Sword wielding Stealth Elites are more deadly in SPV3 than Combat Evolved since the glow of their Energy Swords can no longer be seen. The sword is notorious for being very difficult to avoid, exacerbated by the fact that it is usually used by tough Elites, particularly the Zealots, Honor Guards and Spec-Ops Elites. The only saving grace when faced with a Energy Sword wielding Elite is that it cannot be used at range, it is purely a close combat weapon.

A enemy Elite wielding and Energy Sword is a grave threat to the players allies, since they can potentially wipe out Marine and ODST support in a matter of seconds. It is so powerful that it can even destroy vehicles without much effort. One hit from the weapon is an instant kill, even on Normal difficulty. In the Covenant, Sangheili Ultras, Sangheili Zealots, Special Operations Sangheili, Ossoona Sangheili, and Sangheili Honor Guardsman are permitted to use Energy Swords. In service to the Covenant, Sangheili of a high or important rank are permitted to wield this weapon - lower ranks are not permitted to wield the sword because of its high status. Breeding with any female they choose is permitted, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of 'swordsman' genes.

The Sangheili are also very strict on who can be trained in the art of swordsmanship - only aristocratsĪre permitted to wield Energy Swords, and sword wielders are no longer eligible for marriage. They believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword as an act to redeem his honor. Viewed as a holy weapon, the Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with it. The Energy Sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili, and has been their weapon of nobility since its creation during one of their Ages of Discovery.

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