Thread: To use a shield, or not

Hey thereeee guyzz.

I'm definitely not new to LOTRO, but I've also never really posted in the forums either, most of the answers I ever have I can find by looking on the LOTRO wiki.

My question currently however is, what's your opinion on using a shield?

I'm a level 42 Man Guardian and I currently use a shield, I like the shield value because 3 of my attacks have to do with my shield, and it also contributes 800+ Armor Value. It does kind of suck though that I can't use "Overpower" because I have a shield equipped.

What's everyone's thoughts/opinions?

Not just for attacks and armour, it's also vital for blocks (every block is that much less morale to lose), catch a breath when you can get it to recover power+morale and CD down to 15 sec it will keep you in a fight) and, most importantly, aggro generation (which is the only reason anyone uses a guard). Use 2H weapons early if you want, but I went to 75 without ever puttin down the board.... (of swords+boards).

Wilhalm, Lv 75 Guard

I have never used a 2 hander on my guard because of the loss of 4 shield attacks that I have now at level 64 and also the shield taunt I am sure would be gone thus less skills for agro purposes. On top of that you can use shield spikes to increase you shield damage output.

I had the same thoughts as you both, I just wondered what other peoples opinions were.
I've seen quite a few Guardians who use two handed weapons, not a weapon and a shield and while they can use "Overpower", they essentially can't use three of their attacks since they have no shield.
Yes, I know also having a shield is definitely beneficiary for blocks, and I have a good shield for my level so I definitely don't want to switch up for something two handed.

i carry shield and single handed weapon and two handed weapon and switch as the need arrises so you dont need to limited to shield or two handed weapons. usualy youll find you can easily manage with OP enabled and it makes the job a lot quicker, if you find your taking too much damage run and equip your shield and weapon

yes in OP you loose several shield skills but you also get several overpower high damage skills which more than makeup for the loss of the shield

Originally Posted by Grindscream

I've seen quite a few Guardians who use two handed weapons, not a weapon and a shield and while they can use "Overpower", they essentially can't use three of their attacks since they have no shield.

The only time a Guardian should ever be using a two handed weapon is when playing solo in an area where nothing is a threat to them, and they just want to kill things a bit faster. Their entire reason for being in a group is for threat generation and to take the hits, both of which require a shield. A Guardian who refuses to tank is about as useful as a Minstrel who refuses to heal.