Introduction: Halo Grunt Costume
I was asked last year if I could figure out how to make this costume, for this year. My friend's kid is obssesed with the game and gave me the references. I attemped to be cost effective and still have it look good.
After posting this, many commented about the needler. I whipped one up to complete the costume. See link.
Step 1: Materials
Generic Halloween Monster Mask
Kid's Toy chest armor (from dollar store)
Futuristic looking oversized water gun
3- 8oz silver soda cans (empty) - I used diet pepsi
Sand paper
Small zip ties
Kid's plastic bowl (dollar store)
Canned foam insulation (hardware store)
Lots of cardboard
Masking Tape
Metal Tape
Electrical tape
Scissors
Paper towels
Paint brush
Spray Paint in blue, black and silver
Acylic paint in neon blue, black, red and orange
Black Markers (various thicknesses)
Old shoes
Plastic Grocery bags
X-acto knife
Utility knife
Blue glow braclets (dollar store)
Imitation leather fabric
Sewing machine
Navy long sleeve shirt and textured leggings
or pajama set with reptile type print or texture
Old Pillow (optional)
Step 2: Gas Mask and Ear Guard
Gas Mask
Sand the three cans down to the metal. Make hole using an awl, screwdriver or drill at the top of the can.
Using a moist paper towel, paint them with black paint to look weather beaten. Let dry.
Meanwhile,make holes with a drill or tool of choice into a kiddie bowl. then paint with the black paint .
When the cans are dry dip the bottoms into neon blue paint to create the neon rings. Let dry.
When the cans are dry use the electrical tape an inch from the bottom to create the black band. The neon bracelets will go over the tape when you are ready to use the costume.
Using zip ties attach the cans to the bowl. I use clear stretch cord to tie the mask.
Ear Guard
Cut from cardboard and cover in metal tape. Detail with black marker. Antique with black paint, let dry. Attach pieces to headband with more metal tape.
Step 3: Gun
Paint the water gun silver with spray paint. Let dry. Using a moist paper towel, pain with with black paint to look weather beaten. Once dry, mix black and red paint to look like dried blood. Splatter on to each side of gun. Let dry.
Step 4: Chest Piece and Shoulders
Chest Piece
Paint the chest piece silver with spray paint. Let dry. Using orange paint define the shape of the chest plate. Detail the bottom in black to create the curves. Using a moist paper towel, pain with with black paint to look weather beaten.
Shoulders
Cut from cardboard and cover bottom in metal tape. Paint top side in orange. Detail with black marker. Antique with black paint, let dry. Attach safety pins to pieces with metal tape.
Step 5: Respirator Pack
Using cardboard I created the respirator pack. Cut the flat piece first, which is shaped like an oversized ukulele. Then I built on to it, creating a point ship shape. I masked the edges.
Spray paint it all silver. Let dry. Use the metal tape on the front panel to create a realistic metal look.
Draw in the details with black marker.
Paint the back orange and detail with black marker. Using a moist paper towel, paint it with black paint to look weather beaten. Let dry.
Cut cardboard to fit hole, leaving two top holes and a bottom one (see pic). Run fabrics scraps through before taping, tie. then tape up. It will be worn like a backpack and straps will be covered by chest piece.
Step 6: Arms
Arms
Cut out pattern based on individual's arms. Use imitation leather fabric for the arms. Sew the wrong side out. Then turn them right side out for painting. Use a dowel or kniiting needle to get the pointy parts out. Also, stuff the pints with newspaper.
Step 7: Feet
Prep your old shoes with plasic bags. Use the canned foam insulation all over the shoes. When dry,carefully use knife and blade to create shape. Spray paint with black and blue to create desired color.
Using the arm material make cuffs to go above the feet, these were sewn and stapled.
Use canned insulation foam to build it out, let dry. Spray paint with black and blue to create desired color.
Step 8: Underpinnings
Navy long sleeve shirt and textured leggings.(Spray paint to your liking)
or
Textured reptile pajamas.
Optional
Use old pillow for kids who want to look more bulky.
Cut and tie around neck like bib.
Step 9: Putting It All to Together
Start with underpinnings.
Then put on the leg cuffs and the feet.
Follow up with Respirator pack, Chest plate, and Shoulder pads.
Put the glow bracelets on gas mask.
Then put on the mask, the gas mask, and the ear gaurd.
Finish up by putting on the arms and tuck the shirt in to them.
Grab your gun and enjoy your costume!!!

Participated in the
Halloween Contest
36 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
He looks a little bit "young" to be playing an M-Rated Game like Halo.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
He's 14- small for his age, and his mom allows the game playing.
I only made the costume, not the rules.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Then again...
I'm the one who shouldn't be talking, I have been playing Halo since I was 12 (But it is Halo 1, so it is NOT NEARLY as bad as the current games!).
Reply 4 years ago
I wouldn't say that the games are necessarily "messy". If I had kids, I'd let them play Halo before Call of Duty or Battlefield.
Reply 6 years ago
i've been playing since i was 8, i got a halo four xbox 360 bundle and have been playing even since. i know as for some parenting it is good to keep kids away from stuff like that, but some families have different rules.
5 years ago
Grunt's are funny things, wasting ammo on them is fun
6 years ago
Lol,love it cause ive been playing halo since i was6
8 years ago
I made this costume with a couple tweaks to make it all work for me and some items I had on hand. I couldn't post it in the reply though. I used my sons motorcross chest protector with shoulder protectors, a sea monster swim mask & used the nose piece from it to attach the bowl with cans. My son said he felt like the bowl was too much wrapped around him head lol.
Reply 8 years ago
Lol, my kid had the issue with the bowl. Plus, he had glasses on under the mask. So happy I was able to help you with the instructions.
8 years ago on Introduction
This is a really cool idea, I love how you make this costume out of ordinary stuff.
10 years ago on Introduction
I like the costume but There is no radiator pack it is a methane tank (I am such a nerd lol)
Nice work!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
It's not a radiator pack, it is a respirator pack. That's what I was told. Thanks for the compliment on the costume and continue with your nerdiness. =)
11 years ago on Introduction
You should have him pose holding a plasma pistol and about to throw a grenade.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I have some from halloween where he is holding the needler.....i need to update the pics on the instructable!
12 years ago on Introduction
SO REALISTIC!
12 years ago on Introduction
great idea.....like a few have mentioned ,a needler would have gave it an A+++ instead of an A++...a " grunt " nice ible.
12 years ago on Introduction
like the costume dude
12 years ago on Step 3
You should make a Needler! That would totally complete the costume.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
yep needler leads to an epic win
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
See new instructable!