Enemy Types and Tactics Guide

Grunt: These are weak cannon fodder, easily killed with a headshot (a shot to the head). They attack in groups of at least four and may flee if their numbers are thinned or an Elite is killed nearby. They typically wield plasma pistols and throw plasma grenades, but can sometimes have needlers or Fuel Rod Cannons.

Suicide Grunt: Similar to regular Grunts, they can be killed with a single headshot. They will charge at you with activated plasma grenades and explode upon reaching you. Shoot them before they get close to neutralize them. Use your radar (a display showing nearby enemies) to detect them, as they are not very noisy and can sneak up on you.

Shield Jackal: These enemies are fairly weak and susceptible to a headshot. Their primary defense is a large blue shield. They advance while providing mobile cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects) for other enemies. To defeat them, shoot their gun hand on the left side of the shield to stun them and make them drop it temporarily. Alternatively, a plasma overcharge from a plasma pistol or a grenade will cause them to drop their shield. Once their shield is down, aim for their head. They usually have plasma pistols and can use their overcharge, which can instantly strip your shields.

Sniper Jackal: These Jackals lack shields but are positioned on ledges, accurately firing beam rifles and covenant carbines. A headshot will kill them, but spotting and eliminating them quickly is key to avoiding damage.

Bugger: These relatively weak enemies, usually armed with plasma pistols, attack in fast-moving swarms, making them difficult to target. Automatic weapons with a spread, like the SMG or plasma rifles, are effective against them while airborne. Precision weapons work best when they are stationary.

Engineer: These floating enemies resemble Prophets and are well-shielded. They can generate energy shields on nearby enemies. Killing an Engineer removes any shields they have provided to other Covenant forces.

Brute: The Covenant equivalent of Spartans, Brutes have rechargeable energy shields. You must break their shields before shooting their exposed body to kill them. They are top-tier enemies, wielding weapons like the Brute Plasma Rifle, Covenant Carbine, Needlers, and Fuel Rod Cannons, and they also throw plasma grenades.

Brute Chieftain: These Brutes have enhanced armor and more resilient energy shields. When angered, they wield a gravity hammer and charge at you, which can be an instant kill if they hit. Either defeat them quickly or sprint away to create distance before engaging.

Hunter: The largest enemies, Hunters always appear in pairs. They are heavily armored with a shield in one hand and a Fuel Rod Cannon in the other. They can lunge and shield bash if you get too close, or fire their explosive cannon from a distance. Their weak spot is the center of their back. Use sticky detonators or grenades to cause an explosion behind them, or lure them into lunging, dodge, and then attack their weak spot. Shotguns are effective.