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Discover everything you need to know about all Shields Listed in Baldur’s Gate 3 and the best one to use in combat.
A Shield is a defensive piece of equipment that reduces the incoming damage from enemies and increases your survivability on a battlefield. They are extremely useful for melee martial who are closer to enemies and take more damage. Viconia’s Walking Fortress is the best one due to its unique benefits and properties. Selecting the best Shield is crucial because your gameplay mostly depends on it. In this guide, we’ll discuss all Shields in Baldur’s Gate 3 along with their properties and the unique bonuses they provide to players in combat.
Shields Overview in BG3
Shields in Baldur’s Gate 3 provide bonuses to characters’ Armour Class and reduce the chance of being hit by enemies. They are always equipped in the characters offhand. This equipment boosts defense and provides versatility in combat. They provide a +2 bonus to AC by default, making them a simple but effective way to boost your defense in the game. However, magical Shields often add additional AC or other defensive benefits. Two-handed weapon users cannot wield Shields unless switching to a one-handed weapon. Shields are the best way to reduce incoming damage, particularly for tanks or frontline characters.
Shields can also be used offensively via Shield bashes or special abilities. They’re ideal for defense-focused builds as Shields limit your offensive options compared to two-handed weapons. You can equip it to your character’s off-hand weapon slot in the inventory, providing additional bonuses and buffs. The user needs Shield proficiency or suffers penalties while wearing the Shield. You can equip it on any class, companion, or character that has Shield proficiency.
What is the purpose of Shields in BG3?
The purpose of Shield in BG3 is to provide defense along with utility and versatility in combat. Shields are essential for characters like Fighters, Paladins, and Clerics who need to absorb damage for their team. Shields add a layer of versatility to your character, whether you’re tanking in the frontlines, casting spells, or engaging in crowd control. They also support hybrid builds, offering support capabilities and maintaining offensive.
Late-game Shields are more effective and have powerful abilities that can influence combat dynamics. Use Shields in narrow spaces and push enemies to deal with your tank first. Most companions have Shield proficiency by default. Humans and elves can wield Shields by default. The Shield of Devotion is good for Paladins or other Shield-wielding spellcasters. Using the Moderately Armoured Feat will grant you proficiency with both Medium armour and Shields.
List of All Shields in BG3
Here are all the Shields in Baldur’s Gate 3 including their Armour Class Bonus and Special.
| Shield | Rarity | Armour Class Bonus | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Shield | Common | +1 | – |
| Fossilised Shell | Common | +2 | – |
| Iron-Banded Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Metal Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Organic Shield | Common | +2 | Carried by a Wood Woad |
| Rusty Studded Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Scrapwood Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Scrapwood Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Scrapwood Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Spiked Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Studded Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Training Shield | Common | +1 | – |
| Wooden Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Wooden Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Wooden Shield | Common | +2 | – |
| Absolute’s Warboard | Uncommon | +2 | Heroism Cast as a level 1 spell Recharge: Long rest. Absolute’s Ward If the wielder bears the Absolute’s Brand, they gain a +1 bonus to Saving throws. |
| Gloomstrand Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Stealth +1 |
| Glowing Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Loving Protection Once per Short Rest, if you are below 50% Hit Points and take damage, you gain 8 temporary hit points. |
| Ironvine Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Ironvine While the wielder is holding a weapon empowered with Shillelagh, and when they are hit by a melee attack, the attacker takes Piercing Damage equal to the wielder’s Wisdom modifier. |
| Safeguard Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Saving Throws +1 |
| The Real Sparky Sparkswall | Uncommon | +2 | Lightning Aura Consume 3 Lightning Charges and release a blast of electricity that damages and Jolts nearby enemies. Recharge: Long rest. |
| Watcher’s Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Advantage on Perception Checks |
| Wood Woad Shield | Uncommon | +2 | Woad’s Ensnaring Strike Cast as a level 1 spell Recharge: Short rest. |
| Absolute’s Protector | Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Fire Shield: Chill Cast as a level 4 spell Recharge: Long rest. Absolute’s Aegis If the wielder bears the Absolute’s Brand, all damage received from spells is reduced by 1. |
| Adamantine Shield | Rare | +2 | Attackers can’t land critical hits on the wearer. Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Adamantine Shield When a melee attack misses you, the attacker is sent Reeling for 2 turns. |
| Iron-Banded Shield +1 | Rare | +3 | No special properties, beyond the Armour Class enchantment. |
| Justiciar’s GreatShield | Rare | +2 | Advantage on Perception Ability checks. Darkness Cloak Create a cloud of magical darkness and immediately attempt to Hide. Recharge: Short rest. Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. |
| Ketheric’s Shield | Rare | +2 | Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Arcane Enchantment You gain a +1 bonus to Spell Save DC and Spell Attack rolls. |
| Sentinel Shield | Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Heightened Awareness Gain a +3 bonus to Initiative rolls and Advantage on Perception checks. |
| Shield +1 | Rare | +3 | No special properties, beyond the Armour Class enchantment. |
| Shield of Scorching Reprisal | Rare | +2 | Grants Resistance to Fire damage. Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Blazing Retaliation Huddle behind your Shield to increase your Armour Class by 1 and reap scorching retaliation upon attacks who miss you. Recharge: Short rest. |
| Shield of Shielding | Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Shield Cast as a level 1 spell. Recharge: Long rest. |
| Studded Shield +1 | Rare | +3 | No special properties, beyond the Armour Class enhancement. |
| Abdel’s Trusted Shield | Very Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Protection from Missiles Cast as a level 2 spell Recharge: Short rest. |
| Shield of Devotion | Very Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Shield of Devotion: Aid Cast as a level 3 spell Recharge: Long rest. Additional Spell Slot You gain 1 Level 1 Spell Slot. |
| Shield of the Undevout | Very Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Dreadful Hewer Your foes have Disadvantage on Saving Throws to resist your spells or actions that inflict Fear. Additional Spell Slot You gain 1 Level 1 Spell Slot. |
| Swires’ Sledboard | Very Rare | +2 | Shield Blow When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction, to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity saving throw. Shield Conduit The Shield shrouds the wearer with Force Conduit at the start of its turn in combat. |
| Viconia’s Walking Fortress | Legendary | +3 | Bulwark Rebuke When a foe hits you with a melee attack, deal it 2d4 Force and possibly knock it Prone. Reflective Shell A protective shell envelops you. It reflects any projectiles targeted at you back to their point of origin. Warding Bond Cast as a level 2 spell Recharge: Long rest. Spellguard You gain Advantage on Saving throws against spells. Spell Attack Rolls against you have Disadvantage. |
Tips and Tricks for Using Shields in BG3
Here are all the tips and tricks for using Shields in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Enchantments can make Shields more powerful by adding effects like resistance to specific damage types.
- Pair with Armour as the more AC you can stack, the harder it is for enemies to deal damage.
- Perform a Shield Bash to knock enemies back, stagger them, or deal damage to control the battlefield.
- Use a Shield in your off-hand to maintain decent damage output while maximizing defense.
- Grab the magical Shields with additional effects, such as boosting saving throws or adding elemental resistances.
- Use the “Protection” fighting style to impose a disadvantage on an enemy’s attack rolls against an ally when you are within range.
- Use Shield Master Feat to gain the ability to add your Shield’s AC bonus to Dexterity saving throws.
- If you have multiple Shields with different bonuses, consider switching them based on the situation.
Best Shields in BG3
Here are the best Shields to use in Baldur’s Gate 3, especially while progressing in the end game.
- Viconia’s Walking Fortress- A Legendary Shield that can deal Force damage to the attacker when hit. Gives an Advantage to saving throws against spells and a Disadvantage to spell attacks made against the wearer.
- Swires’ Sledboard- A very rare Shield that grants the wearer Force Conduit at the start of combat. It also grants Shield Bash.
- Shield of the Undevout- A very rare Shield that’s useful for crowd-controlling enemies with Fear and offers features like Dreadful Hewer, Additional Spell Slot, and Shield Bash.
- Shield of Devotion- A very rare Shield that grants a Level 1 Spell Slot, Shield Bash, and allows the wielder to cast Shield of Devotion: Aid at Level 3 Spell once per Long Rest.
- Shield of Scorching Reprisal- A rare Shield that grants Fire Resistance, allows one to Shield Bash, and also applies Blazing Retaliation.
1) Viconia’s Walking Fortress
Viconia’s Walking Fortress, a legendary Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3, stands out for its exceptional defensive attributes and suitability for various character classes. This Shield offers the highest Armour class (AC) bonus of +3, granting outstanding protection against incoming attacks. Moreover, it provides an advantage on saving throws against spells, making it an invaluable asset in resisting magical effects.
Viconia’s Walking Fortress also provides two potent defensive spells. The first, “Reflective Spell,” is a game-changer, allowing you to reflect any projectiles aimed at you back to their source for two turns. This ability is particularly effective at shutting down ranged attackers and turning their own damage against them. The Shield also provides “Warding Bond,” a protective spell that grants resistance to all damage and boosts Armor Class and Saving Throws by +1. However, it’s essential to note that any damage sustained by the bonded character also affects the spellcaster.
This legendary Shield excels in countering the vulnerabilities of the Fighter class, which often struggles against ranged spellcasters capable of disabling and immobilizing them. To maximize your effectiveness in Baldur’s Gate 3, prioritize obtaining Viconia’s Walking Fortress during Act 3. This Shield will significantly enhance your survivability and combat power, making it a top-tier choice for a cleric, fighter, druid, or paladin. However, it will work fantastic with almost any class.
2) Swires’ Sledboard
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Swires’ Sledboard provides + 2 Armour class (AC) and offers fantastic defensive and crowd control bonuses. Each time an enemy hits you, they are knocked prone or must pass a dexterity check. That mechanic will be a great defensive mechanism with group utility. Many actions will benefit when attacking foes with this status effect. For example, Druids Sabretooth’s wild shape deals more damage to prone enemies. This opens up fantastic strategies for your group.
Additionally, this Shield on top of +2 AC at the start of the combat grants the wearer force conduit, meaning all Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage is reduced per turn remaining with an effect. Also, dealing 1d4 Force damage in a 6m radius while 5 or more turns left. The defensive and offensive capabilities make it suitable for any class that wields a Shield but will work best in synergy with a cleric, fighter, druid, or paladin.
3) Shield of the Undevout
Shield of the Undevout is a very rare Shield that applies Disadvantage on Fear Saving Throws to your foes and grants an additional level 1 spell slot. It also grants Shield Bash. The Dreadful Hewer gives a Disadvantage on saving throws, meaning two D20 are rolled, and the lowest is taken. This will make enemies easier to hit, allowing you to burst them down with Smite spells.
This Shield gives you a level 1 spell slot for free. While that might seem weak in Act 3, a Paladin spell slot is vital to sustained damage. You don’t get as many as a traditional spellcaster; most of the time, these go to Divine Smite, which is a reaction. After two or more rounds of combat, your Paladin can be completely drained of spell slots. Having that extra one spell slot passively adds a lot of damage in the form of Divine Smite. This Shield is well worth picking up in Act 3, especially if the user is a spellcaster. It is obtained from Bhaalist Crypt, Act 3.
4) Shield of Devotion
Shield of Devotion, a very rare Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3, stands out for its exceptional defensive attributes for various character classes. This Shield will significantly enhance your survivability and combat power, making it a top-tier choice for a cleric, fighter, druid, or paladin. However, it will work fantastic with almost any class.
You can react immediately when an enemy attacks you with a melee attack. If you choose to use your reaction, you can attempt to knock that enemy prone, making them fall to the ground. However, they have a chance to resist this effect. To resist, they must succeed in a Dexterity Saving Throw. If they fail the saving throw, they will be knocked prone. And have to spend part of their movement to stand up on their next turn, which can put them at a disadvantage in combat.
5) Shield of Scorching Reprisal
The Shield of Scorching Reprisal, a rare Shield in Baldur’s Gate 3, can increase your AC by 1, once per short rest. It also grants you fire resistance and reaction that can knock enemies prone if they attack you in melee range. Crowd control is one of the most robust tactics in the game. Enemy sent prone has to use half of their movement to get up. And if that leaves them with 0 movement points left, they will skip a turn. This significantly disturbs enemy attacks on your team.
This Shield will significantly enhance your survivability and combat power. This makes it a top-tier choice for a Sorcerer, Wizard, Cleric, Fighter, Druid, and Paladin. However, it will work fantastic with almost any class. The Shield of Scorching Reprisal is under the rubble in Flaming Fist’s grave (X -5 Y: 215), north of Last Light Inn in Act 2.
FAQs about All Shields in BG3
Are there Shields in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, the Shields are available in Baldur’s Gate 3. They are versatile types that most of the classes can equip.
How many Shields are there in BG3?
There are 40 Sheilds in Baldur’s Gate 3 ranging from the nonmagical type to special/magical type variants.
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