Diablo 2 Exceptional Shields Guide
Exceptional Armor: Helms | Armor | Shields | Gloves | Boots | Belts
Exceptional Weapons: Axes | Bows | Crossbows | Daggers | Javelins | Maces | Polearms
Scepters | Spears | Staves | Swords | Throwing | Wands
Exceptional Class-specific Armor: Barbarian Helms | Druid Pelts | Paladin Shields | Necromancer Shrunken Heads
Exceptional Class-specific Weapons: Amazon Weapons | Assassin Katars | Sorceress Orbs
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Shields are an excellent way to increase one's defense in combat. The holy Paladins of Zakarum are even said to use them as weapons. Wielding a shield increases your character's defensive rating. Additionally, some shields can completely block an attack. Only Barbarians may wield both a shield and a two-handed weapon.
You can only equip one shield at once.
Barbarians cannot dual-wield shields.
Shields cannot be used to attack monsters, they will do no damage.
Shields list Smite Damage for the Paladin which is a Paladin Combat Skill.
What do Shields Block?
Any melee attack and any ranged attack with physical damage or delivered physically, like Exploding Arrow.
How does Blocking work?
Blocking always works against physical attacks. 75% Blocking will indeed
stop 75% of attacks from hitting, regardless of whether you are
attacking, or standing, or whatnot. Note: that if a player is moving,
the block percentage is reduced to 1/3rd of its original value.
Think of it as "resist physical". The block animation will only play if
you are not doing
anything else. For more information go here.
Is there a Cap on the % Chance to Block?
Yes, 75% is max.
Is % Chance to Block Class Specific?
Yes, different classes may see different numbers.
| Min/Max Defense | Level Requirement | Min Strength | % Block | Durability | Sockets | Paladin Smite Damage | Type | Quality Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Defender |
41-49 | 22 | 38 | [10] Pal: 40% Ama/Asn/Bar: 35% Dru/Nec/Sor: 30% |
68 | 1 | 8 to 12 | Light | 34 |
Round Shield |
47-55 | 25 | 53 | [12] Pal: 42% Ama/Asn/Bar: 37% Dru/Nec/Sor: 32% |
64 | 2 | 7 to 14 | Light | 37 |
Scutum |
53-61 | 25 | 71 | [14] Pal: 44% Ama/Asn/Bar: 39% Dru/Nec/Sor: 34% |
62 | 3 | 11 to 15 | Medium | 42 |
Barbed Shield |
58-78 | 25 | 65 | [17] Pal: 47% Ama/Asn/Bar: 42% Dru/Nec/Sor: 37% |
55 | 2 | 18 to 35 | Light | 42 |
Dragon Shield |
59-67 | 25 | 91 | [18] Pal: 48% Ama/Asn/Bar: 43% Dru/Nec/Sor: 38% |
76 | 3 | 15 to 24 | Light | 45 |
Grim Shield |
50-150 | 25 | 58 | [20] Pal: 50% Ama/Asn/Bar: 45% Dru/Nec/Sor: 40% |
70 | 2 | 14 to 20 | Light | 48 |
Pavise |
68-78 | 25 | 133 | [24] Pal: 54% Ama/Asn/Bar: 49% Dru/Nec/Sor: 44% |
72 | 3 | 10 to 17 | Heavy | 50 |
Ancient Shield |
80-93 | 25 | 110 | [16] Pal: 46% Ama/Asn/Bar: 41% Dru/Nec/Sor: 36% |
80 | 3 | 12 to 16 | Medium | 56 |
