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Halo Unit Types: A Guide to the Covenant, Flood & Banished

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Updated 2025-07-17

Halo Unit Types: A Guide to the Covenant, Flood & Banished

Overview of Halo Unit Types

Halo: Campaign Evolved brings the classic combat experience to PC with a complete remaster. Understanding the different unit types is essential for mastering the battlefield. Whether you are facing the Covenant, the Flood, or the Banished, each unit has unique behaviors, weapons, and vulnerabilities. This guide breaks down every major unit type you will encounter, helping you choose the right strategy for each engagement. For a broader introduction to the game, check out our gameplay overview.

Covenant Unit Types

The Covenant are a theocratic alliance of alien species. Their units are diverse, ranging from cannon fodder to elite warriors.

  • Grunts (Unggoy): Small, cowardly creatures that often flee when their leader is killed. They are weak but dangerous in numbers. A single headshot from any weapon will eliminate them.
  • Jackals (Kig-Yar): Known for their wrist-mounted shields. They are excellent marksmen. Use plasma weapons to overload their shields or grenades to flush them out.
  • Elites (Sangheili): The backbone of the Covenant military. They are agile, intelligent, and equipped with energy shields. Plasma weapons are highly effective against their shields, while ballistic weapons finish them off.
  • Hunters (Mgalekgolo): Massive, armored creatures composed of worm-like forms. Their only weak point is the exposed orange flesh on their backs. Avoid frontal assaults; use flanking maneuvers or heavy weapons like the rocket launcher.
  • Prophets (San'Shyuum): Rare, high-value targets. They are frail but often guarded by Honor Guards. Focus on eliminating their protectors first.

For a deeper dive into specific enemy strategies, see our enemy types guide.

Flood Unit Types

The Flood is a parasitic alien species that infects and transforms other lifeforms. They are terrifying up close.

  • Infection Forms: Small, skittering creatures that latch onto your face. They are weak but can stun you, allowing larger forms to attack. Melee attacks or rapid fire are effective.
  • Combat Forms: Former human or Elite hosts. They are aggressive and use the weapons they held in life. Aim for the head or the glowing infection sac on their chest.
  • Carrier Forms: Bloated, walking sacs that explode when damaged, releasing a swarm of Infection Forms. Keep your distance and use precision weapons to pop them safely.
  • Pure Forms: The Flood's natural combat form. They are heavily armored and can transform into ranged or melee variants. Use plasma weapons and grenades to wear them down.

Banished Unit Types

The Banished are a brutal mercenary faction that broke away from the Covenant. They are less organized but more ruthless.

  • Brutes (Jiralhanae): Large, powerful, and prone to rage. They use heavy weapons and can charge at you. Their armor is tough, but they are vulnerable to headshots when enraged.
  • Skimmers (Yonhet): Small, quick, and annoying. They often carry plasma pistols and can dodge attacks. Use automatic weapons to track their movement.
  • Banished Elites: Similar to Covenant Elites but often equipped with unique, upgraded armor. They are more aggressive and may use cloaking technology.
  • Chieftains: Brute leaders with powerful energy hammers and shields. They are mini-bosses that require coordinated attacks. Use plasma weapons to drain their shields, then hit them with precision fire.

Allied Unit Types

You will occasionally fight alongside UNSC and allied forces.

  • Marines: Human soldiers with standard ballistic weapons. They are fragile but provide valuable support fire. Keep them alive to draw enemy attention.
  • Spartans (NPCs): Occasionally, other Spartans will assist you. They are tough, use advanced weapons, and can hold their own against Elites. Use them as a distraction while you flank.
  • Sentinel Units: Ancient Forerunner constructs that can be either hostile or friendly. They are resistant to ballistic weapons but weak to plasma. Use them to your advantage when possible.

Tips for Facing Different Unit Types

Adapting your loadout and tactics to the unit types you face is key to survival. For more advanced strategies, read our beginner tips guide.

Tip: Always carry a precision weapon (like a Battle Rifle) for headshots on Grunts and Jackals, and a plasma weapon (like a Plasma Pistol) for draining shields on Elites and Brutes.

Covenant

Use plasma weapons for shields, then switch to ballistic for the kill. Hunters require flanking.

Flood

Avoid close quarters. Use shotguns and explosives to clear rooms. Headshots are crucial.

Banished

Focus on Brute Chieftains first. Use grenades to break their charge and plasma for their shields.

Unit Type Weakness Reference

Use this checklist to quickly identify the best counter for each unit type.

  • Grunts: Any headshot weapon
  • Jackals: Plasma pistol (overcharge) or grenades
  • Elites: Plasma weapons (shields), Battle Rifle (headshot)
  • Hunters: Rocket launcher, grenades (to exposed back)
  • Brutes: Plasma weapons (shields), sniper (headshot)
  • Infection Forms: Melee, SMG, or shotgun
  • Combat Forms: Headshot or chest sac
  • Carrier Forms: Precision weapon (pop from range)

By mastering these unit types, you will be well-prepared for any encounter in Halo: Campaign Evolved. For more details on weapons and loadouts, visit our weapons guide.

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