Damage Boost

A Spartan-IV approaching a Damage Boost on Complex.

Damage Boost is a power-up enhancement featured in Halo 4^[1] and Halo 5: Guardians.^[2] It lasts for 30 seconds and increases the damage per shot of the player's weapons by 100%. This includes vehicle-mounted weapons.^[3] However, the power-up has little effect on the shotgun, energy sword, binary rifle and launched explosives. The effect lasts for 30 seconds. While in use, the player is awarded a visual effect which gives off a red full-body glowing effect and leaves a trail as the player moves.^[1] This effect also appears on the player's HUD.

In Halo 4 Damage Boost is typically earned in Infinity Slayer games through ordnance drops. It is also earned and automatically equipped in Regicide for surviving as king for 60 seconds. In Halo 5: Guardians damage boosts are commonly used in Warzone. Unlike Halo 4 the damage boost in Halo 5: Guardians can be applied to vehicles as well.^[4]

Gameplay

Advantages

Damage Boost is incredibly useful on small maps and in fast-paced high-intensity gametypes. The doubled damage rate means that even a mildly competent player will virtually always come out on top in a one-on-duel.

Disadvantages

The Damage Boost's red glow effect makes the player significantly more conspicuous to enemies, making it a poor choice for players wishing to utilize stealth or simply not draw attention to themselves. Some players may find the red tinge on their HUD distracting or even obstructive.

Damage boost is less useful on larger maps, as the player is less likely to encounter enemies in the 30 seconds the powerup is active. Some players also have a tendency to play more recklessly while utilizing a Damage Boost as they attempt to score enough kills to justify their choice of ordnance drop. In these situations, it is generally a better idea to choose a power weapon instead.

Gallery

H4 - Damage Boost Third Person.jpg

A Spartan under the effects of Damage Boost in Halo 4.
Player HUD before and after activating Damage Boost. Note the red tinge on the latter.
REQ Card of Damage Boost I in Halo 5: Guardians.
REQ Card of Damage Boost II.
REQ Card of Damage Boost III.
A Spartan with damage boost in Halo 5: Guardians.