Shield Throw Ricochet: What Does It Mean?
In Last Epoch, the Shield Throw skill is a unique and versatile ability available to the Sentinel class. It allows players to hurl their shield at enemies, dealing physical damage and applying on-hit effects. The Ricochet mechanic enhances this skill by adding a bouncing effect, allowing the shield to hit multiple targets in succession, making it a premier clearing skill.
Mechanics of Shield Throw Ricochet
When the Shield Throw skill is specialized with the Ricochet node (and subsequent nodes like Polished Steel), it gains the ability to bounce off the initial target and strike additional enemies. This mechanic is particularly useful for dealing with groups of enemies, as it maximizes the damage output and crowd control potential of the skill.
- Bouncing Effect: The shield can bounce to nearby enemies up to a specific number of times (based on points allocated), allowing players to clear entire packs with a single throw.
- Increased Damage: While Ricochet primarily adds clear speed, subsequent nodes can increase damage per bounce or reduce the damage falloff, keeping the damage high even on the last target hit.
- Utility: Ricocheting shields are excellent for applying ailments (like Shred Armor, Bleed, or Ignite) to a wide area quickly.
Strategies and Builds
To fully utilize the Shield Throw Ricochet mechanic, players can focus on builds that enhance the bouncing effect and increase damage output. Some strategies include:
- Targeting Clusters: Aim for the center of enemy groups. The ricochet auto-targets nearby foes, so hitting the middle ensures the maximum number of bounces.
- Manifest Armor Synergy: If you use the Manifest Armor minion, you can target your own minion with Shield Throw (using the Ejection node). The shield will ricochet off your minion towards enemies, often triggering a sweeping attack from the minion itself.
- Stat Priorities: Focus on Throwing Attack Speed and Throwing Attack Damage. Since Shield Throw scales with shield stats, equipping a shield with high Block Chance or Block Effectiveness often adds flat damage to the skill.