An endothermic reaction occurs when a greater amount of energy is required to break the existing bonds in the reactants than is released when the new bonds form in the products. In other words, this means an endothermic reaction requires or takes in energy in order for it to proceed. This required energy can be provided in many forms, but it is typically in the form of heat. That is, endothermic reactions will often draw heat from their environment in order to take place.