The Guide to Overcoming Halo 4 Enemies (on Legendary)

The Grunts are the weakest, least intelligent, and least accurate enemies in Halo 4. All grunts can be killed with a single headshot from a headshot weapon, so they pose very little threat. Whenever possible, pick off grunts from a distance so that they cannot return fire with their inaccurate guns. Grunts always stay in packs of 3 to 5 and they usually follow elites or packs of jackals. Because grunts are very common and often wield plasma pistols, they provide a reliable supply of fresh plasma pistol energy in covenant areas. Grunts commonly operate turrets and Ghosts.
Grunts often throw plasma grenades when they see you in cover or near them. Before throwing a grenade, they swing their arm back dramatically, giving you plenty of warning. Avoid their grenades by walking under them, side stepping them, or stepping into cover. In some cases, grunts will commit suicide with their plasma grenades by lighting a grenade in each hand and charging you. If they reach you, they will detonate the two plasma grenades, killing themselves and you. Kill all suiciders with headshots before they can reach you and back away from the grenades before they detonate.
Grunt minors are common, weak grunts. They stay in packs with other grunt minors and majors and usually follow jackals or elites. These grunts only wield needlers and plasma pistols.
Grunt majors are the most common type of grunt. They stay in packs with other grunt minors and majors and usually follow jackals or elites. These grunts only wield needlers and plasma pistols.
Grunt heavies often wield fuel rod guns, so they pose a larger threat than the other grunts. They can kill you with a direct hit with a fuel rod, so it is vital that you kill them carefully. I suggest that you engage them from very far away so that you have more time to dodge their shots. Fuel rods travel very slowly, so you can avoid them by jumping over them or stepping to them. Use an accurate headshot weapon to kill grunt heavies from a distance with a single headshot.
Grunt rangers are specially equipped to fight in space. They have jetpacks and full face breathing apparatuses, though they wield the same weapons as grunts minors. Simply kill grunt rangers with a single headshot from a distance.
Jackals use plasma pistols and needlers like grunts, but they are harder to eliminate because they also wield an energy shield. When jackals see an enemy, they hunker behind their shield to protect their head. To overcome this, shoot them once in the hand with your headshot weapon to cause them to flinch and expose their head. This provides you with an opportunity to follow up with a lethal headshot. Jackals are more intelligent and accurate than grunts, and they stay in packs of 3 to 5. Whenever possible, engage jackals from a distance with a headshot weapon so that they cannot hit you with their inaccurate weapons.
Jackal minors are the most common jackal infantry. They usually wield plasma pistols, so they pose little threat, especially from a distance. If you see a jackal minor begin to charge its plasma pistol, kill it immediately or take cover before it can shoot. Jackal minors occasionally wield needler as well. Kill all jackal minors with a hand shot and a headshot.
Jackal majors stay in packs with other jackal minors and majors. Jackal majors have yellow shields and helmets, while minors have blue shields and no helmets. Other than their appearance, the only noticeable difference between the two is that jackal majors mostly wield needlers. Therefore, they pose a larger threat because 7–10 needles can kill you with a super combine explosion. Therefore, engage them from a distance whenever possible and take cover if you see multiple needles heading your way. Kill jackal majors with a hand shot and a headshot.