Dark and Darker is a free-to-play cooperative dungeon crawler that combines the thrill of classic hack-and-slash gameplay with both PvE and PvP elements. Players navigate treacherous dungeons, battling fearsome enemies and competing against other players. Shields in the game serve both defensive and offensive purposes, catering to different playstyles and builds. Here's a detailed ranking of every shield in Dark and Darker, from the least to the most effective.
7. Buckler
Class: Fighter, Cleric, Bard
Movement: -12
Armor: 17-28 (depending on tier)
Resist: 6
Guard: 90%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 99%
Artifact: Delirium
The Buckler is a basic shield available to the Bard, Fighter, and Cleric classes. Despite its modest stats, the Buckler can be useful in the right hands, especially when no better options are available. It boasts excellent guard and shield slam percentages and a minimal movement debuff, maintaining good mobility in battle. However, its low base armor rating makes it less ideal for those prioritizing defense.
6. Heater Shield
Class: Fighter, Cleric, Warlock
Movement: -20
Armor: 20-35 (depending on tier)
Resist: 5
Guard: 65%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 97%
Artifact: Aegis
The Heater Shield, usable by Fighters, Warlocks, and Clerics, contrasts with the Buckler by offering higher armor but lower guard stats. It’s best suited for characters who want to enhance their armor rating without actively engaging with the shield in combat. This makes it a reliable option until a legendary or artifact shield is found.
5. Pavise
Class: Fighter, Ranger
Movement: -50
Armor: 30-53 (depending on tier)
Resist: 6
Guard: 60%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 97%
Artifact: None
The Pavise is a massive shield available to Fighters and Rangers, acting more like mobile cover. It provides excellent armor but severely reduces movement speed. This shield is perfect for players assuming a tank role, absorbing damage while remaining relatively stationary.
4. Lantern Shield
Class: Fighter, Bard
Movement: -19
Armor: 17-28 (depending on tier)
Resist: 6 + 50% special attack damage
Guard: 50%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 99%
The Lantern Shield is unique, offering both utility and defense. Usable by Fighters and Bards, it can serve as a light source and enhances special attack damage. Its blade attachment can be activated to add significant damage, making it a versatile choice for offensive players.
3. Round Shield
Class: Fighter, Cleric, Barbarian
Movement: -18
Armor: 18-33 (depending on tier)
Resist: 6
Guard: 75%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 97%
The Round Shield strikes a balance between defense and mobility, suitable for Fighters, Barbarians, and Clerics. It provides decent protection without significantly hindering movement, making it an excellent choice for players new to the game or those looking for a flexible shield.
2. Delirium
Class: Fighter, Cleric, Bard
Movement: -12
Armor: 17-28
Resist: 6
Guard: 90%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 99%
Special: Reduces maximum health by 10% but regenerates 1 health per second (0% Scaling).
Archetype: Buckler
Delirium is the artifact version of the Buckler, providing excellent guard stats and passive health regeneration. Though it reduces maximum health, its proactive combat benefits make it invaluable for Fighters, Clerics, and Bards seeking an upgrade from the basic Buckler.
1. Aegis
Class: Fighter, Cleric, Warlock
Movement: -20
Armor: 20-35
Resist: 5
Guard: 65%
Shield Slam: 90%
Block Reaction: 97%
Special: Deflects projectile spells in a defensive stance. Can reflect for 3 seconds, with a 20-second cooldown after each reflection.
Archetype: Heater Shield
The Aegis, an artifact version of the Heater Shield, stands out as the best shield in Dark and Darker. It offers solid armor and can deflect projectile spells, making it highly effective against mages. Its versatility in both defensive and offensive roles makes it the top choice for Fighters, Clerics, and Warlocks.
Conclusion
Shields in Dark and Darker cater to various playstyles, from tanking damage to enhancing offensive capabilities. Whether you prefer the balanced protection of the Round Shield or the unique abilities of artifact shields like Delirium and Aegis, there's a shield to suit every player's needs. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses and earning enough Dark and Darker Gold of each shield will help you optimize your build and conquer the dungeons of Dark and Darker.
MMOexp Dark and Darker Team