Z-90 hardlight shield

A Promethean Watcher defends a Knight with a Hardlight Shield against an attacking Spartan.

The Z-90 Photonic Coalescence Emitter/Aegis, more commonly known as the Hardlight Shield, is a Forerunner anti-personnel shielding system. Like other examples of hard light technology, it works by using a photon emitter to fuse light particles into a dissipative barrier.

Hardlight shields are frequently employed by the ground forces of the mechanical Prometheans, with Watchers providing different types of shield for Knight and Crawlers in combat. This technology can be adapted for use with the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, allowing Spartans to use the shield to protect themselves from incoming fire. The detrimental effects of raising the Hardlight Shield include rendering the user unable to use weapons and the energy shield of the player is prevented from recharging until the player is finished utilizing the ability.

Trivia

The designation "Aegis" is likely a reference to the Aegis, a shield carried by several divine figures in Greek Mythology.

Gallery

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  Concept art of the Hardlight Shield.

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  A SPARTAN-IV deploying a hardlight shield during gameplay.

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  The front of a deployed hardlight shield in Halo 4 gameplay.

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  A Watcher placing a hardlight shield in front of a Promethean Knight.

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  Master Chief projecting a hardlight shield in front of himself while battling a Promethean Knight.

List of appearances

• Halo 4 (First appearance)