Halo Infinite Escharum Boss: How To Beat Escharum

The Halo Infinite Escharum boss fight is the penultimate battle in the game, and a huge test for Master Chief that takes place across two distinct phases. Many of the Halo Infinite boss fights can be tough, but Escharum takes it up a notch, requiring top-tier precision and mobility from players. Tweaked up to Heroic or Legendary difficulty also turns it into a chaotic scrap, so for the best way to complete the Halo Infinite Escharum boss fight, read on. 

• While you're playing this mission, why not check out the Halo Infinite House of Reckoning collectibles.

Halo Infinite Escharum Boss Fight: Who Is Escharum?

Escharum is a Banished War Chief who takes up the role of leader during the events of Halo Infinite, after Atriox the original leader and Warmaster disappears. He's fierce and hateful, declaring a genocide against humanity even though it contradicts the core values of Atriox. He takes up the role as the second boss during the mission House of Reckoning, fighting Chief as he attempts to save the pilot Echo. 

Throughout the story, he reveals his love for combat and respect for warriors, which leads him to challenge Master Chief. The fight against Escharum is a struggle, and the two phases makes for a test of the player's skill.

• We also have a breakdown of all the Halo Infinite Skull locations.

Halo Infinite Escharum Boss Fight: How To Beat Him

You know the deal already, like every other boss, Escharum has shields and health, so you'll need a combination of plasma and kinetic weaponry to do the optimal amount of damage to him. At this point, you should also have upgraded most of your equipment, and the Grappleshot and Thrusters will become your best friend for this contest. 

There are two distinct phases for the Halo Infinite Escharum boss fight. During the first phase, as the fight begins, he will start firing a large canon at you, so you'll immediately need to hide and collect some weapons. There are plenty to be found around the arena, but the Shock Rifle is our recommendation for its high damage output and the Rocket Launchers which can be found on the west side of the room. 

Once you've done a bit of damage to Escharum, he'll take refuge at the centre of the room behind a shield, which requires you destroy the glowing power cells located on the pillars around the room. After destroying one of the power cells, the shield will lower briefly, so you can damage Escharum before it raises again. Destroying all four of them will result in the second stage of the fight.

This section begins with Escharum equipping a custom Gravity Hammer and chasing Master Chief down. For this part, it's all about being mobile and doing enough damage, so your Thrusters and Grappleshot will be imperative here. You'll want to bait Escharum into charging you - which he only as one animation for, a straight dash - so you can headshot him multiple times and move away quickly before the attack. 

You'll also want to kite him around the more narrow areas to make the most of his lack of mobility, but beware, one hit from his Gravity Hammer will likely kill you, especially on higher difficulties. 

The basics for Escharum are:

• For phase one, just prioritise doing the minimum required damage, so he goes to the shields and then focus on the power cells until phase two begins.
• For phase two, make sure to stay mobile and use your Thruster and Grappleshot equipment.
• Stay in the narrow areas to take advantage of his slow mobility.
• Avoid Fusion Coils, so the Gravity Hammer splash damage doesn't blow them up near you. 
• Prioritise acquiring the Shock Rifle, Battle Rifle, or Rocket Launchers for big damage. 
• Remember, he can only charge in a straight line, so it's the perfect chance for headshots. 

That's the rundown for the Halo Infinite Escharum boss fight, which after completing puts you into the very last mission of the game.

For more guides, check out the Halo Infinite mission list, and the Halo Infinite Valor system.