Are shields worth it anymore?

[Crob28]

Recently I respecced from my 21/15 shielder build, having grown a bit frustrated at just how slow I was compared to most other people.  Now I'm 15/21, which mostly solves the speed issue, still a tiny bit slower than most due to the extra weight, etc but its bearable.

The problem however, is that even with 7 shield skill and a MP shield, the damn thing is still destroyed in 3-4 hits by anyone with a bonus against shield weapon (which is quite a lot these days) and doesn't even last that long against others.  It seems kinda pointless to invest so heavily into a skill (aside from my personal belief that 1h shield is very UP atm) when it is so easily nullified.

Anyone else find this?

[FRANK_THE_TANK]

I have 7PS and a +3 Abdullah and when I come across a shielder that hasn't taken a beating I often have to blast them for 6-10 shots before the shield goes down. I'm pretty much a dedicated shield smashing machine. I think you may be over stating it a weee bit.

The answer though is yes, shields are pointless unless you are couching a lance.

I take a an old round shield with my 2h build, it's all I need for the occasional bit of protection from the rain. It weighs fuck all and once it's +3 it should be fairly decent. I can take a couch with with, or use it as a battering ram to launch into the middle of a group of infantry before bring Abdullah out to play, does just fine.

[Kafein]

Your post does not describe the actual reasons why shields are crap. However, shields are crap regardless.

[Grumbs]

1 hand w/shield is great for skirmishing..you can get into people's faces with a lot less risk than without the shield. Your presence even when just holding right click creates risk for an enemy with very low risk for yourself. Do that with team mates around you and you can put pressure on someone without doing anything and just wait for an opportunity. They are really good in team fights imo

They are the only thing in the game that can reduce enemy ranged damage to 0, except if theres no line of sight or the enemy misses

Axes should destroy shields pretty fast because thats their role in the game. You just have to avoid axes or put the shield away if you're forced to fight one. Taking 7 points in shield could perhaps have some extra benefit than now..I haven't tested but maybe it could do more damage with bashes?

1 handers are very good by themselves or with a shield..probably the best selection of animations in the game when it comes to versatility and speed with good damage. Add to that they are 1 or 0 slot. Look at the Broad Short Sword (0 slot!). With that you can take a shield a good crossbow and ammo. For the effectiveness of 1 handers most shouldn't even be 1 slot let alone 0

[FRANK_THE_TANK]

Fuck the animations, fuck blocking, you know why meryn fucking trant is alive and your friend is dead? Because he had armour and a big fucking sword.

2H FOREVER!

[Macropus]

2 lps + 55555 gold, Frank.

[Gravoth_iii]

Go str based shielder, 21/15 is what i did, full IF. Plate up and equip a sturdy shield, bam you are ready to go into a mass of enemies and left swing to victory, shield helps A LOT to get yourself into good positions of clusterfuck without having to tank much hits.

Just avoid axes in general or try to keep pressure on the untill a teammate arrives to kill quickly before he can wack at your shield.

[Crob28]

They are the only thing in the game that can reduce enemy ranged damage to 0, except if theres no line of sight or the enemy misses

You've never been shot at point blank range with your shield raised have you?

[SP1N]

I've found more recently that shields can tank a good bit of hits with just 4 shield skill. (Axes and bardiches will destroy it in a good 2-3 hits, but you should be nudging them away anyway)

Also, when on a shielder my main purpose is to keep enemies engaged so other people can swing on their blindside. Watching 2h/polearms try to spam or reach around the shield is just hilarious when they end up getting mauled by a teammate.

[Macropus]

You've never been shot at point blank range with your shield raised have you?

I guess so.
Getting shot at point blank reach is pretty much a problem only unexperienced shielders have.

[Jarl_Onurb]

I am actually playing with a inf/cav shielder hybrid, 15/21 6Ath 6Riding 7WM 5PS 5Shield; I usualy get good scores (I even play with 200 ping all day every day) so in my opinion Shielder is the easiest class ever, at least for those who have high delay as me.

The best advices I can give you to play shielder properly are:
_ALWAYS avoid weapons wiht bonus against shield, those weapons are aimed to destroy shielders, it has no sense to try to counter them with a shield.
_If you are going STR shielder try to get a fast shield or weapon(Elite Cav Shield + some blunt weapon or Heavy round shield + scotish sword or somthing like that)
_In my opinion if you are going Shielder NEVER waste points in IF, you have a fucking shield why would you want more HP?
_Also, try to go medium-light armour; shield reduces your swing speed a lot, heavy armour does too.
_Don't go full Shield(Ability), only get enough point to use the shield you want, it is worthless to put more than you need.



Sorry about my bad english

[Johammeth]

I dunno, when I run into a GLB/axe dude my nudge button usually takes more of a beating than my shield.

[Phew]

I dunno, when I run into a GLB/axe dude my nudge button usually takes more of a beating than my shield.

Shh...don't let the secret out. Neutral shield nudge is unreliable, but it's actually more reliable than shield blocks in terms of avoiding a hit. It also does solid damage (20-23blunt), which will seriously hurt people with <50 head armor if you aim it at their head.

[Mr.K.]

_Also, try to go medium-light armour; shield reduces your swing speed a lot

It doesn't. Afaik shield has no effect on 1H weapons whatsoever.

[cup457]

I use a shield mostly to stop arrows before i get into melee and as long as the shield lasts in melee. I just use it as a 1h that blocks ranged