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11 Overview
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33 Shields are one-handed defensive weapons in Crimson Desert that occupy one of the two one-handed equipment slots. They are most commonly paired with swords to create the classic sword-and-shield combination, which is the default loadout for protagonist Kliff in much of the game's promotional material. Shields provide the most reliable active defense in the game, offering consistent damage mitigation through blocking that other weapon types cannot match.
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66 While primarily a defensive tool, shields actively participate in combat through parry mechanics, guard counters, and shield bashes. A well-timed shield use turns defense into offense, creating openings that reward reactive players. For information about the Defense stat and how damage reduction works as a number, see the Defense article.
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88 Combat Mechanics
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1010 Blocking
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1212 Holding the block button (L1) raises the shield to absorb incoming attacks. Each blocked hit reduces the incoming damage significantly but consumes stamina. If the player runs out of stamina while blocking, the guard breaks, leaving them staggered and vulnerable. Managing stamina consumption is the central challenge of shield-based play.
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1414 Parrying
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1616 Tapping the block button at the precise moment an enemy attack lands triggers a parry (also called a Perfect Block). A successful parry completely negates the incoming damage, costs less stamina than a normal block, and briefly staggers the attacker. The stagger window lasts long enough to follow up with a counter-slash from the paired weapon. Visual cues appear on screen to confirm a successful parry, helping players learn the timing against different enemy types.
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1818 Guard Counters
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2020 After a successful block or parry, pressing the attack button immediately chains into a guard counter. Guard counters deal significantly more damage than standard attacks and often stagger enemies regardless of their poise. This mechanic forms the core offensive loop for shield users: block or parry, then punish.
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2222 Shield Bash
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2424 Shields can also be used offensively as blunt striking tools. A shield bash interrupts enemy attack animations and can stagger lighter enemies outright. While the damage is minimal, the interrupt value makes shield bashes useful for creating breathing room in chaotic multi-enemy encounters. Journalists have described shield bashes chaining into super jumps, grappling-hook escapes, and full-screen shockwaves that send enemies flying.
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2626 Shield Shove
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2828 Beyond the standard shield bash, shields can also perform a shove that pushes enemies backward for distance. This is particularly useful for creating space in tight corridors or near cliff edges, where a well-placed shove can reposition enemies into environmental hazards. The shove consumes less stamina than a full bash and recovers faster, making it a reliable crowd-control option during group fights.
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3131 Shield Actions
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3333 ActionInputDescriptionStandard BlockHold L1Raise shield to absorb incoming damage at the cost of staminaParry / Perfect BlockTimed L1 pressTime the block at the exact moment of impact to negate damage and stagger the attackerGuard CounterAttack after Block/ParryHigh-damage counterattack following a successful block or parry. Often staggers enemies.Shield BashContext-dependentOffensive strike that interrupts enemy animations and staggers lighter foesShield ShoveContext-dependentPush enemies backward. Lower stamina cost than bash; useful for crowd control.Mirror of Night4Move Speed Lv.22-Crafting / Sanctum of AtonementShield of Radiance5Move Speed Lv.22-Verdant Paradise UndergroundShield of Sacrifice6-2Defense +3, Guard -3%Seaside Cave
3434 Strengths and Weaknesses
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3636 AspectDetailDamage MitigationHighest consistent damage reduction when blocking among all weapon typesParry RewardSuccessful parries create large counter-attack windows for devastating ripostesStamina CostBlocking drains stamina steadily; requires careful resource managementOffenseLow direct damage; relies on the paired one-handed weapon for killing powerSlot CostOccupies one of two one-handed slots, preventing dual-wieldingMobilitySlightly slower movement speed while actively blocking
3737 Shield Types
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3939 Several shield variants appear throughout Pywel, ranging from small bucklers to large kite shields. Smaller bucklers, such as those used by Damiane alongside her rapier, offer faster parry windows but absorb less damage per block. Larger shields provide better damage absorption but have slightly slower parry timing. The choice between shield sizes affects the balance between offensive and defensive playstyles.
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4141 Shields pair exclusively with single-handed weapons. The most common pairings are swords, spears, and one-handed hammers. Each pairing changes the feel of combat significantly: swords offer fast follow-up strikes after a parry, spears provide reach that lets shield users punish from a safer distance, and hammers deliver heavy stagger damage at the cost of slower swing speed.
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4343 Standard Shields
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4545 Standard shields are lightweight defensive options that allow for faster movement and attack speed compared to large shields. There are 40 standard shields in the game.
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4747 ShieldRarityDEFGuard RateBonus StatsAncient ShieldLegendary1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Demenissian Shield of LoyaltyRare1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Demenissian Shield of ObedienceRare1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Demenissian Shield of ValorRare1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Frostbone ShieldEpic1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Golden ShieldEpic1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Shell of the FleetingRare1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Balgran ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Bekker ShieldCommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Black Oath ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Blazing ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Blue Scout ShieldCommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1City Guard's ShieldCommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Dekarr ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Delesyian Ornamental ShieldLegendary2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Dewhaven ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Flame Knight's ShieldCommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Gilded ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Iris ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Khaled ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Kite ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Musket ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Oath Ring ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Odeck Hardwood ShieldUncommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Purple Scout ShieldCommon2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Rising Arrow ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Saint's BlessingRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Balton ShieldCommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Black SunEpic3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Competition ShieldCommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Demeniss Royal Guard ShieldLegendary3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Drake ShieldEpic3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2, Draconic Retribution (Skill 2 following 3 guards)Eastern Wanderer's ShieldCommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Freesword's ShieldRare3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Grey Wolf Wooden ShieldCommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Mirror of NightEpic3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Rattan ShieldRare3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Royal Guard ShieldUncommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Runewalker ShieldEpic3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2, Runic Retribution (Skill 2 following 3 guards)Gale ShieldUncommon6-610-10Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1, Stormy Retribution (Skill 2 following 3 guards)Shield of Conviction4LegendaryA shield that is the very symbol of the Marquis who rules Calphade.Shield of Ringing5RareA shield that can absorb and store impact.Kutum Shield4MythicA shield infused with the energy of an ancient weapon.Large Gilded Shield2RareA large shield covered in gold leaf.Demenissian Silver-Decorated Shield2EpicA folding shield crafted by House Spencer.Artisan's Ornamented Shield3LegendaryA folding shield made by House Spencer.Demenissian Gold-Decorated Shield3RareA folding shield made by House Spencer.Shield of Betrayal4EpicThe shield of the traitor, Cassius Morten.Golden Kerria Shield1LegendaryA folding shield made by House Spencer.Shield of Radiance3MythicA folding shield made by House Spencer.Twisted Thorns2EpicA shield taken from the desert Abyss specters.Shotgun Shield7RareA shield that can absorb and store impact.North Wind Shield6LegendaryA warrior's shield that once protected the tribes.Shield of Sacrifice6EpicFortain, the Cursed Knight's shield.Shield of the Phantom2UncommonFortain, the Cursed Knight's shield.Sydmon Round Shield3RareA shield, bearing the name of Sydmon, the ordinary blacksmith.Staglord's Shield1LegendaryThe shield held by the last king of a forgotten realm until his final breath.Sydmon Kite Shield3RareA shield, bearing the name of Sydmon, the ordinary blacksmith.Tardik Shield3EpicA shield of the now vanished Tardik Freeswords.Shield of a Blossoming Spring Day1RareA shield painted with bright flowers in the hope of peace's return.Gilliam Large Shield6RareA large shield crafted by House Gilliam.Lifsoth Large Shield4LegendaryA shield crafted from the rugged bark of an ancient tree.Reinforced Warspike Large Shield4RareA shield once kept in House Alfonso's armory.Thalwynd Large Shield2RareA shield forged in Calphade.Lucon Large Shield2LegendaryAn ornately decorated shield.Rhonid Large Shield4LegendaryA masterpiece born of imitation.Balton Large Shield6UncommonA mass-produced greatshield named after the apprentice knight Balton.Rekel Large Shield6LegendaryA shield crafted by Rekel, the craftsman that represents Calphade.Lanford Large Shield4EpicA shield crafted by House Lanford of Calphade.The Laughing Marionette Shield6EpicA shield used as safety equipment at the Demeniss Circus.Bekker Large Shield4UncommonA worn shield named after Bekker, the miserly warrior.Mass-Produced Rekel Large Shield2EpicA shield crafted by Rekel, before his rise to fame.Rekel Large Spiked Shield2LegendaryA shield crafted by Rekel, the craftsman that represents Calphade.Thorny Warspike Large Shield6RareA shield once kept in House Alfonso's armory.Demenissian Soldier's Large Shield2EpicA shield issued to Demenissian soldiers.
4848 Large Shields (Tower Shields)
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5050 Large shields (also called tower shields) offer higher Guard Rate and Defense at the cost of mobility. They are equipped in the off-hand and pair with one-handed weapons. There are 16 large shields in the game.
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5252 ShieldRarityDEFGuard RateBonus StatsDemenissian Soldier's Large ShieldRare2-2725-50-Large Gilded ShieldUncommon2-2725-50-Lucon Large ShieldEpic2-2725-50-Mass-Produced Rekel Large ShieldRare2-2725-50-Rekel Large Spiked ShieldEpic2-2725-50-Bekker Large ShieldCommon4-2922-45-Kutum ShieldLegendary4-2922-45-Lanford Large ShieldRare4-2922-45-Lifsoth Large ShieldEpic4-2922-45-Reinforced Warspike Large ShieldUncommon4-2922-45-Rhonid Large ShieldEpic4-2922-45-Balton Large ShieldCommon6-3120-40-Gilliam Large ShieldUncommon6-3120-40-Legion Spearmen's Large ShieldEpic6-3120-40-North Wind ShieldEpic6-3120-40-Rekel Large ShieldEpic6-3120-40-
5353 Right-Hand Shields
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5555 Right-hand shields are a special category that can fold into descent gear, reducing impact upon landing. There are 4 right-hand shields in the game.
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5757 ShieldRarityDEFGuard RateBonus StatsGolden Kerria ShieldEpic1-130-20Attack Speed Lv.2Demenissian Silver-Decorated ShieldRare2-142-25Attack Speed Lv.1, Movement Speed Lv.1Artisan's Ornamented ShieldEpic3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2Demenissian Gold-Decorated ShieldUncommon3-155-30Movement Speed Lv.2
5858 Shield Mechanics
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6060 In Crimson Desert, shields serve multiple purposes in combat:
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6262 MechanicDetailsBlocking: Holding the block button raises the shield, reducing incoming damage based on Guard Rate and Defense. Blocking consumes Guard Stamina.Guard Counter: Successfully blocking an attack at the right moment triggers a Guard Counter, which staggers the enemy and opens them up for a powerful follow-up strike.Parrying: A precisely timed block creates a parry, deflecting the attack entirely and creating a longer stagger window than a Guard Counter.Refinement: All shields can be refined at a Blacksmith to increase their Defense and Guard Rate stats. Refinement requires materials and Silver.
6363 Named Shields
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6565 Twelve distinct shields have been identified across Pywel, each tied to a specific regional crafting tradition or faction. These range from standard infantry shields to large tower-style variants that offer greater coverage at the cost of weight and speed.
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6767 ShieldTypeNotesBalton Large ShieldLarge ShieldRegional weapon from the Balton line, offering extended coverage for defensive playBalton ShieldShieldRegional weapon from the Balton line, balanced between parry speed and damage absorptionBekker Large ShieldLarge ShieldRegional weapon from the Bekker line, forged in the Hernand areaBekker ShieldShieldRegional weapon from the Bekker line, a lighter counterpart to the Bekker Large ShieldDemenissian Gold-Decorated ShieldShieldAn ornate shield from the Demeniss region, featuring gilded detailingGrey Wolf Wooden ShieldShieldA wooden shield associated with the Grey Wolf faction, sturdy despite its simple materialsKite ShieldShieldA standard kite-shaped shield with solid all-around defensive statsMercenary ShieldShieldA reliable shield favored by hired fighters. Recommended for beginners due to its forgiving Perfect Parry window.Rhonid Large ShieldLarge ShieldRegional weapon from the Rhonid line, built for sustained blockingShield of BetrayalShieldA named unique shield with distinctive lore tiesSydmon Round ShieldShieldA round shield from the Sydmon line, compact and quick to raiseThalwynd Large ShieldLarge ShieldRegional weapon from the Thalwynd line, one of the heaviest shields availableEastern Wanderer's ShieldShieldCraftable shieldLarge Gilded ShieldLarge ShieldCraftable shieldCity Guard's ShieldShieldCraftable shieldDekarr ShieldShieldRegional shieldFlame Knight's ShieldShieldUnique shieldGilliam Large ShieldLarge ShieldRegional shieldOdeck Hardwood ShieldShieldCraftable shieldRoyal Guard ShieldShieldCraftable shieldBalgran ShieldShieldStandard shieldKhaled ShieldShieldStandard shieldDewhaven ShieldShieldStandard shieldSydmon Kite ShieldShieldStandard shieldRattan ShieldShieldStandard shieldTardik ShieldShieldStandard shieldDrake ShieldShieldUnique shieldLifsoth Large ShieldLarge ShieldStandard shieldStag Lord ShieldShieldUnique shieldGilded ShieldShieldStandard shield
6868 Special Shields
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7070 Khaled Shield
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7272 The Khaled Shield is an exclusive pre-order item available to players who pre-purchase any edition of Crimson Desert. It provides visual flair while maintaining the core defensive functionality of standard shields. See Pre-Order and Edition Content for the full list of edition bonuses.
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7575 Shackle of Might (sword) and an Abyss Artifact
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7777 The Shackle of Might (sword) and an Abyss Artifact is a boss reward obtained from defeating Fortain, the Cursed Knight. Unlike ordinary shields, it houses two spectral beings that can be summoned to fight alongside the player. This is one of the most powerful defensive tools in the game and carries a unique Signature Ability.
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7979 Demeniss Royal Guard Shield
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8181 The Demeniss Royal Guard Shield is a legendary shield found in the Church of East Demeniss. At maximum refinement, it provides 15 defense and Movement Speed Lv. 2, making it one of the few shields that actively improves the player's mobility alongside its defensive stats.
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8383 To find this shield, enter the Church of East Demeniss and locate a secret passage. Inside, the passage contains a series of traps that deal minor damage if the player runs through them. At the end of the trapped corridor are three levers. Pull only the right lever to open the door to the chamber containing the shield. Pulling either of the other two levers will not open the correct door. The Demeniss Royal Guard Shield is widely regarded as one of the best-looking shields in the game, with an ornate design befitting its royal guard origins.
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8585 Shield Mastery Challenges
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8787 There are six Shield Challenges in Crimson Desert, part of the Mastery Challenges system. Completing all six unlocks the Master of Shields trophy and achievement. Each challenge is unlocked by finding a Sealed Abyss Artifact in the world, and the challenge itself tests a specific shield technique.
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8989 ChallengeRequirementShield of Unchanging Will 1Defeat 3 enemies with a shieldShield of Unchanging Will 2Hit 3 enemies at once with a shieldShield of Unchanging Will 3Flip 5 enemies with a shieldShield of Unchanging Will 4Shield challenge in eastern PywelShield of Unchanging Will 5Advanced shield combat challengeShield of Unchanging Will 6Final shield mastery challenge
9090 Acquisition and Upgrading
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9292 Shields are available from Equipment Shops, dropped by shield-bearing enemies, and rewarded from quests. Refinement at a Blacksmith increases a shield's base defense values. Abyss Gear augments can add effects such as reduced stamina consumption on block, faster parry windows, or elemental resistance bonuses.
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9494 Recommended Beginner Shield
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9696 The Mercenary Shield is widely considered the best starting option for players new to shield-based combat. Its Perfect Parry window is noticeably wider than other shields in its class, giving players more room for timing errors while they learn the parry mechanic. Once comfortable with the timing, players can transition to shields with tighter windows that offer other advantages, such as higher base defense or elemental resistances.
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9898 Recommended Playstyle
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100100 Shields are ideal for players who prefer a reactive, patient combat style. The sword-and-shield combination offers the safest learning experience in the game, with blocking available as a reliable fallback when dodge timing is not yet mastered. The Keen Senses ability also pairs well with shields, since it highlights incoming attacks and gives extra time to raise the guard.
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102102 Advanced shield users can transition to an almost entirely parry-based approach, where every enemy attack becomes an opportunity for a damaging counter. Investing in the Health stat branch through Abyss Artifacts complements shield play by increasing survivability. Pairing strong armor with a refined shield further reduces incoming damage across all encounters. Combined with stamina-efficient Abyss Gear, this creates a tanky build that can absorb sustained pressure from the game's toughest encounters.
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104104 See Also
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106106 Equipment - Overview of all equipment typesOne-Handed Weapons - Weapons that pair with shieldsAbyss Cores - Socket gems for gear customizationBlacksmith - Crafting and refinement NPCDefense - The Defense stat explained