Video Game Level Guide

Level 5 of **Halo 2**'s campaign is **"Sacred Icon,"** a mission that places you in the role of the Arbiter as you navigate through a Sentinel-infested Forerunner installation. This level is notoriously difficult on **Legendary difficulty** due to the sheer number of enemies, their aggressiveness, and the scarcity of resources. Here's an in-depth guide to help you succeed: --- ## **Story Plot** After escaping Delta Halo's surface, the Arbiter is tasked with retrieving the Sacred Icon (the activation key for the Halo ring) from within a Forerunner Sentinel manufacturing facility. The mission unfolds in the midst of a Covenant civil war and the facility's defenses. The Arbiter's story continues to explore the political and religious complexities of the Covenant while intertwining with the broader conflict involving the Halo rings. --- ## **Mission Walkthrough** ### **Part 1: Sentinel Factory** - **Enemies**: Primarily Sentinels and Aggressive Enforcers. - **Key Strategy**: Use Plasma Weapons. Plasma Rifles and Carbines are effective for taking out Sentinel shields. Target the center eye of Sentinels for maximum damage. - **Pro Tip**: Keep a Plasma Pistol for overcharged shots to instantly destroy Sentinel shields. - **Hidden Areas**: Explore the upper levels of the first room for weapon caches, including Carbines and Energy Swords. --- ### **Part 2: Vertical Ascent** - **Challenge**: You’ll navigate vertical platforms while dealing with flying Sentinels and aggressive Flood combat forms. - **Tip**: Use patience and cover. Engage enemies one by one. Flood are often distracted fighting Sentinels—let them weaken each other. - **Hidden Item**: Near one of the vertical lifts, a hidden Carbine ammo stash can give you a significant advantage. --- ### **Part 3: Flood Gauntlet** - **Flood Behavior**: Flood are relentless, and combat forms are often equipped with human weapons. - **Weapon Loadout**: Consider using a Shotgun (ideal for close quarters against Flood) and a Carbine (for precision shots). - **Trick**: Use grenades to clear out clusters of Flood enemies. Stick grenades on carriers to create chain reactions. --- ### **Part 4: Sentinel Enforcers** - **Boss-Like Encounters**: Enforcers are large, shielded Sentinels. Focus fire on the glowing engines at their sides when their shields drop. - **Weapon of Choice**: A combination of Brute Plasma Rifles and Covenant Carbines works well against Enforcers. --- ### **Final Section: Sacred Icon Chamber** - **Flood Spawners**: Be cautious of enemy spawners as you approach the Sacred Icon. They can overwhelm you if ignored. - **Escape Strategy**: Don’t linger after obtaining the Icon. Fight only necessary enemies, as reinforcements keep coming. --- ## **Hidden Items and Bonuses** 1. **Skull Location (Envy Skull)**: Found in this mission and offers the invisibility mechanic when equipped. To find it: - Early in the mission, after entering the large open Sentinel room, climb to the highest point using a series of tricky jumps. The Skull is hidden on a ledge near the ceiling. 2. **Terminal**: Interact with Forerunner Terminals scattered in the level to learn more lore about the Halo universe. 3. **Weapons Cache**: Look behind structural beams for hidden Carbine and Plasma Rifle drops. --- ## **Legendary Tips and Tricks** 1. **Stay Mobile**: Standing still will make you an easy target for Sentinel beams and Flood swarms. Use strafing and cover effectively. 2. **Conserve Ammo**: Legendary difficulty increases enemy health and shield strength. Aim for headshots whenever possible. 3. **Grenade Efficiency**: Both Plasma and Fragmentation grenades are lifesavers. Use them strategically to thin out groups of enemies. 4. **Buddy AI**: If any allied Covenant units are with you, let them soak damage while you flank enemies. --- ## **Achievements** 1. **Legendary Completion**: Completing the mission on Legendary nets a significant progress achievement. 2. **Skull Hunter**: Locate the Envy Skull for an additional achievement. 3. **No Rest for the Weary**: Complete the mission without dying more than five times. (Optional challenge!) --- ## **Advanced Tactics** - **Flood vs. Sentinels**: Let these two factions fight each other as much as possible. It conserves your ammo and resources. - **Sentinel Beams**: If you’re low on ammo, pick up a Sentinel Beam. It’s highly effective against both Sentinels and Flood. - **Grenade Jumping**: Advanced players can use grenade jumps to reach high platforms and shortcuts. With persistence and careful planning, you’ll conquer this challenging level and progress further in Halo 2's gripping story. Good luck, Spartan!