What Does the Heavy Shield Actually Do?

The Heavy Shield is an Epic-level shield designed to block a large portion of incoming damage. Specifically, it mitigates 52.5% of damage while active. This is one of the higher mitigation numbers you’ll see in the game. It also has a Shield Charge of 80, meaning it can absorb multiple hits before it breaks or needs to recharge.

However, there’s a cost. Equipping this shield slows you down. The movement penalty is 15%, which might not sound huge, but in fast-paced situations, it can affect your positioning and dodging ability. If you like running and gunning, this slowdown is noticeable. If you tend to hold positions or protect teammates, it’s less of a problem.

How Does the Heavy Shield Affect Combat in Practice?

When I use the Heavy Shield, I usually pair it with defensive augments like Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive). This allows me to absorb more damage and stay on the front line longer. Many players, especially those solo or in small squads, find this useful when defending objectives or holding choke points.

In open-field fights, the movement penalty becomes more apparent. You’ll struggle to dodge fast enemies or reposition quickly, which is a trade-off you need to consider. Many high-level players will switch to lighter shields or none at all when they need mobility.

Who Should Use the Heavy Shield?

The Heavy Shield works best for players who:

  • Prefer tank-style play, holding the line and drawing enemy fire.

  • Often play in team missions, where protecting others is more important than moving fast.

  • Can compensate for slower movement with good positioning.

It’s less suited for players who rely on speed, hit-and-run tactics, or solo flanking. If you’re constantly moving between cover or chasing objectives, the Heavy Shield can feel restrictive.

Is It Expensive or Hard to Get?

Crafting the Heavy Shield isn’t too complicated, but it does require some resources:

  • 1 × Power Rod

  • 2 × Voltage Converter

You need access to Gear Bench 2 to craft it. Repairing it costs:

  • 2 × ARC Circuitry

  • 1 × Voltage Converter

In practice, maintaining the shield isn’t cheap, especially if you take a lot of hits. For players who play frequently, this can add up, so it’s worth considering whether the shield’s protection is worth the ongoing resource cost.

For those who want to get the shield quickly, it’s sometimes easier to find a reliable place to buy Arc Raiders blueprints. This allows you to craft it without farming all the materials yourself, saving time and effort.

What Augments Work Best With the Heavy Shield?

Not every augment can be equipped with this shield. The compatible augments are:

  • Combat Mk. 2

  • Combat Mk. 3 (Aggressive)

  • Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive)

Combat-focused augments help if you’re pairing the shield with melee or close-range weapons. Tactical augments improve survivability if you’re standing still to hold objectives. I personally favor Tactical Mk. 3 because it maximizes the shield’s defensive potential without making positioning mistakes fatal.

How Does It Compare to Other Shields?

Compared to medium or light shields:

  • Pros: Higher damage mitigation, better for soaking up hits.

  • Cons: Slower movement, heavier resource cost, can make dodging attacks more difficult.

In a squad, a Heavy Shield user can be the anchor while others stay mobile. Solo, it’s a trade-off: you take less damage but risk getting caught out if enemies flank you.

Is the Heavy Shield Worth It?

In short, the Heavy Shield is worth it if your playstyle benefits from extra survivability over mobility. For tanky front-line roles or defensive setups, it can be a game-changer. For mobile solo players or hit-and-run fighters, lighter shields or no shield may be a better choice.

Practical advice: try it in a few missions and pay attention to how the movement penalty affects your combat decisions. Many players only use it for specific encounters, not every mission. That’s the key to getting value from it.

Final Takeaways

  • Mitigates 52.5% of damage.

  • Movement penalty is 15%—significant for fast playstyles.

  • Best with Tactical Mk. 3 (Defensive) or Combat Mk. augments.

  • Maintenance requires ARC Circuitry and Voltage Converters.

  • Most useful for defensive, tank-style roles in teams or holding objectives.

If you fit this role, the Heavy Shield is solid. If not, consider alternatives. And if crafting feels like a grind, a reliable place to buy Arc Raiders blueprints can help you get there faster without hunting for materials.

ARC Motion Core | All Platform