They defend the health and lives of their charges, rush into danger, and work together to defeat threats to themselves and the Matoran. They are the Toa, heroes with elemental powers and great strength.

Toa have been defenders of good, and they come in many different shapes. The original Toa were powerful, and received major upgrades and armor to become Toa Nuva. Upon entering Karda Nui, the Toa Nuva also gained the ability to fly.

Other Toa have been mutated into other forms... the Toa Metru were changed into Toa Hordika: half Toa, half beast. The Toa Inika were transformed to be able to survive underwater as Toa Mahri by the Mask of Life.