Editing Energy shielding

{{Status|Canon}}

[[File:HINF MjolnirShieldFlare.png|thumb|350px|The PANSPEC energy shielding on [[John-117]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|MJOLRNIR [GEN3]]] after taking several plasma bolts.]]

'''Energy shielding''' is an advanced defensive technology making use of a field of energized particles that wraps around a surface, which deflects objects that attempt to impact the surface. Most energy shields are able to deflect various forms of damage, from material projectiles to [[directed-energy weapon|directed energy streams]]. Several [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]], [[Covenant]] and [[Forerunner]] [[:Category:Vehicles|vehicles]], [[:Category:Equipment|devices]], and [[armor]] systems make use of energy shielding to protect users from harm.

[[File:HCE ShieldTest.jpg|thumb|200px|Testing the shields on [[John-117]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mark V MJOLNIR armor]].]]

[[Human]]s have used energy shield technology for a relatively brief amount of time. The earliest known example is the "[[Z-4190 bubble shield|bubble shield]]", a protective device developed and deployed by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Beta-5 Division]],<ref name="Manual">'''Halo: Reach''' manual</ref> which has been in service since at least [[2544]].<ref name="Package">'''Halo: Legends:''' ''The Package''</ref> The Beta-5 Division also utilizes the "[[drop shield]]", a similar device which, despite being less resilient than the bubble shield, is capable of regenerating organic tissue through unknown means.{{Ref/Reuse|Manual}}

Near the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]], ONI scientists successfully reverse-engineered the technology used in [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]s, leading to the technology's incorporation into the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] and all later iterations of the series. Energy shielding technology had previously been tested with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV(G)|Grenadier variant]] of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV]],<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''The Armory''</ref> though these tests were not successful.<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]'''</ref> The UNSC also reverse-engineered an [[armor lock|"armor lock" plug-in module]] from functionally identical Covenant technology. In conjunction with the MJOLNIR armor's lock-down system, this device emits an impervious shield barrier that can deflect all small arms fire and can shed attached plasma grenades. The [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] [[Headhunters]] wear an advanced version of the standard-issue [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] which features energy shields that are similar to those of MJOLNIR, though the shields share power with the suit's [[active camouflage]] module.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''Headhunters''</ref> With each new generation of armor, the shields were improved, an [[Unidentified master gunnery sergeant]] commenting that the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI's]] shields were "much better than the Covenant tech we used for the Mark V."{{Ref/Level|H2|[[The Armory]]}}

The UNSC has also developed [[energy barrier]]s which are used to separate pressurized areas, such as [[hangar bay]]s, from the vacuum of space. One of the UNSC's most recent breakthroughs in energy shield development came with the creation of the [[FSS-1000 Sabre]] orbital fighter, which is the first human spacecraft known to use energy shields. The post-war [[Mantis]] is another UNSC vehicle that utilizes energy shields. The post-war successor to the Longsword and Sabres, the [[F-41 Broadsword]], is equipped with energy shields, though not powerful enough to travel through Slipspace.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-US/Universe/detail/halo-4-mantis-trailer/5c5bc6fb-7cb0-4552-be8e-d6f54ed5c417 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Mantis Trailer'']</ref> Some warships also received shields post-war, with at least the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, its embarked [[Strident-class heavy frigate|frigates]], and the {{Class|Autumn|heavy cruiser}} possessing energy shielding.<ref>[[:File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Image showing frigate shields above hull]]</ref>

[[File:H2 Sangheili Shielding.jpg|thumb|200px|A Sangheili's energy shield flaring.]]

The Covenant make extensive use of energy shielding technology. Nearly all Covenant starships larger than a [[dropship]] use energy shields and several ground-based structures use shields as well. Many Covenant warriors are equipped with energy shields.

Most [[Sangheili]], many [[Jiralhanae]], and some high-ranking [[Unggoy]] and [[Yanme'e]] are equipped with [[Sangheili personal energy shield|energy shields that are integrated into the wearer's armor]], or, in the latter case, carapace. [[Kig-Yar]] warriors use [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|energy shield gauntlets]] that protect them from most oncoming fire but leaves them vulnerable to flanking attacks and grenades. The Covenant often use [[Huragok]] to provide energy shielding to troops on the battlefield. The Covenant also utilize [[overshield]]s, which provide additional layers of energy shielding to the wearer, and [[Regenerator|energy shield regenerators]]. Sangheili and Jiralhanae warriors sometimes use armor lock systems, from which the UNSC technology was reverse-engineered; Jiralhanae are able to use this technology even without [[Jiralhanae power armor|power armor]].

Though the [[Hierarchs]] are not meant to encounter combat, their [[anti-gravity chair]]s emit powerful energy shields. They are able to deflect all forms of projectile, plasma, and explosive weaponry and seemingly never become depleted. However, one can simply walk through the shield. The shield used by [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], was much different and seems to have to be actively turned on. His shield could deflect nearly all attacks save for those of a captured [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifle]]. A similar, though much less potent, technology is often used by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Jiralhanae chieftains]]; this "[[invincibility]]" device lasts only a matter of seconds, though it renders the user impervious to small arms fire. The device can also be used by personnel who do not otherwise possess energy shielding, such as UNSC [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST'''</ref>

Nearly all Covenant vessels are protected by highly resistant energy shields. These shields can withstand an impressive amount of firepower and can recharge very quickly. Covenant vessels' shields can absorb almost all missile fire, including hundreds of [[Archer missile]]s and even a low-yield {{Class|Shiva|nuclear missile}}, although Shiva nukes will usually deplete their shields, making them vulnerable to smaller weapons. The only UNSC weapons capable of penetrating a Covenant starship's shield are the [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s. Even then, ship-based MACs take multiple rounds to drop the shields; only high powered starship or a "Super MAC" round from an [[orbital defense platform]] can penetrate a Covenant ship's shields in one hit.

Covenant starship shielding does have a notable flaw, however: Whenever a starship launches a [[plasma torpedo]] or [[pulse laser turret|pulse laser]], a small section of the energy shield must drop to allow the weapon to fire. Otherwise, the energy released would detonate on the inside of the shields, damaging the ship.

The Covenant's [[Morsam-pattern Seraph|Type-31 "Seraph" fighters]] are typically equipped with energy shields, though this does not seem to always be the case.{{Ref/Reuse|Package}} {{Pattern|R'shwupa|Phantom}}s are equipped with powerful shields that can deflect cannon fire but are vulnerable to missiles due to their lower velocity.<ref name="LNoS">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref>

The Covenant also use energy shields as [[hangar bay]] doors. These devices prevent the evacuation of atmosphere from the hangar bay and deny unwanted entry and exit. They can be phased in such a manner that atmosphere remains in the hangar bay while single ships can enter the vessel.{{Ref/Reuse|LNoS}}

Few Covenant ground and air vehicles are equipped with energy shields. The most notable exception is the {{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}}, a repurposed mining platform that is used as a "building killer". The Type-30 Locust emits a spherical shield that can resist most high-impact projectiles. However, this shield is rather weak and will dissipate under concentrated fire, exposing the Type-30 Locust's vulnerable hull. [[Karo'etba-pattern Ghost|Type-32 "Ghost" assault vehicles]] and [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Type-26 "Wraith" tanks]], while almost universally unshielded, can be retrofitted with energy shields that deflect most projectiles. The {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}}, the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-Covenant War]] successor to the [[Type-26 Banshee]], features numerous improvements, one of which is the implementation of energy shielding.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>

The Covenant make extensive use of stationary energy shield devices. One of the most common is the energy barrier, which is used to cordon off restricted areas and to deny enemy movement within invaded cities.<ref>'''Halo 3: ODST''', campaign levels ''[[Mombasa Streets]]'', ''[[Tayari Plaza]]'', and''[[Kizingo Boulevard]]''</ref> This technology can also be used to form [[anti-vehicle barrier]]s; though vehicles and projectiles are repelled by these barriers, human and Covenant soldiers can pass through them on foot.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Tsavo Highway]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Covenant portable shield|Smaller-scale barriers]], including [[Deployable Cover|man-portable ones]], are often used to provide cover during firefights.

[[Covenant citadel|Pre-fabricated Covenant bases]] are often outfitted with [[Covenant shield generator|shield generators]]; multiple shield generators can be installed at a base to provide incrementally greater protection.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> The Covenant sometimes use enormous energy shield domes to cover large areas, such as bases. These domes sometimes have no apparent power source,<ref name="Dome">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> though they are also used on [[Deployment spire|teleportation spires]], which are commonly used during invasions.<ref name="ToTS">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> These shield domes are susceptible to high-intensity plasma.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} While Covenant aircraft can pass through these shields unharmed,{{Ref/Reuse|Dome}} UNSC aircraft that pass through the field receive a powerful [[electromagnetic pulse]] and suffer catastrophic systems failures.{{Ref/Reuse|ToTS}}

[[File:H3 Sentinel Shielding.jpg|thumb|200px|A Sentinel's energy shield.]]

The Forerunners made ubiquitous use of [[hard light]] technology, consisting of solidified photon-boson fields shaped into any desired form,<ref>[http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=8efbd7b88156ac5f6faed8b69&id=4fdccf0da5&e=7be5970a3b '''Mega Bloks''', Special Report: ONI REAP-X]</ref> such as [[light bridge]]s. Hard light was also used to create [[Z-90 hardlight shield|infantry-issue shields]].

**In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the status of the energy shield is shown at the top-right corner of the screen above the health bar.  

**In ''Halo 2'', the shield meter is in the bottom-left above the motion tracker.  

**In ''Halo 3'', the shield meter is in the top-center of the screen.  

**In ''Halo: Reach'', the shield meter is shown in the top-center of the screen above the health bar.

**In ''Halo 5: Guardians'' and ''Halo Infinite'', the health bar is visible and the shield meter appears above it once more.

*In [[multiplayer]], players can have 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 500%, 1000%, or 2000% shield strength, or none at all--this can be further augmented if they pick up an overshield.  

*In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', both Elites and Spartans have the same amount of shielding; in ''Halo: Reach'', Elites have more shielding (but less health) than Spartans.

**In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' under standard game settings, energy shields begin regenerating 5 seconds after last being hit and take four seconds to fully recharge from a total drain.

***In the Campaign, the shield regenerates at a fixed ratio of shield points per second, and the low shield tone activates at a fixed shield percentage. Because the difficulty affects shield strength, it takes 8 seconds on Easy to recharge from a full drain, which is so long that the recharge sound plays twice; the low shield tone plays for the first two seconds of regeneration.

**In ''Halo 2'' under standard game settings, energy shields begin regenerating 4.25 seconds after last being hit, and take 1.75 seconds to fully recharge from a total drain.

**In ''Halo 3'' under standard game settings, energy shields begin regenerating 5 seconds after last being hit, and take 2 seconds to fully recharge from a total drain.

*In ''Halo 4'', during the level [[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]], energy shielding was used to enhance a {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}'s boosting.

*In ''Halo 4'', during the level [[Shutdown]], energy shielding was used to generate an EMP which overloaded the communication network's carrier wave generator.

*In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', when a Spartan is revived after being downed, they and the reviver will be granted an [[Overshield]] that drains over time.

*In ''Halo Wars'', most of Covenant vehicles are equipped with energy shielding, while for the UNSC, it is exclusive for Spartan units, including [[Red Team]].

*In ''Halo Wars 2'', UNSC base defenses can be equipped with energy shield if player upgrades R&D leader power. Some vehicles are also equipped with energy shielding.

{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of energy shields}}

**The health and shield points in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' are higher than those in the subsequent games. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', both health and shield are given 75 points.{{citation needed}}

**On the other hand, there are only 45 health points and 70 shield points in ''Halo 3''.{{citation needed}}

File:HCE_SangheiliShield.jpg|A [[Sangheili Major|Major]] [[Sangheili]]'s shield protecting him from enemy fire in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.

File:HCE_ShieldStation.gif|[[John-117]], inside the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'']]'s [[energy shield test station]].

File:H1 Library assault.jpg|John-117's shield protecting him from enemy fire in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''

File:Halo3 Snowbound-3rdperson-01.jpg|The shields on a twp [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR armors]] flare after taking damage in ''Halo 3''.

File:H3 - Elite Energy Shield.jpg|A Sangheili's shields flickering from melee damage in ''Halo 3''.

File:H3ODST_Jiralhanae_Shields.jpg|A Jiralhanae's shields flicker from taking fire in ''Halo 3: ODST''.

File:H3ODST Huragok Overshield.jpg|A Huragok's passive ability which grants all allies within a certain radius overshields seen on this group of Covenant infantry in ''Halo 3: ODST's'' [[Firefight]] level [[Chasm Ten]].

File:HRBeta_Sangheili_Shields.jpg|A Sangheili's personal energy shield overloading from sustained fire in ''[[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]]''.

File:HRBeta_Sangheili_EnergyShield_Flicker.jpg|An Elite's personal energy shield flickers from taking damage in the beta.

File:HR_Spartan_ShieldFlare.jpg|A [[SPARTAN-III Program|SPARTAN-III]]'s energy shields flicker while taking damage from a [[Type-33 Needler]] projectile.

File:H4 Exile SAWFirstPerson.jpg|Upclose shield flickering of the GEN2, note the teal color signifying [[overshield]]s.

File:H4FrigateShields.jpeg|Shielding on a ''Strident''-class frigate.

File:H5G-MJOLNIRshielding.png|The shields of a Spartan-IV in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.

File:H5G-T54Bansheeshielding.png|The energy shielding on a {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}}.

File:H5G-Mantisshielding.png|The energy shielding on a [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis]]

File:HINF EliteOfficer.png|A [[Sangheili Enforcer]] and [[Sangheili Mercenary|Mercenary]] with energy shields in ''Halo Infinite''.

File:HINF Escharum Shield.png|[[Escharum]] protected by a specialized energy shield at the [[House of Reckoning (location)|House of Reckoning]].

File:HTV-energyshields.png|John-117's energy shield flaring from a Covenant Sangheili's energy sword in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.

**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''

**''[[Palace Hotel]]''

**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''

**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''

*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''

*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''

{{Ref/Sources}}