shields

[JerDaBear]

cool thanks yall guess im going to WP for the dark light shield seems to be my best bet and cheapest route

[Altimis]

OP

IMO I don't think its does matter much because I used level 44 shield from GC one with 200 block rate and 36 block str

I still tanking Titan just fine (~16% mitigation from block) and after I win Titan, I forget the rest because you will end up using Relic/Relic +1 anyway

That the cheapest route

[OldGeezer]

Because the ones that do have both are the highest tier'd ones, IIRC. Up to 50, based on research I have done, you have to choose weather to go with Tower shields that have high blocking power with low frequency, or the paltas (bucklers, etc.), that have low strength but high frequency.

So to hijack this point, which is more important for lower level (20-30) dungeons, block rate or block strength. Which factor mitigates damage better for a low level tank and a questionable healer.

[Lord_Zlatan]

So to hijack this point, which is more important for lower level (20-30) dungeons, block rate or block strength. Which factor mitigates damage better for a low level tank and a questionable healer.

I usually level up in dungeons with my FC so I have tested out both. in the 20-40 range (Copperbell through Stone Vigil) I go with block rate. That is my personal preference. Being buffed with protect and stoneskin and decent gear (cavalry set) i like blocking more frequently. Some might call me a noob but I actually like it for Shield Swipe. So u get a block (mitigation) + a proc for more DPS. Block strength is nice, but its kind of redundant if you are stone skinned, protected, and generally healed pretty competently.

[CyanDvai]

I farmed WP and got the DL Shield, it's probably your best option until you down Titan and get your Relic.
You probably want to save up your Myth Tomes so once you get your Relic you can +1 the shield, only costs you 300 Myth which is just one week of capping.

[Kal-El]

If you can't get the drop in WP just buy an HQ level 49 shield. They're fine till relic.

[PessimiStick]

If you can't get the drop in WP just buy an HQ level 49 shield. They're fine till relic.

I just use the level 44 GC one. Though I guess running WP is actually useful now so getting the DL one is fine. I wouldn't bother buying one, personally.

[Maero]

Same for me, currently Level 32 GLD/PLD and am stuck with a shield of Level 20. Nothing at all in the markets so i think i will just work up the armourer job and craft my own

[dark494]

Same for me, currently Level 32 GLD/PLD and am stuck with a shield of Level 20. Nothing at all in the markets so i think i will just work up the armourer job and craft my own

Just keep going. You should get shields from your class quests, and/or other quests along the way. The normal shields sold by NPC's are okay while getting to higher content.

[Zoomie]

I go with block rate. That is my personal preference. Being buffed with protect and stoneskin and decent gear (cavalry set) i like blocking more frequently. Some might call me a noob but I actually like it for Shield Swipe. So u get a block (mitigation) + a proc for more DPS. Block strength is nice, but its kind of redundant if you are stone skinned, protected, and generally healed pretty competently.

On the notion of preferring higher block rate, later on you will get an ability that increases your block by 60%. Meaning you want to have high block str to take advantage of that higher block %. That being said once you hit 50 you won't have the option to decide. You'll just use what you get.

GC shield
i49 shield from Aurume Vale (I tanked Titan with this)
i55 Darklight from WP
Darksteel crafted
Shield of the Crags (Titan drop: which I got about 5 minutes before relic.. kinda pointless)
Relic
Relic +1
Allagan (sidegrade to relic +1)