This article is about the player skins introduced in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. For the armor customization found in Halo 3, see here.
M6C/SOCOM in Halo 3.
A Spartan utilizing a unique Battle Rifle skin.

Skins are an element of player customization found in Halo 3 for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Skins allow players to customize their the appearance of weapons and vehicles in-game. Skins are an element of customization separate to armor permutations, which allow the player to customize their armor components. The launch of Series 3: Recon in 2020 saw the introduction of weapon skins and visor colors for Halo 3, with more weapon skins and newly introduced vehicle skins being included with Series 4: Reclaimer in November 2020.[1] Another batch of skins was included in Series 5: Anvil. Series 6: Raven saw the addition of animated visors and more weapon and vehicle skins. Series 7: Elite included skins for the Energy Sword. Series 8: Mythic added more weapon and vehicle skins, and more animated visors.

Known skins

Weapon skins

Magnum

Skins for the Magnum.

Magnum
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Hunter’s Blood Well armed. Well armored. Series 3, Tier 1 (  1)
Blue Heaven Reach for the sky. Series 3, Tier 22 (  1)
Sharpshooter The bite stuff. Series 3, Tier 31 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 3, Tier 44 (  1)
Tech Camo Bravo Gunner's seat, please. Series 5, Tier 40 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5, Tier 57 (  1)
OGX Used on a select target audience. The Exchange (  3)

Assault Rifle

Skins for the Assault Rifle.

Assault Rifle
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Woodland Camping is a legitimate strategy. Series 3, Tier 8 (  1)
Squirt It's good under pressure. Series 3, Tier 24 (  1)
Corrosion The Oxidation Sensation. Series 3, Tier 33 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 3, Tier 37 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5, Tier 43 (  1)
Desert Looks very stylish with a poncho. Series 5, Tier 86 (  1)
Sapphire Raven On land and stormy seas. Series 6, Tier 91 (  1)
Vexing Tomorrow Grim beauty. Series 8, Tier 8 (  1)
Black Rhine The king of the battlefield. The Exchange (  3)
OGX If it looked any more real, it would be real. The Exchange (  3)
Scorned Fate Neither tide nor time shifts before a conquering hero. The Exchange (  4)

Battle Rifle

Skins for the Battle Rifle.

Battle Rifle
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Tech Camo Bravo Gunner’s seat, please. Series 3, Tier 19 (  1)
Tropical Thunder The palm in your hand. Series 3, Tier 27 (  1)
Art Of War Tag. You’re it. Series 3, Tier 35 (  1)
Red Alert The source of cautionary tales. Series 3, Tier 50 (  1)
Desert Looks very stylish with a poncho. Series 5, Tier 18 (  1)
Scarlet Thorn Points well made. Series 5, Tier 21 (  1)
Hunter's Blood Well armed. Well armored. Series 5, Tier 33 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5, Tier 48 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 5, Tier 53 (  1)
Grey Scales There are many sides to every argument. Series 5, Tier 65 (  1)
Great Journey Don't worry... I know what the aliens like. Series 5, Tier 83 (  1)
Lucky Shot But you had something they didn't... Series 5 Challenge: Combo Maker
Amber Raven Waiting in the sleeping forest. Series 6, Tier 88 (  1)
Black Rhine Take out targets in style. Series 6, The Exchange (  4)
Vexing Tomorrow War is art. Series 8, Tier 98 (  1)
Scorned Fate The ravages of time can touch even the mightiest of weapons. Series 8 Challenge: Veteran Veneer
Complete the Montage Starter Kit and Infamous challenges.
OGX Series 8, The Exchange (  3)

Sniper Rifle

Skins for the Sniper Rifle.

Sniper Rifle
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Woodland Camping is a legitimate strategy. Series 4, Tier 22 (  1)
Desert Looks very stylish with a poncho. Series 4, Tier 35 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 4, Tier 50 (  1)
Red Alert The source of cautionary tales. Series 5, Tier 61 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5, Tier 68 (  1)
Amethyst Raven Searching for foes under alien skies. Series 6, Tier 17 (  1)
Vexing Tomorrow True are is rarely appreciated by its target audience. Series 8, Tier 47 (  1)
Avalanche Like Sidewinder, but with more polygons.
Black Rhine An artist appreciates their tools. The Exchange (  3)
OGX - The Exchange (  3)
Scorned Fate The hand of Atropos weighs heavily on executioners. The Exchange (  4)

Shotgun

Skins for the Shotgun.

Shotgun
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Woodland Camping is a legitimate strategy. Series 4, Tier 8 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 4, Tier 24 (  1)
Hunter's Blood Well armed. Well armored. Series 4, Tier 38 (  1)
Jade Raven Deep in trackless green. Series 6, Tier 85 (  1)
Vexing Tomorrow Inscribed by the finest artists for the ugliest jobs. Series 8, Tier 17 (  1)
Black Rhine Invest in close-range success. The Exchange (  3)
OGX The competition won't know what hit them. The Exchange (  3)
Scorned Fate Worn down by blood, time, and hate. The Exchange (  4)

Rocket Launcher

Skins for the Rocket Launcher.

Rocket Launcher
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Hunter's Blood Well armed. Well armored. Series 4, Tier 10 (  1)
Corrosion The Oxidation Sensation. Series 4, Tier 19 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5, Tier 22 (  1)
Vexing Tomorrow Each battle is a canvas, each rocket a brush. Series 8, Tier 44 (  1)
Black Rhine Dream big. The Exchange (  3)
OGX We're taking over this area. We don't need your permission. The Exchange (  3)
Scorned Fate Ancient weapons brought to light for a new age of war. The Exchange (  4)

SMG

Skins for the SMG.

SMG
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Tech Camo Alpha Don't wait up for me. Series 4, Tier 5 (  1)
Bengal The Real King of the Jungle. Series 4, Tier 15 (  1)
Hunter's Blood Well armed. Well armored. Series 4, Tier 25 (  1)
Scorpio On target, and on brand. Series 5, Tier 4 (  1)
Art of War Tag. You're it. Series 5, Tier 77 (  1)
Golden Bling on the ring. Series 5, Tier 93 (  1)

Flamethrower

Skins for the Flamethrower.

Flamethrower
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Hot Pepper It's sure to leave scar tissue. Series 4, Tier 15 (  1)
Dear John Halo: Grasslands Series 4, Tier 43 (  1)

Fuel Rod Gun

Skins for the Fuel Rod Gun.

Fuel Rod Gun
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Brutal A Jiralhanae's best friend. Series 4, Tier 30 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 5, Tier 95 (  1)

Needler

Skins for the Needler.

Needler
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Zealot Glory in an honorable death. Series 4, Tier 13 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 5, Tier 28 (  1)

Plasma Pistol

Skins for the Plasma Pistol.

Plasma Pistol
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Zealot Glory in an honorable death. Series 4, Tier 31 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 5, Tier 31 (  1)

Plasma Rifle

Skins for the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle.

Plasma Rifle
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
For those seeking redemption. Schism Series 4, Tier 40 (  1)
Keeper Still searching for true freedom. Series 5, Tier 91 (  1)

Covenant Carbine

Skins for the Carbine.

Covenant Carbine
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Zealot Glory in an honorable death. Series 5, Tier 36 (  1)
Splendor Maintaining the Writ of Union. Series 5, Tier 58 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 5, Tier 79 (  1)

Energy Sword

Skins for the Energy Sword.

Energy Sword
vde
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Bloodblade Hidden. Active. Deadly. The Silent Shadow have been. The Silent Shadow remain. Series 7, Tier 1 (  1)
Necroplasma The glow of fury for those who refuse to become pawns of the creeping death. Series 7, Tier 46 (  1)
Evocati's Edge Only the most adept blademasters were chosen to wield the Ultra's holy fire. Series 7 Challenge: Elite Swordplay
Darkstar Will Fied call out your name in the Hall of Eternity when your last breath has been spent? Series 7, The Exchange (  3)
Kaidon's Guard The Swords of Sanghelios brandish blades bound by honor—to defend a keep not bound by borders. Series 7, The Exchange (  3)
Lance of Suban Only Subanese natives may possess blades infused with a shard of the moon's own bounty. Series 7, The Exchange (  3)
Light of Joori Joori's warm light helps give Sanghelios life. This blade is for all who defend her. Series 7, The Exchange (  3)

Vehicle skins

Warthog

Skins for the Warthog.

Warthog
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Arctic Over snow by winter sown. Series 4, Tier 3 (  1)
Rally Hog One deadly homologation special. Series 4, Tier 29 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 4, Tier 42 (  1)
Amber Raven Because orange is obviously the best color. Series 6, Tier 94 (  1)
Black Rhine Moa-skin hubcaps optional. Series 6, The Exchange (  3)
Gilden Lion A chariot fit for heroes. Series 8 Challenge: The Hogfather
Complete the Beast Mode and Chrononaut challenges.
Great Journey Don't worry... I know what the aliens like.
Taxi Keep the meter running.
ONI Keeping secrets safe since 2178. Unreleased

Gauss Warthog

Skins for the Gauss Warthog.

Gauss Warthog
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Corrosion The Oxidation Sensation. Series 4, Tier 21 (  1)
Shark A different kind of mouthing off. Series 4, Tier 37 (  1)
Fire Truck For rapid-reaction firefighting fireteams. Series 6, Tier 86 (  1)

Ghost

Skins for the Ghost.

Ghost
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Zealot Glory in an honorable death. Series 4, Tier 7 (  1)
Ultra The Evocati don't mess around. Series 4, Tier 44 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 4, Tier 47 (  1)

Banshee

Skins for the Banshee.

Banshee
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Brutal A Jiralhanae's best friend. Series 4, Tier 12 (  1)
Schism For those seeking redemption. Series 4, Tier 23 (  1)
Zealot Glory in an honorable death. Series 4, Tier 34 (  1)

Scorpion

Skins for the Scorpion tank.

Scorpion
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Bengal The Real King of the Jungle. Series 4, Tier 12 (  1)
Grim Reaper Why so jolly, Roger? Series 4, Tier 27 (  1)
Arctic Over snow by winter sown. Series 4, Tier 39 (  1)
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 4, Tier 47 (  1)
Jade Raven Not all Scorpions hide in the sand. Series 6, Tier 96 (  1)
Black Rhine Worth its weight in gold. Series 6, The Exchange (  3)
Gilded Lion Have I ever told you the story of the Lion and the Scorpion? Series 8, Tier 80 (  1)

Mongoose

Skins for the Mongoose.

Mongoose
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Hazard Pay Safety first! Series 5 Challenge: Release The Geese
Amethyst Raven Purple makes you go faster, scientifically. Series 6, Tier 45 (  1)
Blue Lightning Put the pedal to the metal. Series 6, Tier 61 (  1)
Turbo The color of finality. Series 6, Tier 79 (  1)
Black Rhine Being stylish means never having to apologize for excess. Series 6, The Exchange (  3)
Gilded Lion Suitable for parades and full-frontal assaults. Series 8, Tier 11 (  1)

Hornet

Skins for the Hornet.

Hornet
Icon Name Description Unlock requirements
Default Default skin. Unlocked by default
Sapphire Raven The "whisper mode" option is not included. Series 6, Tier 100 (  1)
Black Rhine Golden parachute included as standard. Series 6, The Exchange (  3)
Gilded Lion Strange dreams of other realms often inspire UNSC pilots. Series 8, Tier 27 (  1)

Trivia

  • The "Scorpio" skin for the SMG, along with its black and green color palette, is a reference to the Xbox One X and its production codename "Project Scorpio".
  • The "Keeper" skin for the Plasma Rifle is a reference to the Keepers of the One Freedom and their official colors of blue and gold.
  • The colors and name of the "Dear John" skin for the Flamethrower are a reference to the John Deere manufacturing company. The skin's description is a play on Halo: Glasslands, with "Grasslands" likely referencing the lawn mowers for which John Deere is most famous for. The skin is also available for the flamethrower in the Halo: Combat Evolved portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
  • The name of the "Hot Pepper" skin for the Flamethrower is likely a reference to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is further evidenced by the skin's description which mentions "scar tissue," the name of one of the band's most popular songs.
  • The description of the "Splendor" Carbine skin mentions the Writ of Union, the founding charter of, and an oath of service to, the Covenant.
  • The description of the "Amethyst Raven" Mongoose skin is a reference to the "Red Ones Go Faster" trope which, in fiction, states that anything painted red (mainly vehicles) goes faster.
  • The "Grim Reaper" Scorpion skin features the text "ONE-38" and a skeletal face motif in reference to horror-punk band Misfits, notable for their "Fiend Skull" mascot and song titled "We Are 138".
  • The “Scarlet Thorn” Battle Rifle skin appears to be directly based off of the “Pioneer” Battle Rifle variant from Halo Online.
  • The name and designs of the skins: "Vexing Tomorrow" & "Scorned Fate" are most likely references to the enemy races, Vex & Scorn repectively, from the game series Destiny. Which Bungie made after leaving the Halo franchise.

Gallery

Sources