Shields in Outward Definitive Edition serve as more than just defensive tools—they’re versatile weapons in their own right. While all weapons can block in Outward, shields have unique properties that set them apart: faster block speed, the ability to block all elemental projectiles like Lightning balls and Ice shards, and higher impact resistance. They also offer various effects through Shield Charge, making them indispensable for players who prefer a balanced mix of offense and defense.
In this guide, we explore the top five shields available in the game, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and the best strategies for each. Whether you prefer high impact, status effects, or elemental vulnerabilities, there’s a shield here for you.
5. Vigilante Shield
Design & Acquisition: The Vigilante Shield is a legacy upgrade of the Militia Shield, resembling a chunk of railroad track repurposed into a deadly defensive tool. Its rugged appearance is both intimidating and practical.
Strengths: The Vigilante Shield offers +4 protection, reducing the damage of incoming attacks significantly. It also has 55 impact, which is substantial for keeping enemies off-balance during fights.
Weaknesses: While it excels in raw defense, it lacks any special status effects or elemental advantages.
Strategy: Pair this shield with armor sets that boost protection to maximize its defensive capabilities. Its high impact makes it ideal for using Shield Charge to stagger enemies consistently.
4. Inner Marble Shield
Design & Acquisition: Obtained from the last acolyte in the Stone Titan Caves, this shield’s elegant design belies its deadly efficiency.
Strengths: With 56 impact and the ability to inflict Confusion through Shield Charge, the Inner Marble Shield is perfect for staggering even the most resilient enemies. Confusion reduces enemy impact resistance by 25%, allowing players to overwhelm foes quickly.
Weaknesses: The shield’s impact, while impressive, is not the highest, making it less effective against exceptionally tough enemies.
Strategy: Leverage the Confusion status to set up heavy-hitting attacks. Combine with skills that capitalize on staggered enemies to maintain a constant offensive.
3. Horror Shield
Design & Acquisition: Crafted from the remains of a Horror, this shield is both terrifying and practical, featuring a spiked design.
Strengths: The Horror Shield deals 24 decay damage and inflicts Extreme Poison on enemies, making it lethal against unprotected foes. Its impact also ensures that enemies stay staggered long enough for poison to do its work.
Weaknesses: Decay and poison are ineffective against certain enemy types, particularly Golems and undead creatures.
Strategy: Target humanoids and enemies vulnerable to poison to maximize its potential. Use Shield Charge to apply poison early and then fall back to let the status effect do its job.
2. Tsar Shield
Design & Acquisition: Crafted from zarstone after defeating the Jade Lich, the Tsar Shield is the ultimate defensive tool with its massive size and elegant design.
Strengths: Boasting the highest block potential in the game, this shield’s infinite durability and impressive impact make it indispensable for protracted fights. Its sheer size can cover your character almost entirely, minimizing risk.
Weaknesses: Its heavy weight can reduce stamina efficiency, and the lack of status effects limits its offensive versatility.
Strategy: Use with armor sets that mitigate stamina drain. Focus on counter-attacks and high-impact skills to maximize its defensive capabilities.
1. Fabulous Palladium Shield
Design & Acquisition: Known for its striking rainbow hues and intricate Sun motif, this shield is both functional and fashionable.
Strengths: Its unique ability to inflict Elemental Vulnerability makes it the most versatile shield in the game. Shield Charge reduces enemy elemental resistances by 25%, allowing you to capitalize on their weaknesses.
Weaknesses: Lower raw damage and impact compared to other top-tier shields, making it less effective against heavily armored enemies.
Strategy: Apply Elemental Vulnerability early in fights to amplify damage from varnishes and elemental skills. This is especially effective in Caldera against high-health enemies.
Conclusion
Shields in Outward Definitive Edition offer more than just protection—they’re strategic tools that can turn the tide of battle. Whether you prefer the raw power of the Tsar Shield, the lethal poison of the Horror Shield, or the tactical versatility of the Fabulous Palladium Shield, each option brings something unique to the table.
Mastering the art of blocking, status application, and counter-attacks with shields can elevate your gameplay, making you nearly unstoppable. Choose your shield wisely, and let nothing stand in your way!
Prepare your defenses, adventurer—the world of Aurai is a dangerous place, and a well-timed block can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
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