Destroy the Anti-Air Wraiths

Destroy the Anti-Air Wraiths in Halo 3 using the Scorpion tank, Spartan Laser, or Plasma Grenades to support UNSC Citadel assault.

This critical objective occurs during the "The Covenant" mission, specifically during the segment where you are tasked with clearing a path for the UNSC forces to assault the Citadel. Your primary goal is to neutralize the Covenant's formidable Anti-Air Wraith defenses, which are preventing air support and troop deployment. This section will guide you through the two distinct Anti-Air Wraith emplacements you must destroy.

Objective 1: Destroy the First Anti-Air Wraith Emplacement

Upon reaching the first major Covenant defensive line, you will be provided with a Scorpion tank. This is your primary tool for dismantling the initial Anti-Air Wraith defenses. The area is heavily fortified with Covenant infantry, Ghosts, and at least two Anti-Air Wraiths.

Recommended Loadout & Strategy:

• Primary Vehicle: Scorpion Tank (initial spawn)
• Secondary Weapons (on foot): Spartan Laser, Rocket Launcher, Brute Shot
• Grenades: Plasma Grenades (for disabling vehicles), Frag Grenades (for infantry)

Walkthrough Steps:

1. Initial Engagement: As you drive your Scorpion tank into the area, immediately target the most visible Anti-Air Wraith. Its plasma mortars are devastating, so prioritize eliminating it quickly.
2. Vehicle Prioritization: After the first Wraith, focus on any Ghosts or other Covenant vehicles that attempt to flank you. A single Scorpion shell can destroy a Ghost.
3. Targeting the Second Wraith: The second Anti-Air Wraith is often positioned further back or slightly to the side, sometimes behind cover. Use your Scorpion's zoom to locate it and deliver precise shots.
4. Maintaining Mobility: Continuously move your Scorpion. The Wraiths' plasma mortars have a splash damage radius, and remaining stationary makes you an easy target. Circle strafing or advancing and retreating can help you avoid direct hits.
5. Dealing with Infantry: While your main focus is vehicles, don't ignore Covenant infantry, especially Brutes with Fuel Rod Cannons or Plasma Cannons. A quick burst from your Scorpion's machine gun can clear them out.
6. Tank Damage & Bailout: If your Scorpion takes heavy damage (indicated by smoke and sparks), be prepared to bail out. Look for another Scorpion tank often found in the vicinity, or proceed on foot.
7. On-Foot Tactics (if Scorpion is lost):
   • Spartan Laser: If you find a Spartan Laser, it's highly effective against Wraiths. Charge it fully and aim for the top or rear of the Wraith for maximum damage. Two to three direct hits will destroy it.
   • Rocket Launcher: Similar to the Spartan Laser, the Rocket Launcher is excellent for vehicle destruction. Aim for direct hits.
   • Plasma Grenades: Stick plasma grenades to the Wraith's chassis. Two or three well-placed grenades can disable or destroy it.
   • Flanking: use the terrain for cover and attempt to flank the Wraiths. Their main cannon has a limited firing arc, making them vulnerable from the sides and rear.

Common Pitfalls:

• Ignoring Plasma Mortars: Standing still in the Scorpion will quickly lead to its destruction.
• Overextending: Don't rush too far ahead without clearing the immediate threats, as you can be overwhelmed by multiple vehicles.
• Forgetting Power Weapons: If your tank is destroyed, remember that Rocket Launchers and Spartan Lasers are often scattered around the battlefield, particularly near weapon caches or fallen UNSC soldiers.

Objective 2: Destroy the Second Anti-Air Wraith Emplacement

After successfully clearing the first emplacement, you will proceed further into the Covenant defenses. This area typically features more rugged terrain, offering both cover and potential ambush points. You will encounter another set of Anti-Air Wraiths, often supported by Ghosts, Choppers, and a significant number of Brutes.

Recommended Loadout & Strategy:

Similar to the first section, a vehicle is highly recommended. If you managed to preserve your Scorpion or found a new one, it remains the best option. Otherwise, consider a Warthog with a gunner, or rely on heavy weapons on foot.

Walkthrough Steps:

1. Approach with Caution: The approach to the second emplacement is often through a more confined space or a valley. Be wary of ambushes from Ghosts or Brutes with Fuel Rod Cannons.
2. Identify Wraith Locations: Use your binoculars or scope to identify the positions of the Anti-Air Wraiths before engaging. They are often strategically placed to cover wide areas.
3. use Terrain: This area often has more natural cover like rocks and hills. Use these to your advantage for cover, flanking maneuvers, and breaking line of sight from the Wraiths' mortars.
4. Prioritize the Wraiths: As before, the Anti-Air Wraiths are your primary targets. Destroy them to open up the sky for UNSC air support.
5. Dealing with Support Vehicles: Choppers and Ghosts will attempt to harass you. Use your Scorpion's cannon or heavy weapons to quickly dispatch them. If on foot, Plasma Grenades are excellent for disabling Choppers, allowing you to hijack them.
6. Brute Encounters: Expect heavy Brute resistance, including Brute Chieftains. Focus fire on them, or use grenades to clear groups.
7. Alternative Vehicle (Warthog): If a Scorpion isn't available, a Warthog can be effective, especially if you have an AI or co-op partner as a gunner. The Warthog's turret can shred infantry and damage vehicles, but it's more vulnerable than the Scorpion.
8. Strategic Retreat: Don't be afraid to pull back if you're taking too much damage. Regroup, find new weapons, or wait for your shields to recharge before re-engaging.

Tactical Advice for Wraith Destruction:

• Weak Points: While not explicitly a "weak point" in the traditional sense, the rear engine compartment of a Wraith takes slightly more damage from ballistic weapons. However, for plasma-based weapons like the Spartan Laser or Plasma Grenades, any direct hit is effective.
• EMP Effect: Sticking a Plasma Grenade to a Wraith will temporarily disable its movement and weapon systems, making it an easy target for follow-up attacks.
• Hijacking (Heroic/Legendary): On higher difficulties, hijacking a Wraith can be a viable (though risky) strategy. Stick a Plasma Grenade to disable it, then approach and melee the driver. This allows you to turn the Wraith's powerful cannon against the remaining Covenant forces.