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{{Era|H3|H3R|}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Cleanup}}
|name=Power drain
{{Weapon
|image=[[File:H3-UnarmedPowerDrainer.png|300px]]
| image=[[Image:Power Drain.jpg|300px]]
|manufacturer=
| name=Power Drain
|series=
| manufacturer=[[Brutes]]
|type=[[Equipment|Deployable equipment]]
| type=[[Equipment]]
|cost=
| size=Dimensions
|variant=
*Weight : 5.1 kilograms (11.2 pounds)<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576</ref>
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length=
|width=
|height=
|weight={{Convert|11.2|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=343}}
|ammotype=[[Electromagnetic pulse]]
|capacity=Single-use
|feed-title=Duration
|feed=Roughly 6.5 seconds{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
}}
The '''Power Drain''' is a short-range, tactical, energy sapping device which made its debut in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
The '''power drain''' is a combat support device designed and developed by the [[Covenant]] for its infantry forces. The equipment has several colloquial nicknames among [[United Nations Space Command]] personnel, including "'''Draino'''" and "'''Drainer'''".{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=47}}


==Function==
==Overview==
The power drain creates a short-range Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) effect which causes disastrous failure of powered field systems within a set radius, and is designed primarily to interfere with common varieties of electrical field-based shielding, [[vehicle]]s and power generation. It also has a damaging effect on biological systems and can wound or kill most bipeds in its resulting explosion. <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaEquipment Bungie.net's review of ''Halo 3 Beta'' equipment]</ref>It should also be noted that the Drain will, at the end of its battery life, draw out a wide burst that will move and disable vechicles slightly beyond its normal function range. By using the moving effect the power drain offers, it is possible to garner a [[splatter]] medal.
===Design details===
The power drain is a roughly spherical device massing {{Convert|11.2|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}. When activated, the device emits a blue [[electromagnetic pulse]] field for around 6.5 seconds, after which the device self-destructs in a small explosion. The EMP is used to short out the electrical systems of any equipment caught within range, including [[energy shielding]] and light vehicles. During its activation, two cylindrical emitters are extruded from the sides of the sphere.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Site|Id=BNet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaEquipment|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 Beta: Equipment|D=14|M=10|Y=2014}}


Essentially, the Power Drain is a reverse to the [[Regenerator]]; instead of energizing a player's shields, it causes any player's shields within the area of effect to drain away quickly, making them vulnerable to harm. The self-destruct explosion after the activation of the Power Drain will not kill you (If you were at full armor health previous to deploying it), but will take your health to critical levels. The Power Drain can also disable vehicles via EMP, rendering them unable to move (but the vehicle can still use and aim its weapons) when they drive or fly through it and even about five seconds afterward. If a Regenerator and Power Drain are deployed in close proximity, the [[Regenerator]] will continue to work, but its effect is overwhelmed by the Power Drain.
The power drain has a visual resemblance to the [[flare]] and [[radar jammer]] equipment also developed by the Covenant, save for its blue colouration. The Flare, developed by the [[Jiralhanae]], was based on the same technology as the power drain and radar jammer.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=341}}


The Power Drain, like the [[Bubble Shield]], [[Trip Mine]], [[Radar Jammer]] and the [[Portable Gravity Lift]], are all in the category of [[equipment]] and can be deployed using the default "X" Button. It activates shortly after it is thrown - just enough inactive time to travel away from the user, leaving them unaffected.
===Usage===
The power drain is a piece of infantry support equipment developed by the Covenant, and was heavily employed by the [[Jiralhanae]] loyalist forces of the [[Prophet of Truth]] during the final weeks of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Power Drain in-game equipment}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3ODST|H3ODST|Power Drain in-game equipment}} Despite their origin, [[human]] forces were more than willing to make use of captured enemy power drains during the war.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


==Tactics==
==Gameplay==
*This [[equipment]] will stall a vehicle's engine, but the weapon/weapons on the vehicle still work. The most effective way to take out an armored vehicle such as a [[Warthog]] is to throw a Power Drain followed by a grenade, killing most of the players on board. Several follow-up shots will take out any survivors.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
*This is a good piece of equipment that is well-used in conjunction with headshot-capable weapons such as the [[Battle Rifle]], [[Type-51 Carbine|Carbine]] and [[Magnum]].
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
*This is the piece of equipment that is useful when outnumbered; once drained, the whole group of enemies becomes a big one-hit-kill target.  
The power drain is one of several pieces of deployable [[equipment]] featured in ''[[Halo 3]]''. When thrown, the power drain takes 0.5 seconds to activate, and subsequently lasts 6.5 seconds, equaling a total of [[Seven|7]] seconds. The effects of the power drain pass through walls and floors, so simply fleeing to the bottom floor of a structure after an enemy activates one will still strip one's shields if one passes through the field. This is most noticeable on maps like [[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
*[[Bubble Shield]]s cannot block the Power Drain from entering, so it's a good idea to throw one inside of a Bubble Shield while your enemies are inside of it.
*If the Power Drain unit hits the Bubble Shield unit, the Bubble Shield may move, depending on how fast the Power Drain is going at the point of impact. This can sometimes rob your enemies of the shield's protection, making them incredibly easy targets and can lead to some rather degrading deaths. A particularly humiliating example of this tactic can be seen in a Top Ten Series episode.
*Deploy this equipment near a popular sniper position or an area where people land after they get off of the [[Man Cannon]], after that, it's another one-hit-kill target.
*Try keeping some distance between you and your foe when in combat, as when in close quarters battle, they tend to use power drains.
*The Power Drain is a great way of 'jacking' an enemy's vehicle. For example, you can throw one at a Warthog or [[Wraith]], and then when they're low on energy shields, hijack their vehicle and it will most likely kill them and gain you a vehicle. Also, if a [[Banshee]] is close to the ground, a Power Drain can force it down, then you can skyjack their vehicle.


==Trivia==
The power drain can be used in a glitch called [[Equipment jumping]] by moving against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploying the power drain. This allows a player to jump off of it in mid-air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map, such as the second level of the tower on [[The Pit]]. This can also be done with the radar jammer and flare. The power drain variation of the glitch is commonly claimed to only be able to be performed as an [[Sangheili|Elite]]. This is not the case, but it is exceedingly difficult to do as a Spartan in the [[Xbox 360]] version of ''[[Halo 3]]''; thus, only a few instances of it have been documented. It appears to be easier to accomplish while playing as a Spartan in the ''Halo 3'' portion of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
*The Power Drain lasts approximately 6.5 seconds, with 0.5 seconds rendered inactive while throwing, a total of [[7]] seconds.
*The Power Drain, [[Radar Jammer]], and [[Flare]] are all visually identical, save for the color of the glow each item emits.
*The effects of the Power Drain can also pass through walls and floors so simply fleeing to the bottom floor after an enemy activates one may still strip your shields through the ceiling if you pass through it. This is most notable on levels such as Guardian.
*The Power Drain can be used in a glitch called [[Equipment Jumping]] by moving you player against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploy the Power Drain and you will be able to jump off of it in mid air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map such as the second level of the tower on The Pit. This can also be done with the Radar Jammer and Flare, however, the Power Drain variation of the glitch can only be preformed as an [[Elite]].
*Strangely, in [[Halo 3: ODST]] when you are in the radius of a power drain your stamina will drain, even though it's not powered by anything at all. This is just for a gameplay reason, although there is research that seems to indicate that electromagnetic frequencies can effect one's sense of well-being, sometimes making them feel unusually tired.


==Images==
In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the power drain performs as it did in ''Halo 3'' though cannot be used by the player. It is only used by Brute enemies; when the player is in the radius of a power drain, their health will drain in addition to their shields.{{Ref/Reuse|H3ODST}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Powerdrainhud.svg|The Power Drain HUD icon.
File:Powerdrainhud.svg|The power drain icon in [[Halo 3]].
Image:Power drain Halo 3.jpg|A thrown power drain, about to activate itself.
File:Power Drain.jpg|An inactive power drain in ''Halo 3''.
Image:Power Drain in Action.jpg|The Power Drain emits a field of blue energy that strips away all energy shielding within its range.
File:Halo3-Power Drainer Unarmed.png|An inactive power drain in ''Halo 3'' beta.
File:Power drain Halo 3.jpg|A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.
File:Power Drain in Action.jpg|The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
<br clear="all" />


{{Equipment List}}
{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Electronic warfare technology]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 20:20, October 15, 2023

Power drain
H3-UnarmedPowerDrainer.png
Production overview

Type:

Deployable equipment

Specifications

Weight:

5.1 kilograms (11.2 lb)[1]

Ammunition type:

Electromagnetic pulse

Capacity:

Single-use

Duration:

Roughly 6.5 seconds[1]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The power drain is a combat support device designed and developed by the Covenant for its infantry forces. The equipment has several colloquial nicknames among United Nations Space Command personnel, including "Draino" and "Drainer".[1][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The power drain is a roughly spherical device massing 5.1 kilograms (11.2 lb). When activated, the device emits a blue electromagnetic pulse field for around 6.5 seconds, after which the device self-destructs in a small explosion. The EMP is used to short out the electrical systems of any equipment caught within range, including energy shielding and light vehicles. During its activation, two cylindrical emitters are extruded from the sides of the sphere.[1][3]

The power drain has a visual resemblance to the flare and radar jammer equipment also developed by the Covenant, save for its blue colouration. The Flare, developed by the Jiralhanae, was based on the same technology as the power drain and radar jammer.[4]

Usage[edit]

The power drain is a piece of infantry support equipment developed by the Covenant, and was heavily employed by the Jiralhanae loyalist forces of the Prophet of Truth during the final weeks of the Human-Covenant War.[2][5][6] Despite their origin, human forces were more than willing to make use of captured enemy power drains during the war.[2]

Gameplay[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Power drain on its gameplay page.

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

The power drain is one of several pieces of deployable equipment featured in Halo 3. When thrown, the power drain takes 0.5 seconds to activate, and subsequently lasts 6.5 seconds, equaling a total of 7 seconds. The effects of the power drain pass through walls and floors, so simply fleeing to the bottom floor of a structure after an enemy activates one will still strip one's shields if one passes through the field. This is most noticeable on maps like Guardian.[5]

The power drain can be used in a glitch called Equipment jumping by moving against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploying the power drain. This allows a player to jump off of it in mid-air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map, such as the second level of the tower on The Pit. This can also be done with the radar jammer and flare. The power drain variation of the glitch is commonly claimed to only be able to be performed as an Elite. This is not the case, but it is exceedingly difficult to do as a Spartan in the Xbox 360 version of Halo 3; thus, only a few instances of it have been documented. It appears to be easier to accomplish while playing as a Spartan in the Halo 3 portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[5]

In Halo 3: ODST, the power drain performs as it did in Halo 3 though cannot be used by the player. It is only used by Brute enemies; when the player is in the radius of a power drain, their health will drain in addition to their shields.[6]

Gallery[edit]

  • The power drain icon in Halo 3.

    The power drain icon in Halo 3.

  • An inactive power drain in Halo 3.

    An inactive power drain in Halo 3.

  • An inactive power drain in Halo 3 beta.

    An inactive power drain in Halo 3 beta.

  • A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.

    A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.

  • The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.

    The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 343
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 47
  3. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3 Beta: Equipment (Retrieved on Oct 14, 2014) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 341
  5. ^ a b c Halo 3, Power Drain in-game equipment
  6. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST, Power Drain in-game equipment

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