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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H3|HW|RVB|H3R|LE|RE}}
{{Seealso|Drop shield}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon Infobox
|name=Z-4190 bubble shield
| image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|350px]]
|image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|300px]]
| name=Bubble Shield
|manufacturer=*[[Forerunner]]
| model=
*[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
| type=[[Equipment]]
*[[Covenant]]
| cost=
|series=
| size=*Weight : 20.5 kilograms (45.1 pounds)<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576</ref>
|type=Single use dissipative cover{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/bubble-shield|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Bubble Shield|D=10|M=04|Y=2021}}
| damage per hit=
|cost=
| magazine=
|variant=
| maxammo=
|service=
| fire=
|length=
| ammotype=
|width=
| operation=
|height=
| rate of fire=
|weight={{Convert|45.1|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| accuracy=
|ammotype=
| range=
|feed-title=Duration
| era=
|capacity=
| counterpart=
|feed=Single use (20 seconds){{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=340}}
| counterwep=
|operation=
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]] and Covenant [[Brute]] forces
|rate=
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|optics=
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}}
}}
The '''bubble shield''' {{ZClass|4190|Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield|TPE/SS}},{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} is a piece of deployable equipment. It is [[Forerunner]] in origin, but the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] manufactured a number of the devices based on discovery of those formerly used by [[Warrior-Servant]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


The '''Bubble Shield''' is an anti-artillery and personal defense device. The technology involved with it is owned by [[UNSC]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] branch.<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=765343</ref>
==Overview==
[[File:Bubble Shield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Late-war deployable shield modules created a gold, dome-like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.]]
===Design details===
"Dissipative"-style bubble shields are a technology originally of [[Forerunner]] origin. They were used by the [[Warrior-Servant]]s and various forms of [[Sentinel]] for protection, and later reverse-engineered by both the [[Covenant]] and [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] to form crude copies for use as battlefield deployable equipment.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


== Design Details ==
The bubble shield design used by humanity and the Covenant consists of an emitter capable of projecting a translucent, slightly white/gold tinted protective sphere sphere of interlocking hexagonal force enfolder elements around the user.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} The shield itself is similar to a [[Wikipedia:Geodesic dome|geodesic dome]], made of tessellating hexagons. The shield protects against bullets, explosions, [[laser]]s, [[plasma]], flames, [[grenade]]s, and other projectiles. Vehicles and personnel, however, are still able to pass through it. After approximately 20 seconds have passed since activation, the shield will collapse and the generator self-destructs. Heavier stationary weaponry, such as the {{Pattern|Shuku|sentry turret}}, are capable of overpowering or firing through the shield.{{Ref/Map|H3|Snowbound}}{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=345|Detail=Although the Automated Plasma Turret caption pictures a {{Pattern|Zo'op|Weevil}}, the descriptive text refers to the Snowbound sentry guns.}}
[[Image:Bubble Shield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Bubble Shield creates a gold, dome-like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.]]
The Bubble Shield projects a translucent, slightly white/gold tinted protective sphere around the user. The shield itself is similar to a [[Wikipedia:Geodesic dome|geodesic dome]], made of tessellating hexagons. The shield protects against bullets, explosions, lasers, [[plasma]], flames, [[grenades]], and other projectiles. [[Vehicles]] and players however, are still able to pass through it. After approximately 20 seconds has passed, the shield will collapse and the generator will self-destruct. Whether it is of [[Covenant]] or [[Human]] origin is unknown as there is little information and much speculation for both theories. Many point out that the [[Covenant Loyalists]], mainly the [[Brutes]], have been known to secure Human [[weapons]] and equipment for their own ends, thus pointing to the Bubble Shield as being one of Human development. However, no Humans are seen making use of it during the campaign, and the only users are Brutes, suggesting the Bubble Shield is of Covenant design.


An early form of the Bubble Shield was used in the [[Starry Night|original teaser trailer]] for Halo 3. It is shown being used by [[John-117]] to protect him from an incoming [[Wraith]] mortar. In the teaser trailer, the Bubble Shield looked like a type of grenade, leading to rumors that it would be one of the new grenade types.
===Development history===
<!--The EVG states that humans made theirs based on captured Covenant examples. Waypoint states the opposite. This is the only way this can make sense.-->
The bubble shield has a storied developmental history among the Covenant and the UNSC. The original designs for the bubble shield are based on Forerunner technology, used by the [[Warrior-Servant]]s and some forms of [[Aggressor Sentinel|Aggressor]] and [[Protector Sentinel (Trove)|Protector Sentinel]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} These devices were crudely reverse-engineered by the Covenant, with examples themselves captured by the UNSC and used as the basis for the development of a bubble shield of [[human]] make during the later years of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=47}} During the [[Fall of Reach]], many of the ONI prototypes for the deployable bubble shield were captured by Covenant forces and were crudely copied for use by loyalist [[Jiralhanae]] forces in the war's final months - particularly the [[Battle for Earth]] and [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


===Deployment===
ONI research into bubble shield technology also resulted in the development of a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]-compatible [[Armor abilities|reusable armour ability]] known as the [[drop shield]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11DropShield|Enc11|Page=355}} Manufacture of ONI-approved bubble shield devices continued until [[2555]], at which point they were discontinued and development efforts were refocused toward MJOLNIR-compatible emitters.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
[[Image:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed Bubble Shield.]]
UNSC [[Marines]] are never seen deploying it during [[Campaign]], while [[Brute]]s deploy it often. This leads to the theory that it is a Covenant device and not Human technology. At least one or two Brutes in a Covenant [[pack]] always have a Bubble Shield on hand. Brutes generally activate their Bubble Shields immediately when taking fire or when feeling threatened.


Unlike the multiplayer "[[shield door]]s", vehicles are able to pass through the Bubble Shield. Once inside, if the vehicle, or anything else then damages the shield generator itself in the enclosure of the bubble, it will explode, and the shield will collapse upon detonation. Upon reaching its energy limit, Bubble Shields will make a high pitched sound prior to overloading and exploding.
==Operational history==
Bubble shields were used by the [[Warrior-Servant]] forces of the Forerunner [[Ecumene]] to provide temporary battlefield fortifications, with similar systems employed as the standard energy shielding mechanisms of various Sentinel classes.


===Disadvantages===
During the [[Human-Covenant War]], [[human]]ity were able to leverage bubble shield technology stolen from Covenant derivatives of the Forerunner originals in a number of forms. One such device was used by [[Blue Team]] during [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]] in [[2544]], to safely secure their boarding of the Covenant carrier ''[[Resplendent Fervor]]''.{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Episode=The Package (animated short)|The Package}} Another such system was later featured in a number of the [[Project HRUNTING|HRUNTING]]/[[Project YGGDRASIL|YGGDRASIL]] development program prototypes including the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS|Mark I ADS]] and select [[Reactive Cyclops|refit packages]] for the [[HRUNTING Mark III (S) Cyclops|Mark III [S] Cyclops]].{{Ref/Film|HLeg|Episode=Prototype}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|[[Reactive Cyclops]] Blitz unit}} Forms of bubble shield technology continued to be developed and used by UNSC forces through the late-war, with ONI developing the drop shield armour ability package based on the same operating principles, later used during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11DropShield}} Many of these designs were stolen from Reach by Covenant forces, and further developed and used by the Brute loyalist troops during the final weeks of the war.{{Ref/Game|H3|Bubble Shield in-game equipment}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Bubble Shield in-game equipment}} Due to their size, mass, and relatively short power cell duration, along with low rates of production, Bubble Shields saw very limited use during the last stages of the Human-Covenant War.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*Enemies can enter the shield freely, and the shield does not prevent vehicular carnage.
*The Bubble Shield only lasts about 20 seconds.


*If either the player or an enemy throws a grenade inside the Bubble Shield, it stays inside and will more than likely kill almost everyone in the shield at that time.
During [[UNSC Tactical Simulator|simulations]] of the [[Battle of Installation 03]] and [[Battle of New Phoenix]] a [[Unidentified Spartan-IV|Spartan-IV]] utilized a [[armor abilities|version]] capable of allowing the user to fire weapons at targets while remaining inside the shield.{{Ref/Game|HSS|Bubble Shield in-game equipment}} By 2555, production of ONI produced bubble shields was halted in favour of focus on MJOLNIR energy shielding,{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} though the existing prototypes continued to see use as late as [[2558#January|January 21, 2558]], in which [[SPARTAN-G059]] deployed a bubble shield against [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] to block his {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}'s rounds during her [[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam|assassination mission]].{{Ref/Comic|HTFS|Story=Knight takes Bishop}}
*The generator is very delicate, and if shot from the inside, it will easily explode and destroy the Bubble Shield.
*Vehicles can also enter Bubble Shields. Therefore, you can run somebody over while they are still in the Bubble Shield.
*The Bubble Shield can be affected by other equipment if thrown within the shield proximity. For example, if an opponent throws in a [[Portable Gravity Lift]] near the generator, the Gravity Lift will raise the shield generator up, leaving anyone previously inside the shield defenseless. Additionally, effects from equipments can also be limited ''in'' the shield; if a Regenerator is thrown inside the Bubble Shield, only those within the shield are affected. Likewise, if a [[Power Drain]] is thrown inside an active Bubble Shield, the disabling effects of the Power Drain are contained within the Bubble Shield.
*The Bubble Shield can be knocked away with a well placed Power Drain or [[Radar Jammer]] thrown at the generator, causing both objects to roll, and leaving anybody previously inside the shield exposed.


==Strategies==
As of [[2559]], bubble shield technology has been leveraged by the forces of both {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} and the [[Banished]] during their [[Second Ark Conflict|war for]] control of the Ark.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Reactive Blitz units}}
===Campaign===
When fighting large numbers of Covenant forces, the Bubble Shield is useful as it protects you from all sides. However, certain berserking [[Brute]]s may leap inside the sphere and beat you down. It is particularly useful against [[Drones]], partially because they usually surround you, and partially because they rarely attempt to enter the sphere. Be aware, however, that after 19 or 20 seconds, the shield will deactivate, leaving you wide open to an attack.


Another situation in which the Bubble Shield is useful is protecting you from a [[Scarab]] detonation. It will stop the explosion from harming you completely, unless the explosion starts on the inside of the Bubble Shield. As such, it is advised that you at least exit the Scarab before using the Bubble Shield. Beware that the Scarab's debris will fall through the Bubble Shield and may end your moment of victory prematurely. Another strategy is to use a Bubble Shield as a stepping stone, breaking up combat and allowing the player to use the Bubble Shield to fall back on. This is especially useful at the end of [[The Storm (Level)|The Storm]], where there are large, linear sections.
==In-game information==
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
[[File:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed bubble shield.]]
In the [[campaign]] of ''[[Halo 3]]'', [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] deploy bubble shields often. At least one or two Brutes in a Covenant [[pack]] always have a bubble shield on hand. Brutes generally activate their bubble shields immediately when taking fire or when feeling threatened. Unlike the [[multiplayer]] "[[shield door]]s", vehicles are able to pass through the bubble shield. Damaging the shield generator itself in the bubble's enclosure will cause it to explode, and the shield will collapse upon detonation. Upon reaching its energy limit, bubble shields will make a high-pitched sound prior to overloading and exploding. In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' the bubble shield can be used repeatedly with a duration of 8 seconds and a cooldown of 24 seconds.


A good tactic when enemy troops deploy a Bubble Shield is to "take over" their Bubble Shield. Charging into a Bubble Shield often catches Covenant troops off guard, and enemies wielding heavy weapons such as [[Fuel Rod Cannons]] or [[Brute Shots]] will not fire at such close range. Bubble Shielded-enemies can easily be overpowered by melee or close ranged weapons as their teammates look on helplessly from the outside. Keep in mind that the Flood will usually just charge right in, so it is not much use against most Flood Forms.
;Disadvantages
* Enemies can enter the shield freely.
* The bubble shield only lasts about 20 seconds. In combat, however, this is more than enough time to regroup and recover.
* If either the player or an enemy throws a grenade inside the bubble shield, it stays inside and will more than likely kill almost everyone in the shield at that time. This strategy is most effective with [[Type-2 spike grenade|spike grenades]], as the spikes will bounce around and shred anything inside the shield.
* The generator is very delicate, and if shot from the inside, it will quickly explode and destroy the bubble shield.
* Vehicles can also enter bubble shields. Therefore, you can run somebody over while they are still in the bubble shield.
* The bubble shield can be affected by other equipment if thrown within the shield's proximity. For example, if an opponent throws in a [[portable gravity lift]] near the generator, the gravity lift can raise the shield generator up, leaving anyone previously inside the shield defenseless. Additionally, effects from equipments can also be limited in the shield; if a [[regenerator]] is thrown inside the bubble shield, only those within the shield are affected. Likewise, if a [[power drain]] is thrown inside an active bubble shield, the disabling effects of the power drain are contained within the bubble shield.
* The bubble shield can be knocked away by throwing a power drain or [[radar jammer]] at the generator, causing both objects to roll, and leaving anybody previously inside the shield exposed.


===Multiplayer===
== Trivia ==
The Bubble Shield is an incredibly useful piece of equipment in any [[Multiplayer]] game or match. These are a few yet vital tactics that you should know if you want to use the Bubble Shield to its full potential. If you have been in a close range fight with another player and your shields are down, it is often a good idea to use a Bubble Shield to give your shields time to recharge. Also, if you have a [[Shotgun]], [[Energy Sword]], or a [[Gravity Hammer]] as your secondary weapon, and a player with a regular weapon (i.e. [[Assault Rifle]] or [[Battle Rifle]]) is running to you, drop the shield so that they will be forced to come through the shield to finish you off. Right before the player gets to the shield, pull out your [[Sword]]/[[Shotgun]]/[[Hammer]] and surprise them when they step through. If you do not have a close range weapon, use this same strategy except with a [[Frag]] or [[Spike Grenade]]. Time the grenade so that it will explode right as they step through while you step out the other side of the shield to avoid damage. If done correctly, the grenade will deplete the enemy's shields so you can kill them with a single [[melee]] hit or headshot.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
* An early form of the bubble shield was used in the [[Starry Night|original teaser trailer]] for Halo 3. It is shown being used by [[John-117]] to protect him from an incoming [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] mortar. In the teaser trailer, the bubble shield looked like a type of grenade, leading to rumors that it would be one of the new grenade types.
* The bubble shield is capable of negating the effects of a [[Kill Ball]], allowing players to go inside the ball.
* When deployed on an Elephant, the bubble shield does not work as intended- high-powered weapons such as the Spartan Laser will shoot right through, killing the user inside. However, five or more bubble shields will protect players inside its dome.
* In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', only Elite Majors are issued with bubble shields, while the player can equip it as default on certain missions.


Many players often deploy their shield and taunt their opponent by teabagging or simply doing a "staring contest". This can call for some embarrassing moments, as another player can easily flank and assassinate them.
== Gallery ==
 
Another method that is very useful is the [[Man Cannon]] Bubble Shield combo. In [[Valhalla]] and [[Narrows]], campers often take position so that they can easily open fire at players landing from the Man Cannon. A player can use the Bubble Shield by sending it first into the Man Cannon, thereby securing a safe landing zone on the other end of the Man Cannon, protected from enemy fire and grenades. Also, smart players can activate the Bubble Shield as they enter the Man Cannon, effectively giving them cover as they fly through the air. This tactic is useful if the deployer is holding a flag or oddball.
 
A way of getting through an opponent's Bubble Shield is to get a [[vehicle]] and drive into the player hiding in the shield. This works particularly well with a [[Warthog]] or [[Ghost]]. Another strategy is to rush towards the shield and step back right when you're in front of it. If done correctly, the other player will overreact and step out of the shield, giving you an open shot.
 
Another strategy is to catch an opponent using heavy weapons by surprise by throwing a Bubble Shield in front of them as they fire. This calls for precise timing and close quarters. To pull this one off, a player must be within a reasonably close distance to the enemy and must deploy their Bubble Shield almost exactly as the enemy weapon is fired. The activating Bubble Shield will cause the shot to explode in their face, often causing a suicide or giving the Bubble Shield deployer the kill.
 
A similar situation can occur with plasma grenades. Activating a Bubble Shield as an opponent tosses a plasma grenade towards you can cause the grenade to bounce off the Bubble Shield and stick the player who originally tossed the grenade. The travel distance of this bounce is not far, so unless your opponent is charging into the Bubble Shield this does not happen often.
 
One anti-shield combo calls for a Bubble Shield and a [[Spike Grenade]]. If someone deploys a Bubble Shield as protection, then another person can walk into the shield and throw the spike grenade at the inside of the shield. When the grenade goes off, the Bubble Shield will keep the spikes inside, and anyone unlucky enough to be caught inside the shield, unless they are on the opposite side, will be killed by the ricocheting spikes.
 
==Trivia==
*The original Bubble Shield was smaller than the finished Bubble Shield, as seen in the [[Starry Night]] video. It stuck into the ground rather then just stand on top of it; it was also originally in a grenade form, seemed more like a personal device and looked similar to [[Invincibility]], another piece of equipment.
*In an early Beta Version of ''Halo 3'', the Bubble Shield looked and rolled like the [[Power Drain]], did not glow gold, had orange lights, and was able to protect you against the turrets guarding the outer perimeter of the Multiplayer map [[Snowbound]].
*If you look closely at the Bubble Shield, you can see that there are actually two layers of shields that comprise it.
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', a Shield [[Protector Sentinel|Protector]] will deploy a Bubble Shield-like object onto selected friendly units.
*Although it appears in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', it cannot be used by the player or by other allies; only Brutes. This may be because of its extreme weight, weighing in at 20.5kg. This may also be the reason why Marines are not seen using it in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''. In fact, it may never had been intended for personnel-deployment purposes.
*The [[Covenant Artillery]] is one of the few weapons powerful enough to destroy a Bubble Shield or the [[Invincibility (Equipment)|Invincible]] power-up.
*If one looks closely at the deployed Bubble Shield, you can see it "pulses" as though the shield were breathing.<ref>[[Halo Encyclopedia]]</ref>
*A variant of the Bubble Shield known as the [[Armor Abilities#Drop Shield|Drop Shield]], that is going used as an Armor Ability in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', which heals any player if they are inside it.<ref>[http://haloreachinfo.com/firefight-footage-features-mortars/ '''Halo Reach Beta News, Forum, Montages and more!''': ''Firefight Footage Features Mortars''] "The Dropshield, formerly known as the Bubble Shield, is also shown."</ref>
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Bubbleshieldhud.svg|The Bubble Shield HUD icon.
File:BubbleShield StarryNight.jpg|An early model of the bubble shield in the ''[[Starry Night]]'' trailer.
Image:Avatars_Halo_Halo3_Shield.jpg|The Bubble Shield activating in the [[Halo 3]] trailer.
File:Avatars Halo Halo3 Shield.jpg|The bubble shield activating in the ''Starry Night'' trailer.
Image:1179249572.jpg|The Bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including [[Spartan Laser]] attacks.
File:1179249572.jpg|The bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including [[M6 Spartan Laser|Spartan Laser]] shots.  Note the clear color from the ''[[Halo 3 Beta]]''.
Image:Brute activates a bubble shield.jpg|A Brute activates a Bubble Shield.
File:Bubbleshieldhud.svg|The bubble shield's HUD icon.
File:H3-BubbleShield.png|View of the bubble shield in ''Halo 3''.
File:BubbleShield-2views.jpeg|Active and inactive states of the bubble shield.
File:Brute activates a bubble shield.jpg|A Brute activates a bubble shield.
File:HSS-Gameplay-Shielded.jpg|The bubble shield being used in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:TelcamBS.png|SPARTAN-G059 deploys a bubble shield over Avu Med 'Telcam in ''[[Knight takes Bishop]]''.
File:HW2 Blitz Reactive Cyclops.png|A [[Cyclops]] with a bubble shield in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 Blitz Reactive Marines.png|Marines with a bubble shield.
File:HW2 Alice's Blitz Bubble Shield.png|Alice-130 with a bubble shield.
HW2_Reflective_Shields_Banished.png|Unique bubbles shields employed by the Banished.
</gallery>
</gallery>
== List of appearances ==
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|non-canon appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}


{{Equipment List}}
[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, October 15, 2023

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Z-4190 bubble shield
Bubble Shield in Action.jpg
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Type:

Single use dissipative cover[1]

Specifications

Weight:

45.1 pounds (20.5 kg)[1]

Duration:

Single use (20 seconds)[2]

 

The bubble shield (UNSC Z-classification: Z-4190 Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield, Z-4190 TPE/SS),[1] is a piece of deployable equipment. It is Forerunner in origin, but the United Nations Space Command's Office of Naval Intelligence manufactured a number of the devices based on discovery of those formerly used by Warrior-Servants.[1]

Overview[edit]

Late-war deployable shield modules created a gold, dome-like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.

Design details[edit]

"Dissipative"-style bubble shields are a technology originally of Forerunner origin. They were used by the Warrior-Servants and various forms of Sentinel for protection, and later reverse-engineered by both the Covenant and Office of Naval Intelligence to form crude copies for use as battlefield deployable equipment.[1]

The bubble shield design used by humanity and the Covenant consists of an emitter capable of projecting a translucent, slightly white/gold tinted protective sphere sphere of interlocking hexagonal force enfolder elements around the user.[1] The shield itself is similar to a geodesic dome, made of tessellating hexagons. The shield protects against bullets, explosions, lasers, plasma, flames, grenades, and other projectiles. Vehicles and personnel, however, are still able to pass through it. After approximately 20 seconds have passed since activation, the shield will collapse and the generator self-destructs. Heavier stationary weaponry, such as the Shuku-pattern sentry turret, are capable of overpowering or firing through the shield.[3][4]

Development history[edit]

The bubble shield has a storied developmental history among the Covenant and the UNSC. The original designs for the bubble shield are based on Forerunner technology, used by the Warrior-Servants and some forms of Aggressor and Protector Sentinel.[1] These devices were crudely reverse-engineered by the Covenant, with examples themselves captured by the UNSC and used as the basis for the development of a bubble shield of human make during the later years of the Human-Covenant War.[5] During the Fall of Reach, many of the ONI prototypes for the deployable bubble shield were captured by Covenant forces and were crudely copied for use by loyalist Jiralhanae forces in the war's final months - particularly the Battle for Earth and Battle of Installation 00.[1]

ONI research into bubble shield technology also resulted in the development of a MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor-compatible reusable armour ability known as the drop shield.[6] Manufacture of ONI-approved bubble shield devices continued until 2555, at which point they were discontinued and development efforts were refocused toward MJOLNIR-compatible emitters.[1]

Operational history[edit]

Bubble shields were used by the Warrior-Servant forces of the Forerunner Ecumene to provide temporary battlefield fortifications, with similar systems employed as the standard energy shielding mechanisms of various Sentinel classes.

During the Human-Covenant War, humanity were able to leverage bubble shield technology stolen from Covenant derivatives of the Forerunner originals in a number of forms. One such device was used by Blue Team during Operation: WARM BLANKET in 2544, to safely secure their boarding of the Covenant carrier Resplendent Fervor.[7] Another such system was later featured in a number of the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL development program prototypes including the Mark I ADS and select refit packages for the Mark III [S] Cyclops.[8][9] Forms of bubble shield technology continued to be developed and used by UNSC forces through the late-war, with ONI developing the drop shield armour ability package based on the same operating principles, later used during the Fall of Reach.[6] Many of these designs were stolen from Reach by Covenant forces, and further developed and used by the Brute loyalist troops during the final weeks of the war.[10][11] Due to their size, mass, and relatively short power cell duration, along with low rates of production, Bubble Shields saw very limited use during the last stages of the Human-Covenant War.[1]

During simulations of the Battle of Installation 03 and Battle of New Phoenix a Spartan-IV utilized a version capable of allowing the user to fire weapons at targets while remaining inside the shield.[12] By 2555, production of ONI produced bubble shields was halted in favour of focus on MJOLNIR energy shielding,[1] though the existing prototypes continued to see use as late as January 21, 2558, in which SPARTAN-G059 deployed a bubble shield against Avu Med 'Telcam to block his Vostu-pattern carbine's rounds during her assassination mission.[13]

As of 2559, bubble shield technology has been leveraged by the forces of both UNSC Spirit of Fire and the Banished during their war for control of the Ark.[14]

In-game information[edit]

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

Comparison between deployed and undeployed bubble shield.

In the campaign of Halo 3, Brutes deploy bubble shields often. At least one or two Brutes in a Covenant pack always have a bubble shield on hand. Brutes generally activate their bubble shields immediately when taking fire or when feeling threatened. Unlike the multiplayer "shield doors", vehicles are able to pass through the bubble shield. Damaging the shield generator itself in the bubble's enclosure will cause it to explode, and the shield will collapse upon detonation. Upon reaching its energy limit, bubble shields will make a high-pitched sound prior to overloading and exploding. In Halo: Spartan Strike the bubble shield can be used repeatedly with a duration of 8 seconds and a cooldown of 24 seconds.

Disadvantages
  • Enemies can enter the shield freely.
  • The bubble shield only lasts about 20 seconds. In combat, however, this is more than enough time to regroup and recover.
  • If either the player or an enemy throws a grenade inside the bubble shield, it stays inside and will more than likely kill almost everyone in the shield at that time. This strategy is most effective with spike grenades, as the spikes will bounce around and shred anything inside the shield.
  • The generator is very delicate, and if shot from the inside, it will quickly explode and destroy the bubble shield.
  • Vehicles can also enter bubble shields. Therefore, you can run somebody over while they are still in the bubble shield.
  • The bubble shield can be affected by other equipment if thrown within the shield's proximity. For example, if an opponent throws in a portable gravity lift near the generator, the gravity lift can raise the shield generator up, leaving anyone previously inside the shield defenseless. Additionally, effects from equipments can also be limited in the shield; if a regenerator is thrown inside the bubble shield, only those within the shield are affected. Likewise, if a power drain is thrown inside an active bubble shield, the disabling effects of the power drain are contained within the bubble shield.
  • The bubble shield can be knocked away by throwing a power drain or radar jammer at the generator, causing both objects to roll, and leaving anybody previously inside the shield exposed.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Z-4190 bubble shield on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • An early form of the bubble shield was used in the original teaser trailer for Halo 3. It is shown being used by John-117 to protect him from an incoming Wraith mortar. In the teaser trailer, the bubble shield looked like a type of grenade, leading to rumors that it would be one of the new grenade types.
  • The bubble shield is capable of negating the effects of a Kill Ball, allowing players to go inside the ball.
  • When deployed on an Elephant, the bubble shield does not work as intended- high-powered weapons such as the Spartan Laser will shoot right through, killing the user inside. However, five or more bubble shields will protect players inside its dome.
  • In Halo: Spartan Strike, only Elite Majors are issued with bubble shields, while the player can equip it as default on certain missions.

Gallery[edit]

  • An early model of the bubble shield in the Starry Night trailer.

    An early model of the bubble shield in the Starry Night trailer.

  • The bubble shield activating in the Starry Night trailer.

    The bubble shield activating in the Starry Night trailer.

  • The bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including Spartan Laser shots. Note the clear color from the Halo 3 Beta.

    The bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including Spartan Laser shots. Note the clear color from the Halo 3 Beta.

  • The bubble shield's HUD icon.

    The bubble shield's HUD icon.

  • View of the bubble shield in Halo 3.

    View of the bubble shield in Halo 3.

  • Active and inactive states of the bubble shield.

    Active and inactive states of the bubble shield.

  • A Brute activates a bubble shield.

    A Brute activates a bubble shield.

  • The bubble shield being used in Halo: Spartan Strike.

    The bubble shield being used in Halo: Spartan Strike.

  • SPARTAN-G059 deploys a bubble shield over Avu Med 'Telcam in Knight takes Bishop.

    SPARTAN-G059 deploys a bubble shield over Avu Med 'Telcam in Knight takes Bishop.

  • A Cyclops with a bubble shield in Halo Wars 2.

    A Cyclops with a bubble shield in Halo Wars 2.

  • Marines with a bubble shield.

    Marines with a bubble shield.

  • Alice-130 with a bubble shield.

    Alice-130 with a bubble shield.

  • Unique bubbles shields employed by the Banished.

    Unique bubbles shields employed by the Banished.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Waypoint, Bubble Shield (Retrieved on Apr 10, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 340
  3. ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map Snowbound
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 345: Although the Automated Plasma Turret caption pictures a Zo'op-pattern Weevil, the descriptive text refers to the Snowbound sentry guns.
  5. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 47
  6. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 355
  7. ^ Halo Legends, episode The Package (animated short), timestamp The Package
  8. ^ Halo Legends, episode Prototype
  9. ^ Halo Wars 2, Reactive Cyclops Blitz unit
  10. ^ Halo 3, Bubble Shield in-game equipment
  11. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Bubble Shield in-game equipment
  12. ^ Halo: Spartan Strike, Bubble Shield in-game equipment
  13. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace - Knight takes Bishop
  14. ^ Halo Wars 2, Reactive Blitz units

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