Halo Infinite has finally been released, and audiences are a bit split down the middle when it comes to the content. The single-player campaign tries to shake things up a bit with an open-world concept, and that includes certain high-value Banished targets that players can seek out and eliminate for the sake of extra prestige.
While some of these HVTs aren't too difficult to take down, others are merciless and require some careful strategy in order to gain the upper hand. Some require players to hang back and wear down the targets from a distance, while others will soon turn from prey to predator.
Thav'Sebarim
Thav'Sebarim joined the Banished following the Covenant's purge of the Elites during the early campaign against Earth, and he's clearly found his niche in their ranks. Thankfully, he's one of the less deadly HVTs that Halo Infinite players will face, but he still deserves a wide berth.
He wields the Arcane Sentinel Beam, an amplified variant of an already dangerous weapon that can slice through players like hot butter. He tends to move around in a vehicle, which means players should be careful as to how they approach him. If he descends on foot, players should alternate between taking cover, and emptying the clips until he's dead. He can be found south of FOB Bravo.
Inka'Saham
Another Sangheili warrior with a nasty reputation, Inka'Saham has multiple methods of attacking and killing players who underestimate him. He's armed with the Rapidfire Pulse Carbine, which amplifies the already heavy damage output of a normal Pulse Carbine. Players will need to time their side-strafing techniques while getting behind appropriate cover.
Inka'Saham will also take control of gun turrets to harass and decimate players, and he's hard to target once inside. Players might want to take a rocket launcher along to deal with the turrets, and flush him out into the open where he's a less deadly target. Inka'Saham can be found north of the second island. If possible, players should acquire a Wasp in order to reach the area more easily while engaging in an air-to-surface fight.
Okro'Vagaduun
Taking down an HVT is something every new Halo Infinite player should do, and this particular one can be found early in the game. He isn't the deadliest of the bunch, but he will give players a taste of what they'll be going up against as the game progresses. Okro'Vagaduun should not be underestimated. He will use active camouflage to sneak up on the player and strike with his Duelist Energy Sword.
A single hit from this weapon can either maim or kill outright, so players will need to keep their eyes peeled for signs of his approach. If possible, players should use the grappling hook to zipline to safety if ammo or health is low. The rest of the time, patience is paramount. This HVT can be found on the southwest portion of the first island.
Balkarus
The only saving grace when battling Balkarus is that the terrain favors the player. There's enough open clearing to stay back and pelt him with gunfire, especially from sniper rifles. Still, he shouldn't be underestimated, thanks in large part to his Riven Mangler, which can tear players to shreds with just a few shots.
This weapon fires three rounds instead of the normal single round on a base Mangler, which does equal three times the damage. Duck and cover tactics will work if the terrain allows it, but weaving and bobbing works just as well. Anything to prevent getting hit. Players can find him by traveling to the Forge of Teash, then traveling northward.
Ik'Novus
Brutes are tough by default, but Ik'Novus is a killer through and through. He wields the Volatile Skewer, a suped-up version of the deadly single-shot weapon that can cut right through enemies and vehicles alike. Therefore, players should do everything they can to avoid taking even a single hit from this crushing weapon.
Ik'Novus' variant fires rounds that explode, which adds another layer of hurt on top of the weapon's base damage output. Maintaining distance is of less use here, since the Volatile Skewer does have quite a long range, making it a definite contender for one of the most iconic Halo weapons. Ik'Novus can be found west of FOB Echo.
Ordo'Mal
Sangheili Elites are deadly and cunning opponents, especially those of a higher rank. Ordo'Mal is one of the deadliest, and he's got his own personal Wraith to back up the menace. These deadly vehicles should never be underestimated, and they're quite hard to take down in a fight.
Outside of the vehicle, Ordo'Mal will try to take out the player with his Scatterbound Heatwave, a modified version of the energy rifle with ammunition that can lock onto the player. Players will need to have swift reflexes in order to take out this sleek and calculating villain. He can be located north of FOB Hotel.
En'Geddon
Gravity Hammers aren't a particularly good Halo Infinite weapon, but a Jiralhanae Chieftan with a Rushdown Hammer is a force to be reckoned with. Get too close, and En'Geddon will make pizza dough out of whatever is left of a foolhardy player. Distance plays a key role in taking down this hulking thug.
The Hammer bestows En'Geddon with a lot of power, and even vehicles will come apart at the seams with a handful of hits. He also moves quite fast with the weapon, which means a frontal assault is not recommended unless players have upgraded Thrusters to dash out of the way. He can be found westward of FOB Hotel.
Arthoc
Arthoc is an extremely large and deadly Jiralhanae warrior that will pummel and pulverize any player who gets too close. He wields the Ravager Rebound, a beefed-up version of the base Ravager weapon that bounces ordnance off of surfaces (and bodies), creating a wider area of impact.
Players who stare down the barrel of this weapon will live to regret it, which means sniper rifles and rocket launchers are the order of the day. Vehicles aren't of much use, though a Ghost does stand a better chance of dodging incoming fire. Arthoc can be located by traveling west of FOB November.
Zeretus
Zeretus was one of Atriox's first Banished recruits, and his eagerness to join the cause is indicative of how he fights. This high-value target wields an ungodly variant of the M41 SPNKR, which can lock onto targets from afar. Players who like attacking HVTs with vehicles should be very careful, as they won't do nearly as much good here.
With a high level of aggression and a punishing weapon at his disposal, Zeretus should in no way be underestimated. Players should take out his subordinates before engaging him head-on, as the extra hassle simply isn't worth it. He can be found by traveling northwest from FOB November.
Myriad
Any seasoned Halo gamer knows that Hunters are some of the deadliest opponents in the game. They're heavily armored, they have blisteringly powerful weaponry, and it's hard to concentrate fire on their weak spots. They also tend to hunt in pairs, which means double the pain.
Myriad is all that and worse. They carry a weapon called the Backdraft Cindershot, which is a vastly amped-up version of the stock weapon that can crush players with only a few hits. Cover is absolutely vital to win this fight, so players should remain aware. Myriad can be found just south of FOB Juliet.