Acolyte

"You Acolytes, lead your Thrall in battle. Take enough killing to feed your worm, and a little more to grow, and take the tithe of the Thrall you lead. Then tithe the remainder to the Knight or Wizard who commands you. Thus you pay tribute."

- Oryx, the Taken King

Acolytes are the main attack force of the Hive. They use Shredders and Boomer in combat.

Overview
"Belief is a powerful weapon."

- Grimoire description.

They utilize firearms and strategy to counter their enemy, coordinating with other Hive to destroy their targets. Unlike the lesser Thralls who act with little sense of self-preservation, Acolytes actively utilize cover to avoid incoming fire from enemies. If they survive long enough they become Wizards if female or Knights if Male.

Destiny
Acolytes are basic enemies that are mostly seen behind cover. They occasionally pop out to fire off some shots at the player, forcing them to retreat. However, they lack in defenses, and as such can easily be killed by small arms fire. The best strategy would be to separate an Acolyte from their piece of cover and leave them exposed to incoming damage. This can be done by tossing a grenade in their general direction to flush them out, followed by shooting them with your primary weapon or rushing forward for a melee attack.

Destiny 2
Acolytes gain the ability to summon and throw grenade-like incendiary explosives, and some act as snipers with the new Soulfire Rifle, but otherwise fight the same way.

Known Acolytes

 * Dakaan, Proxy
 * Enkaar, the Anointed
 * Mor'ak, Lightstealer
 * Servant of the Betrothed

Types

 * Acolyte of Balwûr
 * Adept
 * Adherent
 * Unhallowed Adherent
 * Dread Unhallowed Adherent
 * Anointed Acolyte
 * Ascendant Acolyte
 * Bone Collector
 * Blessed Acolyte
 * Chosen Acolyte
 * Eyes of Crota
 * Hallowed Acolyte
 * Unhallowed Acolyte
 * Dread Unhallowed Acolyte
 * Kamus Acolyte
 * Lightbearer Acolyte - Acolyte risen by a Ghost
 * Lunar Scavenger
 * Namuš Acolyte
 * Ravagers of Xivu Arath
 * Revenant Acolyte - common Elite variant
 * Servant of the Plague
 * Spectral Herald
 * Xûr's Edgekeeper

Trivia

 * Acolytes were originally called "Troopers." "Acolyte" was the de facto term by Destiny's alpha.
 * Given the Hive's odd biology, it may be that all Acolytes are biologically sterile females, as common to most eusocial species.

List of appearances

 * Destiny
 * The Dark Below
 * Destiny 2
 * Curse of Osiris
 * Warmind
 * Forsaken
 * Season of Opulence
 * Shadowkeep
 * Season of the Hunt
 * Season of the Chosen
 * Season of the Lost
 * The Witch Queen
 * Season of the Risen
 * Season of Plunder