Energy core

A Forerunner Energy Core.

Energy cores are Forerunner devices. They are shaped like a three-sided pyramid that project streams of energy, which meet in a hollow center. The three streams combine to form a pink ball of energy that is maintained in stasis. Similar to the smaller and more common power cores, energy cores are highly explosive if damaged or rammed violently, and will explode with greater power than most conventional explosive devices such as fragmentation grenades. Despite their volatile nature, energy cores are relatively light and can be pushed easily. If they are hit, they will become unstable and turn red, but will eventually stabilize and turn blue again.

They are found on Forerunner installations, such as the Halo Array. A number of energy cores were scattered on the frozen landscape of the quarantine zone surrounding the Library of Installation 05. The purpose of these devices is unknown, although they could be a battery-type energy source or act as mines laid on Installation 05's Quarantine Zone to slow down a possible Flood outbreak.

Production notes

"There wasn't really any precedent for bouncing testicles of death. I hate video games."

— Paul Russel

The energy cores were referred to as "boo bags" during the development of the level Containment. In their original conception, they were described by Michael Wu as as "clusters of these boogers all over the level that would explode and harm you", and were easily movable. They were made more static by Max Hoberman, to the dismay of Steve Cotton and Paul Russel.

Gallery

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  Two energy cores on the multiplayer level Containment.

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  The stages of an energy core's status indicator lights from stable (left) to unstable (right)

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  An explosion produced by an energy core.

List of appearances

• Halo 2
  • Bonus Map Pack (First appearance)