ARC Raiders keeps things simple with a compact shield system, giving you a few clear choices depending on how you prefer to survive incoming fire. Below is a quick, updated overview of every shield available.
ARC Raiders All Shields
| Shield Type | Durability | Mitigation | Mobility Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Shield | Low | Moderate | Very low |
| Medium Shield | Mid | Moderate+ | Mild |
| Heavy Shield | High | High | Significant |
All shield names in ARC Raiders
Light Shield
A lightweight option that offers moderate protection while preserving mobility. Best used early or when movement is a priority.
- Shield charge: ~40 points
- Damage mitigation: ~40% (you take ~60% of damage after shield absorption)
- Weight: ~5 kg
- Compatibility: Works with all Augments
Medium Shield
A mid-tier shield balancing protection and mobility. Ideal as a general-purpose pick.
- Shield charge: ~70 points
- Damage mitigation: ~42.5%
- Movement penalty: ~5%, weight ~7 kg
- Requires certain Augment levels to unlock
Heavy Shield
A high-protection shield with a noticeable mobility trade-off. Best for tank-style builds or heavy incoming fire.
- Shield charge: ~80 points
- Damage mitigation: ~52.5%
- Movement penalty: ~15%, weight ~9 kg
- Requires higher-tier Augments to equip
How shields differ in practice
Light Shields keep you fast and agile, letting you dodge and reposition more easily. Medium Shields strike a balance, giving you sturdier protection without slowing you too much. Heavy Shields absorb the most damage but make you noticeably slower, so they’re ideal when you expect heavy pressure or play a tank-style build.
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