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{{Era|Forerunner|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Seealso|Drop shield}}
{{Seealso|Drop shield}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|name=Z-4190 bubble shield
|name=Z-4190 bubble shield
|image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|300px]]
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*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant]]
|series=
|series=
|type=Single use dissipative cover<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/bubble-shield '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Bubble Shield'']</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}}
|cost=
|cost=
|variant=
|variant=
|service=*Forerunner wars
|service=
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length=
*[[Great Schism]]
|width=
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Blooding Years]]
|weight={{Convert|45.1|lb|kg}}<ref name="universe"/><ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576 '''bungie.org''': ''Halo 3 Equipment Physics'']</ref>
|height=
|height=
|width=
|weight={{Convert|45.1|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|length=
|ammotype=
|ammotype=
|feed-title=Duration
|feed-title=Duration
|feed=Single use (20 seconds)<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 340''</ref>
|capacity=
|feed=Single use (20 seconds){{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=340}}
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=
|rate=
|velocity=
|velocity=
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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}}
==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}}
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.}}
===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}}


The '''Z-4190 Temporal Protective Enfolder/Stationary Shield''',<ref name="universe"/> commonly referred to as the '''bubble shield''', is a personal defense device. 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 name="universe"/> Even the [[Covenant]] reverse-engineered crude copies based on captured ONI prototypes.
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}}


==History==
==Operational history==
[[File:Bubble Shield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Covenant's version of the bubble shield created a gold, dome-like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.]]
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.
Historically, the ‘dissipative’-style deployable [[energy shield]] system of the bubble shield is [[Forerunner]] in origin. [[Warrior-Servants]] utilized such a system to generate temporary fortifications using a sphere of interlocking hexagonal force enfolder elements,<ref name="universe"/> similar to [[Aggressor Sentinel#Operation|those used]] by [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinel]]s and [[Protector Sentinel|Protectors]]. The technology was eventually discovered by ONI in the twenty-sixth century and was repurposed for use by the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. In [[2544]], [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] [[Blue Team]] used a bubble shield during [[Operation: WARM BLANKET]].<ref name="TP">'''[[Halo Legends]]''': ''[[The Package]]''</ref> [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS]] suits utilized a form of bubble shield for protection.<ref name="P">'''Halo Legends''': ''[[Prototype]]''</ref> 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 name="universe"/>


The [[drop shield]] is an advanced iteration of the bubble shield that was developed by the [[Materials Group]] for ONI's [[Beta-5 Division|Beta-5 strike teams]]. Drop shields saw usage during the [[Fall of Reach]].<ref name="HR">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref> After Reach was defeated, [[Covenant]] forces recovered and copied ONI's shield prototypes, later employing their own cruder versions of bubble shields during the [[Battle for Earth]] and [[Battle of Installation 00]].<ref name="H3">'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref> These bubble shields projected a translucent, slightly white/gold tinted protective sphere around the user. The shield itself was similar to a [[Wikipedia:Geodesic dome|geodesic dome]], made of tessellating hexagons. The shield protected against bullets, explosions, lasers, [[plasma]], flames, [[grenade]]s, and other projectiles. Vehicles and personnel, however, were still able to pass through it. After approximately 20 seconds had passed, the shield would collapse and the generator would self-destruct. After the conclusion of the war, the Office of Naval Intelligence continued to manufacture a small number of similar devices, until 2555, when it refocused its shield research efforts towards Mjolnir-compatible emitters.<ref name="universe"/>
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}}


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}}


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 name="HSS">'''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'''</ref> On [[2558#January|January 21, 2558]], [[SPARTAN-G059]] deployed a bubble shield against [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] to block his [[Type-51 carbine]]'s rounds during her [[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam|her assassination mission]].<ref name="KTB">'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Knight takes Bishop]]''</ref> Both UNSC and [[Banished]] forces utilized bubble shields with infantry and vehicles during their [[Second Ark Conflict|battle]] over [[Installation 00]] in [[2559#April|April 2559]].<ref name="HW2">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref>
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}}


==Gameplay==
==In-game information==
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
[[File:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed bubble shield.]]
[[File:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed bubble shield.]]
In ''[[Halo 3]]'s'' [[campaign]], [[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.
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.


===Disadvantages===
;Disadvantages
*Enemies can enter the shield freely.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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 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.
* 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==
== Trivia ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
{{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 [[Type-26 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.
* 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.
*In the 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 players against the turrets guarding the outer perimeter of the multiplayer map [[Snowbound]].
* The bubble shield is capable of negating the effects of a [[Kill Ball]], allowing players to go inside the ball.
*If you look closely at the bubble shield, you can see that there are actually two layers of shields that comprise it.
* 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 Wars]]'', a Shield [[Protector Sentinel|Protector]] will deploy a bubble shield-like object onto selected friendly units.
* In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', only Elite Majors are issued with bubble shields, while the player can equip it as default on certain missions.
*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 bubble shield is replaced by the drop shield in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. It is a combination of the bubble shield and the regenerator. The bubble shield is much stronger than the drop shield, which could only take one Wraith shot.
*If one looks closely at the deployed bubble shield, you can see that it "pulses".
*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.
*Bubble shields do not deflect the automated turrets on Snowbound in the vanilla version of Halo 3 unlike the beta.
*In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', only Elite Majors are issued with bubble shields, while the player can equip it as default on certain missions.


==Gallery==
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:BubbleShield StarryNight.jpg|An early model of the bubble shield in the ''[[Starry Night]]'' trailer.
File:BubbleShield StarryNight.jpg|An early model of the bubble shield in the ''[[Starry Night]]'' trailer.
File:Avatars Halo Halo3 Shield.jpg|The bubble shield activating in the ''Starry Night'' trailer.
File:Avatars Halo Halo3 Shield.jpg|The bubble shield activating in the ''Starry Night'' trailer.
File:1179249572.jpg|The bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Laser]] shots.  Note the clear color from the ''[[Halo 3 Beta]]''.
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]]''.
File:Bubbleshieldhud.svg|The bubble shield's HUD icon.
File:Bubbleshieldhud.svg|The bubble shield's HUD icon.
File:H3-BubbleShield.png|View of the bubble shield in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-BubbleShield.png|View of the bubble shield in ''Halo 3''.
Line 80: Line 84:
File:HW2 Blitz Reactive Cyclops.png|A [[Cyclops]] with a bubble shield in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
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 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==
== List of appearances ==
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
Line 89: Line 95:
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|non-canon appearance}}
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|non-canon appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
Line 95: Line 101:
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{mo}}


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


{{Equipment list}}
{{Armor abilities}}
[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 19:22, 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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List of map pickups in the Halo series
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