"A shield in hand is worth two in the stash"
Parrying is the art of defensive combat using shields to block incoming attacks. A skilled shield fighter can deflect weapon strikes, reduce damage, and even counterattack effectively. Essential for warriors who prefer defense over offense, and invaluable in both PvP and PvM situations where staying alive matters more than dealing damage.
Buy from Fighter NPCs for ~300 gold. Provides solid foundation before active training.
Fight weak monsters with shield equipped:
Graduate to stronger enemies:
Face challenging opponents:
💡 Pro Tip: Remove your weapon to force monsters to hit your shield more often!
| Shield Type | AR Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Buckler | +1-5 | Early training |
| Wooden Shield | +3-8 | Basic defense |
| Bronze Shield | +5-10 | Mid-level training |
| Metal Shield | +7-12 | Standard combat |
| Kite Shield | +9-15 | Heavy defense |
| Heater Shield | +10-18 | Maximum protection |
Block Chance = (Parrying Skill + Dex) / 4
Maximum block chance is roughly 35% at GM skill with high dex.
Successfully blocked attacks deal reduced damage based on shield AR. Better shields and higher skill provide greater damage reduction.
Shields slow weapon swing speed slightly. Heavier shields have greater penalties. Consider this trade-off between offense and defense.
Shields lose durability when blocking attacks. High-durability materials last longer in extended combat situations.
Some shields can be used as weapons. While not highly effective for damage, shield bashing can interrupt enemy spellcasting and provide tactical advantages.
Face your enemies directly to maximize block chances. Side and rear attacks are much harder to parry. Use terrain and walls to limit attack angles.
Carry multiple shields for different situations. Use heavy shields for maximum defense, lighter shields when speed is important.
