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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|300px]] 
|name=
|manufacturer=[[Sacred Promissory]]<ref name="visual82">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 82''</ref>
|model=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
|type=Hand held, two-handed melee weapon
|cost=
|variant= [[Fist of Rukt]]
|length={{Convert|203.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|visual82}}<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/gravity-hammer '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Gravity Hammer'']</ref>
|width={{Convert|33|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|height={{Convert|61.7|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|weight={{Convert|38.7|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|feed=100 battery units
|ammotype=Electromagnetic energy<ref name="Halo 4 Guide">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/31aab608-bda5-4910-b8ef-358b75430c49/gravity-hammer?category=weapons '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 4 Guide'']</ref>
|operation=
|rate=
|accuracy=
|range=Close
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|affiliation=[[Jiralhanae]]
}}
{{Quote|One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood.|Private Aaron Landvik<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Pre-mission quotes]]''</ref>}}


The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T-2 EW/H'''), more commonly known as the '''gravity hammer''', is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the [[Jiralhanae]].<ref name="b.net">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Gravity Hammer''] (defunct, backup on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110314221744/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754 Archive.org])</ref>
[[File:HW_Thrallslayer_2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Avitus]] wielding his Akelus Workshop gravity hammer.]]
'''Gravity hammers''' are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the [[Covenant]] and inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]]. To their users, the [[Jiralhanae]], they are formally designated as '''war hammers'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p307|Enc22|Page=307}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p484|Enc22|Page=484}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T-2 EW/H''').{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=21|M=2|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint11|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Gravity Hammer|D=14|M=03|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Gravity Hammer}} Nicknames for the gravity hammer includes the '''Hammer''' and the '''Club'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=348}}


== Overview ==
==Overview==
=== Background ===
===Design details===
The gravity hammers evolved from traditional war hammers wielded by [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|war chieftains]],{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} which were a major focus of the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, as it serves as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership in addition to being a powerful weapon. The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} The wielder of the weapon was expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 258''</ref>
[[File:H4_Prologue_HammerStrike.png|thumb|350px|A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying.]]
{{Quote|One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood.|Private Aaron Landvik{{Ref/Game|HSA|[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Pre-mission quotes]]}}}}
Gravity hammers typically consists of a two-meter long haft,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=82}} A short-range shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/halo4guide|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons|D=27|M=03|Y=2014|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Covenant Weapons}} while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} which release a concussive force upon impact.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} Together, the devices allows the wielder to produce an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters),{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} which briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Site|Id=stormsurge|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-storm-surge|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer|D=22|M=9|Y=2021}} The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}} means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Despite being first encountered by the [[human]]s in [[2526]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}


When the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the [[Covenant]], advanced Covenant technologies were adapted by the Jiralhanae and applied to their war hammers. After [[Tartarus]]' rise to power, many war hammers of chieftains were commissioned into the contemporary gravity hammer, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
===History===
The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on [[Doisac]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/gravity-hammer|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer|D=16|M=04|Y=2021}} Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}


=== Design ===
Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in [[2492]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} the war hammers were modified with [[Forerunner]] technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Reuse|stormsurge}} Over the course of the [[Human-Covenant War]], a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} Since the gravity hammers inherited the totemistic and ceremonial significant,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} some have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}
Though gravity hammers used by Jiralhanae serving in the [[Covenant military]] tend to follow a standard design, not all are functionally or aesthetically identical; gravity hammers are often tailored to suit the desires of specific clans, families, or packs.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fist of Rukt'']</ref>


Though individual gravity hammers are crafted differently, the design of the standard Type-2 EW/H is rather simple, being composed of a long haft and a heavy head with a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range shock-field-generating gravity drive{{Ref/Reuse|Halo 4 Guide}} that uses gravity impellers<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-storm-surge '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Storm Surge'']</ref> that are often re-purposed from other technology<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-5-guardians/updates/Hammer-Storm '''Halo Waypoint: Hammer Storm''': ''Gravity hammer'']</ref> to emit a kinetic pulse around 4.5 meters outward; this device was added to the weapon shortly after the Jiralhanae's incorporation into the Covenant in [[2492]].{{Ref/Reuse|b.net}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} The Gravity Hammer was manufactured by the Sacred Promissory prior to the fall of [[High Charity]], being taken over by [[Jiralhanae]] war forges. It was also developed by the Paegaas workshop in the [[Fall of Reach]], the Akelus workshop in the final days of the [[Human-Covenant War]], and a variety of workshops under the influence of the [[Banished]].<ref>''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''</ref> This device can displace gravity in targeted locations and manipulate localized energy fields,{{Ref/Reuse|Halo 4 Guide}} though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} This allows the ability to pull a target towards that wielded or push it away as well as even create a vortex which pulls things in and then detonates the vortex to push things out.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]].{{Ref/Reuse|b.net}}
The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after [[Tartarus]] was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt|D=18|M=09|Y=2021}} The significance of the war hammers was inherited by the gravity hammers, with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=258}}  With [[Tartarus]] receiving the ''[[Fist of Rukt]]'' and his rise to power within the Covenant, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} With the growth of his influence within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the [[San'Shyuum]] to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry secretly forged within the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Site|Id=closequarters|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-close-quarters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Close Quarters|D=17|M=10|Y=2021}}
 
In [[2552]], only a few months before the [[Great Schism]] and the [[Fall of High Charity|Fall]] of ''[[High Charity]]'', the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the Banished seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
 
===Usage===
{{Quote|no=three
|1=Avery Johnson
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
|2=Ponder
|q2=Say again?
|3=Avery Johnson
|q3=A giant hammer, sir. On [[Maccabeus|their leader]].
|4=[[Avery Johnson]] describing [[Maccabeus]] with the Fist of Rukt, to [[Ponder]]{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=245}}}}
The gravity hammer served dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers are commonly seen wielded by Chieftains.{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}} Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Signal}}{{Ref/Level|HW2|What Could Go Wrong?}} notably being used by [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Gameplay}} The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the Sepulo'ez, Halbashi, and Akelas variants.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}


==Variants==
==Variants==
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed. Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the Banished seized nearly all of the design templates, contracting war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants.
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''[[Akelas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p307|Enc22|Page=307}}
*'''[[Akelas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Akelus Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant used by the Covenant and the Banished, with a notable wielder being [[Chieftain]] [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p484|Enc22|Page=484}}
*'''Akelus Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant used by the Covenant and the Banished, with a notable wielder being [[Chieftain]] [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
*'''Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant of the gravity hammer used by the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HINF|HI}}
*'''Eektah-fel siphon hammer''': A variant used by some Banished Jiralhanae Warlords.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLH|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)|D=23|M=1|Y=2021}}
**'''[[Rushdown Hammer]]''': A special gravity hammer that has been painted white and gives the user increased speed like the [[Duelist Energy Sword]]. Used by [[En'Geddon]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|HINF}}
**'''[[Voridus]]' gravity hammer''': A variant only wielded by [[Voridus]] who added [[Infusion gel]] to leave puddles or pools of Infusion on impact.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Voridus in-game unit}}
*'''[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Jiralhanae during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
*'''Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant of the gravity hammer used by the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HINF|HI|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Sepulo'tez gravity hammer''': A variant used by [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] in [[War Games]] simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Rushdown Hammer]]''': A variant that has been painted white and gives the user increased speed. One notable wielder being [[En'Geddon]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|HINF}}
**'''[[Corpsemaker]]''': An improved variant with faster swing time and additional energy capacity, made from the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]]. .{{Ref/Site|Id=nofake|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=13|M=11|Y=2020}}
*'''[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Covenant Jiralhanae during the [[Fall of Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} then Banished [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s during [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|In-game model}} Models recovered from the field were used by [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] in [[War Games]] simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}}
*'''Sepulo'tez gravity hammer''': A variant used by Spartan-IVs in War Games simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Corpsemaker]]''': An improved variant with faster swing time and additional energy capacity, made from the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]].{{Ref/Site|Id=nofake|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=13|M=11|Y=2020}}
**'''[[Grinder]]''': An improved variant with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
**'''[[Grinder]]''': An improved variant with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
**'''[[Tartarus' Gavel]]''': One of the many advanced variants secretly forged from the Sacred Promissory, with its creation tracing back to Tartarus, who used his relationship with the [[Hierarchs|Prophets]] during his ascent to power within the Covenant to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry.{{Ref/Site|Id=canon fodder|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-close-quarters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Close Quarters|D=17|M=10|Y=2021}} Mythic gravity hammer that unleashes a linear series of kinetic explosions with each swing that also EMPs vehicles. Equipping Tartarus' Gavel also boosts movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.
**'''[[Tartarus' Gavel]]''': One of the many advanced variants secretly forged from the Sacred Promissory, with its creation tracing back to Tartarus, who used his relationship with the Prophets during his ascent to power within the Covenant to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry. Mythic gravity hammer that unleashes a linear series of kinetic explosions with each swing that also EMPs vehicles. Equipping Tartarus' Gavel also boosts movement speed, shield strength, and jump height.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
*'''Unidentified Banished variant''': A variant employed by Banished [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s during [[Second Ark Conflict]]. These uniquely-fashioned gravity hammers are equipped with a gravity beam to drag targets closer.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLH|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)|D=23|M=1|Y=2021}}
**'''[[Voridus]]' gravity hammer''': This gravity hammer is only wielded by [[Voridus]] who added [[Infusion gel]] to leave puddles or pools of Infusion on impact.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Voridus in-game unit}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H3-GravityHammer.png|Akelas Workshop variant.
File:H3-GravityHammer.png|Akelas Workshop variant.
File:HW - Brute Commander.png|Akelus Workshop variant held by Avitus.
File:Enc22-AkelusGravityHammer.png|Akelus Workshop variant.
File:Type-2 Energy Weapon Hammer Halo Reach.png|Paegaas Workshop variant.
File:HW2 Siphon Hammer custom render.png|Eektah-fel siphone hammer.
File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|Sepulo'tez variant.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer custom render.pngVoridus' unique gravity [[infusion gel]] hammer.
File:Enc22-HalbashiGravityHammer.png|Halbashi Workshop variant.
File:HINF En'Geddon.jpg|En'Geddon holding a Halbashi Rushdown Hammer.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|Paegaas Workshop variant.
File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|Sepulo'tez Workshop variant.
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|Corpsemaker.
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|Corpsemaker.
File:H5G-Grinder render.png|Grinder.
File:H5G-Grinder render.png|Grinder.
File:H5G-Tartarus Gavel render.png|Tartarus' Gavel.
File:H5G-Tartarus Gavel render.png|Tartarus' Gavel.
File:HW2 Warlord Hammer.jpg|The unidentified variant used by Banished Jiralhanae Warlords.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer.jpg|Voridus' unique gravity hammer.
File:HINF En'Geddon.jpg|En'Geddon holding a Halbashi Rushdown Hammer.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Gameplay ==
== In-game information==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
{{Main|Gravity hammer}}
The gravity hammers were introduced into the ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] games with the debut of the [[Fist of Rukt]] in [[2004]]'s ''[[Halo 2]]'', albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are [[power weapon]]s which appear on some multiplayer maps.
<!--
=== Advantages ===
=== Advantages ===
[[File:H3-GravityHammer.png|130px|thumb|The gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.]]
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.


Line 119: Line 115:
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer are slower, but it produces a powerful blast in close proximity.
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer are slower, but it produces a powerful blast in close proximity.
* Power ammunition crates and Gravity Hammers in the battlefield refill its battery without the need to pick up a fresh one.
* Power ammunition crates and Gravity Hammers in the battlefield refill its battery without the need to pick up a fresh one.
 
-->
== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Type-2 gravity hammers}}
=== Miscellaneous ===
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist ''[[Grifball]]'', in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist ''[[Grifball]]'', in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* On the map ''[[Sandbox]]'' in ''Halo 3'' as well as in all maps in ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* The gravity hammer and [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] are not featured in the ''[[Halo 3]]'' instruction manual.
* Despite the lack of Brutes in the game, the gravity hammer appears in ''Halo 4'', likely due to its unique gameplay niche, its fan-favoritism, and its important role in ''Grifball''. It is consequently the only Brute weapon to appear in ''Halo 4''. In the entirety of ''Halo 4''<nowiki/>'s campaign, only one gravity hammer can be found, located in an armory during [[Midnight|the last level]].<ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref>
** However, it can actually be spawned in the mission ''[[Shutdown]]'' via a [[Legendary]]-only [[Gravity Hammers on Shutdown|easter egg]], in which case four gravity hammers can be spawned.<ref name="Shutdown">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03rqpfoCls '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 4 - Secret Gravity Hammers Easter Egg'']</ref>
** Another Legendary-only easter egg allows players to [[Secret Gravity Hammer on Midnight|spawn a second gravity hammer in the last level]].<ref name="Midnight">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zBL0jpr9rw '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 4 - Secret Gravity Hammer Easter Egg on Midnight'']</ref>
* In ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they is hit with explosives in the campaign.
* In ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they is hit with explosives in the campaign.
* The hammer's reticle was drastically different during Halo 3's alpha - sporting a larger hexagonal shape.
=== Glitches ===
* In ''Halo 3'', the gravity hammer sometimes has no alternate third person animation for melee; in third-person, a player appears to swing the hammer with no explosive effect or splash effect. This only occurs with [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] models. [[Sangheili]] models have the same animation they have if they melee someone with a flag. This has been fixed in ''Halo 3: ODST'' - the hammer now has a third person animation for melee.
* If the player pulls the right trigger while also pulling the left trigger, the shock wave will have no sound effect, the attack will be negated, and it will count as a normal melee attack. Pressing the right trigger and then immediately crouching produces the same effect.
* In the ''Halo 3'' campaign, Sangheili, including [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]], will not use gravity hammers if they are armed with them, instead simply running next to enemies and remaining stationary.


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Gravity hammers}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H3-GravityHammer-Head-Replica.jpg|Close-up of the gravity hammer used in ''[[Halo: Landfall]]'' created by [[Weta Workshop]].
File:Halo-Uprising Cover 3.jpg|[[John-117]] with a gravity hammer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Uprising#3]]''.
File:H3-GravityHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 Raging Brute chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:H3 Raging Brute chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:SpartanCTF.JPG|A Spartan with a gravity hammer holstered on his back in ''Grifball''.
File:HW_Thrallslayer_2.jpg|[[Avitus]] wielding his gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:H3ODST War Chieftain with Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:H3ODST War Chieftain with Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:Schism 2.png|A [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] with a gravity hammer in ''[[The Return]]''.
File:Schism 2.png|A [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] with a gravity hammer in ''[[The Return]]''.
File:Type-2 Energy Weapon Hammer Halo Reach.png|The gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Reach]]''.
File:ReachSchematic - Hammer.png|A blueprint of the gravity hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-T2EWH-GravityHammer-RefChart.jpg|Reference chart of the gravity hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:H4_Prologue_HammerStrike.png|A Gravity Hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s prologue.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|The Gravity Hammer in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4-GravityHammerHUD-Campaign.png|Campaign first-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-GravityHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:GravityHammer-HUD.png|HUD Icon of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:Type-2_EWH_symbol.jpg|The unknown symbol on the head of the Type-2 EW/H.
File:JiralhanaeChieftain SpartanAssault.png|A Jiralhanae Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at [[Edward Davis|Spartan Davis]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:JiralhanaeChieftain SpartanAssault.png|A Jiralhanae Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at [[Edward Davis|Spartan Davis]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:Haloinitiation1variant.jpg|A Jiralhanae Chieftain attacking [[Sarah Palmer]] with a gravity hammer on the cover of ''[[Halo: Initiation]] Issue 1''.
File:Escalation schism.png|A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Escalation schism.png|A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Spartan Strike chieftain.png|A Jiralhanae Chieftain with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:H5G-GravHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-GravityHammer.jpg|A gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-GravHammerzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:H5G-GravHammerHUD.png|First-person view of the gravity hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:Gravity Hammer - Basic.jpg|The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:H5G-GravHammerzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the gravity hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2-BlitzJiralhanaeWarlord.jpg|[[Blitz]] card of a Jiralhanae Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphonhammer.
File:H5G-Stance-HammerTime.png|The Hammer Time [[stance]] features a gravity hammer.
File:HW2 Warlord Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer.
File:Gravity Hammer - Basic.jpg|The gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of Voridus' personal gravity hammer.
File:HW2B-JiralhanaeWarlord.png|A [[Jiralhanae Warlord]] with a gravity hammer in the ''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''.
File:HW2-Hesoverit.PNG|[[Atriox]] drops his gravity hammer in front of the Executioner in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-BlitzJiralhanaeWarlord.jpg|[[Blitz]] card of a Jiralhanae Warlord with a gravity hammer.
File:HW2-JumppackBrutesvsbuilding.png|[[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s using gravity hammers to attack a [[Firebase]].
File:HW2-Gravhammerimpact.png|A Jiralhanae using a gravity hammer against the Flood.
File:HW2-Gravhammerimpact.png|A Jiralhanae using a gravity hammer against the Flood.
File:HRoa 1 Showdown.png|Atriox using his gravity hammer in a final showdown with Sergeant [[Kress]] in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HW2_Gravity_Hammer_Heroes.png|Eektah-fel variants wielded by higher ranked Bansihed Warlords.
File:HW2_Gravity_Hammer_Heroes.png|Banished Gravity Hammers wielded by higher ranked Warlords.
File:Fortnite-GravityHammer.jpg|John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in ''Fortnite''.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer custom render.png|Voridus' Infused Hammer.
File:HINF-Hammercutscene.png|John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HW2 Siphon Hammer custom render.png|Warlord's Siphon Hammer.
File:Fortnite-GravityHammer.jpg|John-117 with a Banished gravity hammer in ''Fortnite''.
File:HINF-Hammercutscene.png|John-117 with a Banished gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]''
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**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
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*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
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*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''

Revision as of 14:27, October 11, 2022

Keyart for the Jiralhanae Chieftain, Avitus.
Avitus wielding his Akelus Workshop gravity hammer.

Gravity hammers are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the Covenant and inherited by its splinter factions. To their users, the Jiralhanae, they are formally designated as war hammers.[1][2] The Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer (T-2 EW/H).[3][4] Nicknames for the gravity hammer includes the Hammer and the Club.[5]

Overview

Design details

A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying.

"One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood."
— Private Aaron Landvik[6]

Gravity hammers typically consists of a two-meter long haft,[4] a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.[3][7] A short-range shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,[5][8] while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,[1] which release a concussive force upon impact.[2] Together, the devices allows the wielder to produce an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters),[3] which briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback.[1][9] The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do,[5] though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,[8] means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.[4] Despite being first encountered by the humans in 2526,[10] the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by United Nations Space Command in 2552.[3]

History

The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,[1] dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on Doisac.[2][10] Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of clan leadership,[7][4] taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.[5] The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.[4]

Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in 2492,[4] the war hammers were modified with Forerunner technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.[1][2][9] Over the course of the Human-Covenant War, a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.[1] Since the gravity hammers inherited the totemistic and ceremonial significant,[7] some have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs.[4]

The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the Fist of Rukt, an ancestral war hammer of Maccabeus' clan which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae in the Covenant.[11] The significance of the war hammers was inherited by the gravity hammers, with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.[12] With Tartarus receiving the Fist of Rukt and his rise to power within the Covenant, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.[10] With the growth of his influence within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the San'Shyuum to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory.[13]

In 2552, only a few months before the Great Schism and the Fall of High Charity, the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse.[7] Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the Banished seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.[2]

Usage

Avery Johnson: "Heavy pistols, and a hammer."
Ponder: "Say again?"
Avery Johnson: "A giant hammer, sir. On their leader."
— Avery Johnson describing Maccabeus with the Fist of Rukt, to Ponder[14]

The gravity hammer served dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.[4] Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers are commonly seen wielded by Chieftains.[15][16][17] Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,[18][19] notably being used by Jiralhanae Warlords and Jiralhanae Jumpers.[20] The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the Sepulo'ez, Halbashi, and Akelas variants.[2]

Variants

During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.[1]

  • Akelas Workshop variant.

    Akelas Workshop variant.

  • Enc22-AkelusGravityHammer.png

    Akelus Workshop variant.

  • Eektah-fel siphone hammer.

    Eektah-fel siphone hammer.

  • Enc22-HalbashiGravityHammer.png

    Halbashi Workshop variant.

  • En'Geddon holding a Halbashi Rushdown Hammer.

    En'Geddon holding a Halbashi Rushdown Hammer.

  • Paegaas Workshop variant.

    Paegaas Workshop variant.

  • Sepulo'tez Workshop variant.

    Sepulo'tez Workshop variant.

  • Corpsemaker.

    Corpsemaker.

  • Grinder.

    Grinder.

  • Tartarus' Gavel.

    Tartarus' Gavel.

In-game information

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Gravity hammer on its gameplay page.
Main article: Gravity hammer

The gravity hammers were introduced into the Halo first-person shooter games with the debut of the Fist of Rukt in 2004's Halo 2, albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in Halo 3 and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are power weapons which appear on some multiplayer maps.

Trivia

  • The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist Grifball, in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
  • In Halo 3 and Halo: Reach, there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "7 wood". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
  • In Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they is hit with explosives in the campaign.

Gallery

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • A chieftain wielding a gravity hammer.

    A chieftain wielding a gravity hammer.

  • A War Chieftain wielding a gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

    A War Chieftain wielding a gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Jiralhanae Captain wielding a gravity hammer.

    Jiralhanae Captain wielding a gravity hammer.

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in The Return.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in The Return.

  • A Spartan-IV wielding the gravity hammer in Halo 4.

    A Spartan-IV wielding the gravity hammer in Halo 4.

  • A Jiralhanae Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

    A Jiralhanae Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

  • First-person view of the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

    First-person view of the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Smart scope with the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Smart scope with the Sepulo'tez gravity hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

    The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

  • Blitz card of a Jiralhanae Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphonhammer.

    Blitz card of a Jiralhanae Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphonhammer.

  • A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer.

    A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer.

  • A close-up view of Voridus' personal gravity hammer.

    A close-up view of Voridus' personal gravity hammer.

  • A Jiralhanae using a gravity hammer against the Flood.

    A Jiralhanae using a gravity hammer against the Flood.

  • Eektah-fel variants wielded by higher ranked Bansihed Warlords.

    Eektah-fel variants wielded by higher ranked Bansihed Warlords.

  • John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in Fortnite.

    John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in Fortnite.

  • John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

    John-117 with a Halbashi gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 484
  3. ^ a b c d Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 21, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 348
  6. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Pre-mission quotes
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 82
  8. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons (Retrieved on Mar 27, 2014) [local archive] [external archive]
  9. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer (Retrieved on Sep 22, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Apr 16, 2021) [archive]
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt (Retrieved on Sep 18, 2021) [archive]
  12. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 258
  13. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Close Quarters (Retrieved on Oct 17, 2021) [archive]
  14. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 245
  15. ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
  16. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Gameplay
  17. ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
  18. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Signal
  19. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level What Could Go Wrong?
  20. ^ Halo Wars 2, Gameplay
  21. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Warlord
  22. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s) (Retrieved on Jan 23, 2021) [archive]
  23. ^ Halo Wars 2, Voridus in-game unit
  24. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Gameplay
  25. ^ Halo Wars 2, In-game model
  26. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - No Joke (Retrieved on Nov 13, 2020) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Sidearms and melee weapons of the Covenant and its remnants
Sidearms
Energy-based melee weapons

v • d • e
 
List of UNSC, Covenant and Forerunner melee weapons
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