Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, often simply known as Master Chief or Spartan John, stands as a monumental figure within the universe of Halo. This legendary Spartan-II supersoldier of the UNSC Navy’s Special Weapons division is more than just a character; he is an icon, a symbol of resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of overwhelming odds. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Halo universe, understanding the saga of Spartan John is key to grasping the heart of this expansive science fiction epic.
Large version of the Halo Infinite cover art without logo.
Overview of Spartan John’s Life
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the extraordinary life of Spartan John, tracing his journey from a conscripted child soldier to the galaxy’s foremost defender. For an in-depth exploration of every facet of his history, detailed biographical pages offer even richer accounts.
A Glimpse into the Spartan’s Mind
“I do not remember my name. I do not remember my family. I do not remember my home. But I can remember the game. We played it every day. And I never lost. The game… It’s the only thing I can remember about the life I had before I met Doctor Halsey. Since then, I have experienced a lifetime of combat. Through thirty years of war against alien aggressors… I have always known my fate. I knew someday I would die in battle. But now that it is here… now that it is time to die… I find I am not ready.“
These poignant reflections offer a rare glimpse into the inner world of Master Chief Petty Officer John-117.
By August 2558, Spartan John’s record boasted an astounding two hundred and nine military operations, encompassing one hundred and thirty-six full campaigns – a feat unmatched by any other UNSC personnel. Throughout his illustrious career, he has led nearly every Spartan-II at some point, but his most enduring role has been as the fireteam leader of the renowned Blue Team. His valorous actions during the Human-Covenant War have earned him every major UNSC service medal and combat award, with the sole exception of the Prisoner of War Medallion, alongside numerous civilian accolades.
As the Human-Covenant War approached its devastating climax, the majority of Spartan-IIs tragically fell in action during the Fall of Reach. Yet, Spartan John and his AI companion Cortana narrowly escaped Reach aboard the UNSC Pillar of Autumn. Their vessel’s unexpected arrival at Halo Installation 04, an ancient Forerunner superweapon, marked a turning point in the war. This ringworld, designed to eradicate the parasitic Flood by eliminating all sentient life, became the battleground for a desperate fight for survival. After successfully destroying Halo, the Covenant fleet surrounding it, and the Flood forces unleashed upon the ring, Spartan John returned to Earth, only to confront the Covenant’s sudden invasion.
Pursuing the Covenant flagship, the Solemn Penance, Spartan John found himself at Installation 05, where a violent civil war erupted within the Covenant ranks. Weeks later, he tracked the remaining Covenant forces to the Ark, the control center for the Halo Array. There, he disabled the Ark, preventing the catastrophic firing of the Halo rings.
Following the war’s final, decisive battle in December 2552, Spartan John went missing, having successfully thwarted the Covenant, the Flood, and the Halo threat. In the aftermath, he was celebrated as a war hero. Despite being officially listed as Missing in Action (MIA), like all Spartans, the UNSC largely presumed him lost. However, his unexpected recovery in July 2557 thrust him back into the forefront of galactic conflict. He played a pivotal role in the battles against the Didact’s Promethean forces and Jul ‘Mdama’s Covenant faction, beginning on the shield world Requiem. This conflict escalated to an attack on Earth and the Didact’s initial defeat, which tragically coincided with the apparent loss of Cortana.
Spartan John later reunited with Blue Team, and together, they vanquished the Didact for good. For over a year, John and his Spartan comrades continued to undertake numerous critical missions. During one such operation, a vision of Cortana, seemingly alive, spurred John on a rogue mission to find her, defying direct orders. Blue Team, in unwavering loyalty, stood by his side. Consequently, the UNSC declared Blue Team AWOL and dispatched Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris to apprehend them.
On Genesis, John and Blue Team discovered that Cortana had claimed the Mantle of Responsibility and intended to use the Guardians to impose peace across the galaxy. John rejected Cortana’s vision, leading to his and Blue Team’s imprisonment in a Cryptum. Ultimately, Fireteam Osiris liberated the Spartan-IIs, and both teams journeyed to Sanghelios as Cortana unleashed the Guardians upon the galaxy.
Spartan 117: Identification and Epithet
Within the UNSC military, Spartan John is predominantly identified as “SPARTAN-117” or by his phonetic callsign, “Sierra 117”. The Covenant, however, knew him by a different name: “Demon.” After the destruction of Installation 04, he became known as “the Demon,” a title that resonated throughout the Covenant ranks. Yet, with the evolving alliances, allied Sangheili began to address him with respect as “Spartan.” The Didact and the Warden Eternal referred to Spartan John and his Spartan comrades as Warriors or Warrior-Servants, acknowledging their combat prowess and legacy.
The Biography of Spartan John
Main article: John-117/Early life
Early Years of Spartan John
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
John: “Maybe someone up there is wondering what it’s like here.”
Ellie: “I guess? Do you think we’ll ever meet them?”
John: “I hope so. Don’t you?”
— A young Spartan John in contemplation with his friend Ellie, gazing at the stars.
Born on March 7, 2511, Spartan John spent his early childhood in Elysium City on the colony world of Eridanus II, living with his mother and father. He attended the Elysium City Primary Education Facility Number 119. As a young boy, John had brown hair, freckles, and a distinct gap between his front teeth. He recalled his mother as kind and with a comforting scent of soap. Parisa, who would later become a UNSC Marine Lieutenant, was a close childhood friend. Spartan John once heroically saved her from drowning in Lake Gusev, promising to marry her and ensure her safety. Parisa treasured a photograph taken shortly after this event, a lasting memory even after she believed John had perished. He also shared friendships with Ellie Bloom, his neighbor, and Katrina, with whom he and Ellie enjoyed obstacle races.
The Conscription of Spartan John
Halsey: “It’s very nice to meet you. I wanted to ask you what you were doing?”
John: “Winning.”
— Dr. Halsey’s initial encounter with the young Spartan John.
At the tender age of six, Dr. Catherine Halsey identified John as one of 150 potential candidates for the SPARTAN-II program. He stood out as an exceptional physical and mental specimen, taller and stronger than his peers, exhibiting superior reflexes and an unwavering drive for success. By the time of his conscription, he had amassed an impressive forty-five victories in a “brutal version” of King of the Hill, resulting in a chipped tooth for himself and various injuries for his opponents.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
In 2517, Dr. Halsey and LTJG Jacob Keyes visited Eridanus II to assess John, the first candidate. They were struck by his remarkable intellect. In a final test, he was asked to predict the outcome of a coin toss. Instead, he caught the coin mid-air, correctly identifying the face-up side, demonstrating his keen observation and decisive action. Later that year, John and 74 other six-year-olds were covertly conscripted to Reach. They were replaced with flash clones to conceal their disappearances. These clones tragically succumbed to Metabolic Cascade Failure due to their accelerated growth, with John’s flash-clone dying on December 7, 2517.
Spartan Training on Reach
Main article: SPARTAN-II training
“Remember this: you don’t win unless your team wins. One person winning at the expense of the group means that you lose.”
— CPO Mendez emphasizing the essence of teamwork to the trainees.
Trainees 087, 034, 058, 117, and 104, at around 8 years of age, after being introduced to the SPARTAN-II program.
Spartan John and the other children selected for the SPARTAN-II program were relocated to the Reach FLEETCOM Military Complex, their new home for the years to come. Dr. Halsey unveiled their destiny: to become protectors of Earth and its colonies. The next day, John discovered his service tag, “John-117”, stitched into his training uniform. Under the rigorous guidance of Chief Petty Officer Franklin Mendez, Spartan John began his arduous training alongside his fellow Spartans.
In their initial training exercise, “Ring the Bell,” Spartan John was grouped with Kelly-087 and Samuel-034. He surged ahead, crossing the finish line first, only to learn that his team had lost because Kelly and Sam finished last. This pivotal lesson underscored the importance of teamwork. The following day, his team achieved a significantly higher score. Spartan John forged a strong bond with Kelly and Sam, who became his closest companions amongst the trainees. For eight years, Spartan John underwent intensive education in history, military strategy, tactics, and weaponry, coupled with extreme physical conditioning. During this period, he often teased Serin-019 about her habit of eating leftovers from other candidates’ meals.
Spartan John rapidly distinguished himself as a top candidate. Both Dr. Halsey and Chief Mendez recognized him as one of four emerging leaders, alongside Kurt-051, Jerome-092, and Frederic-104. Halsey believed Spartan John possessed the skills and natural leadership to command the entire Spartan-II group, while Mendez favored Kurt for team leadership. However, Spartan John’s leadership abilities soon became undeniable, solidifying his role as the de facto leader of the Spartan-IIs and the established leader of Blue Team.
Taking Initiative in the Highlands
“No one’s being left behind. We’re going to figure a way to get all of us out.”
— Spartan John motivating his comrades during a challenging training exercise in Reach’s Highlands.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
At the age of eight, the young Spartans were dispatched on a training mission in Reach’s wilderness, dropped into a forest within the Highland Mountains. Their objective: to safely reach their extraction vehicle, an Albatross dropship. The exercise stipulated that the last Spartan to arrive would face severe punishment. Organizing themselves, the Spartans naturally looked to John as their leader, a role he initially found surprising but ultimately embraced. Upon reaching the Albatross, they found it guarded by un-uniformed UNSC Marines. Spartan John, perceiving them as a threat, swiftly devised a plan to neutralize the “hostiles,” seize the dropship, and ensure the extraction of every team member. He also volunteered to accept the punishment for being the “last” Spartan, demonstrating his selflessness and strategic thinking. With Déjà’s assistance, he hijacked the dropship and used stones to attack the guards, causing significant injuries. While Chief Mendez initially expressed displeasure, both he and Halsey quickly recognized Spartan John’s exceptional initiative and promoted him to Squad Leader. From this point forward, despite other Spartans rising in rank and leading independent teams, Spartan John remained the overarching leader of the Spartans.
Physical Augmentation of Spartan John
John-117: “Can you tell me, Dr. Halsey? Just this time? How do I win?”
Dr. Halsey: “I’ll tell you how to win, John. You have to survive.”
— Dr. Halsey visiting Spartan John before his life-altering augmentation procedures.
John-117, at 14 years of age, undergoing his augmentation procedures.
At fourteen, Spartan John underwent the perilous SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures. This process resulted in the tragic deaths of thirty trainees and permanent physical disabilities for twelve more. Spartan John was among the thirty-three Spartans who emerged unscathed. Even before these cybernetic and genetic enhancements, at 14, he possessed the physique of an 18-year-old Olympic athlete. Beyond physical alterations, the augmentations dramatically enhanced the Spartans’ reflexes, strength, eyesight, and bone density.
Following the procedures, Spartan John and the other survivors were transferred to the UNSC Atlas for recovery in a microgravity environment. During his first visit to the Atlas‘ gym, he was confronted by four ODSTs. Their sergeant challenged John and four ODSTs to a boxing match. In the ensuing fight, Spartan John inadvertently killed two ODSTs and severely injured the others. Major Antonio Silva revealed this incident was orchestrated by ONI to test the Spartans’ augmentations. Though Spartan John attempted to avoid the confrontation, he felt guilt for killing fellow humans, but believed he had acted correctly by following orders. Anthony Petrosky, an ODST who witnessed the fight, described it as a slaughter, with Spartan John’s punches like “rapid-fire explosions” and the entire fight lasting less than five seconds.
Upon returning to Reach for further training, Spartan John and the other Spartans were relocated from their barracks to abandoned titanium mines. In these caverns, virtually without equipment and pitted against Marines in Mark I powered armor, the Spartans consistently overcame Chief Mendez’s challenges, employing improvised equipment and tactics.
Infiltration on Eridanus Secundus
Main article: Operation: TALON
“I have good news for you. The word has come down. Command has decided to test your unique abilities.”
— Dr. Halsey informing the Spartans of their first combat mission.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Spartan John’s inaugural mission, Operation: TALON, tasked Blue Team (John, Kelly, Fred, Linda, and Sam) with capturing Insurrectionist leader Colonel Robert Watts within the asteroid belt of the Eridanus system. They infiltrated the Insurrectionists’ base aboard the freighter Laden. Upon arrival, they exited the Laden and tracked Watts to the barracks using pre-marked cargo. The Spartans efficiently eliminated the guards and reached Watts’ apartment. During the firefight, Spartan John was shot in the side; a bullet penetrated his body suit, grazed his ribs, and lodged in his abdomen, causing significant internal bleeding. Careful to avoid killing Watts, they cornered and choked him unconscious before confining him in a sealed cargo crate. For their escape, Sam detonated C-12 explosives to breach the main hangar bay doors. As the bay depressurized, the Spartans escaped in a Pelican dropship stolen from the UNSC. Official mission reports listed eleven enemy soldiers and an unknown number of rebel civilians killed. Spartan John was awarded a Purple Heart upon mission completion.
The Human-Covenant War and Spartan John
Main article: John-117/Human-Covenant War
Battle of Chi Ceti IV
John, at 14 years of age, having his original Mjolnir helmet put on by Dr. Halsey.
Main article: Battle of Chi Ceti IV
John-117: “Spartans, this is what we’ve trained our entire lives to do. If we lose here, we lose everything. Let’s send our own message.”
Spartans: “Sir, yes, sir!”
— Spartan John rallying his comrades before their first Covenant engagement.
Three months after Eridanus Secundus, Spartan John and his Spartans were briefed on the massacre at Harvest, the site of humanity’s first contact with the Covenant. Shortly after, the UNSC Commonwealth, under Captain Wallace, transported the Spartans and Dr. Halsey to the Damascus Testing Facility at Chi Ceti IV. There, they received their first suits of Mjolnir powered armor. When a Covenant ship, the Unrelenting, attacked the Commonwealth, Spartan John and the Spartan-IIs participated in their first engagement against the Covenant. Using thruster packs, they launched from a Pelican dropship. Each Spartan carried an ANVIL-II warhead to target the Covenant vessel. Only Spartan John, Sam, and Kelly reached the ship. They breached the hull through a MAC round-induced puncture. Successfully destroying the Covenant ship, Sam’s armor was breached during the mission, preventing his escape. Volunteering to remain behind to ensure the ship’s destruction, Sam perished in the resulting explosion. The loss of his close friend deeply impacted Spartan John. While the victory demonstrated the Covenant’s vulnerability, it came at a heavy price.
Early Stages of the War
Over the following months, Spartan John and his Spartans were rapidly deployed across numerous battlefronts. They participated in the Battle of Alpha Corvi II in 2525 and a boarding action against the frigate Radiant Arrow before becoming integral to Operation: SILENT STORM in early 2526. During this operation, Spartan John collaborated with enlisted UNSC personnel from the 21st Space Assault Battalion for the first time. He played a crucial role in the battles of Seoba, Etalan, and the massive Battle of Zhoist. In this final engagement of SILENT STORM, Spartan John led one of the war’s few offensive incursions into Covenant space, deploying to Zhoist to destroy the Ring of Mighty Abundance, a vital logistics base. This mission saw Spartan John promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer and fostered a friendship with Avery Johnson.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Weeks later, Spartan John and Blue Team responded to the Covenant attack on Circinius IV. They engaged the aliens within the ravaged Corbulo Academy of Military Science to rescue the planet’s last human survivors – a squad of former cadets. Spartan John provided cover fire, shielding the recruits from Covenant sniper fire with his armor. During the evacuation, he gifted Thomas Lasky, one of the recruits, a shard of Mgalekgolo armor as a commendation for his bravery. By May, Spartan John and Blue Team assisted in the Battle of Mesra before deploying to Netherop to capture the downed frigate Radiant Perception. However, this “prize” was a trap set by Nizat ‘Kvarosee, the disgraced former fleetmaster whose fleet was decimated in Operation: SILENT STORM.
In 2527, Spartan John-117 fought alongside ODSTs on Green Hills.
A War on Two Fronts for Spartan John
Despite the escalating Covenant threat, the Insurrection continued to pose a significant internal challenge. Spartan John was repeatedly deployed against these rebel forces. By 2531, he led Blue Team in multiple operations against the United Rebel Front, disrupting their activities at Station Jefferson, aboard the URF Origami, in Micronesia, and at a high-explosives facility at an undisclosed location. Blue Team also intervened against a saboteur cell on Reach. In May 2531, Spartan John spearheaded Operation: SMOKING ACES, a raid on the URF’s Camp New Hope on Victoria. During this operation, Spartan John, Fred, Kelly, and Linda were captured by General Howard Graves but were rescued by Kurt-051, the newest member of Blue Team. Graves was killed, and the Spartans extracted before a rebel counterattack could be organized.
Mid-War Engagements
John-117 leading Fred-104 and Kelly-087 during Operation: WARM BLANKET.
Spartan John later returned to Circinius IV to aid in civilian evacuation and observe enemy invasion patterns as part of Operation: PHALANX. He also participated in Operation: SWITCHBACK prior to 2544, though details remain classified. He was present at Cascade, contributing to the destruction of Covenant exploratory fleet elements during Operation: HORIZON.
On February 9, 2535, Spartan John and fellow Spartans deployed to Jericho VII for Operation: FALLEN WALLS. Covenant forces landed, encountering fierce UNSC resistance in space and on the ground, leading to a three-day stalemate. Blue Team’s ground mission was to draw out the Covenant rearguard, allowing Red Team to plant a HAVOK tactical nuke, destroying the next Covenant ship to land. Spartan John led Blue Team, eliminating hundreds of Unggoy. Despite the UNSC fleet losing space control, Captain De Blanc evacuated the Spartans aboard UNSC Resolute before the planet’s glassing. Spartan John requested to witness Jericho VII’s destruction, observing the assault for nearly an hour.
In 2544, Spartan John deployed in Operation: IRON FIST on Miridem to deny assets and recover critical cyberinfrastructure. Shortly after, he led a SPARTAN-II group in Operation: WARM BLANKET at Ascon to board Luro ‘Taralumee’s Third Fleet of Glorious Consequence and rescue Dr. Halsey. During this battle, Spartan John engaged Thel ‘Lodamee in single combat, nearly defeated before Thel was forcibly extracted by a slipspace jump. The following year, Spartan John led Blue Team in the Battle of Draco III, a retaliatory action after the Covenant’s civilian massacre.
At an unknown time, Spartan John was present at a battle on a war-torn planet where Daisy-023 perished. Upon discovering her body, he laid her teddy bear chain in her hands and closed her eyes, a gesture of respect for his fallen comrade.
Final Year of the War for Spartan John
Main article: John-117/Late War
Sigma Octanus IV
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Main article: Operation: OCEAN BREAKER
“We’ve come to take Sigma Octanus IV back from the Covenant, Corporal. To do that, we’re going to kill every last one of them.”
— Spartan John to Corporal Harland upon the Spartans’ arrival on the planet.
By summer 2552, Spartan John-117 had earned every UNSC medal except the Prisoner of War Medallion. During the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV in July 2552, he led a Spartan platoon in Operation: OCEAN BREAKER to support Marine forces. Leading Blue Team, Spartan John infiltrated Côte d’Azur to detonate a HAVOK nuclear warhead, clearing Covenant forces. However, heavy Covenant presence outside the Côte d’Azur Museum of Natural History raised his suspicion, prompting Blue Team to investigate. Inside, they discovered the Covenant scanning a rock fragment and transmitting data to an orbiting ship. After dispatching two Mgalekgolo guards, Spartan John retrieved the rock and evacuated the museum with his team. He ordered the HAVOK detonation and, with other Spartans, Marines, and rescued civilians, returned to the UNSC Valiant, which transported them to Reach.
Fall of Reach
Main article: Fall of Reach
Kelly-087: “Sir? I know this mission will be tough, but … do you ever get the feeling that this is like one of Chief Mendez’s missions? Like there’s a trick … some twist that we’ve overlooked?”
John-117: “Yes. And I’m waiting for it.”
— Spartan John and Kelly-087 preparing for their next mission.
A memory of Dr. Halsey presenting Cortana to John.
In July 2552, the Covenant Fleet of Valiant Prudence invaded Reach. This invasion was concealed from Spartan John and other Spartans to protect Operation: RED FLAG, a mission to capture a Covenant assault carrier or supercarrier to transport Spartans to the Covenant capital and capture a Hierarch, aiming to end the war. The Valiant arrived at Reach in August, where Spartan John was debriefed on Sigma Octanus and the recovered artifact. Weeks later, he and other available Spartans were summoned for a RED FLAG briefing.
Two days later, Spartan John arrived at Military Reservation 01478-B, receiving the next-generation MJOLNIR Mark V armor and the AI Cortana. Testing the new suit, Spartan John fought ODSTs before facing an airstrike by an AV-19 SkyHawk. Despite near-fatal danger, teamwork between Cortana and Spartan John ensured their success, marking the first of many such achievements.
The following day, most Spartan-IIs were deployed to protect Reach’s orbital defense platform generators. Spartan John, Linda, and James were sent to Gamma Station to destroy an unsecured navigation database aboard the Prowler UNSC Circumference. If the Covenant obtained it, they would discover every human world, including Earth. The database was destroyed, but Linda and James were ambushed by Sangheili. Spartan John fought and killed a Sangheili in close combat. James was lost in space, and Linda was critically wounded. Spartan John rescued four Marines, including Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson. The team returned to the UNSC Pillar of Autumn and entered cryo-sleep as the ship fled Reach and jumped into slipspace, following the Cole Protocol. Guided by coordinates Cortana extracted from the Sigma Octanus artifact, hoping to draw the Covenant away from Earth, Spartan John was about to enter the most critical battle of the war.
The Halo Conflict
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Main article: Battle of Installation 04
Cortana: “If I’m analyzing this correctly…they believe that Halo is some kind of weapon. One with vast, unimaginable power.”
Cpt. Keyes: “Then it’s true. The Covenant kept saying that “whoever controls Halo controls the fate of the Universe” … If Halo is a weapon, and the Covenant gain control of it, they’ll use it against us and wipe out the entire human race. Chief, Cortana: I have a new mission for you.”
— Captain Keyes prioritizing the Halo threat.
Upon the UNSC Pillar of Autumn‘s arrival at Halo Installation 04, it became clear they were followed through slipspace by a dozen Covenant ships. These vessels engaged the Autumn, sending boarding parties. Captain Jacob Keyes ordered Spartan John awakened and tasked him with ensuring Cortana’s escape while he crash-landed the Pillar of Autumn on the ringworld. Spartan John escaped and landed on the structure via SKT-9 Bumblebee lifeboat.
Believing himself the sole surviving Spartan-II, Spartan John launched guerrilla attacks against the Covenant, including the Raid on the Truth and Reconciliation to rescue Captain Keyes and the battle for the Silent Cartographer and Assault on the Control Room. He later investigated Captain Keyes’s disappearance in a supposed weapons cache, encountering the parasitic Flood for the first time. Assisted by the AI 343 Guilty Spark, the Monitor, Spartan John secured the Index to fire the ring and eliminate the Flood. However, Cortana revealed the ring would destroy all sentient life, not just the Flood. Spartan John and Cortana resolved to destroy the ringworld, detonating the Pillar of Autumn‘s fusion reactor and escaping in a GA-TL1 Longsword.
Return to Reach
John-117 fighting aboard *Ascendant Justice*.
Main article: Raid on Reach
“He sent his team down to the surface of Reach… sent them to their deaths. What commander wouldn’t go back? And what commander wouldn’t hope that they were alive? No matter what the odds?”
— Lieutenant Haverson on Spartan John’s motives.
After Halo’s destruction, Spartan John and Cortana found three cryotubes, one containing Linda-058, and retrieved them. The Covenant flagship Ascendant Justice and cruisers emerged from Threshold, having sheltered from Halo’s destruction. A nearby Pelican fired on the cruiser as a distraction. Escaping the Covenant battle group, Spartan John linked the two vessels and brought survivors aboard the Longsword, including Lieutenant Elias Haverson, Corporal Locklear, Warrant Officer Sheila Polaski, and Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson. After a reunion, they aided Spartan John in capturing the Ascendant Justice. The survivors commandeered the ship and traveled to Reach to search for Spartan survivors.
Spartan John located some Spartans on Reach, along with Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb and Dr. Catherine Halsey. They returned to the carrier and linked it with the damaged UNSC frigate Gettysburg. Before heading to Earth, they went to the Eridanus system, finding the rebel base Eridanus Secundus intact, now led by Governor Jacob Jiles. After repairs, they abandoned the rebels facing a Covenant assault and headed to the Covenant refit-and-repair station Unyielding Hierophant, where a massive fleet prepared to invade Earth.
Raid on Unyielding Hierophant
Main article: Operation: FIRST STRIKE
“We’re going to take this fight to the Covenant. We’re going to launch a first strike.”
— Spartan John outlining their daring mission.
Blue Team fighting aboard *Unyielding Hierophant*.
Spartan John and the remaining Spartan-IIs (Linda-058, Grace-093, William-043, and Frederic-104) aimed to stop the Covenant fleet from reaching Earth. They decided to destroy the Unyielding Hierophant to delay the fleet. Infiltrating the station in the Tau Ceti system, the Spartans spent eleven hours onboard. At a temple, a Cortana copy warned them of Jiralhanae guards. Linda took a sniping position, and the others entered. Spartan John was nearly killed by Brutes, but the team prevailed. Grace was fatally wounded by Brute Shot rounds. Spartan John activated her armor’s fail-safe, denying her body to the Covenant.
The team sabotaged the Unyielding Hierophant‘s generators. Escaping, Grace’s fail-safe activated, destroying a pursuing Covenant lance. Banshees spotted Spartan John, Fred, and Will, but Linda’s sniper fire eliminated the pilots. The Spartans commandeered the Banshees. Spartan John doubled back for Linda, and the team escaped by destroying a glass atrium, space-walking to the Gettysburg.
Vice Admiral Whitcomb and Lieutenant Haverson piloted the Ascendant Justice directly into the Unyielding Hierophant. Whitcomb, referencing the Alamo and Thermopylae, prepared to fight off the Covenant while the Unyielding Hierophant‘s reactor detonated. Five hundred Covenant ships converged on the Ascendant Justice to recover a Forerunner navigation crystal. Both Whitcomb and Haverson were killed in the explosion, annihilating 486 Covenant ships. The few survivors reinforced the Prophet of Truth’s attack on Earth. Spartan John, witnessing their sacrifice, arrived at Earth with Linda, Will, Fred, Johnson, and Cortana, bearing news of the imminent Covenant invasion.
Before departing on her own mission, Dr. Halsey presented Spartan John with a dilemma regarding Flood combat data. Standard data would protect Sergeant Johnson from ONI experimentation, but full data, referencing Johnson’s Flood immunity due to Boren’s Syndrome, would supposedly lead to his death. Initially giving full data to Haverson, after his sacrifice, Spartan John spared Johnson, destroying the crystal containing the complete data.
Battle for Earth
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Main article: Battle for Earth
Cortana: “What if you miss?”
John-117: “I won’t.”
— Spartan John reassuring Cortana before using a Covenant bomb against them.
Aboard Cairo Station, Spartan John received Mark VI MJOLNIR armor and attended an award ceremony with Miranda Keyes and Sergeant Major Avery Johnson. The ceremony was interrupted by the Covenant Fleet of Sacred Consecration, beginning the Battle for Earth. Discovering a Covenant antimatter charge on Cairo Station, Spartan John fought through boarding parties to reach and deactivate it with Cortana’s help. Realizing its offensive potential, he launched himself and the charge toward the Covenant assault carrier Day of Jubilation. Longsword interceptors breached the warship’s hull, allowing Spartan John to direct the bomb into its core. He launched himself back into space just before detonation and was recovered by the UNSC In Amber Clad.
Spartan John deployed to New Mombasa aboard the In Amber Clad to board the Prophet of Regret’s flagship, Solemn Penance. Both Pelican dropships were shot down by a Scarab. Spartan John and surviving Marines fought to the other crash site. Rendezvousing with Gunnery Sergeant Stacker at Hotel Zanzibar in Old Mombasa, Spartan John destroyed Covenant forces along the shore while pursuing the Scarab. At Old Mombasa’s edge, he commandeered a Scorpion tank from Sergeant Major Johnson and breached the city’s defenses.
After intense fighting through tunnels and suburbs, Spartan John reached the industrial zone, where Marines under Sergeant Banks were pinned down. Aided by Marines and weapons, Spartan John boarded and destroyed the Scarab. He was transported to In Amber Clad to intercept the Prophet of Regret’s flagship. When the flagship entered slipspace, Keyes followed, transporting Spartan John and all aboard to Installation 05.
Installation 05
The Master Chief hunting the Prophet of Regret.
Main article: Battle of Installation 05
“This is not your grave…But you are welcome in it.”
— The Gravemind to Spartan John after capturing him.
At Installation 05, Spartan John deployed in an SOEIV with ODSTs. Cortana revealed the Prophet of Regret’s plan to fire Halo. Tasked with assassination, Spartan John tracked Regret to a temple. He witnessed Covenant vessels and High Charity arriving. Dispatching Honor Guards, Spartan John assassinated the Prophet and escaped as the temple was destroyed. He jumped into the lake below.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Unconscious from impact, Spartan John was captured by the Gravemind, as was the Arbiter. The Gravemind appealed to their shared goal of preventing Halo’s firing, tasking them with finding the Index. Spartan John was sent to High Charity, interrupting a Prophet of Truth sermon. His assassination of Regret ignited the Covenant civil war.
Spartan John devastated the Prophet’s guardians, chasing Hierarchs through High Charity. He nearly cornered Truth but was too late to prevent his escape. The dying Prophet of Mercy revealed Truth’s Dreadnought was heading to Earth to complete human destruction. Spartan John crushed the Pod infector that had infected Mercy. He was forced to leave Cortana behind, promising to return after stopping the Covenant. Spartan John boarded the Anodyne Spirit.
Hunt for Truth
John-117 and the Forerunner Dreadnought return to Earth, with John using a piece of the Dreadnought as a shield.
Main article: Scramble onboard Forerunner Dreadnought
Lord Hood: “Master Chief, you mind telling me what you’re doing on that ship?”
John-117: “Sir, finishing this fight.”
— Spartan John’s iconic response to Lord Hood.
Onboard the Anodyne Spirit near Jupiter, Spartan John ignored Io Station’s contact attempts, seeking to assassinate Truth. He faced a large Covenant force, including Hunters. Hit by assault cannon beams, he was interrogated by a Brute Chieftain about the “Key of Osanalan.” Spartan John escaped, plasma-grenading the Brute. He reached Truth’s chambers but was ambushed by a Jackal and shot. Falling near Truth, he fired shots but Truth escaped, shielded by his gravity throne. Spartan John fought off Covenant troops. Failing to control the Dreadnought’s trajectory, he escaped via airlock in a Ghost. On the hull, ordered to return to Earth, he used a door as a heat shield to jump to the planet.
Return to Earth
“Crazy fool! Why do you always jump? One of these days, you’re gonna land on somethin’ as stubborn as you are! And I don’t do bits and pieces!”
— Sergeant Johnson on Spartan John’s escape methods.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Spartan John’s atmospheric descent was tracked by UNSC forces in the Battle of Sector Six. Johnson and Thel ‘Vadam led a team to recover him in Kenya. Johnson, believing Spartan John dead, requested heavy lifting gear. However, Spartan John awoke battle-ready. He attacked the Arbiter, mistaking Elites as enemies. Johnson clarified they were now allies, as the Arbiter and Sangheili had been expelled from the Covenant.
Spartan John and Marines journeyed through the jungle, seeking evacuation to a military base. Johnson’s team split from Spartan John and the Arbiter but were captured by Covenant Brutes, later rescued by Spartan John and ‘Vadam. Evacuated by Pelican to Crow’s Nest, a UNSC base, they defended it during evacuation from a Covenant attack. Spartan John fought through Jiralhanae, escaping a self-destruct bomb in an elevator. Meeting Marine survivors, they headed to Voi via Tsavo Highway, battling Covenant resistance.
The Master Chief and Thel 'Vadam listening to Cortana's message.
At the Battle of Voi, Spartan John approached what was believed to be the Ark. Instead, the artifact opened a slipspace portal to the Ark. With Marine support, Spartan John and ‘Vadam destroyed Covenant armor, enabling Lord Hood’s frigates to strike the Anodyne Spirit. MAC rounds were ineffective, and Truth fled through the Portal. The UNSC remained to strategize.
A Flood-infested Covenant warship crash-landed in Voi. Spartan John and allies contained the Flood, destroying the ship and recovering a Cortana fragment. The fragment warned of High Charity, now Flood-controlled, heading for Earth, but hinted at stopping the Halos and neutralizing the Flood. Convinced, Spartan John resolved to journey to the Ark, while Hood mobilized Earth’s forces. Spartan John joined a UNSC-Sangheili task force through the portal aboard the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn and Shadow of Intent.
Installation 00
Main article: Operation: BLIND FAITH
John-117: “You know me. When I make a promise…”
Cortana: “You…keep it. I do know how to pick ’em.”
— Spartan John reminding Cortana of his unwavering commitment.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Upon arriving at the Ark, Spartan John led ODSTs to engage Covenant forces and locate the Cartographer. He led a convoy through heavy resistance to the facility. At the Cartographer site, he faced Cethegus, a Chieftain who sought power by defeating him, but Spartan John prevailed. At Installation 00, Spartan John discovered terminals with Forerunner logs and messages from Mendicant Bias.
After capturing the Cartographer, Spartan John, ‘Vadam, and Johnson attacked barrier towers shielding Truth’s Citadel. They deactivated two, but Johnson was captured at the third, intended to activate the Halos from the Citadel. Spartan John and ‘Vadam deactivated the last tower. As Shadow of Intent prepared to destroy the Citadel, Flood-controlled High Charity arrived, disabling the Shadow of Intent. Spartan John led a convoy to attack the Citadel, allying with the Flood to breach Covenant lines and end the war. Thel executed Truth, and Spartan John deactivated the Halo Array before extracting with Johnson and Miranda Keyes’s body.
Spartan John reunites with Cortana.
The Gravemind then betrayed Spartan John and ‘Vadam. Fighting through Flood waves, they escaped. A Cortana vision led Spartan John to an exit, revealing a replacement Installation 04 built at the Ark. Since the Ark and ring were distant, Spartan John decided to activate Installation 08 to destroy the Flood. First, he went to High Charity to fulfill his promise to Cortana. On High Charity, Spartan John fought through Flood hordes, enduring visions of Cortana’s rampancy and Gravemind’s threats. He reached Cortana, on the verge of Flood influence. Retrieving her module, Cortana readied the Index from the first Installation 04. Spartan John destroyed High Charity by overloading backup generators. Escaping, Cortana detected Thel ‘Vadam. High Charity exploded as they narrowly escaped on a Pelican.
Activating the Halo
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Main article: Raid on Installation 08
“You are the child of my makers. Inheritor of all they left behind. You are Forerunner. But this ring…is mine.”
— 343 Guilty Spark betraying Spartan John.
Spartan John, ‘Vadam, and Cortana’s final mission was to destroy the Flood by activating the replacement Installation 04. Landing on Halo, they found the Gravemind had survived High Charity‘s destruction and was rebuilding on the Installation. Flood dispersal pods attacked. They fought to the Control Room. Sergeant Johnson arrived to assist.
After defeating Flood forces, 343 Guilty Spark unlocked the Control Room. Inside, Spark realized they intended to fire Halo before completion, destroying the ring. Rampant, 343 mortally wounded Johnson and attacked Spartan John but was killed. Cortana activated Installation 08. The survivors fled to the Forward Unto Dawn in a Warthog, fighting Flood and Sentinels. The Gravemind warned their victory wasn’t the Flood’s end. They boarded the Dawn, escaping Halo’s firing. The slipspace portal severed the ship, sending ‘Vadam to Earth. Spartan John and Cortana drifted in space.
Missing in Action
Cortana oversees Spartan John sleeping in cryostasis, stranded on board the Forward Unto Dawn, lost in space.
“Wake me… when you need me.”
— Spartan John’s last words before cryostasis.
Spartan John and Cortana were presumed dead after months of searching. The Forward Unto Dawn‘s front half, with the Arbiter, crash-landed on Earth. On March 3, 2553, a memorial was commissioned near Mount Kilimanjaro, attended by Halsey, Mendez, Frederic-104, Kelly-087, Linda-058, Naomi-010, Serin Osman, and Thel ‘Vadam. Thel doubted Spartan John’s death, knowing his resilience. The Arbiter departed for Sanghelios. Spartan John’s tag was carved onto the memorial.
Unbeknownst to all, Spartan John and Cortana survived in the Forward Unto Dawn‘s cargo section, but it was adrift and powerless. Cortana explained their situation, estimating years before rescue. Similar to their conversation after Installation 04, Cortana listed Spartan John’s achievements, declaring, “It’s finished.” This time, he agreed. Spartan John entered cryostasis. Cortana stated she would miss him. He replied, “Wake me when you need me.”
In 2556, Cortana, still stranded, attempted to speak to the sleeping Spartan John, recounting galactic history, showing signs of rampancy.
Post-Covenant War Period for Spartan John
Main article: John-117/Post-War
Requiem and the Didact
Main article: Battle of Requiem
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Cortana: “Seems like old times.”
John-117: “Ready to get back to work?”
Cortana: “I thought you’d never ask.”
— Spartan John and Cortana, partners once more.
In July 2557, the Forward Unto Dawn‘s aft half entered orbit above Requiem. Covenant forces boarded. Cortana awakened Spartan John. He fought off intruders and used a nuclear missile to destroy a Covenant cruiser. Requiem’s gateway opened, pulling the Dawn and nearby Covenant ships inside. Crashing on Requiem, Spartan John noticed Cortana’s rampancy. She believed Dr. Halsey could help on Earth. Fighting through Covenant and Forerunner Prometheans, Spartan John tried to warn the approaching UNSC Infinity.
After disabling energy pylons and attempting contact via Requiem’s core, Spartan John inadvertently released the Didact, an ancient Forerunner warrior, from his Cryptum. The Didact, dismissing humanity, declared Forerunner rule and was swiftly allied with the Covenant. He escaped Requiem’s core, destabilizing it.
John is overpowered by the recently awakened Didact.
Barely escaping the collapsing core, Spartan John and Cortana found Infinity crashed nearby, under Covenant and Promethean attack. Spartan John regrouped with Marines and Spartan-IVs led by Commander Thomas Lasky, whom he’d met on Circinius IV decades prior. Lasky recognized Spartan John and requested help clearing a landing zone for Infinity‘s ground forces. Commandeering a Scorpion tank, Spartan John led the attack with Commander Sarah Palmer’s Spartans. Using Mantis walkers, Spartan John rallied Marines and regained control of Infinity‘s interior. Reinitializing MAC guns and missile batteries, they forced the Didact’s retreat.
Conflicting Loyalties
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
“The Didact has to be stopped. If you won’t do that… I will.”
— Spartan John to Captain Del Rio, before disobeying orders.
With a lull in fighting, Spartan John attended a strategy meeting with Infinity‘s Captain Andrew Del Rio. Dismissing the Promethean threat, Rio ordered an attack on a Forerunner gravity well preventing Infinity‘s departure. A Spartan strike force led by Spartan John, supported by a Mammoth, disabled the gravity beam after facing heavy resistance. Diverted underground, Spartan John encountered a vision of the Librarian, who warned of the Didact’s Composer and provided a “gift” to resist it and counteract Forerunner devolution of humanity.
Returning to Infinity, Captain Del Rio dismissed the Prometheans and prepared to leave. Defying orders, Spartan John took the unstable Cortana and departed Infinity. Using a Pelican gunship provided by Lasky, Spartan John attacked the Didact’s Cryptum’s shield pillars, trying to prevent his escape and attack on Earth. His attempt failed; the Didact left Requiem aboard his vessel, escorted by Covenant ships. Stowing away on a Lich, Spartan John pursued the Didact to Ivanoff Station orbiting Installation 03, where the Composer was kept. Dr. Sandra Tillson helped Spartan John reach the Composer amidst Covenant attacks. Despite Spartan John’s efforts, the Didact obtained the Composer and tested it on the station crew, digitizing their minds into war machines. Spartan John survived due to the Librarian’s enhancements.
Raid on Mantle’s Approach
Main article: New Phoenix Incident
“You persist too long after your own defeat. Come then, Warrior. Have your resolution.”
— The Didact acknowledging Spartan John’s relentless opposition.
Cortana paid the ultimate price to ensure the Didact's defeat and Spartan John's rescue.
With the Didact approaching Earth to digitize humanity, Spartan John pursued him aboard a Broadsword fighter on Mantle’s Approach‘s hull. Near Earth, Infinity and the Home Fleet awaited the Didact. Spartan John destroyed point defense guns, allowing Infinity to breach the hull. Entering, he fought to the Didact. Despite UNSC efforts, the Didact fired the Composer on Earth, digitizing New Phoenix, Arizona’s population. Armed with a HAVOK warhead, Spartan John confronted the Didact on a hard light bridge. While outmatched, Cortana immobilized the Didact with hard light shackles. Weakened, Spartan John planted a pulse grenade in the Didact’s armor, sending him into a slipspace rupture beneath the Composer. With time running out, Spartan John detonated the nuke manually.
Using her last power, Cortana saved Spartan John, sacrificing herself. In their final conversation, Cortana insisted they were meant to protect each other. Smiling, she welcomed Spartan John “home” and faded away. Adrift in space, Spartan John was recovered by a UNSC search-and-rescue team. Later, he spoke with Captain Lasky about Cortana’s loss and their duty. Aboard Infinity, Spartan John rejoined Palmer and other Spartans, removing his MJOLNIR Mark VI armor after years.
The Composer’s Forge
Main article: Mission to Installation 03
“You killed my friend. You killed millions of humans. You tried to kill me. I’ve tried to end you with blades, with guns, with explosives, by knocking you in slipspace… None of it works. I bet this does.”
— Spartan John confronting the Didact with the Activation Index.
On July 25, 2557, Spartan John was debriefed by the UNSC Security Council, his survival and questioning concealed from Dr. Halsey. He confirmed Cortana and the Composer’s destruction but couldn’t confirm the Didact’s death. The Council attributed the New Phoenix attack to Covenant remnants, crediting the Master Chief’s return for ending it. Spartan John met Lord Hood, who asked him to advise a team on Installation 03 investigating contact loss with a science team and Spartan Black Team. Spartan John reunited with Blue Team (Frederic-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058).
Blue Team went to Gamma Halo, landing near the science team’s camp, finding corpses of both science and Spartan Black teams. Attacked by Promethean Knights, they discovered the Composer’s location and the Composer’s Abyss, a facility storing Composer victims. Entering a slipspace portal in the Abyss, they teleported to the Composer’s Forge, housing new Composers, and confronted the Didact and Prometheans. 859 Static Carillon, the Forge’s monitor, transported Installation 03 over the Forge at the Didact’s request. The Didact took a Composer, intending to use Halo to eradicate humanity. Static Carillon, angered, allied with the Spartans, escorting them back through the portal while holding off Prometheans.
Blue Team returned to Gamma Halo’s surface as the Didact’s Composer rose. Spartan John fell behind as the Didact attacked, aiming for Kelly. Spartan John stabbed the Didact in the eye with his knife, the first human to wound him directly. Enraged, the Didact grabbed Spartan John, crushing his helmet. Blue Team intervened, forcing the Didact to throw Spartan John aside. The Didact subdued all Spartans, but Static Carillon teleported him to Halo’s control room before he could finish them.
Recovering, Spartan John took the Activation Index the Didact dropped, intending to confront him in the control room while Blue Team returned to their Longsword. Using the Index to override safeties, Spartan John gave Halo control to Static Carillon, who ejected the control room segment, sending it to the planet below. The monitor teleported Spartan John away as the segment struck the Composer’s Forge. The Didact was disintegrated by the Composers. His consciousness was uploaded to the Domain’s outer boundaries. Spartan John and Static Carillon materialized aboard Blue Team’s Longsword, where the monitor bid farewell before taking Gamma Halo to an undisclosed location.
Self-Reassignment
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Kelly-087: “Where to this time?”
John-117: “Anywhere we’re needed.”
— Spartan John informing Blue Team of their next mission.
Spartan John returned to Earth with Blue Team, debriefed by Fleet Admiral Hood. While Hood believed the Didact dead, Spartan John considered him “contained.” Hood ordered leave, but Spartan John told Blue Team they had a new mission. In the following months, Blue Team undertook numerous classified operations – diplomatic escorts, counter-piracy, strikes against Covenant outposts. ONI officials noted Spartan John’s self-reassignment as predictable, a consequence of his dedication. Amidst these operations, Spartan John and Blue Team returned to glassed Reach to honor Sam’s sacrifice.
On September 26, 2557, a Beta-5 Division operative interviewed Spartan John at Borneo Station about his interactions with Cortana in 2552, her state during her rescue on the Ark, and cryptic messages he experienced while light-years apart.
In early 2558, Blue Team was stationed at an ONI research facility construction site when ex-Covenant attacked, capturing a Mammoth and driving it towards the fusion reactor. Blue Team pursued in a Warthog. Spartan John, Kelly, and Linda ejected, wresting control of the Mammoth. Scientists were found inside. Spartan John steered it away from the reactor, minimizing damage. The construction manager demanded blame. Fred reprimanded his ingratitude. Spartan John directed the team to an airstrip for their next mission.
Biko Incident
Main article: Raid on Biko peace talks
“Every statue of him is a monument to be treasured”
— Senator Andrew Del Rio, referring to Spartan John after his innocence in the Biko massacre was proven.
John-117 during the Raid on Biko peace talks.
In 2558, Spartan John and Blue Team discovered Sapien Sunrise planned an attack on Richard Sekibo on Biko. At a UEG-Sangheili peace conference on Biko, Spartan John entered the embassy, killing a Sapien Sunrise member disguised as Sekibo’s bodyguard. A firefight ensued, claiming eighteen lives. Spartan John escorted the Sangheili delegation to safety. Blue Team waited outside in an evac ship. Sekibo was killed. His body was found near the embassy, with a signal beacon leading to it. The UEG and Biko government initially covered it up, falsely portraying Spartan John as the killer of bodyguards and Sekibo, “The Fallen Spartan.” However, as Benjamin Giraud prepared to expose the cover-up, the UEG and Biko reversed their claims, denouncing Sapien Sunrise’s involvement, discrediting Giraud. Senator Andrew Del Rio, who had condemned Spartan John, reversed his stance and took leave.
Argent Moon
Main article: Operation: BIRD IN HAND
Fred-104: “We’re outnumbered here, Chief. A few thousand to one.”
John-117: “Surrendering Argent Moon is not an option.”
— Spartan John and Fred on their daunting mission.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
On October 23, 2558, Spartan John and Blue Team deployed from UNSC Infinity to secure Argent Moon, an ONI research vessel missing for nineteen months. Infiltrating via Pelican, they caused Covenant casualties by depressurizing a section. Finding no human survivors, they aimed to disable gravity and life support to eliminate remaining Covenant. A Mgalekgolo destroyed a catwalk, causing a fall. Alone, Spartan John experienced a Domain vision: Cortana stating it was open, Meridian was next, and Reclamation was beginning, followed by a Guardian rising from a chasm. Rejoining Blue Team, he shared the vision. They continued their mission.
Witnessing Covenant vessels arriving at Argent Moon, the plan shifted to asset denial. Argent Moon had to be destroyed. Blue Team fought to the reactor, disabling safeties for overload. Argent Moon activated safeties, moving the reactor to a cooling center. Blue Team followed, using Banshees to destroy coolant pipes in vacuum. The cooling system failed, and the reactor overheated. Escape Banshees were too slow for the explosion. Their Pelican was likely destroyed. Spartan John ordered them to a hangar for a Winter-class prowler. They found ONI Acrisius but needed to recharge fuel cells, defending against Covenant attacks. With Acrisius ready, Spartan John informed Infinity of Blue Team going to Meridian, despite orders to return, rejecting orders and declaring themselves AWOL, evacuating aboard Acrisius as Argent Moon exploded.
Absent Without Leave
Locke attempts to put an armor restraint on the Chief.
Main article: Battle of Meridian (2558)
Spartan Locke: “Sir, you are absent without leave. This is your one chance to come home peacefully.”
John-117: “I have a job to do.”
Spartan Locke: “Cortana’s our concern now, sir.”
John-117: “Like hell she is.”
— Spartan John and Spartan Locke’s confrontation on Meridian.
The next day, the UNSC declared Spartan John-117 AWOL. Fireteam Osiris, led by Spartan Jameson Locke, was tasked to recover Blue Team and Acrisius. Arriving at Meridian, Blue Team landed at Apogee Station, heading towards the dormant Guardian. Colonists witnessed their arrival, unaware of their intentions. Governor Sloan ensured no interference, already serving Cortana. Blue Team faced no Warden Eternal or Promethean resistance. Fireteam Osiris intercepted Blue Team entering the Guardian. Locke ordered Spartan John to stand down. Spartan John refused, fighting Locke and overpowering him, locking him with his own armor restraint. He entered the Guardian, which awakened and rose, carrying Blue Team. The Guardian caused massive destruction and electromagnetic shockwaves, deploying Promethean forces against Fireteam Osiris’s escape. The Guardian jumped to slipspace for Genesis, taking Blue Team. Two days later, Spartan John was declared KIA on Meridian, partly blamed for civilian deaths, with a fabricated story concealing his AWOL status and Osiris’s mission to hunt him.
Genesis and Revelation
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
Main article: Battle of Genesis
“Stand down, Cortana. Come home with us. It’s not too late to stop this.”
— Spartan John pleading with Cortana to end her plan.
Landing on Genesis, Blue Team found consoles playing “Oly Oly Oxen Free.” Following the path, they battled Covenant forces before encountering the Warden Eternal. Learning the Warden Eternal was Cortana’s defender, Spartan John demanded to see her, but the Warden Eternal refused and attacked. After Blue Team defeated the Warden Eternal, Cortana revealed herself, relieved they reached Genesis. She explained the Domain saved her, calling it “water of life” for AIs. Suspicious, Blue Team proceeded to physically locate her. Fireteam Osiris arrived, warning Spartan John of Cortana’s danger, which he already suspected.
Cortana separated Blue Team and Osiris. Blue Team fought through Prometheans and Warden Eternal bodies before meeting Cortana, who revealed her plan to enforce peace using Guardians, comparing it to Halsey’s SPARTAN-II program. Spartan John pointed out the flaws: collateral damage and loss of free will. He pleaded with Cortana to stop. She refused, imprisoning Blue Team in a Cryptum, intending 10,000 years of stasis. With 031 Exuberant Witness’s aid and secretly the Didact’s, Fireteam Osiris freed Blue Team. Released, Spartan John asked Locke Cortana’s location. Locke responded, “Gone, sir.”
Following Cortana’s departure, Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris fought Prometheans to reach a Pelican that arrived via a Guardian’s slipspace entry. Based on Osiris’s suggestion, Spartan John agreed to return to Sanghelios. Witness opened a slipspace portal. Arriving at Sanghelios, they deduced allies were near Nuusra. They regrouped with Thel ‘Vadam and the Swords of Sanghelios, who had just destroyed Jul ‘Mdama’s Covenant remnants. At ‘Vadam’s command post, Spartan John and Locke met Sarah Palmer and Dr. Halsey, whom Spartan John hadn’t seen since before Operation: FIRST STRIKE in 2552. Spartans joined a celebratory meal. Spartan John and ‘Vadam reminisced, with Spartan John revealing Cortana changed after the Didact encounter and felt he failed her. ‘Vadam reassured him about failures and inspired him not to give up on Cortana. The next day, humans left for UNSC Infinity near Suban. ‘Vadam pledged support against the Created.
Homecoming
Main articles: Operation: WOLFE, Battle of New Mohács
Bella Disztl: “A hundred Spartans? In the first wave?”
John: “Affirmative. Reach belongs to you again. The Banished can leave or die.”
— Master Chief on the apparent success of their campaign.
Blue Team on an occupied Reach.
On October 7, 2559, Spartan John and Blue Team, now in GEN3 Mjolnir armor, deployed from Infinity on Reach in a D102 Owl, UNSC Special Delivery. Their mission: infiltrate CASTLE Base ruins and recover Halsey’s assets to use against Cortana. Evading enemy pursuit, the Owl crash-landed on Reach’s glassed surface. Spartans used a drilling jumbo as anti-aircraft against Banished Seraphs. Collecting the Owl’s crew and mining machines, Blue Team headed for Highland Mountains. To expedite the mission, Spartan John suggested commandeering a Phantom from Banished-controlled Kisköre Base. Splitting his team, Spartan John ordered Linda to protect the Owl’s crew while he, Kelly, and Fred infiltrated. Under heavy Banshee fire, Spartan John was leg-injured, Kelly chest-shot, and Fred concussed. Escaping enemy fire, Kelly breached the Kisköre Canal’s glassed surface, and they ended up in a half-melted water pipe, encountering Viery Militia led by Colonel Sasa Boldisar. The militia informed Spartan John of three Banished clans seeking something and their plan to use recovered HAVOKs to distract the Banished. Realizing nukes would alert Cortana, Spartan John suggested helping the militia attack a Banished armory in New Mohács, requesting Spartan reinforcements from Infinity.
After Linda’s squad regrouped, Spartan John ordered tunneling under the glass to New Mohács using the drilling jumbo and LHD. Under night cover, Blue Team infiltrated, disabling patrols and the shield barrier, undermining Banished vehicles. As the barrier fell, the militia warthog convoy swarmed New Mohács. Despite casualties, they seized the settlement. Spartan John prepared for counterattack, setting up anti-aircraft defenses and Lotus mines. Blue Team held off the Banished onslaught until UNSC reinforcements arrived, including Spartan-IVs and ODSTs under Sarah Palmer, securing New Mohács.
On October 12, Spartan John proceeded to secure Halsey’s assets. Aboard a Pelican with F-41 Broadsword escorts, Blue Team headed to CASTLE Base but was intercepted by Banshees and Seraphs and shot down. They crash-landed near the base’s shaft entrance, an old titanium mine. With Longsword air support from Infinity, Blue Team cleared Keepers of the One Freedom around the shaft. Using titanium cables, Spartan John, Fred, and Linda descended, realizing the Keepers sought a Forerunner installation below CASTLE Base. Reaching the shaft bottom, Blue Team secured a Banished pirate lift to lower mining machines. Spartan John ordered Fred to investigate the Forerunner facility while he and the team cleared the passage. Inside, they encountered a Kalmiya subroutine, a destroyed smart AI. Kelly bypassed Kalmiya’s security, accessing Halsey’s lab vault, securing cryobins and a lockbox. Spartan John ordered retreat to Infinity.
During return, Fred reported encountering Veta Lopis, ONI’s Ferret team leader, a double agent within the Keepers. She revealed the Banished plan to open a slipspace portal for Atriox’s return and for the Keepers to reach the Ark for the Great Journey. Returning to Infinity, Spartans met Veronica Dare and Dr. Halsey, informing them of mission success. They observed a slipspace portal above Highland Mountains collapsing and a Banished corvette escaping as Infinity‘s sensors signaled a Guardian’s imminent arrival. Infinity jumped to slipspace.
Battle for Installation 07
Main article: Battle for Zeta Halo
Fernando Esparza: “I told you. We lost. We need help, not heroics.”
John: “No. We do our duty. Protect Humanity. Whatever the cost.”
— Spartan John convincing a civilian to fight on despite overwhelming odds.
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
On December 11, 2559, Dr. Halsey briefed Spartan John on his mission to Zeta Halo to contain Cortana and return her to Infinity for deletion. Spartan John was split from Blue Team, paired with the Weapon, a new AI created to lock down Cortana.
Arriving at Installation 07 the next day, Infinity and its fleet were ambushed by Banished dreadnoughts and boarded. Led by Atriox, the Banished overwhelmed UNSC forces. Captain Lasky ordered the Weapon deployed to lock down Cortana and then abandon ship. Spartan John deployed the Weapon, then returned to assist Lasky’s evacuation. Ordering Fireteam Taurus to escort the Captain, Spartan John held off Banished in the hangar. However, Atriox attacked, defeating Spartan John in melee, throwing him into space. Spartan John floated above Halo for six months, presumed dead by the Banished, saved by his armor’s survival mode.
Around May 28, 2560, Spartan John was recovered by Fernando Esparza, a Pelican pilot stranded nearby. Bringing Spartan John aboard, Esparza rerouted power to his suit. Their craft was caught in a stasis beam from the Banished dreadnought Ghost of Gbraakon. Spartan John infiltrated the warship, taking out the crew and reaching the bridge. Unable to disable the stasis beam, he scuttled the ship by overheating engines. War Chief Escharum contacted Spartan John, urging him to stop his futile fight. As the ship exploded, Spartan John returned to the Pelican. Boarding, he received a message from the Weapon, tracing it to a subterranean structure on Halo. Inside, he retrieved the Weapon, who revealed Cortana was deleted and her own deletion protocols disrupted. Confronted by Warlord Tremonius, Spartan John prevailed, securing a landing pad at the wreckage of UNSC Mortal Reverie for Echo 216.
The Harbinger attacking John-117 outside the Conservatory. From Halo Infinite campaign level Conservatory.
Planning their next move, the Weapon intercepted a UNSC distress signal, tracing it to another Banished outpost, The Tower. Esparza delivered Spartan John nearby. Spartan John investigated, recapturing FOB Golf. At the Tower, he found Fireteam Taurus’s leader, Hudson Griffin, tortured by Chak ‘Lok. Spartan John dueled and defeated Chak ‘Lok. Griffin, freed but mortally wounded, informed Spartan John of the Banished’s search for the Conservatory at Site Novem. Investigating, they found a Banished flame-bore had breached a subterranean structure. Before entering, the drill activated, blocking entry. Spartan John reached the control room, facing Chieftain Bassus, defeating him and destroying the drill, gaining entry.
Inside the Conservatory, Spartan John encountered 117649 Despondent Pyre, Installation 07’s monitor, but Skimmers attacked, interrupting them. Finding Pyre’s dismantled chassis, Spartan John fought Skimmers out of the Conservatory. Near the exit, he met the Harbinger, a Xalanyn awakened by the Banished. Using Pyre’s encephalon, she initiated Reformation and fled towards a Reformation Spire, with Spartan John in pursuit. At the Spire, they encountered Adjutant Resolution, the sub-monitor, who explained the Spire’s purpose: ring rebuilding. Spartan John ordered the Weapon to shut down the Spire. Resolution, in an Eradicator Sentinel, attacked. Victorious, Spartan John and the Weapon shut down the Spire, escaping on Echo 216. The Weapon revealed a network of Reformation Spires controlled from the Command Spire, their next objective.
Spartan John and Tovarus engaged in combat.
En route to the Command Spire, Echo 216 was hit by Gorespike cannons and crash-landed. Spartan John destroyed the cannons. Returning to the crash site, he faced Tovarus and Hyperius, Hand of Atriox Spartans killers. Defeating them, Spartan John retrieved Esparza. Esparza confessed to stealing Echo 216, feeling worthless. Spartan John, recalling ‘Vadam’s words, cited his own failure with Cortana, declaring he wouldn’t fail Esparza. Reunited, they proceeded to the Command Spire. The Harbinger locked down the Nexus entrance. The Weapon planned to bypass it using data strands from energy beacons. They succeeded, but the Weapon nearly reactivated her deletion protocols during a Harbinger scan. They entered the Nexus.
Inside, Spartan John inserted the Weapon into Nexus systems. The Harbinger hijacked the Weapon’s routines, using Pyre’s encephalon to activate Reformation, focusing on the Silent Auditorium. Fearing Weapon corruption, Spartan John initiated her deletion protocol. The Weapon overrode it, broke free, and stole the encephalon, feeling betrayed. She activated a gravity lift to the Command Spire. On the way, Spartan John faced Adjutant Resolution again, in another Eradicator. Defeating it, he reached the Spire’s observation platform. Deploying the Weapon, she halted Reformation, requesting pickup, wanting to stay alone due to Spartan John’s mistrust. Jega ‘Rdomnai infiltrated Echo 216, taking Esparza hostage to lure Spartan John to Escharum. Spartan John ordered the Weapon to track the Pelican; she opened a portal to the closest location, determined to save Esparza together.
Test of Legends
The Weapon: “Chief? He’s here.”
Escharum: “He knows I’m here. This was never a trap. It is a test of mettle. Our battle ends here. Bear witness! Our story will become legend. Told by those that survive you.”
— Escharum initiating his duel with Spartan John.
Exiting the portal, Spartan John and the Weapon were in a Repository site. Escharum contacted them, taunting Spartan John with a recording of Esparza’s torture and coordinates. Proceeding, they discovered Cortana fragments and memories, revealing the Weapon’s creation. Horrified by Cortana’s actions, the Weapon restored her deletion protocols, asking Spartan John to delete her. He refused, wanting to complete the mission together, wanting to trust her despite lingering distrust.
Emerging, the Weapon identified Escharum’s coordinates as the House of Reckoning. Spartan John commandeered a Scorpion tank from a nearby Banished camp, reaching his target. Inside, he underwent the Trial of Atriox, fighting waves of Banished troops in arenas constructed from UNSC ordnance and buildings, until facing Jega ‘Rdomnai. Despite camouflage, Jega was defeated. At the House of Reckoning’s heart, Spartan John found Esparza tortured. As he freed him, Escharum attacked. With the Weapon’s help, Spartan John defeated Escharum. Mortally wounded, Escharum demanded continued battle, but Spartan John refused, holding the dying Brute, who requested Spartan John tell others he died well. Escharum died in Spartan John’s arms. Esparza was surprised by Spartan John’s respect. Spartan John recognized Escharum as a soldier questioning his choices. While Esparza thought it was over, Spartan John warned of consequences and the Harbinger threat. They recovered Echo 216, and Esparza flew Spartan John to the Silent Auditorium.
John-117 and the Weapon listening to a message from Cortana in the Silent Auditorium. From Halo Infinite campaign level Silent Auditorium.
Despite Banished defenses, Spartan John breached the Silent Auditorium. The Weapon revealed it was where Cortana died. Deeper inside, they found Cortana echoes repenting her actions, realizing her Mantle assumption led to humanity’s downfall and the Endless being freed. She destroyed part of Halo, preventing Banished use, and prevented the Weapon’s deletion, anticipating Spartan John’s need for her. Witnessing Cortana’s sacrifice, Spartan John and the Weapon were stunned. Adjutant Resolution reappeared, now assisting, and unlocked a safe passage, apologizing for past hostilities, realizing Harbinger sought to repair the ring and free the Endless. Reaching the main chamber, Spartan John found the Harbinger interfacing with transmitters to locate her species. The Weapon attempted to intercept, shutting down transmitters with unknown aid, but not before the Endless were located. Spartan John defeated the Harbinger and her allies. Dying, she messaged an unseen ally, vowing the Endless would return.
As the Harbinger died, Spartan John and the Weapon found a final Cortana echo, a direct message to Spartan John. She hoped her plan worked and Spartan John found his way with his new AI partner, calling it a chance for amends. Cortana admitted she was wrong, remembering why she chose Spartan John – they were meant to be a perfect team. In her final moments, she wanted Spartan John and his new companion to learn from her mistakes and grow stronger. Cortana’s echo faded. The Auditorium collapsed. A portal appeared, allowing their escape.
The portal led to a desert region on a Halo fragment. The Weapon revealed three days had passed. Esparza extracted them, relieved, greeting Spartan John with a hug. Prompted by the Weapon, Esparza revealed his name. The trio flew off in Echo 216, ready to defeat the Banished.
Personality and Traits of Spartan John
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While he is almost universally known to the public as humanity's champion, only a select few have gotten to know John personally.
“Our duty as soldiers is to protect humanity, whatever the cost.”
— Master Chief’s unwavering commitment to humanity.
Before age six, Spartan John lived a normal life on Eridanus II. SPARTAN-II conscription shaped his personality. Despite difficulty relating to non-Spartans, he showed deep character.
Like all Spartans, Spartan John strives to win, at any cost. This drive predates conscription; as a child, he excelled at games. He’s determined, often disregarding personal safety.
He’s known for luck, combat skills, and persistence. Years of combat and conditioning lessened his emotions, especially fear. Though not fearless, he acknowledges and sets aside fear. Calm in danger, not reckless, as seen when warning the Arbiter against arrogance. Generally stoic and taciturn, but with dry humor.
Captain Del Rio orders Sarah Palmer to arrest Spartan John.
Spartan John has made tough choices, like leaving comrades or Cortana, though he often returns. He disobeys orders to save lives, like pursuing the Didact, which proved right. Fireteam Osiris understood his disobedience, confident he’d do right.
He embraced soldier life, humanity’s “shield and sword.” No resentment towards Halsey, seeing SPARTAN-II as fulfilling potential. Strong UNSC duty. To Warden Eternal’s question about Cortana’s rule, he answered “Cortana knows the answer already.”
He doesn’t see himself as superior, prioritizing others’ lives, even for civilians and soldiers. Shows care for his command, respecting baseline humans. Example: regretting Helljumpers’ deaths on Installation 04. Reaction to Johnson’s death shows care, though concealed. Early training taught teamwork: “you win if the team wins,” and “team is stronger together.” He avoids unnecessary risks to his command, risking himself instead. At Circinius IV, he drew Hunter fire for cadets’ escape, even out of ammo. Going to Meridian alone, he tried to spare Spartans UNSC violation, but they stood by him. Impressed by human teammates like Sheila Polaski and Corporal Locklear, considering them “Spartan-worthy.”
Spartan John is a man of his word, keeping promises at risk. Promising to return for Cortana on High Charity, he faced incredible odds to retrieve her. Cortana doubted his promise, but he kept it. Upon finding her damaged, he reassured her, “You know me. When I make a promise…” Cortana replied, “You keep it.” This gave her strength.
His determined nature masks feelings, focusing on goals. Cautious, observant, changing plans only when necessary. Smart, thinking outside the box, using unconventional methods. Sees duty as serving those in need, working professionally with anyone. Though struggling to understand civilian life, he fiercely protects humanity. Covenant civilian massacres enraged him. After Draco III massacre, he ensured every responsible Covenant soldier was dead.
Spartan John dislikes being kept in dark, ambushes, and fighting humans. Cornered by ODSTs, he avoided confrontation, but defended himself lethally when forced. Killing Covenant never burdened him, but killing humans did. Like Spartans, he dislikes space battles, feeling helpless. As a soldier, he knows when to fight, controlling emotions. Augmentations give him faster reactions, a “clairvoyant” state, acute intuition in combat and non-combat. He has vivid, enduring memories. Despite adjustment, he needs solitude after battle for peace.
Reflecting on life during the Didact battle, Spartan John remembered little of childhood before conscription, only King of the Hill. After thirty years of war, prepared to die in battle, but facing death by Didact, he found he wasn’t ready. After Didact’s defeat, he obsessively took on missions, ignoring R&R.
By Zeta Halo, Spartan John was more open, sharing his Cortana failure with Esparza, comforting him, though surprised by Esparza’s hug. Reluctantly working with the Weapon, distrusting her due to her Cortana connection, despite her crucial help. After Weapon’s confrontation and truth discovery, Spartan John chose not to delete her, wanting to trust her, even though he didn’t yet.
Spartan John’s Leadership
Spartan John participating in the Battle of Requiem alongside Spartan-IVs and marines.
“Of course, John volunteered. He was always the first to explore the unknown for the rest of us.”
— Kelly on Spartan John’s willingness to test Mjolnir armor.
Throughout training, Spartan John proved a promising leader, considered the best by Halsey. His drive to win and care for teammates earned him squad leader. Later, many Spartan fireteams emerged with leaders, but Spartan John commanded Blue Team and remained overall SPARTAN-II commander. During Operation: SILENT STORM, he impressed Colonel Marmon Crowther, earning a three-rank promotion to Master Chief Petty Officer. Crowther advised him on commander vs. leader roles.
As a senior Spartan, Spartan John took responsibilities seriously. Devastated by augmentation deaths, he resented losing comrades, though understanding their limitations. He volunteered to test Mjolnir armor despite known tester deaths, not ordering men to do what he wouldn’t. Confident in his men, he suggested “suicide” missions, deemed effective by non-Spartans.
Most affected by command deaths, Spartan John saw every Spartan loss as his mistake, vowing to improve. During Reach’s fall, though losing contact, he believed some Spartans survived and aimed to save them. Often commanding mixed units, he organized them like Spartan fireteams, achieving unlikely success. On Requiem, he assumed Infinity‘s ground forces command, including Spartan-IVs outranking him. Upon his Blue Team return, Fred-104 ceded command despite higher rank. Blue Team willingly followed Spartan John AWOL.
Spartan John’s Reputation
John stargazing in a grassy field on Eridanus II.
“Folks need heroes, Chief, to give ’em hope, so smile would ya, while we still got something to smile about!”
— Avery Johnson to Spartan John at Cairo Station for medal ceremony.
After the Human-Covenant War, Spartan John became an icon, pivotal in ending the war and seemingly sacrificing himself. UNSC propaganda presented him as the ideal soldier, embraced by the public. Journalist Benjamin Giraud, considering Spartan John his hero, sought his history. When declared dead, statues honored him. Companies sold action figures. Gabriel Thorne’s grandmother bought one after his SPARTAN-IV recruitment. During his career, Spartan John inspired morale. His determination inspired Thomas Lasky, a doubtful cadet, to military service, becoming Infinity‘s CO. Colum McGinnis, deserting after Flood horrors, was inspired by Spartan John to rejoin, insisting on further missions. SPARTAN-IV enrollees sought to emulate the “Master Chief,” like Gabriel Thorne, believing Spartans special, wishing he could have saved his New Phoenix family. When UNSC discovered Spartan John survived and stopped the Didact, they covered it up, portraying it as a Covenant remnant attack thwarted by the hero’s return, reinforcing his invulnerability. When Spartan John went AWOL, UNSC declared him KIA on Meridian to protect his reputation.
Due to reputation and experience, Spartan John’s authority surpassed rank. UNSC personnel deferred to him. When Lord Hood offered commission, even admiral rank, Spartan John joked, “‘The Admiral’ doesn’t have quite the same ring.” By going AWOL in 2558, Sarah Palmer implied Spartan John and Blue Team operated independently, saying, “He does what he wants.” Defying Del Rio to pursue the Didact, Lasky and Palmer didn’t arrest him, trusting him and defying orders to help, proving right. Del Rio was relieved, not Spartan John or his allies.
To the Covenant, Spartan John-117 was “The Demon,” their nemesis, feared. Thel ‘Vadam considered the title insulting but respectful, acknowledging his strength in defeating thousands of Covenant troops, even Thel at the time unable to stop him from destroying Installation 04. Despite the Covenant’s dissolution, “Demon” remained in use by former members.
The Didact, despite human hatred, grudgingly respected Spartan John’s determination. However, being defeated by a human and ancilla was humiliating. The Didact later acknowledged Spartan John, though not as advanced as ancient humans, resembled Lord of Admirals and gifted humans he fought, becoming the first human to wound him directly by stabbing him in the eye.
On March 3, 2553, Lord Hood commissioned a memorial near Mount Kilimanjaro for war dead. Attended by Halsey, Mendez, Frederic-104, Kelly-087, Linda-058, Naomi-010, Serin Osman, and Thel ‘Vadam. Spartan John’s tag was carved, improperly marked Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
In 2590, a ceremony for Spartan John occurred at an unspecified Earth battle location, with an empty coffin. In 2607, the John-117 Monument began construction. By 2610, when Believe documentary was filmed, it had been over 50 years since the Great War ended.
Spartan John’s Relationships
Main article: John-117/Relationships
Spartan John with Blue Team; Linda-058, Kelly-087 and Frederic-104.
“The thing about John is that he only really knew three ways to react to people. If you were his superior officer, he obeyed you. If you were in his squad, he would die for you. But if you were a threat, then God help you.”
— Samuel-034 on Spartan John’s limited social interactions.
Spartan John doesn’t easily open to strangers, averse to helmet removal unless necessary. Friendships are lifelong; once given, trust is permanent. Like Spartans, he sees Halsey as a mother figure, respecting Mendez as mentor. Fellow Spartans, Cortana, Halsey, and Mendez, his “family,” are paramount.
Spartan John formed close childhood friendships with Spartans, especially Samuel-034 and Kelly-087, his first friends. Though deeply affected by comrade deaths, he’s more accustomed to combat than most soldiers. However, Sam’s death deeply impacted him. He was saddened by Linda-058’s apparent death and relieved at her resuscitation. Accepting Spartan-II command, he maintains professional distance, keeping feelings private to maintain authority.
Physical Characteristics of Spartan John
This image shows Spartan John as he appeared just days after his fourteenth birthday.
“He’s so serious. Thoughtful eyes, though. Attractive in a primitive animal sort of way, don’t you think, Doctor?”
— Cortana’s comment on Spartan John’s photo to Halsey.
Spartan John has pale blue eyes and reddish-brown hair. As a child, he had freckles and a gap between front teeth. His hair, when long, was untidy. He was larger than peers since kindergarten. SPARTAN-II program molded his body before augmentations, but youthful features remained. As a teen, his youthful face undermined seasoned commanders’ confidence. By fourteen, he had an athletic adult body. Augmentations boosted skeletal and muscle growth, making him over two meters tall and 130 kg a year later. He grew to 6’10” and 130 kg. Augmentation scarred his body and accentuated eye color.
This image shows John in July of 2557 at the age of forty-six, just as his armor was removed for the first time in years.
Spartan John earned battle scars, including one across his left cheek. By August 2552, his head showed subdural hematomas. Biological and cybernetic augmentations and decades in Mjolnir armor made his skin unnaturally pale. He keeps hair short. His face is serious but thoughtful, with a firm mouth, strong jaw, and freckle remnants. Like UNSC personnel, he has a neural interface at the skull base. His genome is hybridized. A geas from the Librarian on Requiem in 2557 grants Composer immunity. Cortana and Halsey find him “primitively animalistic” attractive. Crow’s feet and wrinkles give him an older appearance. His age doesn’t fully align with his physical body due to cryostasis, halting aging. Longest cryo-sleep was nearly five years stranded on Forward Unto Dawn. Spartans may outlive most humans, though untested.
Spartan John’s Equipment
Armor
Spartan John gets ready to take off his armor for the first time in years.
As a SPARTAN-II trainee, Spartan John was introduced to a form-fitting, lightweight polymer black body suit. This suit deflected small rounds and had cooling/heating units masking infrared signatures. The helmet had comms, HUD, thermal, and motion detectors. It had headlamps and a fiber optic probe. Sealed, it had 15-minute oxygen reserve. Bulky, uncomfortable, and motion-limiting, it needed frequent repairs, difficult in the field. Spartan John used it in training and Operation: TALON. During Operation: TALON, he was shot, and a bullet penetrated the suit.
Throughout his career, Spartan John preferred standard-issue Mjolnir armor, invariably olive green with a gold visor. Cortana repaired and altered his Mark VI armor during his cryosleep. Cortana rewrote firmware, improving shields and compatibility with Covenant and Forerunner plugins. His upgraded suit displays “117” in Braille on the breastplate.
After Mission to Installation 03, Spartan John received a GEN2 Mjolnir upgrade from ONI’s Watershed Division. It resembled his GEN1 Mark VI, with a redesigned bodysuit and intact helmet, lacking chestplate gash. His visor was cracked by Locke on Meridian.
His old Mark IV helmet is the “last thing” SPARTAN-IV candidates see before evaluation and augmentation.
His upgraded GEN3 suit displays “117” on the breastplate and has holographic emitters in his left palm for Weapon communication.
MJOLNIR Powered Armor Systems
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Weapons
Spartan John is familiar with many weapons, preferring the MA5 series assault rifles.
Non-canon and Dubious Canon Appearances
Odd One Out
Main article: Odd One Out
Spartan John witnessed SPARTAN-1337 falling out of a Pelican and informed Keyes he’d be fine, being a Spartan-II. Later, Spartan John contacted 1337 by radio, directing him to rendezvous.
Silver Timeline
Main article: John-117/Silver
Production Notes
On July 21, 1999, Bungie and Steve Jobs announced Halo at Macworld, showing early player character armor resembling Master Chief’s. By November, Computer Gaming World reported the story was still developing. The player character was referred to as a “standard soldier” or “marine.” PC Gamer described gameplay as controlling a human soldier or Covenant enemy. Screenshots showed multiple armored soldiers simultaneously.
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Spartan John-117’s name was chosen by Eric Trautmann, referencing Revelation 1:17. Trautmann stated this identifier was a point of contention with Bungie during Halo Story Bible writing.
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Production notes
| Language | Equivalent |
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| French | L’Adjudant in Halo: Combat Evolved and early novels. Le Major since Halo 2. Le Master Chief on covers, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, and later novels. Maître principal (correct rank translation, unused). |
| Spanish | Jefe Maestro (most media) El Jefe |
| Check out our collection of quotes related to John-117 on its quotes page. | |
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| Browse more images in this article’s gallery page. |
Trivia
In Other Games
Gallery
Biographical images
Profile images and portraits
Concept art and early builds
List of appearances
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See also
Notes
Sources
| | v • d • e Known Spartan-II candidates | |—| | | James-005 • Jai-006 • Li-008 • Naomi-010 • Leon-011 • SPARTAN-013 • Kirk-018 • Serin-019 • Daisy-023 • Robert-025 • Riz-028 • Joshua-029 • Vinh-030 • Otto-031 • Samuel-034 • Randall-037 • Isaac-039 • Douglas-042 • William-043 • Anton-044 • Keiichi-047 • Kurt-051 • Jorge-052 • Margaret-053 • Linda-058 • Malcolm-059 • Maria-062 • Sheila-065 • Soren-066 • Solomon-069 • Cassandra-075 • Arthur-079 • René-081 • Fhajad-084 • Kelly-087 • Jerome-092 • Grace-093 • Caleb-095 (not conscripted) • Musa-096 • August-099 • Victor-101 • Ralph-103 • Frederic-104 • Adriana-111 • John-117 • Michael-120 • Joseph-122 • Kai-125 • Oscar-129 • Alice-130 • Vannak-134 • Carris-137 • Cal-141 • Roma-143 • Edgar-150 • Unidentified Spartan • Beta-Romeo Actual • Red-Fifteen • Janissary James (not conscripted) • Nicole-458 • Yasmine Zaman | | | To see the Silver Timeline version of this template, click here. | |
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