Overshield: Difference between revisions

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}} led to 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''.}}

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|H4|overshield in-game model}}

Overshields are most commonly bestowed on 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}} [[Quick to Adjust]] notably extended overshield from its body to the outer plating of a vehicle, an [[Oliphant]], in [[New Mombasa]].{{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/Quest|Id=foundation|HI|Ringfall|[[Foundation (Halo Infinite)|Foundation]]}}

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.

Although the overshield pick-up is not usually available in campaign, the [[Halo 2 skulls#Black Eye|Black Eye skull]]—which allows the player to restore shields through attacking enemies with melee—enables the player to grant overshields by attacking enemies with melee while possessing full shields.

The overshield makes an appearance in the ''Halo 3: ODST'' campaign as a white-blue shielding effect awarded 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.  

{{Article quote|An enhanced shield module that increases capacity to 115% of base shield strength.{{Ref/Game|HI|Campaign - Upgrades menu}}}}

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.

* 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 designs for the campaign missions added both pickups to the campaign missions.

* In ''Halo 3'' matchmaking, the player can pick up the overshield (or [[active camouflage]]) as 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.  

File:H4_OvershieldPowerup_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Overshield [[Power-up]] in ''Halo 4''.

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:HReach-LNoS-Shielded-Unggoy.jpg|Huragok-supplied overshield on [[Unggoy Ultra]]s onboard the ''[[Long Night of Solace]]''.

File:HR SpecOpsElites.jpg|A SpecOps Sangheili with [[active camouflage]] with Huragok-supplied shielding.

File:H4 - Overshield ordnance drop.png|An Overshield in ''Halo 4''.