The roster of alien bad guys featured in the Halo universe ranges from ancient murder robots to evil meat mushrooms; however, the Covenant is the original cavalcade of interstellar enemies of humankind. Essentially, as a league of fanatical alien zealots, the Covenant is composed of several alien races united under a pseudo-religious doctrine that seeks to bring about the end of all sentient life in the universe, albeit unwittingly.

Each of these alien species is fascinatingly unique — and sometimes horrible — in their right and substantially varied in their degrees of usefulness to the Covenant's affairs throughout the Halo games. Anyone who has wondered which ones are the toughest and what makes them tick has come to the right place. Below they can find all eight Covenant species ranked from the lowest of the low to those that give even the most skilled Spartans a challenging time.

Updated on March 3, 2024, by Ben Painter: The Covenant are the main antagonists in the Halo franchise, through their ranks are several different creatures that make up their army. Throughout the game's long history, each different alien has offered the player a different level of threat. Since 2001, the Covenant has played a massive role in gaming as one of the most iconic villains of all time. Even non-Halo fans are familiar with the Elites and their Energy Swords. Halo has come back into the spotlight recently thanks to the second series of the Paramount+ produced Halo, this series is certain to include a lot of the species found in this list. This update adds some more context to certain species, which weapons they use, and, for a few of them, a paragraph, explaining the different forms that this enemy may take when the Spartan is engaging them in battle.

The Covenant

The Covenant Empire, commonly known as the Covenant, is a union of various alien species united under a theocratic hegemony. This alliance consists of eight alien species led by the San'Shyuum or the Prophets. The Covenant aims to initiate an ascension using the knowledge of the Forerunners, named the Great Transcendence, through the Halo Array. Unbeknownst to the Covenant, the interpreters of this transcendence — the Prophets — incorrectly deciphered the true purpose of the Halo Array, which is a device meant to counteract the Flood by causing universe-wide genocide.

The truth of the Great Transcendence's outcome would significantly divide the Covenant during an event known as the Great Schism, which resulted in the forced removal of the Sangheili. Such a splintering would be the leading factor in the Covenant's defeat during their genocidal war with humanity, weakening their forces and causing the Sangheili to side against it. This loss would, in turn, cause the main branch of the Covenant to fall, leaving countless remnants in its place. Now, numerous splinter-factions exist, each claiming to be the successor to the long-forgotten Covenant. But, in truth, no such inheritor lives and likely never will.

8 Grunts (Unggoy)

First Appeared: Halo: Combat Evolved

The diminutive Unggoy, colloquially known as Grunts, is likely the first Covenant species that most Halo players will have ever encountered. Grunts are comparatively short, angry, and surprisingly hilarious but far from intimidating as they can hardly hold their own against the UNSC's lowest forces — unless they are charging with Plasma Grenades hand-in-hand. Despite their inferior standing in the Covenant's hierarchy, Grunts boast fearlessness and even a surprising amount of confidence as of recently.

Grunts' lack of discipline, clumsiness, and apparent ineptitude in combat cause many to lower their guard. Fortunately, being underestimated is their greatest strength which proves surprisingly effective. In numbers and under the leadership of more militaristic Covenant forces, they can offer a tactical advantage against unsuspecting foes. This edge in combat becomes far more effective when Grunts equip themselves with explosives, whether Plasma Grenades or a Fuel Rod cannon.

The Unggoy typically arm themselves with Plasma Pistols or Needlers as a base, but Heavy Grunts can be seen with Fuel Rod Cannons. Shade Turrets are often piloted by Grunts throughout the games, getting up close and personal and taking them out is always best. When all is lost for the Grunts they will arm two Plasma Grenades and charge at the player, dealing massive damage.

7 Drones (Yanme'e)

First Appeared: Halo 2

The arthropod Yanme'e, or just Drones, is essentially an insect-like species of aliens, which might at first seem to be the lowest tier of the food chain and the Covenant's soldiers. Drones' flight capabilities and tendency to be deployed in massive swarms even up the odds when comparing them to other Covenant species, though, if only by the narrowest of margins possible.

Drones' combat mobility can make it difficult for a conventional sharpshooter to land a clean shot. This strength with their hive-mind mentality and overwhelming forces can often result in countless UNSC forces becoming victims to withering fusillades of molten plasma. Even exceptionally skilled Spartans have trouble combating an incalculable swarm of Drones as their numbers prove too great.

Just like with the Grunts, Drones use basic, one-handed weapons like the Plasma Pistol and Needler, as they attack in swarms from a distance. This barrage of attacks can deal astronomical damage, and it is best to keep a distance from them and pick them off with a weapon like the DMR or Battle Riffle.

6 Jackals (Kig-Yar)

First Appeared: Halo: Combat Evolved

As anyone who has attempted a Legendary difficulty run through Halo 2 will be aware, the Kig-Yar or Jackals are the worst, not just due to their deadly and unerring accuracy with the ludicrously overpowered Covenant beam rifle. These gangly, ugly creatures are spiteful and inexplicably itching for new ways to express it, preferably with an uncannily well-placed shot to the head of any unknowing UNSC soldier or any that are not of the Covenant. Not surprisingly, they tend not to get along well with other species or their own.

When Jackals are not stealthily sniping holes through anything they can lay their uncomfortably bulging eyes on, they are equipping themselves with bulletproof defensive shields for maximum frustration. Thankfully, however, they are not at all durable and will crumble at the first sign of a stiff breeze. So, once a Jackal's shield is down, they are left at the mercy of whomever they regrettably angered.

Being the sniper variant of the Covenant, Jackals are masters of long-ranged weaponry. Usually, they are seen with Plasma Pistols and Needlers supported by their Plasma Shield for extra protection. But the two-handed weapons; Beam Rifle, Focus Rifle, Needle Rifle, and Covenant Carbine are also seen to be equipped by the Kig-Yar, when using one of these distance rifles they aren't equipped with a shield.

Skirmisher (T'vaoan)

First Appeared: Halo Reach

A subspecies of the Kig-Yar are the Skirmishers, which are larger, bulkier, and much more mobile. Used as more of a shock trooper by the Covenant, Skirmishers are typically found in packs and take many more hits to kill than Jackals. They are closer range than Jackals, armed with Needlers and Plasma Pistols but some variants are equipped with Needle Rifles or Focus Rifles and used as snipers.

They are able to jump up on buildings and dart around, making them hard to hit, and are also equipped with a Plasma Shield, albeit a smaller version which is used more of a gauntlet. Commonly found during the Fall of Reach, after that battle a lot of their ranks were wiped out, thus their appearances were limited towards the end of the war.

5 Engineers (Huragok)

First Appeared: Halo Wars

The Huragoks, known as Engineers, merit as a species is questionable, as they are more Forerunner fabrications than organic lifeforms. Though, Engineers look the part and, despite their complete and utter lack of direct combat capabilities, their usefulness to the Covenant and its forces is unquestionable.

Engineers, as their name suggests, are technological virtuosos unparalleled in the Covenant and beyond. They can innately interface with any computer system and repair any mechanical structure or vehicle they encounter, regardless of familiarity. This utility that Engineers possess allows the Covenant a significant advantage against enemies. So, while they boast no power in the conventional sense, Engineers' capabilities are extraordinary enough to warrant their placement among the Covenant.

4 Hunters (Mgalekgolo)

First Appeared: Halo: Combat Evolved

The Mgalekgolo, aptly named Hunters, are among the most formidable and distinguished species within the Covenant's roster and possibly the universe. Rather than a singular, comprehensive entity, a Hunter consists of dozens of individually small, serpentine creatures known as Lekgolo that bond together to form a conglomeration of various beings functioning as a single entity. With an impossibly thick set of armor and an enhanced arm-mounted Fuel Rod cannon, the meek and fragile Lekgolo become the feared Hunters.

If a single Hunter was not challenging enough, these hulking behemoths typically work in pairs, granting them advantages of sheer power and numbers. Together, a duo of Hunters boasts enough firepower to make a Spartan sweat or at the very least cause them to rethink their strategies. However, the numerous gaps in the thick plating of a Hunter expose their incredibly susceptible Lekgolo insides, which are so vulnerable that a single, well-placed shot can put them down for good.

Hunters don't use weapons that the player can pick up and use in the games, instead opting for an Assault Cannon. This huge built-in weapon works similarly to a Fuel Rod Cannon but has a much longer beam instead of one blast of plasma. It was not until Halo 5: Guardians that the Hunter weapons could be equipped by the player, but only in Forge mode.

Scarab (Mgalekgolo)

First Appearance: Halo 2

It is worth noting that the Mgalekgolo are not only deployed as the Hunter variant by the Covenant but are also used as the pilot for the giant tank-like walker, the Scarab. Technically speaking, the Scarab has just as much of an armor as the Hunter is. The Scarab is unique as a vehicle in it is alive as opposed to being piloted by an Elite or Brute.

When the player boards one of these monsters in the series, there is one aim to take it down and an easy way of doing this is by destroying its core. When the armor is taken down, a hoard of Lekgolo can be seen. Killing this will take down the whole Scarab.

3 Brutes (Jiralhanae)

First Appearance: Halo 2

The Jiralhanae, or the fittingly titled Brutes, deserve their name because their brutality is unprecedented among the Covenant's forces and many other species. Visually resembling a humanoid amalgamation between a canine and an ape, Brutes' imposing physicality is every bit as intimidating as the barbaric weaponry they employ. Among their vast arsenal, Brutes famously utilize bladed grenade launchers known as the Brute Shot, a devastating bludgeoning weapon aptly named the Gravity Hammer, and SMG-like spike lobbing carbine designated the Spiker.

Even without their famously savage weaponry, Brutes are more than capable of tearing apart just about anything with their bare hands. However, their ability to think tactically and exercise caution is somewhat questionable. Brutes are quick to anger and, should they face a particularly frustrating foe or situation, will forgo any practicality, instead choosing to forfeit their arms and charge headlong into combat. This untempered savagery is easily exploited and prevents these otherwise deadly combatants from being among the Covenant's finest.

Unique in their form of weaponry in the Halo franchise, Brutes have their own class of guns and melee weapons. The Brute Plasma Rifle, Mauler, Spiker, and Gravity Hammer are their own, partnered with their Incendiary and Spike grenades. Brutes don't stick to tools of their own making and are also seen with Plasma Rifles, Needlers, Covenant Carbines, and even the UNSC Shotgun and Battle Rifles. Along with their unique weapons, the Brutes also use vehicles that differ from regular Covenant ones, the Chopper and the Prowler.

2 Elites (Sangheili)

First Appeared: Halo: Combat Evolved

The Sangheili, best known as Elites, are — or were, depending on where one is in the timeline — the backbone of the Covenant's military forces, and for more than a few good reasons. These honor-bound warriors wield Covenant technology with deadly proficiency, entering battle equipped with a vast array of tactically selected weaponry and energy shields that are more or less equivalent to those employed by Spartan MJOLNIR armor. The skills and gear utilized by the Elites make them a match for even the finest Spartans.

Where the Brutes rely on — as one may guess — brute strength, Elites temper their might with tactical cunning and battlefield ingenuity, making them the more deadly adversary when placed on even footing with their rivals. They vary in rank and prowess, but the most skilled Elites are extraordinarily dangerous and best fought with impressive gear, terrifying strength, and superior cunning. Failure to meet an Elite blow for blow will result in a swift and brutal death that many a Spartan met on countless occasions.

The Energy Sword is the weapon most commonly attributed to the Elite. This powerful melee weapon is an instant kill and when charging at the player, they are met with certain death. They are also seen using Covenant Carbines, Needlers, and Plasma Rifles to strike those down from all forms of range. A heavy variant of the Sangheili will be seen with a Fuel Rod Cannon or even a UNSC Rocket Launcher. Their versatility and ruthlessness in battle will allow them to utilize any weapon, however, be that Covenant or UNSC.

1 Prophets (San'Shyuum)

First Appeared: Halo 2

The San'Shyuum, revered as the Prophets, are not physically imposing, nor do they hold their own in combat. In truth, the Prophets are embarrassingly frail, if not outright decrepit, but their might is not akin to that of many of the Covenant's forces. Their power comes from their position and influence as they are the ruling caste of the Covenant. The Prophet's ability to keep a motley and antagonistic assortment of various species in line should speak volumes about the costly mistake of underestimating them.

Even the enigmatic 343 Guilty Spark regards the Prophets as masterful manipulators who can effortlessly bend most to their will. They possess the innate gift of being able to get the other, more martially capable races to do their fighting for them, which essentially means their strength is the sum of the Covenant — being equivalent to the UNSC and then some. While they lack proficiency in combat, the Prophets are not without protection, generally commanding the most advanced and deadliest technologies within the Covenant's arsenal, giving them a much-needed edge against even Spartans.