Editing Overshield

{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:HINF Illusion Overshield1.png|thumb|350px|The Covenant overshield being studied at the [[ONI Ilex Facility]].]]
An '''overshield''' is a [[Covenant]]-developed technology that strengthens the user's [[energy shield|energy shielding system]].{{Ref/Book|Id=enc09|Enc09|Page=341|Quote=The Overshield is a Covenant invention that renders an extra layer of shielding to its wielder. When worn, the Overshield can withstand blasts from even heavy weaponry.}} After the [[Human-Covenant War]], research conducted by [[United Nations Space Command]], such as work at the [[ONI Ilex Facility]],{{Ref/Map|HI|Illusion}} culminated in an eponymous UNSC recreation.{{Ref/Site|Id=overview|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/map-overview-halo-infinite-cu29|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Map Overview - Halo Infinite CU29|D=24|M=1|Y=2024|Quote=It shows how this Covenant technology transitioned to the form it takes as portable equipment, which we see in how the camo and overshield modules appear in ''Halo 5'' and ''Halo Infinite''.}}

== Overview ==
===Design details===
[[File:H3ODST OvershieldsForODSTs.jpg|thumb|300px|Despite not being equipped with personal energy shielding, three [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] of [[Alpha-Nine]] were granted overshield from [[Quick to Adjust]].]]
Overshield can be applied to personal energy shielding through two methods, through either external power sources or [[Huragok]] support webs. The overshield leverages personal energy shielding's major components—the shield generator and waveguide—to be overcharged.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=221|Quote=Major components such as the shield generator and waveguide are woven into the undersuit, and can be overcharged with external power sources and Huragok support webs.}} The Covenant overshield module is a cuboid container holding a red sphere within.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFire|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-covering-fire|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Covering Fire|D=31|M=01|Y=2024}} The UNSC overshield module in [[2553]] is considerably bulkier, being a large vertical container with a glowing green vertical panel,{{Ref/Game|H4|overshield in-game model}} though by [[2559]], the UNSC module has drastically reduced in size into a palm-sized circular device,{{Ref/Game|Id=upgrades|HI|Campaign - Upgrades menu}}{{Ref/Game|HI|overshield in-game model}} or even installed within modular cores.{{Ref/Quest|Id=foundation|HI|Ringfall|[[Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation]]}}{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=84}}

=== Usage ===
Overshields are most commonly bestowed upon Covenant troops through Huragok's support web, rendering an extra layer of shielding to even those that do not have personal energy shielding.{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Coastal Highway}}{{Ref/Level|HR|Long Night of Solace}} During the [[Battle of Mombasa|Battle of]] [[Mombasa]] in [[2552]], [[Quick to Adjust]] notably extended overshield from its body to the outer plating of a vehicle, an [[Oliphant]].{{Ref/Level|H3ODST|Coastal Highway|Quote=I think the Engineer found a way to extend its shields, sent a current through the outer plating.|Quotee=Veronica Dare}} The cuboid module is an uncommon sight; though in one instance, when the Covenant was [[naval boarding|boarding]] the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} during the [[Battle over Installation 04]], the {{Pattern|Brhi Xur|Leech}}s each carried two overshield modules onboard.{{Ref/Level|HCE|The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn}}

Among the tactical roles under [[Spartan Operations]], Spartans assigned to the "Offensive" skill grouping are usually equipped with prototype overshield capacitators.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=31|Quote=Spartans in this role practice with heavy weapons and support systems which enable them to push and control, including prototype overshield capacitors and "overclock" software modules.}} With how the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|MJOLNIR [GEN3] platform]] can readily integrate a wide range of offensive and defensive peripheral systems and components through modular cores, an overshield module can be installed to the armor spontaneously. For example, during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], Spartan [[Bonita Stone]] acquired an overshield module and installed the module in her armor without the support of a technician,{{Ref/Novel|RP|26}} as was the case for [[John-117]] when he recovered the module from Stone's body.{{Ref/Reuse|foundation}}

== In-game information ==
The overshield is not a permanent upgrade to the player's shield, and it will not recharge past the normal capacity even after the overshield is fully depleted, thus another one must be acquired to regain the benefit. Like the standard energy shield, the overshield can be fully depleted by an overcharged [[Plasma Pistol]].

Across its appearances in the campaigns of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[Halo 2]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', the overshield is reduced only when the player takes damage. In multiplayer modes and the campaign mode of ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', the overshield gradually depletes over prolonged duration. Due to its reductive nature, the overshield is only useful for a short period in multiplayer.

From ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''[[Halo 4]]'', it takes approximately three seconds to overcharge the energy shields once picked up. During this short period, the player is invulnerable to all forms of attacks, save for a [[melee]] attack from behind. The player's normal shield does not take damage until the overshield is completely depleted (although any damage overlapping from something destroying the overshield such as an explosion from a grenade will also do damage to the player's normal shield). In ''Halo 5: Guardians'' and ''Halo Infinite'', the overshield's effects are instantly applied briefly after the player activates the power-up, although the player is still vulnerable while waiting for the shields to be overchaged.

In ''Halo 2'',  ''[[Halo 3]]'', and ''Halo 4'', the wearer is awarded a visual effect which gives off a full-body glowing effect. This visual effect negates the effects of an [[active camouflage]] and makes the wearer more visible to other players, often drawing unwanted attention. This glowing effect is also present in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', although it should be noted that unlike in previous titles, it is actually hidden by the effects of active camouflage despite what the player's HUD may lead one to believe.

=== ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' ===
In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the overshield appears as a glowing red orb of energy encased in a clear glass cube and boosts the player's shields to 300% of its base strength. The player picks up the overshield by making contact with the object; after picking up an overshield, the player's [[HUD]] shield display receives two additional layers of shield: first red, then green, atop the player's usual blue shield bar. 

=== ''Halo 2'' ===
The overshield in ''Halo 2'' functions like it did ''Halo: Combat Evolved''; however, the orb and cube are gold in color.

Although the overshield pick-up is not available in campaign, the [[Halo 2 skulls#Black Eye|Black Eye skull]]—which allows the player to restore shields through attacking enemies with melee—grants overshield to the player when they melee enemies while they possess full shields.

=== ''Halo 3'' ===
The design of the overshield in ''Halo 3'' differs and shares some resemblances from previous titles: the orb appears as a glowing red orb of energy, larger than in previous appearances and without a glass cube encasing it. The standard overshield pickup only boosts the player's shields to 200% of its base strength; this is reflected in only a single green layer added to the shield bar.

Although the overshield does not appear in campaign, the similar [[Invincibility]] can be acquired from a defeated [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]], provided he did not activate it before his death.

=== ''Halo 3: ODST'' ===
The overshield makes an appearance in the ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' as a white-blue shielding effect granted to those within the vicinity of a Huragok; friendly Covenant and UNSC units are provided an additional layer of protection because of the overshield ability. 

=== ''Halo: Reach'' ===
[[File:HReach-LNoS-Shielded-Unggoy.jpg|thumb|300px|Huragok-supplied overshield on [[Unggoy Ultra]]s onboard the ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
In ''Halo: Reach'' campaign, Huragok provide purple overshield to nearby allies. It is somewhat weaker than in ''Halo 3: ODST'', as the shield fades on and off the wearer at various intervals. It also does not reduce recoil, meaning that enemies without shields underneath, such as [[Unggoy]], will still react as if they have no shields when shot, albeit with more health.

Though left out of the base game's multiplayer, the overshield appears in ''Halo: Reach''{{'}}s [[Anniversary Map Pack]] in "Anniversary" gametypes; its physical appearance is similar to that in ''Halo 3''. It once again boosts the player's shields to 300% of its base strength, with two full layers added to shield bar: first green, then purple. The player will also leave a trail of flames on the ground as they move (regardless of whether they are walking or on a vehicle), further revealing their position. ; this effect, known as "Super Shields," is default in matchmaking, but can be disabled in custom games under the gametype options.

=== ''Halo 4'' ===
''Halo 4'' features the overshield in a different capacity than in previous games. Rather than only being found on the map, the overshield can be earned though ordnance drops. Rather than an orb, it appears as a green upright slab of metallic material. It boosts the shields only 200% of its base strength, adding a single green layer of protection and removing the trailing flame effect. A player will also earn an overshield in certain circumstances in specific gametypes. For example, earning a [[Kingtacular]] in [[Regicide]] or finding yourself in a Last Stand in [[Dominion]] will result in players automatically equipping an overshield.

=== ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' ===
The overshield is found in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]'' as a reusable armor ability. When used it is active for five seconds and requires a five-second cooldown period. Overshield is one of the three armor abilities which are not available by default, but instead can be purchased before starting each level to provide the player with an added advantage. A single-level use of the overshield costs 400 XP or 10 [[Credit|cR]].

=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
''Halo 5: Guardians'' features the overshield in both campaign and multiplayer. The effects of the overshield are automatically applied in campaign when a Spartan is revived by or revives another Spartan. However, in contrast to ''Halo 2'', activating the [[Halo 5: Guardians skulls#Black Eye|Black Eye skull]] disables all overshields.

In multiplayer, the power-up appears in the form of a small piece of circular equipment that emits a hologram of a green cross when on the ground. Unlike in previous titles, it does not immediately activate when touched by a player; instead, it must be manually picked up when walking over it. Doing this will play a short animation during which the player can still take damage. Like other power-ups, it can be acquired at a requisition station in Warzone, but does not appear naturally in that game mode. The overshield in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' adds one additional layer, although this layer actually has 300% the strength of the ordinary shields, effectively boosting the player's shields to a massive 400% of its base strength. 

In [[Warzone]]'s [[Requisition system]], there are three REQ cards for the overshield.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:2px auto; text-align:center; background:#FFFFFF"
|-
!Image
!Name
!Rarity
!Sale Price
!Energy Cost
!Description
|-
|[[File:REQ Card - Overshield.png|120px]]
|'''[[Overshield|Overshield I]]'''
|Uncommon
|{{RP|75}}
|{{Energy|3}}
|style="text-align:left;" |''Overshield adds an extra layer of shields that do not regenerate. This extra layer is displayed in green on the HUD's shield indicator. Short duration.''
|-
|[[File:Overshield2.png|120px]]
|'''[[Overshield|Overshield II]]'''
|Rare
|{{RP|100}}
|{{Energy|3}}
|style="text-align:left;" |''Overshield adds an extra layer of shields that do not regenerate. This extra layer is displayed in green on the HUD's shield indicator. Medium duration.''
|-
|[[File:Overshield3.png|120px]]
|'''[[Overshield|Overshield III]]'''
|Ultra Rare
|{{RP|150}}
|{{Energy|4}}
|style="text-align:left;" |''Overshield adds an extra layer of shields that do not regenerate. This extra layer is displayed in green on the HUD's shield indicator. Long duration.''
|}
=== ''Halo Infinite'' ===
{{Article quote|An enhanced shield module that increases capacity to 115% of base shield strength.{{Ref/Reuse|upgrades}}}}
In ''[[Halo Infinite]]''{{'}}s multiplayer, the overshield boosts the player's shields to 200% of its base strength all the while recovering all health and shield damage.{{Ref/Site|Id=Support|URL=https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/6882880281364-Halo-Infinite-Weapon-Equipment-and-Vehicle-Inventory-|Site=Halo Support|Page=Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory|D=05|M=05|Y=2023}} It adds an additional yellow bar on the shield bar and a translucent white effect over the armor.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/24284987877524-Shields-in-Halo-Infinite|Site=Halo Support|Page=Shields in Halo Infinite|D=22|M=6|Y=2024}}

Overshield is available in campaign as the '''Shield Core'''. It is acquired from the body of [[Bonita Stone|Spartan Stone]] in the level [[Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation]]; then it can be upgraded by collecting and spending [[Spartan core]]s, like the other [[equipment]]s. Initially, the Shield Core provides a permanent, passive benefit, boosting the player's shield capacity to 115% of base strength. Each upgrade enhances the shield capacity by an additional 15%, to a maximum capacity of 175% of base strength.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 50%;"
|+ List of Upgrades
|-
! scope="col" style="width: 20%" |Name
! scope="col" style="width: 20%" |Spartan core cost
! scope="col" style="width: 60%" |Description
|-
|Fortress
|1 SC
|Increases shield capacity by an additional 15% of base strength.

|-
|Bastille
|2 SC
|Increases shield capacity by an additional 15% of base strength.

|-
|Redoubt
|3 SC
|Increases shield capacity by an additional 15% of base strength.

|-
|Citadel
|3 SC
|Increases shield capacity by an additional 15% of base strength.
|}

== Trivia ==
===Production notes===
* The overshield, as well as active camouflage, were requested by Hardy LeBel as a feature for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''{{'}}s multiplayer. After seeing their inclusion in multiplayer, the designers for the campaign added both pickups to the campaign.{{Ref/YouTube|OheqVrMGPv0|The Act Man|Interview With The Man Who Created Halo's Multiplayer|Time=1977|D=22|M=6|Y=2024}}
* The overshield was most likely inspired by a similar gameplay mechanic in the ''Marathon'' series. In ''Marathon'', the player character's shield energy can be restored or even boosted by picking up Power Cells or interacting with Energy Recharges. There are three levels of Energy Recharges; the first level restores the standard shield bar, while the second level adds an additional shield bar and the third level adds a third shield bar. Similar to the overshield in ''Halo'', the additional layer of shields have different colors; whereas the default shield bar is colored red, the first additional shield is yellow, and the second shield bar is purple.
===Glitches===
* In ''Halo 3'' matchmaking, the player can pick up the overshield (or [[active camouflage]]) as an equipment if they have a piece of equipment and hold their equipment change button (default RB) without touching the overshield. Though, if the player character dies, they drop the overshield; they will drop the overshield too if they walk into another piece of equipment. 

== Gallery ==
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H4 Overshield Concept Sketches 1.jpg|Initial sketches of a Forerunner "power core", later used as the basis for a Forerunner ordnance pod design.
File:H4 Overshield Concept Sketches 2.jpg|Conceptual variations of a resupply canister in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4_OvershieldPowerup_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the overshield [[Power-up]] in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HCE_Overshield_Pickup.jpg|An overshield in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2_Overshield_Pickup.png|An overshield in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Overshield.jpg|The effects of the overshield in ''Halo 2''{{'}}s multiplayer.
File:H3_Overshield_Pickup.jpg|An overshield in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST Huragok Overshield.jpg|A Huragok granting overshield to its allies in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:HR SpecOpsElites.jpg|A [[active camouflage|cloaked]] [[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps]] [[Sangheili]] with overshield in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4 - Overshield ordnance drop.png|An overshield in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 - Overshield effects.png|The effects of the overshield in ''Halo 4''{{'}}s multiplayer.
File:H2A-Overshield.png|An overshield in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' multiplayer.
File:H5G-Overshield-Campaign.png|[[Frederic-104]] with an overshield after reviving [[John-117]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-Overshield.png|A Spartan-IV with an overshield in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF Overshield Icon.png|HUD icon for the overshield in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF ShieldCoreIcon.png|The Shield Core icon in ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s Campaign upgrade menu.
File:HINF SpartanCore.png|John-117 picks up a core containing an overshield in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-OS1.png|A Spartan-IV activating an overshield in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-OSHUD.png|HUD of a player using an overshield in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Overshield.png|A Spartan-IV with an overshield in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Illusion Overshield2.png|The Covenant overshield on [[Illusion]] in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>

== List of appearances ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
* ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
* ''[[Halo 2]]''
* ''[[Halo 3]]''
* ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
* ''[[Halo: Reach]]''
* ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
* ''[[Halo 4]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
{{col-2}}
* ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
* ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
* ''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{Mo}}
* ''[[Halo Infinite]]''
* ''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{col-end}}

== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}

[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Power ups]]