Former Halo artist particulars the design historical past of the Hunters

If you happen to ask a Halo fan what they assume probably the most intimidating enemy within the collection is, there’s an excellent likelihood that they will deliver up the Covenant Hunter. Coated head-to-toe in thick armor, outfitted with a large protect and gasoline rod cannon, and a number of other toes taller than the Grasp Chief, the Hunters are little doubt one of the harmful threats you’ll be able to run into throughout the Halo video games. However what facilitated their addition to the collection, and the way did the inventive minds at Bungie design such an enemy within the first place?

These questions have largely remained unanswered for over a decade — that’s, till now. Former Halo artist and present Destiny 2 artwork director Shi Kai Wang not too long ago took to Twitter to share a number of particulars about how the Hunters had been conceptualized, mocked up, and ultimately added into Halo: Fight Advanced.

Because it seems, the creation of the Hunter enemy was facilitated by a must steadiness out the agility of the Elites, the medium-range nature of the Jackals, and the close-quarters risk of the Grunts with a heavy trooper. This sandbox necessity is what helped Bungie’s artists envision what the Hunter would appear like within the sport.

With the thought of a giant and heavy in thoughts, Wang set to work sketching out some concepts. Initially, the designs had been impressed by a number of anime references like Hy-Gogg from Gundam’s Battle within the Pocket collection. Over time, although, Wang and his colleagues pivoted to a extra organic design, with the fiddler crab and its large left claw serving as the first inspiration for the Hunter.

Halo followers who’ve dabbled within the prolonged lore to some extent will know that Hunters aren’t a single entity like the opposite Covenant aliens are; quite, they are a collective of particular person worms that come collectively inside their swimsuit of armor to type an entire being.

In line with Wang, this concept was impressed by a mobile automata engine instrument made by Jason Jones (one other former Halo developer), and a word he made in his sketchbook about it ended up serving as the muse for the lore of what the Hunters are within the Halo universe.

Because the design neared its last state, the artists wished to make sure that there was a transparent visible distinction between the Hunter’s fight and non-combat stances. Due to this fact, the Hunters got a curved torso that they may collapse behind their giant melee arm for cover, which clearly alerts when the Hunter is in motion. The Hunter’s iconic again spikes had been then added by Paul Russel, one other former Halo artist, and the enormous protect and gasoline rod cannon had been added after playtesting. Following this, the Hunter’s finalized design was accomplished, leaving Hunters to develop into a fan-favorite within the Halo video games.

I actually liked getting this perception from Wang, with Hunters one of the inventive enemies within the collection. They are a private second favourite foe in Halo (simply behind the Elites), with spectacular ideas behind these hulking heavy troops.

It is also fascinating to see how the design of the Hunters has been altered over time with traits like extra armor plates, shifting colours and textures, and new sorts of weaponry. 343 Industries has embraced the “worm collective” concept too, as in Halo 5, you’ll be able to usually spot the worms entering into the fits of Hunter armor, which is just superior.

Do you just like the Hunters, and did you discover it fascinating to see the method of how they had been designed? Let me know. If you happen to’re seeking to see these guys in-game whereas ready for Halo Infinite, do not miss Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment, which bundles the entire pre-Xbox One-era Halo shooters collectively for an superior $40 value. It is simply one of many best Xbox One shooters accessible, so do not miss out on it.