Halo: The Master Chief Collection Skulls List

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Chief Canuck

Skulls are switches that can be activated to tweak campaign gameplay. They are available in every Halo campaign, and Halo 4’s Spartan Ops.

SCORE MULTIPLIER

Many Skulls have an effect on your final point tally in Campaign Scoring. Others will disable Campaign Scoring entirely, and are just for fun.

HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED SKULLS

The following Skulls are available in Halo: Combat Evolved campaign:

Bandanna: Infinite ammo and grenades. Where’s the bandanna? Under your helmet of course.
Black Eye: Your shields will only recharge after you melee an enemy. Why? Magnets.
Boom: The damage radius of explosives is doubled. This also affects chain-reaction explosions!
Eye Patch: Aim assist is disabled for all weapons. You’ll miss it when it’s gone.
Famine: Dropped weapons have half the ammunition. The Feast Skull was cut.
Fog: Your motion tracker is disabled.
Foreign: You cannot pick up or use Covenant weapons.
Grunt Birthday Party: Landing a headshot on Grunts will release confetti, cheers, and invisible rainbows.
Grunt Funeral: Grunt bodies explode like a Plasma Grenade. Methane + ? = Boom.
Iron: Dying in solo play forces you to restart from the beginning of the level. In co-op, if any player dies you all are sent back to the last saved checkpoint. May result in damaged friendships.
Malfunction: A HUD element will disappear at every respawn.
Mythic: All Covenant enemies have twice the health, and Sentinels are given energy shields.
Pinata: Punching enemies will cause grenades to drop. Don’t think too much about where they were stored.
Recession: Every shot uses two ammo. It’s simple Halonomics.

HALO 2 SKULLS

In addition to the Skulls still hidden in the game, we’ve added a huge variety of additional modifiers you can use. Here’s the full list:

Anger: Enemies fire weapons much more aggressively. The Covenant discovered they have infinite ammo, and they want to show off.
Assassins: All enemies are cloaked. Covenant Ninja Academy, class of 2552.
Bandana: Unlimited ammo and grenades. You must wear a bandana in real life.
Blind: Your HUD disappears and your weapon does not display. The perils of being made by the lowest bidder.
Boom: All explosion physics impulses are increased. Glorious science!
Black Eye: Your shields will only recharge after you melee an enemy. Perk up your shield’s spirit by dispensing two-fisted cyborg justice.
Catch: Enemies throw more grenades. Down in front!
Envy: The Chief has Active Camo and the Arbiter gets a flashlight. Not fair!
Eye Patch: Disables auto-aim. We recommend adjusting your controller sensitivity.
Famine: Dropped weapons have significantly less ammo. Budget cuts.
Feather: All melee strikes impart additional force. Pow!
Fog: Your motion tracker is disabled. Keep your eyes sharp.
Foreign: You cannot pick up Covenant weapons. Union rules.
Ghost: Allies and enemies no longer flinch, meaning they shoot more often. No pain, firepower gain.
Grunt Birthday Party: Grunt headshots release party favors. ‘Nuff said.
Grunt Funeral: Grunts explode after death. Oh, the humanity!
Iron: Don’t die. Playing solo you have to start the mission over. In co-op you’re all sent back to the last checkpoint.
IWHBYD: Rare dialog is more common, and vice versa. Did he really just say that?
Jacked: You can only pilot a vehicle by hijacking it. Video games made you do it.
Malfunction: Each death removes a random element of your HUD. You didn’t want that shield indicator anyways … right?
Masterblaster (Co-Op Only): One player has recharging overshields and can only melee. The second player has no shields, but infinite ammo. Roles switch after a random number of kills. Who runs Mombasa-town?
Mythic: Enemies have increased health and shields. Covenant forces have been bulking up.
Pinata: Enemies drop a plasma grenade when you hit them with a melee attack. Smack, shield crack, and grenade pop.
Prophet Birthday Party: Every smack to the Prophet of Regret’s face is accompanied by epic Steve Vai guitar licks and lightning bolts.
Recession: Every shot uses two ammo. The ammo usage has been altered, pray we don’t alter it further.
Scarab: All player-held weapons fire the Scarab Gun beam. Unlocked when you find all the original Halo 2 Skulls.
So … Angry …: Enraged Brutes will explode shortly after enraging. The secret is, they’re always angry.
Sputnik: Mass of all objects is reduced. Combine with Boom and Feather for maximum enjoyment.
Streaking: Your shields constantly decay, but recharge a bit after each enemy kill. There’s an invisible energy vampire stuck on your back. His name is Ed.
Swarm: Let go my golo! Hunters are even more robust and deal extra damage with attacks. Unlocked after you watch all five episodes of Halo: Nightfall on the Halo Channel and complete the associated challenges.
That’s Just … Wrong: Enemies have a cyborg-detecting sixth sense.
They Come Back: Infection Forms that reanimate a corpse are much stronger than normal. Clean up any bodies before that happens.
Thunderstorm: Field promotions for every enemy in the Chief’s path.

HALO 3 SKULLS

You do not need to find the hidden Halo 3 Skulls to unlock them in The Master Chief Collection.

Black Eye: Your shields will only recharge after you melee an enemy.
Blind: Your HUD display is disabled. Count your bullets.
Catch: Friends and foes throw – and drop – more grenades. You’ve been warned.
Cowbell: Physics impulse of melee and explosions is increased. You wanted more, you got it.
Famine: Dropped weapons have half the ammunition.
Fog: Your motion tracker is disabled.
Grunt Birthday Party: Landing a headshot on Grunts with a precision weapon reveals their skull contained confetti and cheers. Hurray!
Iron: Dying in solo play forces you to restart from the beginning of the level. In co-op, if any player dies you all are sent back to the last saved checkpoint.
IWHBYD: Rare dialog is more common, and vice versa. Some things just can’t be un-heard . . .
Mythic: All Covenant enemies have twice the health and shields.
Thunderstorm: Enemies are promoted to the highest rank. You’ll also encounter more shields on Flood Elites and Sentinels.
Tilt: Enemy resistances and weaknesses are amplified. For example, shields and armor take more damage from plasma, but are further hardened against projectiles.
Tough Luck: Enemies will evade grenades and projectile attacks more skillfully. Brutes and Grunts are significantly more reckless when their backs are to the wall.

HALO 4 SKULLS

You can turn on any of the following Skulls in Halo 4’s campaign and Spartan Ops:

Black Eye: Shields don’t recharge unless you melee enemies. Biff! Kapow!
Blind: Your HUD display is disabled, and your first-person arms and weapons are invisible.
Catch: Enemies throw more grenades. Take cover!
Cloud: Your motion tracker is disabled.
Cowbell: The force of explosions is increased.
Famine: Dropped weapons have half the ammunition.
Grunt Birthday Party: Headshotting hapless Grunts results in a HAPPY BOOM TIME!
Iron: Solo – Restart mission on death. Co-Op – Back to previous checkpoint on death.
IWHBYD: Rare combat dialog is more common.
Mythic: All enemies have increased health.
Thunderstorm: Enemies are promoted to the highest rank. Specialists, such as Rangers and Zealots, are not promoted.
Tilt: Resistances and weaknesses are amplified for yourself and enemies.
Tough Luck: Enemies will never flee, will berserk at the slightest aspersion to their parentage, and dodge projectiles with the greatest of ease.

The Halo Bulletin: April 10th, 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Chief Canuck

April 8th not only marked the launch of the Castle Map Pack but also the beginning of a full week of Halo 4 festivities. While we’ve been busy keeping the contests, challenges and giveaways going, I thought we’d stop for a second to both catch our breath and get you up to speed on what exactly this week has to offer. Spoiler: It’s a lot!

Castle Map Pack

Daybreak, Outcast and Perdition are officially here. Whether you fancy yourself a driver or just have a thing for large battles over open spaces, this is the add-on for you. Featuring three brand new medium-to-large maps, the Castle Map Pack can be yours for 800 Microsoft Points or the low, low price of nothing, should you be a Limited Edition or War Games Map Pass owner.

Competitive Skill Rank

For the past several weeks, one of the most common questions across the Halosphere has been, “When are we getting ranks?” On Monday, I was able to stop using everybody’s favorite word (soon!) and start saying, “You can haz.” Your Competitive Skill Rank, or CSR, is now available on all screens of Halo Waypoint – mobile, web, console and SmartGlass. If you’d like a detailed write-up about how this brand new, 1-50 skill-based system works, check out last week’s Bulletin. To see your set of numbers in action, make sure you’re signed in and then click the Halo 4 logo on the navigation bar at the top of the page.

CSR Challenge

For the five-oh fans amongst you, anybody who reaches CSR level 35 or higher at any point on or between April 8th to April 22nd will receive a free Avatar t-shirt. It kind of looks like the image you see to the left. And by “kind of”, I mean “totally”. Because it is.

Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2

Some people like the steady hum of Halo in their earholes. If that describes you, you’ll be excited to hear Halo 4 Original Soundtrack Volume 2 is now available for your purchasing pleasure. Frankie uses it in conjunction with a fire, glass of wine and bearskin rug. You should feel free to do the same.

Spartan Ops Challenge

Maybe you’ve played through all 10 episodes or perhaps you have yet to venture into this particular game mode. Regardless of which group you fall into, playing and completing any 5 missions of Spartan Ops will result in a t-shirt being added to your Avatar’s virtual wardrobe. Speaking of which…

New Halo-themed Avatar Items

You may not be able to don the ancient armor of the Didact in real life but that doesn’t mean your virtual mini-me should be stuck with the same fate. Get stomped on by a Mantis or enjoy the sight of balls flying around your face by dipping into the newest additions to the Halo Avatar Collection, which includes Didact Avatar Armor, a Cryptum Ball prop and more.

Halo 4 DLC Sale

On Friday, April 12, there will be a Halo 4 DLC sale for anyone who has not yet purchased the War Games Map Pass or the first two individual Map Packs. A listing of the sale prices is as follows:

Halo 4 War Games Map Pass: 1600 Microsoft Points (Originally 2000 Microsoft Points)
Crimson Map Pack: 600 Microsoft Points (Originally 800 Microsoft Points)
Majestic Map Pack: 600 Microsoft Points (Originally 800 Microsoft Points)

We hope all of the aforementioned features, items and challenges keep you busy. Should you need one more thing to add to your to-do list, however, I invite you to continue reading this Bulletin. Word-wise it will be a bit lighter than usual this week, but we will still cover a few relevant points of interest. Here to tackle the first one with you is Bravo, who some people say is based but I say on what.

Current State of Weapon Balancing

Bravo here with a weapon balancing update! As we have mentioned in various Halo Bulletins, panels and live streams over the past few weeks, we are currently evaluating the state of Halo 4’s weapon balance. The sustain, sandbox, multiplayer and test teams have been working together and evaluating which weapons and categories of weapons need some attention, and we are happy to say that our internal testing has allowed us to make great progress.

We have also mentioned that we are approaching weapon re-balancing very carefully, as each change that is checked requires vigorous testing to ensure that it benefits the entire sandbox, and that gameplay is improved on a global level across all of Halo 4’s maps, game modes and scenarios. Because of this, the process takes several weeks while we are in a constant cycle of making tweaks, testing and retesting. This being said, we are well underway and will be bringing this update to Halo 4 Matchmaking as soon as it’s ready.

Here are some of the big ticket items we’re currently looking at:

Precision Weapon Balance

Our goal of the upcoming balance update is to create an even balance across all precision rifles (DMR, Battle Rifle, Carbine and LightRifle). Our latest tests have included (but are not limited to) rate of fire and damage tweaks to several weapons within this category. Additionally, it is important to create balance amongst all primary weapons, which leads into the next category.

Automatic Weapon Balance

An important part of overall balance is ensuring that each weapon excels within its intended role. As we move the dials to tweak some of the precision weapons, it demands that certain tweaks also be made to automatic weapons, which include the Assault Rifle, Suppressor and more. We are investigating modifying the rate of fire, accuracy and damage on these weapons.

Vehicle Weapon Balance

We have seen many community concerns that certain vehicles may be examples of sandbox elements that could be improved. We are currently looking at tuning some of the weapons that these vehicles have at their disposal in order to increase their usefulness and viability. We greatly value the teamwork (and fun) required in riding around in a Warthog with a buddy, and want to ensure that this and other vehicles have great draw and value.

Also, we are taking a look at many weapons that do not fit within these categories to ensure that the sandbox is providing the most ideal experience possible for all users in all playlists and game modes. As we finish up our internal testing, we look forward to providing further updates on the weapons that will be receiving attention and the specific changes that will be made, once finalized.

Competitive Skill Rank Challenge – The First 24 Hours

Many of you have already been introduced to CSR. For the uninitiated, your Competitive Skill Rank (CSR) measures your performance against other players in Halo 4 Matchmaking War Games. You have a CSR specific to each active playlist, which can be seen on all screens of Halo Waypoint. It is a number from 1 to 50 (higher is better) which goes up and down based on match outcomes. Your best CSR is shown on your Player Card and Service Record, as well as Player Compare.

Competitive Skill Rank is a brand new feature for Halo 4 and to celebrate, we issued you a challenge: Play in the Castle DLC playlist from April 8th at 2am PST to April 22nd at 2 am PST, reach CSR level 35 or higher at any point on or between these dates, and you’ll receive an avatar tee. If you’ve been striving to hit that magic number and are curious about how you stack up when compared to everybody else, here are some stats from the first 24 hours CSR was live.

If you’re hoping to get your hands on the CSR Challenge’s avatar item, check out the below tips, courtesy of Bravo.

Capture the Flag – Daybreak

Daybreak CTF is probably my favorite game type in the Castle DLC playlist. There is always a lot of action on Daybreak, but here’s what’s most important:

Use your Sniper Rifle wisely – Daybreak’s two-base feel is complimented by an opening Sniper Battle. Talk to your Sniper and decide if they want to challenge the enemy Sniper, assist with Rockets or help in securing the Banshee.
The Banshee is king – I’d recommend sending at least two players towards the Banshee, and maybe even your Sniper. If the enemy team gets the Banshee, have your Plasma Pistols ready.
Treat the map as if it were an arena-style map – When running a flag, run it along the outer edge (Banshee side or Rocket side) towards your team. If your team is supporting you, the enemy will spawn at their base or on the opposite side. Escort your flag carrier, rinse and repeat.

King of the Hill – Perdition

Perdition KotH is an exciting and refreshing game type in that all of the hills offer totally different sightlines and playspaces. Several things to remember on this game type:

Go for map control, not just hill control – Several of the hills are in closed spaces, e.g., the control room or “Ghost Garage.” Because of this, you’ll want to establish a presence outside of the hills while one or two teammates lock down the hill itself. If you turtle inside the room, you’re a sitting duck.
The Ghost is your friend – Because of its mobility and usefulness, the Ghost is your best bet when trying to clear out one of the open hills, such as the Reactor. If your teammates are using precision weapons, they should have no trouble cleaning up all of your weak, helpless enemies as you run laps around the map’s outer track.

Infinity Slayer – Outcast

Outcast Slayer is a fun game type for several reasons, including the Mantis vs. Wraith battle, and the fact that all action seems to funnel straight into the middle. Stick to the outside – and these tips – to find victory on this map.

Use your vehicle wisely – Each team is given a powerful vehicle. When you have the Wraith or the Mantis, make sure you’re not blindly charging into the middle of the map, as the corresponding enemy vehicle could be around any turn.
Use the Mongoose to flank the enemy – If you can find a pathway that is clear of vehicular opposition, you may be able to flank the enemy by hopping into a Mongoose and getting behind enemy lines. Once there, let your teammates know, and time your attack accordingly.
Rush the Rockets – The Rocket Launcher spawns in the middle of the map, so be sure to sprint in and bring it back to give you the upper hand against the inevitable infantry vs. vehicle battles that are soon to be underway. The enemy team is undoubtedly looking to do the same thing, though, as this area is the first choke point in most matches.

Halo 4 Screenshot Spotlight – Space

Last week we shined the spotlight on vehicles. This week we decided to go with outer space. Take a gander at the images below, which were taken in the void that exists between celestial bodies, and then capture your own for your shot at being featured in next week’s Bulletin.

For your chance at being in the next spotlight, take a Grifball-themed screenshot. Then tag it with “Grifball” and “Halo Waypoint”, and maybe, just maybe, yours will be featured in the next Halo Bulletin!