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(→‎Gameplay: I saw the Halo 3 Sniper School 4 video, previously found on Xbox Live, and noticed it had a Spartan do the Power drain jump.)
 
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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|name=Power drain
| image=[[File:H3-UnarmedPowerDrainer.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H3-UnarmedPowerDrainer.png|300px]]
| name=Power Drain
|manufacturer=
| manufacturer= [[Covenant]] [[Jiralhanae]]
|series=
| type=[[Equipment]]
|type=[[Equipment|Deployable equipment]]
| size=Dimensions
|cost=
*Weight : 5.1 kilograms (11.2 pounds)<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576</ref>
|variant=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length=
|width=
|height=
|weight={{Convert|11.2|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=343}}
|ammotype=[[Electromagnetic pulse]]
|capacity=Single-use
|feed-title=Duration
|feed=Roughly 6.5 seconds{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
}}
The '''power drain''' is an energy-sapping device used by [[Covenant]] [[Jiralhanae]] forces.
The '''power drain''' is a combat support device designed and developed by the [[Covenant]] for its infantry forces. The equipment has several colloquial nicknames among [[United Nations Space Command]] personnel, including "'''Draino'''" and "'''Drainer'''".{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=47}}


==Function==
==Overview==
The power drain creates a short-range electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effect, which interferes with all electronic equipment within the radius of the pulse. It is designed primarily to interfere with common varieties of electrical field-based shielding, as well as the electrical components of [[vehicle]]s. After a short time, the device overheats and explodes, which can wound or kill combatants in its resulting explosion. <ref>[http://www.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaEquipment Bungie.net's review of ''Halo 3 Beta'' equipment]</ref>The electricity it produces can also harm biological systems and cause damage to unshielded targets.
===Design details===
The power drain is a roughly spherical device massing {{Convert|11.2|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}. When activated, the device emits a blue [[electromagnetic pulse]] field for around 6.5 seconds, after which the device self-destructs in a small explosion. The EMP is used to short out the electrical systems of any equipment caught within range, including [[energy shielding]] and light vehicles. During its activation, two cylindrical emitters are extruded from the sides of the sphere.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Site|Id=BNet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaEquipment|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 Beta: Equipment|D=14|M=10|Y=2014}}


In combat, the power drain weakens shields that come within range of its EMP, and immobilizes any nearby vehicles.
The power drain has a visual resemblance to the [[flare]] and [[radar jammer]] equipment also developed by the Covenant, save for its blue colouration. The Flare, developed by the [[Jiralhanae]], was based on the same technology as the power drain and radar jammer.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=341}}


Because it shares a similar design aesthetic to other examples of Jiralhanae technology, it is likely that this piece of equipment is manufacture by the Jiralhanae.
===Usage===
The power drain is a piece of infantry support equipment developed by the Covenant, and was heavily employed by the [[Jiralhanae]] loyalist forces of the [[Prophet of Truth]] during the final weeks of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Power Drain in-game equipment}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3ODST|H3ODST|Power Drain in-game equipment}} Despite their origin, [[human]] forces were more than willing to make use of captured enemy power drains during the war.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


==Tactics==
==Gameplay==
*This [[equipment]] will stall a vehicle's engine, but the weapon(s) on the vehicle still work. The most effective way to take out an armored vehicle such as a [[Warthog]] is to throw a Power Drain followed by a grenade, killing most of the players on board. Several follow-up shots will take out any survivors.
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
*The Power Drain is highly effective when used in conjunction with headshot-capable weapons such as the [[Battle Rifle]], [[Type-51 Carbine|Carbine]] and [[Magnum]].
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
*This piece of equipment is useful when facing multiple enemies; once their shields are depleted, the group becomes significantly more vulnerable.
The power drain is one of several pieces of deployable [[equipment]] featured in ''[[Halo 3]]''. When thrown, the power drain takes 0.5 seconds to activate, and subsequently lasts 6.5 seconds, equaling a total of [[Seven|7]] seconds. The effects of the power drain pass through walls and floors, so simply fleeing to the bottom floor of a structure after an enemy activates one will still strip one's shields if one passes through the field. This is most noticeable on maps like [[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]].{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
*As the Power Drain can pass through the [[Bubble Shield]], it's a good idea to throw one inside of a Bubble Shield while your enemies are inside of it.
*If a Power Drain unit hits the Bubble Shield unit, the Bubble Shield may move, depending on how fast the power drain is going at the point of impact. This can sometimes rob your enemies of the shield's protection, making them easy targets.
*Deploying this equipment near a popular sniper postion or an area where people land after using a [[Man Cannon]] can make your enemies susceptible to surprise attacks.
*It is best to keep at a distance from an enemy with a Power Drain, because it is only effective at close range.
*The power drain is a useful for of hijacking an enemy vehicle. For example, if you can throw one at a [[Warthog]] or [[Wraith]], it will immobilise them and deplete their shields, meaning that hijacking will kill them and gain you a vehicle. Also, if a [[Banshee]] is close to the ground, a power drain can force it down and allow you to skyjack it.
*The Power Drain negates the effects of a regenerator, rendering it useless.


==Trivia==
The power drain can be used in a glitch called [[Equipment jumping]] by moving against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploying the power drain. This allows a player to jump off of it in mid-air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map, such as the second level of the tower on [[The Pit]]. This can also be done with the radar jammer and flare. The power drain variation of the glitch is commonly claimed to only be able to be performed as an [[Sangheili|Elite]]. This is not the case, but it is exceedingly difficult to do as a Spartan in the [[Xbox 360]] version of ''[[Halo 3]]''; thus, only a few instances of it have been documented, most notably in the U.S. Army Vehicle Training: UNSC Halo 3 Sniper School 4 video. It appears to be easier to accomplish while playing as a Spartan in the ''Halo 3'' portion of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|H3}}
*Once thrown, the Power Drain takes 0.5 seconds to activate, and subsequently lasts 6.5 seconds, equaling a total of [[7]] seconds.
 
*The Power Drain, [[Radar Jammer]], and [[Flare]] are all visually identical save for the color of the glow each item emits.
In ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', the power drain performs as it did in ''Halo 3'' though cannot be used by the player. It is only used by Brute enemies; when the player is in the radius of a power drain, their health will drain in addition to their shields.{{Ref/Reuse|H3ODST}}
*The effects of the Power Drain pass through walls and floors, so simply fleeing to the bottom floor of a structure after an enemy activates one will still strip your shields if you pass through the field. This is most noticeable on levels such as [[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]].
*The power drain can be used in a glitch called [[Equipment Jumping]] by moving against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploy the power drain. This allows you to jump off of it in mid air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map such as the second level of the tower on [[The Pit]]. This can also be done with the Radar Jammer and Flare, however, the Power Drain variation of the glitch can only be performed as an [[Elite]].
*Strangely, in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', when you are in the radius of a power drain, your stamina will drain, even though it's not powered by anything at all. This is simply for gameplay purposes, although research indicates that electromagnetic frequencies can affect one's sense of well-being, sometimes making one feel unusually tired. It is also possible that it is meant to represent the electricity causing damage to the ODST.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="150">
<gallery>
File:Powerdrainhud.svg|The Power Drain icon in [[Halo 3]].
File:Powerdrainhud.svg|The power drain icon in [[Halo 3]].
File:Power Drain.jpg|An inactive Power Drain in ''Halo 3''.
File:Power Drain.jpg|An inactive power drain in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3-Power Drainer Unarmed.png|An inactive Power Drain in ''Halo 3'' beta.
File:Halo3-Power Drainer Unarmed.png|An inactive power drain in ''Halo 3'' beta.
File:Power drain Halo 3.jpg|A deployed Power Drain, about to activate itself.
File:Power drain Halo 3.jpg|A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.
File:Power Drain in Action.jpg|The power drain emits a field of blue energy that strips away all energy shielding within its range.
File:Power Drain in Action.jpg|The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Equipment List}}
{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}
[[Category:Electronic warfare technology]]
[[Category:Electronic warfare technology]]
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
[[Category:Equipment]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, July 26, 2024

Power drain
H3-UnarmedPowerDrainer.png
Production overview

Type:

Deployable equipment

Specifications

Weight:

5.1 kilograms (11.2 lb)[1]

Ammunition type:

Electromagnetic pulse

Capacity:

Single-use

Duration:

Roughly 6.5 seconds[1]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

The power drain is a combat support device designed and developed by the Covenant for its infantry forces. The equipment has several colloquial nicknames among United Nations Space Command personnel, including "Draino" and "Drainer".[1][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The power drain is a roughly spherical device massing 5.1 kilograms (11.2 lb). When activated, the device emits a blue electromagnetic pulse field for around 6.5 seconds, after which the device self-destructs in a small explosion. The EMP is used to short out the electrical systems of any equipment caught within range, including energy shielding and light vehicles. During its activation, two cylindrical emitters are extruded from the sides of the sphere.[1][3]

The power drain has a visual resemblance to the flare and radar jammer equipment also developed by the Covenant, save for its blue colouration. The Flare, developed by the Jiralhanae, was based on the same technology as the power drain and radar jammer.[4]

Usage[edit]

The power drain is a piece of infantry support equipment developed by the Covenant, and was heavily employed by the Jiralhanae loyalist forces of the Prophet of Truth during the final weeks of the Human-Covenant War.[2][5][6] Despite their origin, human forces were more than willing to make use of captured enemy power drains during the war.[2]

Gameplay[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Power drain on its gameplay page.

Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

The power drain is one of several pieces of deployable equipment featured in Halo 3. When thrown, the power drain takes 0.5 seconds to activate, and subsequently lasts 6.5 seconds, equaling a total of 7 seconds. The effects of the power drain pass through walls and floors, so simply fleeing to the bottom floor of a structure after an enemy activates one will still strip one's shields if one passes through the field. This is most noticeable on maps like Guardian.[5]

The power drain can be used in a glitch called Equipment jumping by moving against a wall, jumping, and then at highest point of the jump deploying the power drain. This allows a player to jump off of it in mid-air. This is a great tactic for reaching high areas of a map, such as the second level of the tower on The Pit. This can also be done with the radar jammer and flare. The power drain variation of the glitch is commonly claimed to only be able to be performed as an Elite. This is not the case, but it is exceedingly difficult to do as a Spartan in the Xbox 360 version of Halo 3; thus, only a few instances of it have been documented, most notably in the U.S. Army Vehicle Training: UNSC Halo 3 Sniper School 4 video. It appears to be easier to accomplish while playing as a Spartan in the Halo 3 portion of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[5]

In Halo 3: ODST, the power drain performs as it did in Halo 3 though cannot be used by the player. It is only used by Brute enemies; when the player is in the radius of a power drain, their health will drain in addition to their shields.[6]

Gallery[edit]

  • The power drain icon in Halo 3.

    The power drain icon in Halo 3.

  • An inactive power drain in Halo 3.

    An inactive power drain in Halo 3.

  • An inactive power drain in Halo 3 beta.

    An inactive power drain in Halo 3 beta.

  • A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.

    A deployed power drain, about to activate itself.

  • The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.

    The power drain emits a field of blue radiation that strips away all energy shielding within its range.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 343
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 47
  3. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3 Beta: Equipment (Retrieved on Oct 14, 2014) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 341
  5. ^ a b c Halo 3, Power Drain in-game equipment
  6. ^ a b Halo 3: ODST, Power Drain in-game equipment

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List of map pickups in the Halo series
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