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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H3|RVB|H3R|}}
{{Seealso|Drop shield}}
{{Weapon Infobox
{{Weapon infobox
| image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|350px]]
|name=Z-4190 bubble shield
| name=Bubble Shield
|image=[[File:Bubble Shield in Action.jpg|300px]]
| model=
|manufacturer=*[[Forerunner]]
| type=[[Equipment]]
*[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
| cost=
*[[Covenant]]
| size=*Weight : 20.5 kilograms (45.1 pounds)<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=877576</ref>
|series=
| damage per hit=
|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}}
| magazine=
|cost=
| maxammo=
|variant=
| fire=
|service=
| ammotype=
|length=
| operation=
|width=
| rate of fire=
|height=
| accuracy=
|weight={{Convert|45.1|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| range=
|ammotype=
| era=
|feed-title=Duration
| counterpart=
|capacity=
| counterwep=
|feed=Single use (20 seconds){{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=340}}
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]] and Covenant [[Brute]] forces
|operation=
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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. The technology involved with it is owned by [[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.]]
===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}}


== Design Details ==
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.}}
[[Image:Bubble Shield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The Bubble Shield creates a gold, dome-like protective area for approximately 20 seconds when activated.]]
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 [[Covenant]]. [[Vehicles]] and players however, are still able to pass through it. After approximately 20 seconds has passed, the shield will collapse and the generator will self-destruct. Whether of Covenant or Human origin is unknown as there is little information and much speculation for both theories. Many point out that the [[Covenant Loyalists]], mainly the [[Brutes]], have been known to secure [[Human]] [[weapons]] and equipment for their own ends, thus pointing to the Bubble Shield as being one of Human development.  


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 [[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.
===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}}


===Deployment===
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}}
[[Image:Bubbleshield gx1-1.jpg|200px|thumb|Comparison between deployed and undeployed Bubble Shield.]]
UNSC [[Marines]] are never seen deploying it during [[Campaign]], while [[Brute]]s deploy it often. This leads it to be held as a Covenant Weapon and unlikely to be Human technology. 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 feeling threatened.


Unlike the multiplayer "[[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. Upon reaching its energy limit Bubble Shields will make a high pitched sound prior to overloading and breaking.
==Operational history==
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.


===Disadvantages===
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}}
*Enemies can enter the shield freely, and 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.
*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.
*The generator is very delicate, so if you shoot at it from the inside, it will easily explode and destroy the bubble shield.
*The Bubble Shield can be affected by other equipment if thrown within the shield proximity. For example, if an opponent throws in a [[Portable Gravity Lift]] near the generator, the equipment will lift it up, leaving anyone previously inside the shield defenseless. If a [[Power Drain]] is thrown inside an active Bubble Shield, the disabling effects of the Power Drain are contained within the Bubble Shield. Additionally, effects from equipments can also be limited ''in'' the shield; if a Power Drainer or a Regenerator is thrown inside the Bubble Shield, only those within the shield are affected.
*The Bubble Shield can be knocked away with a well placed Power Drain thrown at the generator, causing both objects to roll, and leaving anybody previously inside the shield open to fire without shields.


==Strategies==
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}}
===Campaign===
When fighting large numbers of Covenant forces, the Bubble Shield is useful as it protects you from all sides. However, certain berserking [[Brute]]s would leap 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 19 or 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.


A good tactic when enemy troops deploy a Bubble Shield is to "take over" their Bubble Shield. Charging into a Bubble Shield often catches Covenant troops off guard, and enemies wielding heavy weapons such as [[Fuel Rod Cannons]] or [[Brute Shots]] will not fire at such close range. Bubble Shielded-enemies can easily be overpowered by melee or close ranged weapons as their teammates look on helplessly from outside. Keep in mind that the Flood will usually just charge right in. So it isn't much use against most Flood Forms.
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}}


===Multiplayer===
==In-game information==
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. 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 surprise 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. If done correctly, the grenade would depletes the enemy's shields so you can kill them with a single [[melee]] hit or headshot.
===''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.


Many players often deploy their shield and taunt their opponent by teabagging or simply doing a "staring contest". This can call for some embarrassing moments, as another player can easily flank and assassinate them.
;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 [[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.
* 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.


Another method that is very useful is the [[Man Cannon]] Bubble Shield combo. In [[Valhalla]] and [[Narrows]], campers often take position so that they can easily open fire at player landing from the Man Cannon. A player can use the Bubble Shield by sending it first, by throwing it onto the Man Cannon, thereby securing a safe landing zone on the other end of the Man Cannon protected from enemy fire and grenades. Also smart players can activate the Bubble Shield as they enter the Man Cannon, effectively giving them cover as they fly through the air, this tactic is useful if the deployer is holding a flag or oddball.
== Trivia ==
{{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 [[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.
* 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.


Another 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]]. 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.
== 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>


Another strategy is catch an opponent using heavy weapons by surprise by throwing a Bubble Shield in front of them as they fire. This calls for precise timing and close quarters. To pull off, a player must be within a reasonable close distance to the enemy and must deploy their Bubble Shield almost exactly as the enemy [[Rocket Launcher]] is fired. The activating Bubble Shield will cause the shot to explode in their face, often causing a suicide or giving the Bubble Shield deployer the kill.
== List of appearances ==
*''[[Starry Night]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[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}}


One anti-shield combo calls for a Bubble Shield and a [[Spike Grenade]]. If someone deploys a Bubble Shield as protection, then another person walks into the shield and throws the spike grenade at one of the "walls", when the grenade goes off, the Bubble Shield will keep the spikes inside, adn anyone unlucky enough to be caught inside the shield, unless they are on the opposite side, will be killed.
==Sources==
 
{{Ref/Sources}}
==Trivia==
*The original Bubble Shield was smaller than the finished Bubble shield , as seen in the [[Starry Night]] video. It stuck into the ground rather then just lay on top of the ground, it also was originally in grenade form and seemed more like a personal device.
*In an early Beta Version of Halo 3 the Bubble Shield was able to roll like the [[Power Drain]], did not glow gold, had orange lights, and was able to protect you against the turrets guarding the outer perimeter of the multiplayer map such as [[Snowbound]].
*This shield resembles the description of the [[Onyx Sentinel]] shields in the [[Eric Nylund]] novel [[Ghosts of Onyx]].
*If you look closely at the Bubble Shield, you can see that there are actually two layers of shielding that make it up.
*In [[Halo Wars]], a Shield [[Protector Sentinel|Protector]] will deploy a Bubble Shield like object onto selected friendly units.
*Although it appears in [[Halo 3: ODST]] it cannot be used by the player or by other allies; only Brutes.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Bubbleshieldhud.svg|The Bubble Shield HUD icon.
Image:Avatars_Halo_Halo3_Shield.jpg|The Bubble Shield activating in the [[Halo 3]] trailer.
Image:1179249572.jpg|The Bubble shield is capable of blocking practically all forms of attack throughout its duration, including [[Spartan Laser]] attacks.
Image:Brute activates a bubble shield.jpg|A Brute activates a Bubble Shield.
</gallery>


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


{{Equipment List}}
[[Category:Shield technology]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Armor abilities]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[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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