AST questions

[EaMett]

Shielding is kind of a tricky topic. Basically only shield if you gain something from doing so. Most often this means if mitigation allows hots to top people off without any other healing required, if it saves a healing gcd after the damage comes in, or if it keeps someone alive. When you aren't in any of those situations it's usually not worth it.

I don't play AST much so I can't help beyond that. Just give it some thought when you play, and look at it from the point of view that shielding isn't optimized. You'll find that this outlook often helps highlight cases where shields are actually beneficial (ie: is earthly star on cd, is cure III not an option? etc..).

With that said, I play SCH so I'm used to a completely different skill set. It's possible that Noct AST is slightly more dependent on shields than SCH.

Edit: If you're worried about your hps, don't just go by the ACT numbers. They show raw healing not effective healing (keep overhealing in mind). If you're a little low and shields aren't required just use normal helios/benefic to help your co-healer by covering some damage in his/her place.