In Borderlands 2, the best shield types are the Legendary Turtle Shields for high capacity, the Bee for amp damage, the Evolution for health regen, and the Rough Rider for damage resistance. Each shield serves different purposes and enhances gameplay depending on the player's preferred playstyle and strategy.
Types of Shields in Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 offers a variety of shield types, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. The best shield for you will depend on your playstyle, character build, and the situation you find yourself in. Here, we will discuss some of the best shield types in Borderlands 2, considering factors such as capacity, recharge rate, special effects, and elemental resistances.
Capacity-based Shields
Capacity-based shields are essential for soaking up damage, making them ideal for players who prefer a more tanky playstyle. Shields like the Sham, which has an incredibly high absorb chance, and the Bee, known for its amp damage bonus, are popular choices among players looking to deal massive damage while maintaining protection.
Adaptive Shields
Adaptive shields adjust their resistance levels based on the type of damage received. These shields are versatile and can be very effective in diverse combat situations. The Evolution shield is a prime example of an adaptive shield that not only provides solid protection but also grants health regeneration, making it a sought-after choice for many players.
Roid Shields
Roid shields are unique in that they sacrifice shield capacity for increased melee damage. These shields cater to players who prefer close combat engagements and can be particularly powerful when paired with characters like Zer0 or Krieg, who excel in melee combat. The Love Thumper is a notable roid shield that offers substantial melee damage bonuses at the cost of shield capacity.
Nova Shields
Nova shields unleash a powerful shockwave when depleted, damaging nearby enemies. These shields can turn the tide of battle when surrounded by foes, making them a favorite among players who enjoy crowd control tactics. The Black Hole shield, for instance, not only creates a singularity effect but also pulls enemies towards you, making them easy targets for follow-up attacks.
Special Effects and Unique Shields
Borderlands 2 features a plethora of special effect shields, each with its own distinct benefits. Shields like the Hide of Terramorphous, which boosts melee damage and releases a nova when depleted, or the Antagonist, with its ability to reflect bullets back at enemies, provide players with a range of strategic options to enhance their gameplay experience.
Elemental Resistance Shields
Elemental resistance shields are crucial when facing enemies with elemental attacks. Choosing the right elemental resistance shield can mean the difference between victory and defeat in encounters where elemental damage is prevalent. Shields like the Flame of the Firehawk, which emits a continuous fire nova, can be invaluable in situations where fire damage is prevalent.
Overall, the best shield type in Borderlands 2 ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle, character build, and the specific challenges you are facing. Experimenting with different shield types and finding the right balance between capacity, recharge rate, special effects, and elemental resistances will help you determine the most effective shield for your needs.