Shield in Path of Exile 2: What Does It Mean?
In Path of Exile 2, a Shield is an essential piece of defensive equipment that provides additional protection to characters by blocking incoming attacks. Shields are particularly valuable for characters focusing on survivability, offering both defensive stats and unique properties that can complement various build strategies.
Types of Shields
Shields in Path of Exile 2 come in different types, each with its own set of attributes and benefits:
- Armor Shields: These shields provide high physical damage reduction, ideal for tanky characters who engage in melee combat and need to withstand physical hits.
- Evasion Shields: Offering increased chance to evade attacks, these shields are perfect for characters focusing on agility and evasion-based defenses.
- Energy Shield Shields: These provide a boost to energy shield reserves, making them suitable for spellcasters or those relying on energy shield as a primary defense.
Shield Mechanics
Shields in Path of Exile 2 function by providing a chance to block incoming attacks. The block chance can be increased through various means, such as passives, gear, and skills. When a block occurs, the incoming damage is completely negated, making it a powerful defensive mechanic.
Each shield type also influences the character's overall defense strategy:
- Block Chance: The primary function of shields is to provide a chance to block attacks, reducing damage taken when successful.
- Implicit Modifiers: Many shields come with implicit modifiers that enhance blocking capabilities or add special defensive bonuses.
- Socketed Skills: Some unique shields have special effects that enhance or modify socketed skills, adding versatility to build options.
Strategies for Using Shields
When incorporating a shield into your character build, consider the following strategies:
- Match Shield Type to Build: Choose a shield that complements your character's main defensive strategy, whether it's armor, evasion, or energy shield.
- Focus on Block Synergies: Utilize passive skills, support gems, and unique items that increase block chance or provide additional benefits when blocking.
- Enhance with Quality: Increase the quality of your shield to improve its base defensive stats, making it more effective in combat.
For more in-depth understanding of shield mechanics, visit the official Path of Exile website.