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Shua'ee-pattern Locust: Difference between revisions

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{{Vehicle infobox
{{Vehicle infobox
|name=''Shua'ee''-pattern Light Excavator
|name=''Shua'ee''-pattern Light Excavator
|image=[[File:LocustHW.png|250px]]
|image=[[File:LocustHW.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=essential|EVG|Page=110}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=278}}
|manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Book|Id=essential|EVG|Page=110}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=278}}
|line=[[Excavator]] tier-1{{Ref/Site|Id=HWU|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=30|M=06|Y=2021}}
|line=[[Excavator]] tier-1{{Ref/Site|Id=HWU|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=30|M=06|Y=2021}}
Line 12: Line 12:
|width={{Convert|12|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width={{Convert|12|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height={{Convert|22.2|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|height={{Convert|22.2|ft|m|sp=us|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass=32.5 tons (29.5 tonnes){{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass={{Convert|29.5|MT}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|max speed=
|max speed=
|engine=Quadrupedal leg assembly
|engine=Quadrupedal leg assembly
|hull=
|hull=
|armament=1 [[Focus cannon|light focus beam]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Book|Enc|Page=245}}
|armament=1 [[Focus cannon|light focus beam]] (charged [[plasma cannon]]){{Ref/Site|Id=OHWCS|URL=http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Summit.aspx#Vampire|Site=Official Halo Wars Community Site|Page=Game Info - Covenant Factory|LocalArchive=Archive:Halowars.com/Covenant#Locust|D=22|M=01|Y=2010}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=245}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=255}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
:Firing arc: Forward
|crew=
|crew=1 operator{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|complement=
|complement=
|consumables=
|consumables=
|othersystems=Energy shields
|othersystems=[[Energy shielding]]
|firstuse-title=In service
|firstuse=
|firstuse=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|service=*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service=
|role=*Excavation/ terrestrial mining platform
|role=*Excavation/ terrestrial mining platform
*[[wikipedia:siegeworks|Siegeworks]]/ anti-fortification platform
*[[wikipedia:siegeworks|Siegeworks]]/ anti-fortification platform
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*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|Destroy those Locusts wherever you find them. They're building killers!| [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]]<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level [[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]</ref>}}
{{Quote|Destroy those Locusts wherever you find them. They're building killers!| [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]]{{Ref/Level|Id=HWScarab|HW|Scarab (level)|Scarab}}}}
The '''''Shua'ee''-pattern Light Excavator'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|30|Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|LE/AFP}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}} or colloquially the '''Locust''', is a quadrupedal [[Covenant]] vehicle used for mining and combat purposes.  
The '''''Shua'ee''-pattern Light Excavator'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|30|Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|LE/AFP}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}} or colloquially the '''Locust''', is a quadrupedal [[Covenant]] vehicle used for mining and combat purposes. They are the lightest vehicles of the [[excavator]] class of mining/combat walkers in the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|Id=WPScarab|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/scarab|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Scarab|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}


==Design details==
Among UNSC forces, Locusts have acquired a number of nicknames including the "'''Building Killer'''" and "'''Little Bug'''".{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
[[File:Two Scarabs.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Locusts and Scarabs fighting together.]]
 
The Locust is a smaller, tank-sized counterpart to the [[Scarab]], which is also a repurposed mining platform. It does not share the Scarab's spiked 'feet', though it is capable of using its legs to climb over obstacles in a similar manner to its larger cousin.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> Like {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}s the Locust can be piloted by a [[Sangheili]] or [[Jiralhanae]].<ref name="HW">'''Halo Wars''', Locust dialogue</ref> The Locust possesses one rotating turret, which is very similar in appearance to a [[Type-26 Banshee]]'s cockpit. The turret houses a single plasma cannon that fires a linear pink beam; this beam is effective against both ground and air targets and can outrange most equivalent weapons. The Locust has a regenerating shield that is capable of protecting the vehicle from a limited amount of weapons fire.
==Overview==
[[File:Two Scarabs.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Locusts and Scarabs fighting together.]]
===Design details===
The Locust is a relatively small quadrupedal walker, featuring four fully-articulated legs capable of traversing most terrain - {{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} including climbing up and over sheer cliffs.{{Ref/Level|Id=Dome|HW|Dome of Light}} The centre of the leg assembly contains a single rotating turret based on the canopy of the [[Banshee]] ground support flyer,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} which houses the vehicle's primary armament. The turret has a full 360 degree rotation capability, allowing the vehicle to aim at anything it can see. The cockpit is capable of seating one [[Sangheili]] or [[Jiralhanae]] pilot{{Ref/Game|HW|Locust in-game unit}}{{Ref/Reuse|essential}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} - unlike both the larger excavator models (such as [[Scarab]]s) and other Locust models used by the [[Banished]], which utilise a [[lekgolo]] colony to drive the vehicle.
 
The vehicle was originally designed purely as an [[Excavator|excavation tool]] - intended for use in mining resources and unearthing [[Forerunner]] reliquaries. Consequently, they are lightly-armoured{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} and susceptible to being easily damaged in combat. During the [[Human-Covenant War]], they were upgraded to see the inclusion of an [[Energy shielding|energy shield]] module to better-protect the vehicle after it was pressed into combat operations against [[human]]ity.{{Ref/Reuse|essential}} The Locust can be upgraded with a Shield Amplifier, which further-upgrades the shields to have a faster recharge time.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 
===Armament===
The Locust's primary armament is a single [[Focus cannon|light focus cannon]], alternatively termed a "charged [[plasma cannon]]" {{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} - rated as equivalent to a [[heavy plasma cannon]].{{Ref/Reuse|essential}} The weapon can be upgraded with an Overdrive module - allowing the vehicle to divert power from its shields to increase the power output of the cannon.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
===Human-Covenant War===
===Human-Covenant War===
In [[2531#February|February 2531]] Locusts were used by Covenant forces on [[Arcadia]] and [[Trove]] in long-range artillery roles against UNSC forces.{{Ref/Reuse|HW}}  
In [[2531#February|February 2531]] Locusts were used by Covenant forces on [[Arcadia]] and [[Trove]] in long-range artillery roles against UNSC forces.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}}{{Ref/Reuse|HWScarab}}{{Ref/Level|HW|Beachhead}}  


In [[2548]], at least six Locusts were used by the Covenant forces on [[Meridian]] to excavate a [[Forerunner]] artifact buried underneath the town of [[Brume-sur-Mer]].<ref name="bb194">'''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''', ''page 194''</ref>
In [[2548]], at least six Locusts were used by the Covenant forces on [[Meridian]] to excavate a [[Forerunner]] artifact buried underneath the town of [[Brume-sur-Mer]].{{Ref/Novel|HBatB|Chapter=13}}{{Ref/Novel|HBatB|Chapter=15}}{{Ref/Novel|HBatB|Chapter=16}}{{Ref/Novel|HBatB|Chapter=21}}


===Post War===
===Post War===
{{main|Barukaza Workshop Locust}}
In the post-war era, remnants of the former Covenant empire still used the Locust, though their roles have somewhat changed: while some are employed by fierce [[Jiralhanae]] raiding parties looking to pillage colony worlds, [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]]s and warlords used them to fortify [[keep]]s and protect fragile alliances.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=08|M=07|Y=2016}} During the [[Carrow Conflict]] in September [[2558]], the Jiralhanae [[Voice of Maardoth]] led by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Hekabe]] had access to Locusts during his attack on [[Carrow]].{{Ref/Novel|HEnv|Chapter=5}}
In the post-war era, remnants of the former Covenant empire still used the Locust, though their roles have somewhat changed: while some are employed by fierce Jiralhanae raiding parties looking to pillage colony worlds, [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]]s and warlords used them to fortify keeps and protect fragile alliances.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 4/1/2016: Issue 69 No Joke'']</ref> In September [[2558]], a [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] named [[Hekabe]] had access to Locusts during his attack on [[Carrow]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Envoy]]''', Chapter 5, ''page 60''</ref>
 
The [[Banished]] employ a [[Barukaza Workshop Locust|unique variant]] of the Locust manufactured by the [[Armory of Barukaza]]. Free of the restrictions imposed by the [[San'Shyuum]] on the Covenant's Locusts, the Banished have seen fit to augment their Locusts with a Lekgolo crew and an uncapped power ceiling.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=467}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
[[File:Locust halo wars.JPG|thumb|Locust schematics.]]
[[File:Locust halo wars.JPG|thumb|Locust schematics.]]
The Locust has the longest effective range among the Covenant ground units in ''Halo Wars'' and costs 300 resources, a tech level of 2, and a population space of 2. The Locust is specifically designed to take down static targets and is only able to open fire when stationary. The Locust can be upgraded with the 'Overdrive' ability as well as with the 'Shield Amplifier' ability. The former upgrade allows the Locust to divert energy from its shield generator to its main cannon, increasing its attack power; the latter upgrade allows the unit's shield to regenerate faster.
The Locust has the longest effective range among the Covenant ground units in ''Halo Wars'' and costs {{HWResources|300}} resources, a tech level of {{HWTech|2}}, and a population of {{HWPop|2}}. The Locust is specifically designed to take down static targets and is only able to open fire when stationary. The Locust can be upgraded with the '''Overdrive''' ability as well as with the '''Shield Amplifier''' ability. The former upgrade allows the Locust to divert energy from its shield generator to its main cannon, increasing its attack power; the latter upgrade allows the unit's shield to regenerate faster.


Known as a 'building killer', the Locust is largely used to attack an enemy's defences from a safe distance. This is a useful alternative to a direct confrontation, which would result in casualties for the attacker. A small group of Locusts can be used to assist a force of smaller warriors, like [[Kig-yar]], making it far easier for the group to destroy enemy buildings. Larger groups of Locusts can be used in surprise attacks against enemy bases and in such cases, the Locusts can often level the targeted base in thirty seconds. However, the inherent vulnerability of the unit makes this a gamble. The Locust is fairly weak against non-structure targets. Though it is able to do significant damage to units, the Locust's defences are weak and fall quickly to concentrated fire. However, its beam can lure enemy units towards awaiting forces, allowing them to be quickly cut down. Although less common, the Locust can be used quite effectively to destroy small groups of air units such as Vulture formations. This is provided the player has a sufficient number of Locusts and that they attack from long range to reduce the number of casualties that will inevitably be taken.  
Known as a 'building killer', the Locust is largely used to attack an enemy's defences from a safe distance. This is a useful alternative to a direct confrontation, which would result in casualties for the attacker. A small group of Locusts can be used to assist a force of smaller warriors, like [[Kig-yar]], making it far easier for the group to destroy enemy buildings. Larger groups of Locusts can be used in surprise attacks against enemy bases and in such cases, the Locusts can often level the targeted base in thirty seconds. However, the inherent vulnerability of the unit makes this a gamble. The Locust is fairly weak against non-structure targets. Though it is able to do significant damage to units, the Locust's defences are weak and fall quickly to concentrated fire. However, its beam can lure enemy units towards awaiting forces, allowing them to be quickly cut down. Although less common, the Locust can be used quite effectively to destroy small groups of air units such as Vulture formations. This is provided the player has a sufficient number of Locusts and that they attack from long range to reduce the number of casualties that will inevitably be taken.  


The following upgrades are available:
The following upgrades are available:
#'''Overdrive''' is a special attack that drains the Locust's shields to boost damage. Requires 400 resources and a tech level of 2.
#'''Overdrive''' is a special attack that drains the Locust's shields to boost damage. Requires {{HWResources|400}} resources and a tech level of {{HWTech|2}}.
#'''Shield Amplifier''' increases the Locust's shield-regeneration rate. It is useful when used with Overdrive, and its effects also stack with the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade from the [[Temple (Covenant)|Temple]], allowing for an even quicker regeneration rate. Requires 800 resources and a tech level of 3.
#'''Shield Amplifier''' increases the Locust's shield-regeneration rate. It is useful when used with Overdrive, and its effects also stack with the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade from the [[Temple (Covenant)|Temple]], allowing for an even quicker regeneration rate. Requires {{HWResources|800}} resources and a tech level of {{HWTech|3}}.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
When playing as the UNSC in multiplayer or [[skirmish]] modes, Serina may say, "Watch the skies — they've got Locusts." This, along with the Locust being first encountered in-game in a mission where other attacking enemy units are airborne, and the real locust being able to fly, may mean that the Locust was intended to be an air unit at some point in the development of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
When playing as the UNSC in multiplayer or [[skirmish]] modes, Serina may say, "Watch the skies — they've got Locusts." This, along with the Locust being first encountered in-game in a mission where other attacking enemy units are airborne, and the real locust being able to fly, may mean that the Locust was intended to be an air unit at some point in the development of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HaloWars-Concept-Locusts.jpg|Concept art of a Locust accompanied by Jiralhanae warriors for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HaloWars-Concept-Locusts.jpg|Concept art of a Locust accompanied by Jiralhanae warriors for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.

Revision as of 08:01, September 10, 2023

This article is about the Covenant quadrupedal excavator nicknamed the "Locust". For the Spartan armor of a similar name, see LOCUS-class Mjolnir.
Shua'ee-pattern Light Excavator
LocustHW.png
Production information

Manufacturer:

Assembly Forges[1][2]

Product line:

Excavator tier-1[3]

Model:

Locust

Technical specifications

Length:

5.8 meters (19 ft)[1][2]

Width:

12 meters (39 ft)[1][2]

Height:

6.8 meters (22.2 ft)[2]

Mass:

29.5 metric tons (29.0 LT; 32.5 ST)[2]

Engine(s):

Quadrupedal leg assembly

Other system(s):

Energy shielding

Armament:

1 light focus beam (charged plasma cannon)[4][5][6][1][2]

Usage

In service:

Role(s):

  • Excavation/ terrestrial mining platform
  • Siegeworks/ anti-fortification platform

Affiliation:

 

"Destroy those Locusts wherever you find them. They're building killers!"
Sergeant John Forge[7]

The Shua'ee-pattern Light Excavator[2] (UNSC Type classification: Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform, T-30 LE/AFP)[1] or colloquially the Locust, is a quadrupedal Covenant vehicle used for mining and combat purposes. They are the lightest vehicles of the excavator class of mining/combat walkers in the Covenant.[8]

Among UNSC forces, Locusts have acquired a number of nicknames including the "Building Killer" and "Little Bug".[5][6]

Overview

Two Deutoros-pattern Scarab and two Shua'ee-pattern Locusts firing their focus cannons at UNSC units on the Halo Wars Skirmish map Chasm.
Locusts and Scarabs fighting together.

Design details

The Locust is a relatively small quadrupedal walker, featuring four fully-articulated legs capable of traversing most terrain - [2] including climbing up and over sheer cliffs.[9] The centre of the leg assembly contains a single rotating turret based on the canopy of the Banshee ground support flyer,[5][6] which houses the vehicle's primary armament. The turret has a full 360 degree rotation capability, allowing the vehicle to aim at anything it can see. The cockpit is capable of seating one Sangheili or Jiralhanae pilot[10][1][2] - unlike both the larger excavator models (such as Scarabs) and other Locust models used by the Banished, which utilise a lekgolo colony to drive the vehicle.

The vehicle was originally designed purely as an excavation tool - intended for use in mining resources and unearthing Forerunner reliquaries. Consequently, they are lightly-armoured[5][6] and susceptible to being easily damaged in combat. During the Human-Covenant War, they were upgraded to see the inclusion of an energy shield module to better-protect the vehicle after it was pressed into combat operations against humanity.[1] The Locust can be upgraded with a Shield Amplifier, which further-upgrades the shields to have a faster recharge time.[5][6]

Armament

The Locust's primary armament is a single light focus cannon, alternatively termed a "charged plasma cannon" [2] - rated as equivalent to a heavy plasma cannon.[1] The weapon can be upgraded with an Overdrive module - allowing the vehicle to divert power from its shields to increase the power output of the cannon.[5][6]

Operational history

Human-Covenant War

In February 2531 Locusts were used by Covenant forces on Arcadia and Trove in long-range artillery roles against UNSC forces.[9][7][11]

In 2548, at least six Locusts were used by the Covenant forces on Meridian to excavate a Forerunner artifact buried underneath the town of Brume-sur-Mer.[12][13][14][15]

Post War

In the post-war era, remnants of the former Covenant empire still used the Locust, though their roles have somewhat changed: while some are employed by fierce Jiralhanae raiding parties looking to pillage colony worlds, Sangheili kaidons and warlords used them to fortify keeps and protect fragile alliances.[16] During the Carrow Conflict in September 2558, the Jiralhanae Voice of Maardoth led by Chieftain Hekabe had access to Locusts during his attack on Carrow.[17]

The Banished employ a unique variant of the Locust manufactured by the Armory of Barukaza. Free of the restrictions imposed by the San'Shyuum on the Covenant's Locusts, the Banished have seen fit to augment their Locusts with a Lekgolo crew and an uncapped power ceiling.[18]

Gameplay

Halo Wars

Locust schematics.

The Locust has the longest effective range among the Covenant ground units in Halo Wars and costs Resources 300 resources, a tech level of Tech level 2, and a population of Population 2. The Locust is specifically designed to take down static targets and is only able to open fire when stationary. The Locust can be upgraded with the Overdrive ability as well as with the Shield Amplifier ability. The former upgrade allows the Locust to divert energy from its shield generator to its main cannon, increasing its attack power; the latter upgrade allows the unit's shield to regenerate faster.

Known as a 'building killer', the Locust is largely used to attack an enemy's defences from a safe distance. This is a useful alternative to a direct confrontation, which would result in casualties for the attacker. A small group of Locusts can be used to assist a force of smaller warriors, like Kig-yar, making it far easier for the group to destroy enemy buildings. Larger groups of Locusts can be used in surprise attacks against enemy bases and in such cases, the Locusts can often level the targeted base in thirty seconds. However, the inherent vulnerability of the unit makes this a gamble. The Locust is fairly weak against non-structure targets. Though it is able to do significant damage to units, the Locust's defences are weak and fall quickly to concentrated fire. However, its beam can lure enemy units towards awaiting forces, allowing them to be quickly cut down. Although less common, the Locust can be used quite effectively to destroy small groups of air units such as Vulture formations. This is provided the player has a sufficient number of Locusts and that they attack from long range to reduce the number of casualties that will inevitably be taken.

The following upgrades are available:

  1. Overdrive is a special attack that drains the Locust's shields to boost damage. Requires Resources 400 resources and a tech level of Tech level 2.
  2. Shield Amplifier increases the Locust's shield-regeneration rate. It is useful when used with Overdrive, and its effects also stack with the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade from the Temple, allowing for an even quicker regeneration rate. Requires Resources 800 resources and a tech level of Tech level 3.

Trivia

When playing as the UNSC in multiplayer or skirmish modes, Serina may say, "Watch the skies — they've got Locusts." This, along with the Locust being first encountered in-game in a mission where other attacking enemy units are airborne, and the real locust being able to fly, may mean that the Locust was intended to be an air unit at some point in the development of Halo Wars.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 110
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 278
  3. ^ Halo Waypoint, Scarab (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site, Game Info - Covenant Factory (Retrieved on Jan 22, 2010) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 245
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 255
  7. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level Scarab
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint, Scarab (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]
  9. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light
  10. ^ Halo Wars, Locust in-game unit
  11. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Beachhead
  12. ^ Halo: Battle Born, chapter 13
  13. ^ Halo: Battle Born, chapter 15
  14. ^ Halo: Battle Born, chapter 16
  15. ^ Halo: Battle Born, chapter 21
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - No Joke (Retrieved on Jul 8, 2016) [archive]
  17. ^ Halo: Envoy, chapter 5
  18. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 467