentinel Beam's beam is larger and much brighter.
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>


*The beam is very effective against blood but weak against everything else.
===''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==
*[[Sentinel Major]]
{{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

v • d • e
 
The Forerunners

v • d • e
 
Weaponry
Infantry weapons
Grenades
Mounted weapons
Battlefield equipment
For a complete list, check out our Forerunner category.
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