The Halo series introduces players to the relentless and perilous Flood, a formidable enemy that spreads its infection rapidly across the galaxy, aiming to dominate all life forms through mutation and assimilation.
Evolving through various life forms and guided by the Gravemind's manipulation, the Flood manifests in a multitude of entities, each contributing uniquely to its mission of universal transformation.
Updated April 28, 2024, by Ben Painter: Halo has captivated gamers worldwide, with the return of the Flood in the latest season of the Paramount+ live-action series reigniting interest in these iconic adversaries. Let's revisit and rank every form of the Flood within the series.
26 The Hive
Foundation of Flood Life
- First Appearance:Halo 2
Serving as the core of Flood development, the Hive represents a pivotal stage in the symbiotic species' life cycle. While incapable of direct assault, the Hive's significance lies in nurturing the Flood's population, making it the weakest among Flood forms. An instance of a Flood Hive can be witnessed in the Covenant capital of High Clarity during the Halo 2 campaign.
25 Spores
Fundamental Infection Agents
- First Appearance:Halo 2
Representing the basic form of infective agents, Spores are microscopic organisms adept at infiltrating and suffocating living organisms. While not commonly utilized for host reproduction, they serve as an effective tool for contamination. Inhalation of these spores initiates a gradual mutation process, albeit with minimal external manifestations. Occasionally, the Flood disperses spores into the atmosphere to bolster their conquest.
24 Tadpoles
Nascent Pod Infectors
- First Appearance: Halo 2
Exclusive to Halo 2, Tadpoles represent a juvenile stage of Pod Infectors, exhibiting smaller size and confinement to research lab tanks. Their functionalities remain ambiguous, likely mirroring those of Pod Infectors.