Template:Covenant Rank Infobox
Titles
Standard
The standard Ultra Elites command specific operations and are the Covenant's equivalent to senior field officers (possibly along with Major Domo elites). They are subordinate to Zealots, who command fleets and armies. They are considered equal, if not superior to, Honor Guards.[verification needed]
In Halo 2, Ultras are seen commanding/defending a Scarab walker in the level Metropolis and warring with the Covenant Loyalists for control of the Mausoleum of the Arbiter.
Ship Master
This rank is equivalent to the UNSC naval "Captain". Ship Masters command Starships within the Covenant, but they still fall under the command of their fleets Supreme Commander and De Facto commander/fleet master.
Combat
Like their Zealot superiors, the Ultras are extremely powerful and skilled warriors. They also possess very strong energy shields that can withstand about twice as much damage as those possessed by Major Elites, but they can't take much physical damage. They often fight with heavy or dual-wielded weapons, particularly Plasma Rifles and Fuel Rod Guns, which they fire with unparalleled accuracy. They also carry Energy Swords as their secondary weapon; when enemies get too close, or deplete their shield, Ultras let out a war cry, drop their currently wielded weapon, and pull the sword out for close combat. The Ultras are able to continue in sustained heavy combat long after most Elite warriors shields would have been depleted. They are particularly effective in close quarters combat, where their stronger energy shields and Energy Swords allow them to take down large numbers of enemies. They, and Councilors, are the only Elites capable of standing a point-blank shotgun blast or a plasma grenade stick. They are extremely powerful and are not to be underestimated, and on higher difficulties can kill a careless player almost instantly.
When fighting an Ultra, it is advisable to use heavy weapons due to their strong energy shields. Even then, it will take multiple shots to kill the Elite. The plasma pistol is also highly effective, as it can completely disable their shields with a single overcharged shot. Like any other Elite, an Ultra will be briefly stunned after the overcharged shot disables their shields. The player should use this opportunity to quickly switch to another weapon, preferably one capable of making headshots (Magnum, Battle Rifle, or Carbine), and finish off the Ultra. Finally, plasma grenades are useful as well. While sticking an Ultra with a plasma grenade, on Legendary, will not kill it outright, it will deplete most of its shields allowing the player to finish off the Elite relatively quickly.
Physical Appearance
Ultra Elites wear a white version of the standard Elite armor.
Appearances
Trivia
- They do appear in Halo Combat Evolved, but only as preset corpses.
- Given the sheer size of the Covenant military, before the civil war, the majority of Ship Masters are probably Ultras.
- An Ultra performs the same functions and is just as important as a UNSC senior field officer, making them the Covenant's equivalent to Lieutenant Colonels/Colonels and Commanders/Captains.