Combine Technology

A look into the technology the Combine has.

Overwatch Central Intelligence (OCIN)

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This page is currently a work in progress, and may be subject to change.

Overwatch Central Intelligence Network
(GLOBAL ARTIFICAL HYPERINTELLIGENCE)

The Overwatch Central Intelligence Network (OCIN), is the means by which the Combine coordinates all ground forces on their occupied Earth, inclusive of Transhuman Soldiers, Civil Protection, and other affiliate groups such as conscripted military forces. This intelligence network consists of a massive web of synapses and facilities specifically designed to act as relays for the main Artificial Intelligence hub in a given area. It is used primarily for data storage, but also functions as a means of relaying information or instructions to Overwatch military and Civil Protection forces via radio communication.

Designed primarily using stolen technology mimicked or copied from discoveries located on initial incursions into the Aperture Science Research Facility which were then combined with more advanced off-world adaptations, the OCIN is now far and beyond the most advanced AI network on Earth.

It is directly controlled by the alien masterminds that hold this planet hostage - the Global Advisory - to which they observe through envious eyes upon the rest of humanity with a devious intellect behind it.

O.C.I.N Functions

Primary Hubs
Only located within Citadels.

The OCI Network begins at the very apex of its pyramid of information relay hubs with large, extremely well protected data centers that are located within the Citadel of every city on Earth. This separation of centralized intelligence ensures that even if one Citadel is destroyed, the OCI network will continue to function across the rest of the planet, though its coherence and consistency will be heavily damaged in the area surrounding the destroyed Citadel. These 'primary data centers' as they are referred to by the Combine serve as the most advanced and durable storage locations of intelligence and information the Union possesses. It is here that the most critical information is kept as well. Additionally, these hubs are in constant communication with other primary and secondary hubs.

It is worth noting that if a primary hub becomes under threat by hostile forces or by total destruction, it is easily capable of offloading its data to one or all other primary hubs around the world in an effort to keep its information out of the hands of the enemy.

Secondary Hubs
Located in smaller data centres, sometimes outside of cities

These hubs are smaller, but still well protected facilities that house information considered less critical to the Union's forces on Earth. Unlike primary hubs, secondary hubs do not contain information concerning the Union's off-world operations or issues that involve global control, and are instead more localized in their information. They may possess data on nearby enemy positions, threats or dangers the Union is aware of, or high interest criminals that are either wanted by or in the hands of the Union.

The destruction of one of these facilities, while significant, will not have an impact on local communications in a fashion similar to the destruction of a primary hub.

Communication Relay Centres/Towers
Normally located outside the bounds of city centres in either heavily forested or completely open terrain

These locations are very small facilities or even just towers designed with a specific purpose in mind: expanding the reach of communications for the Union. Their sole function is receiving information or signals delivered by another location and boosting them to an intended location or party, be that a squad of soldiers, another tower, or a nearby secondary hub.

The destruction of one or even all of these towers would, while not completely removing the Union's ability to communicate, significantly damage or degrade the quality or quickness of information transfer outside the area surrounding primary or secondary hubs. This may at times necessitate the physical delivery of information from one location to another by the Union.

These locations are decently well protected, usually by one or two squads of Overwatch Soldiers or Civil Protection if applicable.

Weaponry & Vehicles

Weaponry & Vehicles

SG-1 | Heavy Pulse Shotgun

WIP

Weaponry & Vehicles

SR-1 | Light Pulse Carbine

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SR-1 | Overwatch Standard Issue Pulse Carbine

Information:

The SR-1, commonly referred to as the Pulse Carbine, is an early-generation directed energy rifle deployed by the Overwatch Transhuman Arm (OTA) prior to the standardization of the AR2. Lightweight and modular, the SR-1 bears a structural resemblance to late 21st-century human firearms, making it a familiar—if terrifying—sight during early Combine occupation phases.

Despite being a standard-issue weapon within the OTA, the SR-1 is rarely seen by civilians due to its restricted deployment protocols. Primarily utilized by Ordinals and Biotic Containment Units, it is often absent from routine Civil Protection operations or urban suppression sweeps. The only species likely to call the SR-1 “common” are the Vortigaunt Tribes, who are frequently hunted by Combine teams equipped with this weapon, owing to the threat Vort-kind pose when unshackled.

The SR-1 fires condensed pulse rounds from compact cylindrical energy cartridges mounted beneath the barrel assembly. Each cartridge contains enough charge for approximately 24 shots, with each pulse round carrying enough kinetic and thermal energy to easily penetrate kevlar and light armor. Though armor-piercing in function, pulse rounds differ significantly from conventional AP munitions: instead of simply piercing tissue, the round delivers an immense transfer of impact force, coupled with searing heat capable of instantly cauterizing or vaporizing flesh around the entry point.

The result is often fatal even from non-vital hits, as the combination of force and thermal trauma causes catastrophic disruption to internal structures, reducing the likelihood of recovery or resistance.

Technical Specs:

WIP

Weaponry & Vehicles

SP-2A | Heavy Pulse Machine Gun

Weaponry & Vehicles

SS-2G | Pulse Sub-Machine Gun

Weaponry & Vehicles

APC-14 | Light Armored Personnel Carrier

WIP

Weaponry & Vehicles

ATC-C-155 | Advanced Transport Vehicle

ATC-C-155 | "Advanced Transport Vehicle"
Technical Document

Development:

With the world now secured by the Combine and APCs became the mainstay policing vehicles of the Civil Protection, the members of the Administration saw the need for a more off-road and robust version of the original APC-14. This is where a few cities dedicated some resources to, creating the first concept design of the ATC was released to the Protection Leadership in 2009.

With the design shown and some recommendations actioned, the first buildable design was made in 2011, the first production vehicle to hit the roads showing its versatility of various types of terrain using an AWD system and adjustable suspension, allowing it to easily climb steep hills, sandy, wet or even in some cases icy terrain. It was approved for full production in late 2011.

Paper drawing of the vehicle

Design:

The ATC-C-155 is a larger version of the Combine APC capable of carrying up to 10 to 15 Civil Protection Units. Mainly functioning as a transport vehicle similar to the original APC-14 but with a large variety of modifications and systems engineering, one such improvement is its armour plating as well as its newly improved MPPT-2 turret capable of firing 1600 bullets per minute. Another feature consists of its ability to carry far more units compared to its smaller brother as well as donning a frontal dark energy engine allowing it to travel at speeds of 75km/h on off-road terrain and providing a speed boost uphill or mountainous areas. Its suspension is superior to the APC-14 due to the larger wheel size and rainforest body frame.

There also exists the -1 and -2 variants of the ATC-C-155. The -1 variant of the ATC swaps out its transport system for a Command and Control center for on the move Outland Operations. The Command variant comes equipped with improved reactive armour plating, as well as a light-weight design, allowing the vehicle to transform into a FOB when not moving. Due to the weight increase from the Command and Utilities, it features a dual frontal dark-energy engine allowing it to travel at speeds of 105km/h on off-road terrain and providing a speed boost uphill or mountainous zones, this works in conjunction with its improved suspension, utilizing a reinforced frame and stronger hydraulics.

The -2 variant is the Utility version of the ATC, while not much different from its original counterpart, this vehicle is designed more for combat than transporting. Featuring a inbuilt weapon and ammo rack to supply local forces, as well as providing a new armament to the vehicle which is the DPC-4 (Direct-Fire Pulse Cannon). Similar to the -1, it also utilizes the same Dual-Engine setup.

General Characteristics:

Crew: 2 (Driver & Gunner)
Passengers: 10-15 (personnel transport configuration) 0 (all other configurations)
Length:
Height:
Empty weight (no modules):
Gross weight:
Powerplant:
Main Engine dimensions:

Performance

Maximum speed (Off-Road): 75 km/h (47 mph) - Other Variants: 105 km/h (65 mph)
Maximum speed (On-Road): 149 km/h (90 mph) - Other Variants: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Range: TBD

Armament: 1x Multi-Purpose Pulse Turret (MPPT-2)

Weaponry & Vehicles

CV-1000 | Early Stun-Baton

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CV-1000 Stun Baton

Civil Protection Series | First-Issue Enforcement Tool | Generation One Compliance Device

The CV-1000 Stun Baton represents the earliest standard-issue compliance tool deployed by Civil Protection units during their global emergence following the Combine’s ascension. Based on crude pre-war law enforcement designs, the CV-1000 was rapidly developed by Combine sub-manufacturing arms to serve as an accessible yet brutal tool of direct population control.

Design and Construction

At its core, the CV-1000 is a reinforced melee device consisting of a rubber-insulated alloy handle fused with a conductive metal shaft, enhanced by a shock-guarded grip ring that shields the internal activation switch. This guard not only prevents accidental discharges but also mitigates disarmament in close-quarters combat, allowing a Civil Protection unit to maintain a firm grip even during aggressive engagements.

The striking end of the baton is built from densified Combine composite plating — both electrically conductive and structurally resistant to fracture. Basic internal wiring channels a constant high-voltage output from a compact power cell embedded in the handle, enabling instantaneous current transfer upon contact with a target.

Unlike later-generation models, the CV-1000 lacks modular voltage control or impact dampeners. It delivers full charge output with each strike, regardless of the situation. This crude yet effective design was favored during the earliest crackdowns, where displays of absolute force served both tactical and psychological objectives.

Operational Use and Public Response

While later batons would introduce regulated compliance settings to better serve across variable threat levels, the CV-1000 was not designed with restraint in mind. A single active strike could incapacitate most unarmored targets instantly, and two consecutive blows were typically sufficient to render even hardened resisters unconscious or immobile.

Due to its lack of safety modulation, many early detainees referred to it grimly as "the Re-Educator." Reports from relocated sectors describe intense neuro-muscular disruption, involuntary collapse, and memory blackouts following exposure. Civil Protection logs indicate that excessive use occasionally resulted in neurological damage, cardiac distress, or death — though such outcomes were categorized internally as “acceptable collateral for optimal behavioral compliance.”

As time passes and newer-generation stun batons are in development, the CV-1000 is planned to be phased out in frontline urban centers. However, it is expected to remain in deployment within less stabilized or lower-priority sectors, where its raw intimidation factor and proven durability continue to serve the interests of Civil Protection doctrine.

Synthetics

Synthetics

STORM - Synthetic Basic Infrantry

WIP

Synthetics

HAMMER - Synthetic Elite Infrantry

WIP

Synthetics

NOMAD | Assault Strider

Synthetics

NOMAD-C | Construction Strider

Structures / Deployables

Structures / Deployables

Citadels | Key-Capital Hubs & Field Stabilizers

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Information:

The Citadels are towering Combine megastructures deployed on subjugated worlds as symbols of absolute control and command. While often perceived as monolithic headquarters, their true function is multi-faceted: Citadels are central command spires, military bastions, population control hubs, and dimensional relay cores—integral to maintaining Combine authority on planetary scales.

On Earth, construction of the Citadel network began shortly after the Seven Hours War and the subsequent Unification Treaty. The Combine selected eight primary terrestrial locations as strategic loci for these spires, aligning with major continental population centers and key dimensional fault points. As of 2014—approximately two years prior to the events of Half-Life: Alyx—none of the Earth-based Citadels have reached full structural completion. However, each planned site is already host to a foundational array known as a Citadel Anchor.

The Role of the Citadels / Anchors | Pre Suppression Field

The Anchors, or Citadel Foundations, are subterranean constructs designed to stabilize trans-dimensional energy output and support early infrastructure deployment. These structures serve multiple purposes.

Operational Capabilities and Defense Contingencies

Each Citadel-once fully operational-will be vertically integrated command towers capable of exerting total regional control. Current Anchor installations already exhibit the following defense and readiness mechanisms:

The Citadels—and by extension their Anchors—are not solely tools of war. They are instruments of ideological and psychological warfare. Their impossible scale, featureless design, and constant presence in the skyline serve as reminders of human helplessness beneath the gaze of an unseen empire.

Though most citizens may not understand their full purpose, the intended perception of inevitability is deliberate: humanity is meant to see the Citadels as unchallenged, immutable, and eternal.

For the Combine, they are simply tools—constructs meant to turn Earth from a battlefield into a breeding ground for resources, soldiers, and eventual integration into the greater "Universal Union".


Structures / Deployables

Combine Hardlight Fields (CHD) | AEGIS Barrier Systems

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Combine Hardlight Deployment (CHD) "Aegis" Barrier Systems

Field-Controlled Photonic Partition Units – Generation I

Document Classification: Tier-2 Authorized Access
Date: ██/██/2014
Author: -REDACTED-
Distribution: City Administrator Networks / Civil Protection Infrastructure Divisions

Abstract:

The CHD "Aegis" Barrier System is the Combine's standardized deployment of hardlight-based containment fields used in urban occupation environments. Leveraging advanced photon interactivity modulation and carbon-fusion lattice support, the Aegis system enables fast-deployable, semi-permeable energy barriers for urban suppression, corridor denial, and perimeter lockdown operations.

Unlike traditional ballistic barricades or pre-war mechanical gate systems, CHD barriers are modular, impervious to small-arms fire, and capable of on-demand deployment, making them ideal for Combine pacification protocols and transit restriction mandates.

Technology Overview:

Hardlight Structure:

CHD barriers are composed of photonic constructs projected from paired emitter pylons, arranged opposite each other at designated field nodes. These pylons generate a stabilized hardlight lattice by:

  1. Amplifying photon binding through a resonance field, increasing the interactivity between photons beyond naturally occurring limits.
  2. Drawing ambient carbon molecules from the surrounding atmosphere, especially from degraded industrial zones and airborne particulates.
  3. Fusing the carbon into the photon lattice via microscale plasma bonding, resulting in a semi-permanent carbon fiber matrix that gives the barrier physical resistance and form.

This hybrid light-carbon mesh exhibits strength comparable to pre-war military-grade composite armor plating while maintaining the inertia-deflecting, massless properties of light-based constructs.

Field Generator Configuration:

Each CHD unit consists of:

Applications in Urban Environments:

Operational Notes:

Future Development:

As of 2014, advancements in hardlight technology are underway to enable:

Until these developments are stabilized, the CHD "Aegis" system remains the backbone of forcefield infrastructure within Union-controlled territories.

Footnotes: