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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H3}}
{{Seealso|Drop shield}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[Image:ONI Bubble Shield Armed.jpg|120px]]
|name=Z-4190 bubble shield
| name=Bubble Shield
|image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|300px]]
| manufacturer=[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
|manufacturer=*[[Forerunner]]
| model=
*[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
| type=[[Equipment]]
*[[Covenant]]
| cost=
|series=
| size=*Weight : 20.5 kilograms (45.1 pounds)<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576</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}}
| damage per hit=
|cost=
| magazine=
|variant=
| maxammo=
|service=
| fire=
|length=
| ammotype=
|width=
| operation=
|height=
| rate of fire=
|weight={{Convert|45.1|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| accuracy=
|ammotype=
| range=
|feed-title=Duration
| era=
|capacity=
| counterpart=
|feed=Single use (20 seconds){{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=340}}
| counterwep=
|operation=
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
|rate=
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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}}


The '''Bubble Shield''' is an anti-artillery and personal defense device developed by the [[UNSC]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] branch. <ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=765343</ref>
==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.]]
== Overview ==
===Design details===
[[Image:Bubble Shield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The '''Bubble Shield''' creates a gold tinged golf ball like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.]]
"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 projects a transparent, slightly white/gold tinted protective sphere around the user. The shield itself is similar to a [[Wikipedia:Geodesic dome|geodesic dome]], made of tessellating hexagons. The shield protects against bullets, explosions, lasers, [[plasma]], flames, grenades, and other projectiles used primarily by the [[Marine]] forces of the [[UNSC]] and the [[Covenant]]. A bubble shield is used in the original teaser trailer for [[Halo 3]]. It is shown being used by the [[Master Chief]] to stop an incoming Plasma Mortar. However, in the video the bubble shield looked like some type of grenade (that's just the way it looks before activation), leading to rumors that it would be one of the new grenade types. [[Vehicles]] and players however, are still able to pass through it.  After a significant amount of time has passed it will collapse. [[Covenant Loyalists]], mainly the [[Brutes]], have been known to secure [[human]] [[weapons]] and equipment for their own ends, the Bubble Shield being one of the most common.


==Development==
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.}}
The Bubble Shield was created by [[ONI]]. However it is not known if it was created using [[human]] [[technology]] or if it was reverse engineered similar to how the [[MJOLNIR Mark V]] [[Energy Shields|energy shields]] were created. The Bubble Shield technology is nearly identical to the [[Covenant]] [[Shield Door]]s in function.


==Deployment==
===Development history===
Despite being [[UNSC]] [[technology]], UNSC [[Marines]] are never seen deploying it during the [[Campaign]], while [[Brute]]s deploy it often. At least one or two Brutes in a [[Covenant]] [[pack]] always have a Bubble Shield on hand. [[Brute]]s generally activate their bubble shields immediately, following aerial insertion and when in large numbers.
<!--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}}


Unlike the Heroic DLC "[[shield door]]s" vehicles are able to pass through the Bubble Shield. Once, inside, if the vehicle, or anything else then damages the shield generator itself on the enclosure of the bubble, the shield will then collapse on fired detonation.
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}}


==Multiplayer Strategies==
==Operational history==
The Bubble Shield is an incredibly useful piece of equipment in any [[Multiplayer]] game or match. These are a few yet vital tactics that you should know if you want to use the Bubble Shield to its full potential. If you have been in a close range fight with another player and your shields are down, it is often a good idea to use a bubble shield to give your shields time to recharge before you go frag your next victim. Also if you have a [[Shotgun]] or [[Energy Sword]] or a Gravity Hammer as your secondary weapon and a player with a regular weapon ([[Assault Rifle]] or [[Battle Rifle]]) is running to you, drop the shield so that they will be forced to come through the shield to finish you. Right before the player gets to the shield, pull out your [[sword]]/[[shotgun]] and blast them when they step through. If you do not have a close range weapon, use this same strategy except with a [[Frag]] or [[Spike Grenade]]. Time the grenade so that it will explode right as they step through while you step out the other side of the shield to avoid damage. Another good strategy is to throw a spike grenade into the bubble; The blast/spikes will be contained in the shield. The spikes will also fly and hit any player within the bubble causing massive amounts of damage even if it doesn't kill them outright but be ready with a weapon to finish off those that do survive the blast to quickly rack up the kills. This trick has been nicknamed by many Halo players the Shrapnel tactic.
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.


Another method that is very useful is the man cannon-bubble shield combo. In [[Valhalla]] and [[Narrows]], there are campers who will hide near the spot where the man cannon shoots people. If a player uses a bubble shield first and throws it onto the cannon, the player can safely land without being immediately killed by grenades or players.
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}}


Also, you could start a fight inside, and before you die, toss a grenade (any type, preferably plasma grenades); and your weakened foe will die with you. A good way to kill someone in a bubble shield is with the [[Sniper Rifle]]. Make sure you are in a safe position so you don't get assassinated and aim at the player's head. This is quite easy because people usually don't move when they are in a shield. Keep on the player's head and as soon as the shield disappears shoot them. While it may seem very simple, most players do not see this coming, and never expect it. Another fun way of getting through an opponent's bubble shield is to get a vehicle and drive into the player hiding in the shield. This works particularly well with a Warthog or Ghost and is very fun to watch as the victims believe they are perfectly safe. Another strategy is to rush into the shield and step back right when you're in front of it, if it works the other player gets out of the shield, giving you an open shot. Also, it is possible to poke the barrel of a sniper rifle out of the shield while staying safely inside it yourself.
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}}


One strategy is, activating a Bubble Shield in a doorway so if you and your team were under fire they could use this shield to get away from the enemy. When an enemy is coming at you while you are in a bubble shield, throwing a grenade and moving out of the bubble shield depletes the enemy's shields so you can kill them with a single melee hit or head shot. On close-quarters combat maps like [[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]] the Bubble Shield can be used to distract enemies while you sneak up behind them and kill them from the posterior flank. Also, in close-quarters maps the Bubble Shield can cover an entire room for protection.  Another strategy is to block heavy weapons such as Rocket Launchers and Spartan Lasers with the Bubble Shield causing you to survive and them to waste a shot that would've been otherwise useful.
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}}


==Campaign Strategies==
==In-game information==
When fighting large numbers of Brutes, the bubble shield is useful as it protects you from all sides. However, certain berserk [[Brute]]s can go inside the sphere and beat you down. It is particularly useful against [[Drones]], partly because they usually surround you, and partly because they will almost never attempt to go inside the sphere. Do be aware, however, that after 20 seconds, the Shield will deactivate, leaving you wide open to an attack. Another situation in which the bubble shield is useful is protecting you from a [[Scarab]] detonation. It will stop the explosion from harming you completely, unless the explosion starts on the inside of the bubble shield. So it is advised that you at least exit the Scarab before using the bubble shield. Beware that the Scarab's debris will fall through the Bubble Shield, however, and could kill you. Another strategy is to use a Bubble Shield as a stepping stone, breaking up combat and allowing the player to use the Bubble Shield to fall back on. This is especially useful at the end of [[The Storm (Level)|The Storm]], where there are large, linear sections.
===''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''===
[[File:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed bubble shield.]]
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.


==Cons of the Bubble Shield==
;Disadvantages
*Enemies can walk freely in and kill you.
* Enemies can enter the shield freely.
*The shield does not stop enemy vehicles from entering.
* The bubble shield only lasts about 20 seconds. In combat, however, this is more than enough time to regroup and recover.
*You cannot return fire from inside the bubble's proximity.
* 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 Bubble Shield only lasts a short 20 seconds.
* The generator is very delicate, and if shot from the inside, it will quickly explode and destroy the bubble shield.
*If either you or an enemy throws a grenade inside the Bubble Shield, it stays inside and '''will most likely''' kill almost everyone in the shield at the present time. Also, the grenade may detonate the Bubble Shield, increasing the damage, making it all the more dangerous to stay inside of it.
* Vehicles can also enter bubble shields. Therefore, you can run somebody over while they are still in the bubble shield.
*[[Flood]] Forms will usually and typically just run inside the Bubble Shield and attack you unlike other enemies who usually wait for it to disappear.
* 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 generator is very delicate so if you shoot it, it will blow up.
* 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.
*If surrounded you are particularly vulnerable.
*An easy way to kill a Bubble Shield along with those in it is to use an explosive. Grenades and Rockets work well, but if you have the fear of dying, quickly enter the shield, throw a spike grenade inside ( it'll most likely stick to you if thrown on the shield's wall ) and watch the kills rack up. The reason for this is the grenade's spikes, they bounce off the walls and off the floors, killing most inside the shield.
*Most players will start a "staring contest," where they refuse to come in, and you usually ( or the person in the shield ) refuse to come out. Try your hardest to avoid this. In Team Games (especially ranked ), they can call for backup, someone could sneak in or jump from a height, making it difficult to guard the shield.


==Trivia==
== Trivia ==
*in halo 2 there was a mod programed in where the bomb would be used as a buble shield
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
*In an early Halo 3 build the Bubble Shield was able to roll like the [[Power Drain]], and the actual device had the same appearance, but had  orange lights instead of blue. It was also originally in grenade form before being changed.
* 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.
*This shield resembles the description of the [[Onyx Sentinel]] shields in the [[Eric Nylund]] novel [[Ghosts of Onyx]].
* The bubble shield is capable of negating the effects of a [[Kill Ball]], allowing players to go inside the ball.
*With no damage modifiers, a [[melee]] with most weapons will destroy the shield generator.
* 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.
*It is sometimes believed to be a Brute invention since Brutes always activate these devices, however it was developed by [[ONI]].
* In ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', only Elite Majors are issued with bubble shields, while the player can equip it as default on certain missions.
*The original bubble shield was smaller and was in the shape of a 'V', as seen in the [[Starry Night]] video. Also it would stab into the ground, rather then just lay on top of the ground.
*In the Beta Version of Halo 3, the Bubble Shield did not glow gold and was able to protect you against the turrets guarding the outer perimeter of the multiplayer map [[Snowbound]]. This however changed when the game was released for gameplay reasons.
*You cannot actually disable a Bubble Shield by throwing a [[Power Drain]] at the generator, but you can leave the opponents inside vulnerable with drained health
*The Bubble Shield is movable by the use of gravity lifts.
*The Bubble Shield logo, along with the [[Trip Mine]] logo, is a Halo 3 multiplayer emblem.
*A possible glitch is that if for example, a Brute Chieftain with a Fuel Rod Cannon is shooting at you and you deploy the Bubble Shield before it hits you, you will not die. In this situation, even though the shield appears to be in the process of expanding, the effects of the shield have already been activated.
*The Bubble Shield can cover an entire [[Warthog]] from an attack.
*The Bubble Shield will make a static sound when shot by a rapid-fire or automatic weapon (i.e, [[Assault Rifle]], [[Battle Rifle]]).
*It was speculated that the Bubble Shield may reject bullets and grenades due to heat because other objects, vehicles and players can go through it.
*There is a glitch that if a bubble shield is placed on the lower deck of an [[Elephant]] on sandtrap, the [[Spartan laser]] can then penetrate the shield.
*A good trick you can do is use a Shotgun with a bubble shield. Enemies would have to enter it to kill you, and you instant kill them with the shotgun.
*When inside the Bubble Shield, a distinctive hum can be heard, most likely coming from the generator.
*When a [[Power Drain]] is thrown at the Bubble Shield's generator, the Bubble Shield will move over a few inches.
*The Bubble shield in the Halo 3 Starry nights TV ad is also smaller than the finished Bubble shield (as can be seen in the picture below where John 117 is just covered by it and it seems more like a personal device).
* Some vehicles can get in it.
*If you look closely at the bubble shield,you can see that there are actually 2 layers of shielding that make it up.
* Range of the Bubble Shield is close to 3 meters.
*In the machinima red vs blue, the bubble shield was agent South's armor ability.


==Images==
== Gallery ==
<GALLERY>
<gallery>
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: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:H3-BubbleShield.png|View of the bubble shield in ''Halo 3''.
File:BubbleShield-2views.jpeg|Active and inactive states of the bubble shield.
File:Brute activates a bubble shield.jpg|A Brute activates a bubble shield.
File:HSS-Gameplay-Shielded.jpg|The bubble shield being used in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:TelcamBS.png|SPARTAN-G059 deploys a bubble shield over Avu Med 'Telcam in ''[[Knight takes Bishop]]''.
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 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>


Image:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|The Bubble Shield.
== List of appearances ==
Image:Bubble Shield Logo.jpg|The Bubble Shield logo.
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
Image:Avatars_Halo_Halo3_Shield.jpg|The Bubble Shield activating in the [[Halo 3]] trailer.
*''[[Halo 3]]''
Image:Bubble Shield Demonstration.jpg|The Bubble shield can block a [[Particle Beam Rifle]] shot.
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
Image:1179249572.jpg|The Bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout it's duration, including [[Spartan Laser]]s.
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
Image:Brute activates a bubble shield.jpg|A Brute activates a Bubble Shield.
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
</GALLERY>
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|non-canon appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'' {{mo}}


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


{{Equipment List}}
{{Navbox/Pickups/Gameplay}}


[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[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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