Elites are a fictional alien race in the Halo series by Bungie Studios.Until a civil war in Halo 2, they serve as one of the two primary commanding species in the caste system of the Covenant, an alliance of alien races. The species, called Sangheili in the Covenant language, is portrayed as physically strong and capable of brilliant military strategy; they serve as one of the player's most dangerous enemies in both Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. Learning that their leaders have betrayed them, the Elites ally with their one-time enemies, the humans, during Halo 3. Elites are depicted as having a proud warrior culture; members are promoted for their kills on the battlefield, and wear armor denoting their rank.