Equipment

Overview
The philosophy of equipment is simple: to add a variety to the combat during gameplay without unbalancing the game.

Halo 2
In Halo 2, the only available Equipment was Master Chief's Flashlight and The Arbiter's Active Camouflage (which makes him temporarily invisible). Although such equipment could not be collected or spent, they were always available for use (based on charge) being integrated into their respective armor.

Halo 3
In Halo 3, Equipment items, once deployed, can be used by both attackers and defenders. For example, someone on your team might accidentally activate a Trip Mine (an explosive) that you set, and the Bubble Shield (a spherical shield made up of small hexagons) cannot be penetrated by either projectiles or grenades, but players and vehicles can pass through it. Equipment can, when used correctly, be of great use to players. To make Equipment more balanced, it takes longer to deploy than as seen in the Halo 3 Beta, but players can throw it farther.

Equipment can be utilized by the player in both Multiplayer and Campaign. It is not entirely clear which faction, Human or Covenant, manufactures each piece of Equipment, but only Covenant enemies are seen using them in the Campaign, which makes it seem more likely that it is manufactured by the Covenant. Though possibly the trip mines are manufactured by the humans because in the campaign level Tsavo Highway you find a few Marines in a building with some unused Trip Mines.

In Halo 2
Campaign only:
 * Flashlight
 * Active Camouflage

In Halo 3
Available in matchmaking and multiplayer:
 * Bubble Shield
 * Power Drain
 * Gravity Lift
 * Trip Mine
 * Regenerator
 * Active Camouflage
 * Overshield

Not available or no longer available in matchmaking:
 * Flare
 * Deployable Cover
 * Radar Jammer

Campaign only:
 * Automated Turret
 * Cloaking
 * Invincibility

Custom maps only:
 * Custom Powerup

Equipment Abilities

 * Bubble Shield - The Bubble Shield releases a spherical shield around a center generator, for a limited time. No bullets, grenades, or any type of explosion can pass through the shield from inside or outside, but vehicles and players (ally and enemy) can pass through. The Bubble Shield's generator is also very weak after it is deployed, and can be destroyed with a melee attack or a few rounds from any given weapon. Skilled players can also exploit the bubble shield from deflecting their own shots by walking just close enough to the edge of the shield that the barrel of their gun is outside of the shield and fire at enemies that way. However, this method has a flaw; it is true the player will be safe from enemy guns. However, the explosive yield of a grenade is more than enough to cut this technique.


 * Power Drain - When deployed, the Power Drain produces a blue energy field that will generally drain everyone's shields within range and if thrown near a vehicle in motion an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) effect occurs, similar to the EMP effect of a charged Plasma Pistol shot. This causes the vehicle to stop and drains the energy shields of the driver and any passengers (when applicable). The vehicles weapons systems are still functional. If a player wanders too close to the energy source of a Power Drain, they can be harmed or killed by the explosion at the end of its cycle. Players who know how to use it well can stop enemy vehicles in their tracks, making them easier to board. It is also very useful in close-quarters combat, as a strategic toss will result in a weakened foe. Players can also use these to cut off enemy escape routes, or attempt to persuade incoming foes to take a certain route as many players attempt to avoid active Power Drains whenever possible.


 * Radar Jammer - When deployed ghost contacts will appear and move around in random directions on the motion sensors of anyone within the area of it, causing confusion. Moving out of range of the Radar Jammer will cause the contacts to disappear. It is often used in conjunction with Active Camouflage, to confuse foes further. These are also often effective when attempting to escape a tight spot, or if using short range weaponry. Foes will be notified of your presence when you drop a Radar Jammer, but you will be difficult to actively locate. The Radar Jammer was removed from online Matchmaking in an update.


 * Flare - Creates a blinding light resulting in all players within range losing their sight for a short amount of time. Turning away from the power source or blocking it out in some way lessens the effect. The flare also makes players unable to see their radar. It was also used in online matchmaking, but after an update it was removed as it was known to cause lag.


 * Deployable Cover - Once deployed this creates a relatively large energy shield which can temporarily protect those hiding behind it, while allowing them to shoot through it with projectile weapons. In Custom Games and Forge, it lasts only for a short time, whereas in Campaign it will last indefinitely, or until destroyed by damaging the base unit. The Deployable Cover can also be utilized to reach higher places when jumping on it. Only Human projectile weapons can shoot through the back side of it (from behind cover out); Covenant Plasma weapons cannot fire through it.


 * Regenerator - This creates a small green energy field that is similar to the power drain's. Instead of draining players' shield, it regenerates the shields of anyone within its radius. Its effect can be described as the exact opposite of the Power Drain; however, if a Power Drain is placed next to a Regenerator, the Power Drain has a stronger effect than the Regenerator.The Regenerator does not protect players against any powerful weapons that do a lot of damage in a short time. A headshot from a Sniper Rifle, or a hit from a Rocket Launcher, for example, will kill players in a Regenerator, due to their ability to inflict more damage in less time.


 * Invincibility - This causes a player's shields to become invulnerable for a short time. It acts much like an Overshield, but instead of a dull yellowish shield color, invincibility is noticeable by a bright, vivid blue color. It can only be found in the Campaign, carried only by Brute Chieftains. Players using the Invincibility Equipment are very easily seen, even if they use an Active Camouflage Equipment in conjunction with it. Players can still die when using invincibility from falling a long distance. The Arbiter and other invulnerable characters can still kill players instantly if killed enough times to make them hostile.


 * Gravity Lift - Once deployed, the grav-lift projects a bluish-purple anti-gravity beam which can propel players or light vehicles into the air much like The Covenant's Ghost, Banshee and Wraith anti-gravity, as well as Sniper platforms but on a smaller, more portable scale. It is useful for quickly getting to higher places players would otherwise not be able to reach. It dissipates after about 45 seconds. The Scorpion and Wraith cannot be lifted, due to their immense weight. It is excellent when trying to reach a high vantage point, and can be deployed in front of an oncoming vehicle to avoid being Splattered. This can also cause confusion when thrown at the feet of an approaching enemy, and they are sometimes used to block doors behind a retreating player. Though they don't last long and are fairly easy to destroy, they can provide the few extra seconds needed to escape safely.


 * Trip Mine - Once deployed, the Trip Mine lives up to it's name. It is an explosive charge which reacts to movement near itself and can also be remotely detonated by shooting it. When deployed, it lets out a beeping warning signal and a soft orange glow, which attentive players will see as a sign that it is activated. The trip mine in the Halo 3 beta was much more powerful and stuck onto vehicles. Skilled players can deploy the mine upside down so the light will be dimmer and darker, and therefore be less obvious to enemies. Trip Mines cannot be detonated if players crouch-walk over them, although Trip Mines are often used in conjunction with ambushes. Trip Mines are specifically used to get the Achievement, We're in for some Chop, in which a player must destroy an enemy vehicle with it. It will instantly kill some vehicles as well as players if they get too close to it.


 * Active Camouflage - The Active Camouflage or Active Camo will give its user near-invisibility for a short time. Weapons fire or radial damage will lessen the effect of the Camouflage, making the user more visible. When picked up, the Active Camouflage is activated instantly. Invisible players are still visible on the motion tracker. Using Active Camouflage and an Overshield at the same time renders the player completely visible to others.


 * Overshield - The Overshield gives the user an extra layer of shielding which will slowly weaken when exposed to any form of damage. When activated, the shield will slowly begin to deteriorate until the player has normal shields. When the Overshield is picked up and until it is fully charged the player is completely invincible from anything short of assassinations or the guardians.


 * Custom Powerup - A Custom Powerup cannot be found in any maps by default, and must be placed in the map on Forge. It affects the user in various ways: good (faster speed, lower gravity, one-shot kills, invisibility, invincibility, etc.) or bad (reduction in health, slower speed, lower damage resistance, higher gravity, instant death, lower damage done, bad weapon respawn, etc.). These settings can be activated or deactivated in the custom power up settings area in the game variant settings area.

Tips

 * Place a Bubble Shield and position a Sniper Rifle so only the end protrudes, therefore being able to snipe people without getting hurt. Another clever method is to drop a bubble shield at an approaching enemy in possession of a Missile Pod, Rocket Launcher or Spartan laser, possibly resulting in the enemy committing suicide. An extremely good tactic during a Free for All game is to get the Energy Sword or Shotgun and the Bubble Shield and deploy the Shield right in the middle of the map, and those foolish enough to attempt to kill you will soon be respawning. Bullets can't go in or out. Vehicles can still try to splatter you. The Bubble Shield blocks explosions as well. Also, you can deploy a bubble shield, wait for someone to enter, and stick them and jump out for an almost guaranteed kill.


 * Don't activate Power Drains against Grunts, Drones or Hunters, as they don't have energy shields therefore the Power Drain is a waste of time on them. The only thing that would make a Power Drain useful against Grunts is that you can try to stop them in their Ghosts.
 * If you use the two Auto Turret's while defending the door on the new Installation 04 in Halo 3, this makes fighting the Flood far easier on Normal or Easy. However, you need to destroy them before continuing because after you kill 343 Guilty Spark, they will try to kill you along with the Sentinels. They are especially lethal on legendary, with the beam only needing a few seconds to kill.
 * You should deploy a Trip Mine in a close quarters area, or near or under explosive items like vehicles, for these both increase the chance of seriously hurting multiple players. Be sure to warn your team when and where you have deployed a Trip Mine to prevent a possible needless betrayal. Also deploy the Trip Mine in an area that is hard to see as it has lights on it making it easy to avoid. Trip mines also make a ticking noise the closer you are to them. Placing Trip Mines and throwing a grenade can cause massive damage to an enemy just outside of the trip range.
 * You can use a Deployable Cover to help you get to higher places by using it as kind of a step stool, like for getting skulls in Campaign. If you deploy one while jumping and looking down, then in mid-air back up a bit, you can catapult yourself around the map. This is very hard to do though.
 * Use Invincibility in packed areas such as a group of Brutes to keep you from dying and getting through more easily.
 * On multiplayer maps with a central lift such as Blackout and Guardian, place a Bubble Shield at the top of the lift. Then, throw a Plasma Grenade up the bottom of the lift. This will trap the plasma until someone uses the lift or the bubble shield dies. Anyone going up the lift will be stuck.
 * Use Cloaking to be stealthy and maybe try to get a few assassinations on some enemy troops. Don't needlessly shoot someone as it will cause the cloaking to ware off.
 * Use the Flare to blind people to easily get from one place to another.
 * If you deploy a Grav Lift just before a speeding vehicle is about to hit you, the vehicle will "jump" over you, or simply splatter your head in some cases. Try making them go off a cliff.
 * If you have been seen by an enemy, run to some cover and throw a Flare to blind the enemy and you can either run or fight them while they are not looking at your direction.
 * Use a Bubble Shield if you have been shot or you are getting shot to take cover and recharge your shields, but be warned that they can still enter it and finish the job.
 * If you deploy a Trip Mine at the indent of an enemy machine gun turret, enemies might step on it as they go through, thus depleting their shields. The enemy is now vulnerable to a quick Magnum shot or Battle Rifle burst to finish him/her off. Note: If playing a team based game, be sure to alert your allies of the trap set intended for your enemies.
 * Use Regenerators if your shields are depleted and you need recharge your shields very quickly.
 * If an opponent has a Rocket Launcher, a Spartan Laser or a Fuel Rod Cannon, and they are at close range and are about to fire at you, deploy a Bubble Shield, if done correctly the enemy will hit the shield while very close and end up committing suicide.
 * Throw a Power Drain at an enemy who has deployed a Regenerator, and it will overpower the Regenerator and instead, drain their energy bar. Shoot at them then to kill them with ease.
 * Don't use the Flare on enemies in Campaign because it doesn't blind them, only you.
 * Deploy a Trip Mine at a rapidly approaching vehicle to destroy it, but try to avoid the blast and get away from the Trip Mine since it could drop your shields and result in vulnerability to enemy fire.
 * If you can tell that a grenade is coming your way, then deploy a Bubble Shield. Odds are that the grenade will bounce off of the shield and back to the owner of the grenade, damaging, killing or sticking the thrower, and leaving them with weak shielding, allowing you to take them out very quickly.
 * A little known fact about the Trip Mine is that it is very similar to a real player using radar. If you crouch or move slowly, as long as your dot does not show up, the Trip Mine will not recognize you. Use this tip to pass tight areas where one was deployed, or if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
 * The power drain can kill the enemy if it explodes very close to them.
 * You can throw a Trip Mine at someone and it will be like a grenade and blow up the enemy. Only do this when you are desperate and you are about to die, this procedure drains your shields but damages all enemies within a 5.5 meter radius.
 * While fighting against the Flood, deploy a cover in a hallway and the Flood will not pass through and you can run or pick them off.
 * On Crow's Nest, there is a room that contains lots of goodies such as SMGs, Magnums, Assault Rifles, etc. In the part where you have to clear the hangar for the Pelican to launch (when the Jump Pack Brutes show up), go up all of the stairs and the room is blue with a lot of laptops. The equipment that can be found there includes Regenerators, Cloaking Devices, Bubble Shields, Trip Mines, Deployable Covers, Power Drains, and Flares.
 * Power Drains have the ability to pass through Bubble Shields. Their effect, however, will remain either inside or outside the shield. Put another way, as long as the base unit is outside the shield, the players inside are safe.
 * A good tactic with the Trip Mine is to go to the other team's base and throw it under their vehicles. Try to communicate this to your team if you do.
 * If an enemy has deployed a Bubble Shield, they can still be killed safely. Throw a Spike Grenade at the very base of the dome, getting it as close as possible. If done correctly, sometimes the spikes will penetrate the shield upon detonation, killing whomever is inside.
 * Use a Bubble Shield to prepare yourself if at low health.
 * Use a Bubble Shield/Regenerator after being shot by a Sniper Rifle.
 * Remember Trip Mines can also hurt you, even if you put it down.
 * If you are fighting multiple people put down a bubble shield. Wait for the enemy to come in just as they do throw a grenade and jump out. The bubble shield will absorb the blast and will take down the enemy's shield. The bubble shield should explode so in the air shoot the the enemy and you can get an easy kill or two.
 * A good tactic is with the Bubble Shield is to throw it on a Trip Mine and wait for somebody to run inside the Bubble Shield and shoot the Trip Mine.

=Trivia=
 * The Bubble Shield is in effect before the deploying animation finishes and also disables before the finishing animation.
 * The Overshield also makes you invincible for three seconds, though the player can still be assassinated during this state.
 * Though many of these are available in Multiplayer, the Automated Turret, Cloaking, and Invincibility are exclusive to the Campaign for balancing reasons.
 * In the January 2008 issue of EGM, in an interview with Brian Jarrard and Tyson Green, it was revealed that there was a piece of equipment cut from the final game known as The Vortex. It was said to be deployed the same as a Power Drain, but would instead create a mini black hole that would "suck" in any object within range, and diverting its course into the black hole, and away from your face. It was even able to affect nearby objects such as the Fusion Coil and even other players. The design was cut due to the fact that it was too "expensive" from a networking and performance standpoint.
 * When you try to drop a Gravity Lift on a vehicle or an object (like a crate on Forge), the equipment will go through the object and end up underneath it.
 * Although covered by the Active Camouflage, an Auto Turret can still detect you.
 * While using Active Camouflage and mounted on a Warthog turret, you can shoot and your Camouflage is not disturbed at all, unlike firing normal weapons in Campaign and Multiplayer.
 * There are pieces of equipment that appear before they are said to first appear in the Halo 3 Official Guide, such as the two Cloaking in Crow's Nest.
 * A Gravity Lift can be spawned in Forge as deployable or as deployed.
 * You can jump on top of the barrier emitted by the Deployable Cover. It also works to make a single or double box float if spawned inside one.
 * After you have deployed a Trip Mine, it is activated after 1.2 seconds and any motion near its vicinity will set it off, be it from you, your team members, or your foe.
 * Shooting anything Plasma-related through a Deployable Cover will drain the cover's energy.
 * Projectile weapons can be fired through Deployable Covers if you are standing behind it, but energy or plasma weapons will cause the shield to take damage.
 * Radar Jammers and Flares are no longer usable in Matchmaking, due to unwanted side-effects including the ability to assist players in jumping to places they should not be.
 * The Regenerator's generator can take heavy punishment, withstanding three times the amount of damage it takes to kill you.
 * Shooting a Trip Mine, Radar Jammer, Power Drain, or Bubble Shield will cause it to explode.
 * When you throw a Bubble Shield, it is invisible for few milliseconds, but the generator isn't and the shield still works even though invisible.
 * There is a glitch in campaign where you get in the back of a Pelican and walk to the door to the cockpit, and if you throw a Deployable Cover, the Pelican will crash.
 * If you have a Radar Jammer (Power Drains and Flares also work), you can look straight down, hit X, and then A an instant later, if you do it right, then you will jump off the equipment, making it useful for getting to high places.
 * In the Forge, you can manipulate the game so that you can spawn equipment continuously. Press the X button (default configuration) on the item, pressing X again and changing the Run-Time Minimum to the same number as the Number on Map while cause the item to spawn immediately after being picked up.
 * One of the easiest ways to defeat someone who is using a Bubble Shield is to throw a gravity lift into it. It will lift the Bubble Shield, exposing the player to enemy fire.
 * In the Halo 3 open Beta, the Trip Mine would stick to certain objects, like the undercarriage of a Warthog.
 * You can do a double jump by jumping, deploying equipment and jumping right after the equipment is deployed.
 * Frag, plasma, spike, and firebomb grenades are listed under equipment in forge so if you destroy a enemy vehicle with a grenade you should get the "We're in for some chop" achievement, but you don't.
 * Put a gravity lift in front of a moving vehicle to send it flying. You will usually get a kill on the player in the vehicles but sometimes you won't. Also, try putting one down when a gravity hammer brute is coming at you. He will go flying and you will get a chance to either retreat or land a few cheap shots on that covenant scum.
 * In the new 2009 Halo 3 Action Figures wave, there are equipments included, and it should be noted that they all can be moved in some way as if they were activated; for example, the Radar Jammer included with the Olive Security-permutation Spartan has two handles on it that the Spartan can hold as if to be able to deploy the equipment, and these are connected to disk-like parts of the Radar Jammer that, when pulled out, exposes the insides as if it were activated and glowing.
 * Some players have reported that they have been killed by a Needler while having Invincibility on, though this has yet to be proven.
 * When you deploy a Radar Jammer, the sides with the handles open, to show that it is deployed. This does not happen with the Power Drain or the Flare, possibly because active power drains and flares are easily distinguished from non active ones, so they did something to make the radar jammer look deployed.
 * If a Bubble Shield is deployed inside a Killball (Forge object included on all maps on Mythic Map Pack), the Bubble Shield cancels out the effect of the Killball.