Is a Shield Considered a Weapon in Poe?

In Path of Exile (Poe), a shield is not strictly considered a weapon in the traditional sense, but it can be used as one, and its classification can depend on the context and the specific skills and equipment being used. A shield is primarily an item class of armour equipment that provides a chance to block attacks and can also grant implicit modifiers, making it a versatile tool in both defensive and offensive strategies.

Understanding Shields in Poe

A shield is a piece of personal armour held in the hand, which may or may not be strapped to the wrist or forearm, and it is equipped in the off-hand slot. Shields can contain up to 3 sockets and provide a movement speed penalty similar to body armour.

FAQs

1. Can You Dual Wield Shields in Poe? Yes, you can dual wield two one-handed shields or combine a shield with a one-handed weapon, but this does not count as dual wielding for the purposes of certain skills or bonuses.

2. What is the Best Defense Shield in Poe? The best defense shield can vary based on the character build and playstyle, but top choices include Aegis Aurora, Daresso’s Courage, and The Squire, offering high armour and energy shield values, block recovery, and other beneficial modifiers.

3. Is a Shield Considered Armor in Poe? Yes, a shield is considered a type of armour equipment in Poe, providing defensive benefits and occupying the off-hand slot.

4. Can a Shield Break a Sword? While a shield itself is not designed to break a sword, striking the metal rim of a shield can damage a sword, and a sword can potentially get lodged in the wood of a shield, leading to damage or breakage if not retrieved carefully.

5. What Classifies as a Simple Weapon? Simple weapons in Poe include clubs, maces, and other weapons that most characters can use with proficiency without needing specialized training.

6. Are Shields Weapons or Armor? Shields can be both, depending on how they are used; they are primarily defensive (armor) but can be used to bash or bash into opponents offensively.

7. Does Using a Shield Count as Dual Wielding in Poe? No, equipping a one-handed weapon and a shield does not count as dual wielding for the purposes of Dual Wielding skills or bonuses.

8. Can You Wield a Shield with Mage Armor? Yes, Mage Armour and a shield can be used together as Mage Armour does not prevent the use of shields.

9. Is a Shield an Offensive Weapon? Historically and in gameplay, shields were and can be used offensively to bash opponents or create openings for attacks, though their primary function is defensive.

10. What is a Shield with a Sword Called? A combination of a shield and a sword is a common historical and in-game setup, with the buckler being a type of small shield often used with arming swords, falchions, or rapiers.

11. Can Shields Be Used Offensively? Yes, shields have been used throughout history as both defensive and offensive tools, capable of bashing or bludgeoning opponents.

12. Does Shield Count as Unarmed? No, shields do not count as unarmed for the purposes of Unarmored Training or similar skills.

13. How Does an Energy Shield Work? An Energy Shield in Poe is a protective barrier that absorbs damage before the character’s health is affected, and it can be supported by various skills and equipment to enhance its effectiveness.

14. Can a Shield Withstand a Bullet? While ballistic shields are designed to be bullet-resistant, no shield can make a character bulletproof against all types of ammunition or an unlimited number of shots.

15. Why Don’t Soldiers Carry Shields? Soldiers typically do not carry shields in modern combat due to their size, weight, and the difficulty of using them in tight quarters or various terrains, though shields are still used in specific situations such as riot control or when facing certain types of threats.