Armor Discussions

[SpartanSweed]

Alright folks, here’s the scoop. We all have our thoughts on all the armor sets throughout the games, here’s the place to talk about them! I want to hear why you like what you like, what parts stand out to you, why this armor set is your favorite.

Y’all know the rules, there’s to be no putting down of others for like or not liking an armor set. Keep it clean, and we’ll all go home knowing a bit more about each other.

I’ll go first: I’ve always like mk7. Since the release of Infinite, it’s been my main core I’ve rocked in game. It’s just so clean, an homage to the armor of the past, but with a fresh look and style all its own. I can’t wait to finish my own mk7 irl!

My dislike is controversial: Mk5b. Mainly it’s the back and forearms, I miss having the thrusters on the back, it just adds to the silhouette so much. With the forearms, they’re just very busy looking, it’s hard to figure out what exactly fits into where when I look at them.


And hey, this isn’t just exclusively Spartans. ODST’s, Marines, even just helmets, I want to hear what you all like!

I’ve said my piece, so let’s get this discussion goin!

 

[rickrtickr]

Armor cores. as a concept are a great way of easily separating and defining the major design language of a particular set of armor.

As implanted in game not being a particularly concerning issue to me I personally define the core system like this:

The primary platform of the Mojlnir-powered assault armor.
This means: The undersuit, the powerplant, and the "Default" elements that largely remain unchanged by any level of customization.
From an art style perspective, these elements are typically: The torso, the codpiece, thighs, boots, inner shoulder mounts, and forearms.

with the above in mind, there are a few elements that I have always preferred in my personal taste when it comes to the various spartan armors.

* I have always preferred the "boxy" design of the vents for the fusion core, exemplified in the MK VI, MK VII, and MK VI Gen 3.
This is in my opinion one of the definitive design elements that make Spartan armor so recognizable.

* I have always liked elements that really hammer home the "walking tank" feel of the various armors. which is why I think I have always liked the MK IV so much for so long.

* Cohesive and purpose-built. form fitting and no floating parts.

As to dislikes.

There are things that I dislike, but they largely factor as direct counters to things that I like.

*Flowing lines for "art" sake, most recognizable in Halo 5, there are several armors that seem to levitate above the shoulders of the person wearing it rather than feeling like nearly a ton of titanium.

*Similar to SpartanSweed above, I have difficulty with armors that lack that definitive profile. MK Vb, SPI, and Rakshasa. but that is purely because I love the other profile so much.

If I had to make my own favorite I would have to say this: (I found it on Pinterest but I call it the MK IV Gen 3) and it is what I am working towards for my own armor. of course just in blue rather than green.

 

[TheBigC]

Favorite: MK6, I really like the overly angular design and sharp edges. I think it just makes the armor look super aggressive and is just a good contrast visually in an "alien vs humans" setting. You have your big bulky aliens and you have your sharp armored main character.

Dislike: I know it's basic but the Chimera. I think it's a really unique design and love the look just not in a Halo setting, it almost feels like the flagship design for a completely different game. A little too much focus on the undersuit and distinctive muscle design when I really just want a cool looking armor

 

[SpartanSweed]

It’s great to hear what people enjoy about the franchise!

Mk4 has really grown on me, I love how the chest piece is basically armored pectorals. Seeing 052 and SSG’s Omega Team this past year has really reaffirmed my appreciation for the armor

 

[BlazingForge]

Lets get cracking! Halo infinite has a ton of cores I personally really like! My favorites have to be the MK VII, Mirage, and Rakshasa cores. Though I only really use the MK VII and Mirage cores! i just really love the way those two look and how versatile those cores are and how unique you can make both of them.

Dislike: Honestly I don't hate the MK IV but I personally just feel like I can never actually get a decent looking build with it that I personally really like. I also just personally don't like the hazmat or chimera cores that much. Chimera the least just because i personally don't like the over complexity and completely different style as much

 

[Negativecacti]

I've got a hot take. I really like the Gen2 armor from H4/H5. Yeah it it does have its own problems like the absence of armor in the abdominal & lower back areas. But it has a special place in my heart for being the first armor set I've made and rebuilt this suit so many time. Also the Gen2 Recon is peak helmet design, I like it over reach mk.5b.

 

[CYNE 739]

Likes: Infinite gets so many of the cores right, and in my opinion the MK4 and SPI armour came out looking the best. MK 4 is exactly what I think of when someone says 'Spartan', it's design is a walking tank. SPI armour is perfect for it's role as well, it's so slick and stealthy while keeping the feeling of a spartan.

Hot Take: I think The Package / FUD's rendition of Chief is the best he has ever looked.

That helmet is my absolute favourite variant of the MkVI gen 1 helmet, it's just so mean and intimidating. What I'd expect from a war machine.

(I think that's why 343 cooked so hard with Infinite armour, it borrows alot from this design and mashes it with the iconic Halo 2/3 look)

 

[Negativecacti]

I agree, they did chief right in infinite with the package/FOD look, a vast improvement from 4/5.

 

[tahu505]

You all knew this was coming. I LOVE THE GRENADIER HELMET!!!!! From the moment I first saw it while scrolling through helmets in Reach during 2011, it just felt the most me. It has a sharp bulky look without being too angular and bulky. It just has the perfect balance. All of my armor sets in Infinite, I select the grenadier helmet first, then build the armor around the helmet. I've been able to make grenadier look good on every core.

Now for the different variants of grenadier.

Starting with Reach. This one is perfect. Nothing bad to say. This is what I've used on both of my armor builds and the Extra Life charity helmet. To me, this is the peak.

Then there's Infinite. This is almost exactly the same as Reach, except the fins on the cheek are a bit longer and asymmetrical. Not at all bad, I just slightly prefer the shorter symmetrical fins.

This one "technically" isn't grenadier, but is worth noting, the indomitable helmet from Halo 5. The proportions on this one are slightly different, less football shaped. The cheek fins are long and thick, a lot of the detailing is minimized and smoothed out, the visor is smoother instead of bubbling out, and there's an AI chip slot in the back. Indomitable gets the job done for feeling like a grenadier in Halo 5, but not quite the same.

 

[CYNE 739]

Then there's Infinite. This is almost exactly the same as Reach, except the fins on the cheek are a bit longer and asymmetrical. Not at all bad, I just slightly prefer the shorter symmetrical fins.
View attachment 357381

the multiple helmet attachments please Halo studios, make it happen! (and while they're at it, multiple hip attachments)

grenadier is a classic, definitely up there with Halo's best looking helmets. And I have to say, I really enjoy Halo 5's rendition of grenadier, it's different enough to give it a whole new vibe. I definitely don't have a type or anything pfff (straight edges and mean looking)

 

[tahu505]

the multiple helmet attachments please Halo studios, make it happen! (and while they're at it, multiple hip attachments)

grenadier is a classic, definitely up there with Halo's best looking helmets. And I have to say, I really enjoy Halo 5's rendition of grenadier, it's different enough to give it a whole new vibe. I definitely don't have a type or anything pfff (straight edges and mean looking)

Yeah indomitable is definitely different enough where it's a different vibe from grenadier, which isn't a bad thing. Just out of personal preference, actual grenadier hits right for me

 

[Lifetohaven]

some people may not agree but eod is my one favorite helmet of all time. no matter what gen, game, or variant (sept rampart rip mk7 eod) ive been rocking eod since reach and ive never looked back. heck I even like the eagle strike eod too. good eod --->

in time out for only looking good with a attachment --->

 

[SpartanSweed]

Gen 2 seems hit or miss with folks, but it’s got a few gems. I’d like to do the base recruit armor set from Halo 4, especially the version we see the 4’s wear when we meet them in the campaign. It looks like a very good starter/base armor design.

Halo 5’a helljumper needs no further elaboration, it’s Buck’s armor of course it’s peak design. Honestly I’m tempted to make his helmet to go with a Mk7 build, since Firefall is resoundingly popular

 

[KaeSpoon]

I've got a hot take. I really like the Gen2 armor from H4/H5. Yeah it it does have its own problems like the absence of armor in the abdominal & lower back areas. But it has a special place in my heart for being the first armor set I've made and rebuilt this suit so many time. Also the Gen2 Recon is peak helmet design, I like it over reach mk.5b.View attachment 357369

I am truly a sucker for the Halo 4/5 armor sets when you can freely kitbash them to your liking. It would have been revolutionary if we could have chosen what style we wanted for every armor piece. However; due to being able to only choose a helmet and standard set of body armor in Halo 5 due to limitations, creativity was very limited. Overall, some armors knocked it out of the park while others were less of a homerun.

An example of this is a model a friend kindly made for me 3-4 years ago, I would love to make it into a wearable suit at some point.

 

[Crows Carrion]

I gotta say my favorite all time helmet has to got be Kerberos. I'm a huge fan of the design and with a red-ish visor it can't be topped.

However the funny thing with me many people see the Jin-Roh helmet in Kerberos and they are right about that but when i the helmet all I can think of is the Kriegstaffebots from Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated

 

[SpartanSweed]

Spartanified ODST helmets: A tangent

Honestly I really dig when ODST helmets get brought into Mjolnir. Now there’s a few misses among the lists, but for the most part they’re pretty good.

Firefall’s been on a lot of suits for a reason, it’s a great adaptation of the ODST silhouette, with the harsh angles of Mjolnir

Helljumper is a helmet I’d love to do both the full suit and helmet of, probably my favorite armor to come out of 5.

 

[CYNE 739]

Spartanified ODST helmets: A tangent

And what a glorious tangent it is. Apologies for the upcoming read, but I can't help it when my beloved ODST's are brought up.

Disclaimer: I will be talking ALOT in the perspective of my own opinions, and I don't want to clutter my sentences with 'imo' every second word.

Halo Reach
While not the first variation of the helmet Bungie made, it comes first in the timeline. And I must say, it's the best the 'default' design has looked. The slightly more angular interpretation, the gritty weathering and abundance of paint applications/decals. Plus that little flashlight on the helmet reminds me of Halo 2A (peak)

​

Halo CE
Now while there aren't any ODST's seen in the original game, Fireteam Raven takes place within those events, so it counts as a CE design.

I do like the variations they implemented for the group, but feel that variations are best limited to attachments, rather than physical armour alterations. It's just the practical lore nerd in me.

Halo 2
Now even though Halo 2 Anniversary is a remaster, for the ODST design I personally think they changed enough that the armour classifies as a remake. And if you know anything about me, you know the Anni design is my passion.

The classic look is superb, it gets that modern military/stealth/elite vibe right, however I feel it lacked in true distinction; it felt like any sci-fi franchise could use this design and it would fit right in.

Whereas the Anni design really becomes it's own thing; from the mesmerising purple visor and it's lines, to the muted blue undersuit (DeltaAlphaZulu no I am not listening to your green propaganda), everything about it just works for me. It's sci-fi, it's realistic, it bleeds the stealthy aura that ODST's should eminate.

​

Halo 3
I'm going to lump ODST and 3 here together, as they share the same design, with minor differences.

Even though the Halo 3: ODST armour is iconic, and what most Halo fans think of when someone mentions 'ODST', it never really stuck with me. Sure, I do enjoy it, I appreciate it, but it always felt way too armoured for what ODST's role is.

​

I actually prefer the ODST's from The Ark, the colours are slightly darker, they have full-finger gloves, and the rank colours on the shoulderpads are a nice touch.

Halo 4
A clear sign of 343i changing the artstyle, this ODST helmet is drastically different. While I understand the gripes people have, I am actually ok with this design. I still think they should've included the OG design within 4, so we could have something to compare to.

Halo 5
Helljumper - An extremely rounded and exaggerated ODST interpretation, a very new take on the Spartan-ified variants. Surprising how much I enjoy it despite it's extremities, perhaps it's just because I loved Buck's character in the campaign. Still think the jaw-line tubess could be reduced in size.

​

Nightfall - A pretty darn cool helmet, very close to the original. The only thing that lets it down is that chin, it takes too much focus with the silhouette. (FORESHADOWING FOR ECHO NINE)

Halo Infinite
The biggest batch of ODST designs we've had in a single game yet, and I feel it's been extremely hit or miss.

Firefall - HIT - A brilliant redesign of Helljumper from Halo 5, the angular changes really help with making this helmet feel like it fits a Spartan.

ODST - HIT - The classic design, unchanged. Just wish it was upturned a little, so the side profile doesn't look so chinless.

Artaius - HIT - A fantastic modern-military interpretation of an ODST helmet, which is based off the concept art from the GOAT Isaac Hannaford. it would be my personal fav, if those teeth marks were removable. (if it was instead a selectable visor that would've been so much cooler)

​

M199X - MISS - A fracture design of ODST, not much to say here as I am not one for straying too far from canon. Pretty cool attachment tho.

Echo Nine (Halo 2A) - MISS - Oh boy. To keep my discussion light hearted, I am just going to include an image of a fan edit, with the 343i helmet being on the left. Credit to @IamFile on X

​

Orcus - HIT...? - Another design brought to life from concept art, and while it doesn't give too many ODST vibes, it is still a nice looking helmet.

Halo Wars
Honourable mention here, love that they mixed and matched the gear from both 3 and 2 in one squad, helps out lore-wise too.

​

Let's hear some ODST talk! I wanna know what you guys think, if you agree or have different views!

 

[SpartanSweed]

I really need to do a photoshoot with my Stanchy and the Halo Wars 2 helmet with the big visor attachment. Biggest downsides is the Stanchy is incredibly heavy, and vision is nearly completely blocked with the attachment on the helmet.

I’ve only worn it out to one shoot, and got very frustrated with it. I didn’t pad it correctly so it kept sliding downwards until it hit my chestpiece. But man, does it have a heck of a look