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{{Ratings}}
{{Era|Covenant|HCW|Post|FA}}
{{Era|HCW|Post|FA}}
{{Weapon
{{Weapon
| image=[[File:Type-2_Energy_Weapon_Hammer_Halo_Reach.png|150px]]   
| image=[[File:Type-2 Energy Weapon Hammer Halo Reach.png|150px]]   
| name=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
| name=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
| manufacturer= [[Jiralhanae]]
| manufacturer= Jiralhanae
| model=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
| model=Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer
| type=Melee Weapon
| type=Melee weapon
| cost=
| cost=
| size=Hand held, Two-Handed
| size=Hand held, two-handed
| damage per hit=Instant death to minimal. High area-of-effect damage  
| damage per hit=Instant death to minimal. High area-of-effect damage.
| magazine=
| magazine=
| maxammo=100 Battery Units
| maxammo=100 battery units
| fire=Gravity shockwave/Blunt Melee Strike
| fire=Gravity shockwave;blunt melee strike
| ammotype=
| ammotype=
| operation=
| operation=
| rate of fire=None (Melee Only)
| rate of fire=
| accuracy=
| accuracy=
| range=Close
| range=Close
| era=
| era=
| counterpart= *[[UNSC]]: [[Shotgun]] ; [[Combat Knife]]
| counterpart= *UNSC: shotgun ; combat knife
*[[Covenant Separatist]]s: [[Energy Sword]]
*Covenant separatistss: Energy sword
| counterwep=[[Energy Sword]], [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Shotgun]]
| counterwep=Energy sword, sniper rifle, shotgun
| affiliation=[[Covenant Loyalist]]
| affiliation=Covenant Empire, Jiralhanae
}}
}}
The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' (or T2 EW/H)<ref name="b.net"/>, more commonly known as the '''Gravity Hammer''', is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the [[Jiralhanae]] in the [[Covenant Empire]].
The '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T2 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://www.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'']</ref>


==Origin==
==Overview==
The Fist of Rukt, the oldest and most powerful Gravity Hammer, first appeared in ''Halo 2'', and was used by the Jiralhanae Chieftain Tartarus. He used it against the player and could kill an opponent with a single swing. It is unknown what happened to the Rukt after the [[Battle of Installation 05]]. ''[[Halo 3]]'' introduced the newer, mass-produced Type-2 Hammer that serves as a companion to the [[Energy Sword]] to Covenant melee weapons in the game.
 
==Design Details==
[[File:ReachSchematic - Hammer.png|150px|left|thumb|A blueprint of the Gravity Hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
[[File:ReachSchematic - Hammer.png|150px|left|thumb|A blueprint of the Gravity Hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
The Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer is a large hammer that serves as an excellent and powerful melee weapon in the game. It is a highly symbolic Jiralhanae weapon that is analogous to the [[Sangheili]] [[Energy Sword]]. In the Jiralhanae culture, it served dual purposes as a weapon, as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking member. The hammer would be relinquished only when the leader was overthrown in combat, whereupon the winner would take the new leadership mantle along with the hammer.
The gravity hammer is 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 name="Waypoint"/>


Inside the head itself lies another component: a short-range gravity drive, which was integrated not long after the Jiralhanae’s conversion into the Covenant in 2492.
===Design details===
It can also be used to manipulate gravity, allowing it to push opponents away or pull them towards the wielder, as well as deflecting incoming projectiles. This weapon consists of a haft, head, and blade. A field generator, which is located in the head, emits a kinetic pulse (~4.5 meters). The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the UNSC.<ref name="b.net">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Ordnance Page'']</ref>
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, such as the [[Fist of Rukt]], one of the most famous gravity hammers among the Jiralhanae.<ref name="Waypoint"/>


===Fist of Rukt===
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 blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range gravity drive that can 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 name="b.net"/><ref name="Waypoint"/> This device can displace gravity in targeted locations, though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/><ref>''Halo Wars''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign levels ''[[The Oracle]]'', ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]'', and ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]].<ref name="b.net"/>
{{Main|Fist of Rukt}}
The Fist of Rukt was Tartarus' personal gravity hammer, one with a rich legacy befitting his tribe. It was passed down from [[Brute Chieftain|Chieftain]] to Chieftain in the Brute pack, and belonged to his uncle, [[Maccabeus]], before Tartarus killed him in combat and claimed the legendary hammer for himself.<ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''</ref>.


===Halo Wars===
==Gameplay==
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'' multiplayer, and skirmish mode, the player has access to the Brute Chieftain. The Brute Chieftain's gravity hammer looks very similar to the hammer in ''Halo 3'', except for the fact that it has a very powerful vortex ability. The vortex has the ability to rip things apart, and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as marines, the marines will actually be battered about by the shrapnel in the vortex, and by their fellow squad members. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing, or by the opposing armies, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. This hammer also has the ability, if the player have upgraded the chieftain, to pull enemies towards it just before the chieftain strikes.
===Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach''===
 
==Changes from Halo 3 to Halo: Reach==
*The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
*The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
*The head of the hammer is larger.
*The head of the hammer is larger.
*The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter than in Halo 3.
*The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
*The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the hammer's head.
*The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
*The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
*The shaft's hand guard has been removed.


==Advantages==
===''Halo Wars'' gameplay===
[[File:GravityHammer-Transparent.png|130px|thumb|The Gravity Hammer in ''Halo 3''.]]
In  multiplayer and skirmish mode in ''Halo Wars'', the [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute chieftain]] is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. The hammer can be upgraded to pull enemies closer to the chieftain, allowing him to strike with relative impunity.
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 added to it, 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 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, whilst in multiplayer, each swing depletes 8.33% battery.


==Disadvantages==
===Advantages===
*The Gravity Hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
[[File:GravityHammer-Transparent.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.
 
===Disadvantages===
*The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
*If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
*If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
*The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[Active Camouflage]].
*The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[active camouflage]].
*The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
*The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
*An enemy wielding a Shotgun can easily take down a player with the Gravity Hammer before he has time to swing.
*An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
*While the Gravity Hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing-- compared to the Sword's 10% depletion, the Sword only wastes energy when it hits, the Hammer, wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
*While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing-- compared to the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
*If the Gravity Hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the [[Energy Sword]] having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.
*If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.


==Tactics==
==Tactics==
===Campaign===
===Campaign===
*Very useful weapon against Brutes, which is quite ironic (one hit will kill most opponents even on higher difficulties).
*Ironically, the weapon is very powerful against Brutes.
*The Gravity Hammer is an excellent anti-[[Flood]] weapon. It is capable of killing multiple Flood forms in one swing due to its massive shock wave.
*The gravity hammer is an excellent anti-[[The Flood|Flood]] weapon. It is capable of killing multiple Flood forms in one swing due to its massive shock wave.
*Try to use it against large groups of fleeing Grunts. The shockwave will kill any surrounding Grunts that are close to the one you hit. Also, if the Brute leader in the area has been killed, taking out the Gravity Hammer will cause the Grunts to panic.
*Try to use it against large groups of fleeing Grunts. The shockwave will kill any surrounding Grunts that are close to the one you hit. Also, if the Brute chieftain in the area has been killed, taking out the gravity hammer will cause the Grunts to panic.
*Reserve usage of the Gravity Hammer for priority targets, such as high-ranking Brutes or Tank Forms. It will normally kill them in one hit.
*Reserve usage of the gravity hammer for priority targets, such as high-ranking Brutes or [[Flood tank form|tank forms]]. It will normally kill them in one hit.
*This weapon's usefulness increases when you use the Cowbell Skull, as things will fly farther when you hit them. This would also increase the risk of being killed while dealing with Gravity Hammer-wielding Brutes, however.
*This weapon's usefulness increases when you use the Cowbell Skull, as things will fly farther when you hit them. This would also increase the risk of being killed while dealing with gravity hammer-wielding Brutes, however.
{{SectStub}}
{{SectStub}}


===Multiplayer===
===Multiplayer===
*The Gravity Hammer is best used as a secondary weapon to pull out if faced with nearby foes on a ledge, an incoming vehicle, or a grenade coming towards the player. The Hammer is apt at dealing with all three of these threats.
*The gravity hammer is best used as a secondary weapon to pull out if faced with nearby foes on a ledge, an incoming vehicle, or a grenade coming towards the player. The hammer is apt at dealing with all three of these threats.
*The Gravity Hammer's blast can go through walls and floors, and this can be used to hit players in an adjacent room.
*The gravity hammer's blast can go through walls and floors, and this can be used to hit players in an adjacent room.
*The Gravity Hammer can be used to propel the player higher than normal, if the player times the attack as they jump, it will elevate them farther and higher. You can gain just as much height as a grenade jump with very little or no risk.
*The gravity hammer can be used to propel the player higher than normal, if the player times the attack as they jump, it will elevate them farther and higher. You can gain just as much height as a grenade jump with very little or no risk.
*The Gravity Hammer is also one of the only two weapons available in the [[Grifball]] gametype along with the [[Energy Sword]]. It is the cause of many betrayals, however you can also "ride the wave" and use your enemy's gravity hammer to launch yourself to their goal.
*Try hammering enemy Warthogs and Mongooses on ''Rat's Nest'' near the rocket launcher spawn point. It can result in the vehicle sailing to the death barrier.
*Try hammering enemy warthogs and mongooses on Rat's Nest near the Rocket Spawn. It can result in the vehicle sailing to the death barrier.
*If you time the shock wave from the hammer at the right time you can send rockets and missiles in another direction.
*If you time the shock wave from the hammer at the right time you can send a [[Rocket Launcher]] missile and [[Missile Pod]] missile in another direction.
*The hammer may be known as a great CQB weapon, but it is slower to compete against the shotgun. Also, even though the energy sword lunges slightly slower, it has a farther lunge and can parry your attacks, but you cannot parry the sword carrier's attacks. If you find yourself up against one of these weapons, create space between you and your opponent (you can knock him back with the shockwave if he's too close) and change to a long-range weapon to take down the enemy. It is important to remember that [[Mauler]] wielders are considered easy targets for the gravity hammer.
*The Hammer may be known as a great CQB weapon, but it is slower to compete against the [[Shotgun]]. Also, even though the energy sword lunges slightly slower, it has a farther lunge and can parry your attacks, but you cannot parry the sword carrier's attacks. If you find yourself up against one of these weapons, create space between you and your opponent (you can knock him back with the shockwave if he's too close) and change to a long-range weapon to take down the enemy. It is important to remember that [[Mauler]] wielders are considered easy targets for the Gravity Hammer.
*Try combining a gravity hammer jump and grenade jump to get to spots that aren't normally reachable for an advantage.
*Try combining a Gravity Hammer jump and grenade jump to get to spots that aren't normally reachable for an advantage.
*It is possible to stick a plasma or spike grenade on the end of the hammer.
*It is possible to stick a Plasma or Spike Grenade on the end of the Hammer.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
===Miscellaneous===
===Miscellaneous===
*The Gravity Hammer is used in the popular Double XP weekend 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 Double XP weekend 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 included with the [[McFarlane Toys/Series 1#Brute Chieftain|Brute Chieftain Action Figure]] has four lines that make an 'X' shape. The same shape is on the [[Beam Rifle]] that comes with other ''Halo 3'' figures.
*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 the map [[Sandbox]] as well as in all maps in Halo: Reach, there is a remodeled version of the Gravity Hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The Hammer performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club. The "7 wood" also features a new reticule.
*ODSTs can use the Gravity Hammer effectively in ''Halo 3: ODST'', despite them being normal humans, and not having the strength of a [[SPARTAN-II]], [[Elite]], or Brute. This was likely overlooked for gameplay reasons.
*Despite being a weapon only wielded by Brute Chieftains, in the adapted motion comic ''The Return'', various lower ranking Brutes are seen using it. [[Brute Captain]]s can also wield the Gravity Hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.
*The Gravity Hammer somewhat resembles a ball-peen hammer. Whether or not the inspiration for the Gravity Hammer is a ball-peen hammer is unknown, but the radio conversation on the Halo Reach multiplayer level, [[Holdout]], references a ball-peen hammer being used to kill zombies very much in the same way players use the Gravity Hammer to kill Flood enemies.


===Glitches===
===Glitches===
*In Halo 3, the Gravity Hammer has been seen to have no alternate third person animation for melee; in third person, you would simply look like you're swinging the hammer with no explosive effect or splash effect. This only occurs with the SPARTAN models, however. 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.
*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.
*When you combine RT with clicking LT, the shock wave will have ''no'' sound effect, the attack will be negated, and it will count as a normal melee attack. Also, if you press the RT button and then crouch, you will achieve the same effect.
*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.
*On the level Floodgate and the level The Covenant, if you give the Gravity Hammer to an Elite, he won't use it. He will just hold it and run up to an enemy and do nothing. In the Halo 3 campaign, if you give the Gravity Hammer to the Arbiter, he will not use it either.
*In the ''Halo 3'' campaign, Sangheili, including [[Thel 'Vadam|the Arbiter]], will not use gravity hammers if they are armed with them. They will simply run next to enemies and remain stationary.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape">
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape">
File:Brute Army Commander.jpg|The [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Army Commander]] from ''[[Halo Wars]]'' with his Gravity Hammer.
File:Brute Army Commander.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Army Commander]] wielding his gravity hammer.
File:SpartanCTF.JPG|A Gravity Hammer wielded, in [[Grifball]], by a [[SPARTAN-II]].
File:1216073359 Chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:1216073359 Chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]] with a Gravity Hammer in ''Halo 3''.
File:96764571-Full.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:96764571-Full.jpg|A rare [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding a Gravity Hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] wielding a gravity hammer.
File:HReach - Major Jiralhanae.png|[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]]s can wield Gravity Hammers in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:SpartanCTF.JPG|A Spartan wielding a gravity hammer in ''Griffball''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Appearances|Halo 2|Halo Graphic Novel|Halo Uprising|Halo: Combat|Halo 3|Halo Wars|Halo 3: ODST|Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe|Halo Legends|Halo: Reach}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' motion comic
*''[[Halo Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references/>
==Links==
===Internal===
*[[Fist of Rukt]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Hammer Time]]
*[[Hammer Spree]]
*[[7 wood]]
===External===
*[http://www.grifball.com GrifBall Official Website] - (Gravity Hammer as a primary weapon for the most recently popular gametype/sport)
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/24150.html Omegathon]


{{Covenant Weapons}}
{{Covenant Weapons}}

Revision as of 12:35, June 2, 2011

Template:Weapon The Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer (T2 EW/H), more commonly known as the gravity hammer, is a powerful, close-quarters, two-handed melee weapon used by the Jiralhanae.[1][2]

Overview

A blueprint of the Gravity Hammer in Halo: Reach.

The gravity hammer is 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.[2]

Design details

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, such as the Fist of Rukt, one of the most famous gravity hammers among the Jiralhanae.[2]

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 blade on the reverse end. Within the head is a short-range gravity drive that can 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.[1][2] This device can displace gravity in targeted locations, though the Jiralhanae's brutal nature means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.[2][3][4] The exact mechanism by which it functions is currently under investigation by the UNSC.[1]

Gameplay

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Reach

  • The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
  • The head of the hammer is larger.
  • The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
  • The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
  • The shaft's hand guard has been removed.

Halo Wars gameplay

In multiplayer and skirmish mode in Halo Wars, the Brute chieftain is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as Marines, they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. The hammer can be upgraded to pull enemies closer to the chieftain, allowing him to strike with relative impunity.

Advantages

File:GravityHammer-Transparent.png
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.

Disadvantages

  • The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
  • If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
  • The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has active camouflage.
  • The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
  • An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
  • While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing-- compared to the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
  • If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.

Tactics

Campaign

  • Ironically, the weapon is very powerful against Brutes.
  • The gravity hammer is an excellent anti-Flood weapon. It is capable of killing multiple Flood forms in one swing due to its massive shock wave.
  • Try to use it against large groups of fleeing Grunts. The shockwave will kill any surrounding Grunts that are close to the one you hit. Also, if the Brute chieftain in the area has been killed, taking out the gravity hammer will cause the Grunts to panic.
  • Reserve usage of the gravity hammer for priority targets, such as high-ranking Brutes or tank forms. It will normally kill them in one hit.
  • This weapon's usefulness increases when you use the Cowbell Skull, as things will fly farther when you hit them. This would also increase the risk of being killed while dealing with gravity hammer-wielding Brutes, however.

Template:SectStub

Multiplayer

  • The gravity hammer is best used as a secondary weapon to pull out if faced with nearby foes on a ledge, an incoming vehicle, or a grenade coming towards the player. The hammer is apt at dealing with all three of these threats.
  • The gravity hammer's blast can go through walls and floors, and this can be used to hit players in an adjacent room.
  • The gravity hammer can be used to propel the player higher than normal, if the player times the attack as they jump, it will elevate them farther and higher. You can gain just as much height as a grenade jump with very little or no risk.
  • Try hammering enemy Warthogs and Mongooses on Rat's Nest near the rocket launcher spawn point. It can result in the vehicle sailing to the death barrier.
  • If you time the shock wave from the hammer at the right time you can send rockets and missiles in another direction.
  • The hammer may be known as a great CQB weapon, but it is slower to compete against the shotgun. Also, even though the energy sword lunges slightly slower, it has a farther lunge and can parry your attacks, but you cannot parry the sword carrier's attacks. If you find yourself up against one of these weapons, create space between you and your opponent (you can knock him back with the shockwave if he's too close) and change to a long-range weapon to take down the enemy. It is important to remember that Mauler wielders are considered easy targets for the gravity hammer.
  • Try combining a gravity hammer jump and grenade jump to get to spots that aren't normally reachable for an advantage.
  • It is possible to stick a plasma or spike grenade on the end of the hammer.

Trivia

Miscellaneous

  • The gravity hammer is used in the popular Double XP weekend 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.

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 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 the Arbiter, will not use gravity hammers if they are armed with them. They will simply run next to enemies and remain stationary.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Ordnance Page
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint: Gravity Hammer
  3. ^ Halo Wars
  4. ^ Halo 2, campaign levels The Oracle, Quarantine Zone, and The Great Journey

Template:Covenant Weapons

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