Or rather, is it better to block more damage but less often (block strength) or to block less damage but more often (block rate)?
I'm leaning toward the latter, but open for feedback!
Or rather, is it better to block more damage but less often (block strength) or to block less damage but more often (block rate)?
I'm leaning toward the latter, but open for feedback!
I would guess in a build where one went with str for the damage mitigation the block rate would be preferable. But having a 2gla I'm not exactly a credible source.
Once you get Bulwark, you'll want Block Strength. Before that, go with Block Rate (or Kite shields).
I'm still nub levels (32PLD) but I just switched to the block rate shield so I could use Shield Swipe more, cause it's awesome, but I have no clue for later on and endgame type stuff. Need some testing done of which one is better overall dmg mitigation and if block rates/str cap out or anything but once you have bulwark you will probably want the block str.
Have been using kite shields myself, nice mix of both block rate and damage mitigation. And they look the coolest. Most important part.
Someone have access to a parser that tells us? I'm seeing a 4 point swing in blocking effectiveness with my stats going as low as 18 percent to as high as 22 depending on the shield. I was definitely busting out Shield Swipe way more often. Granted, bosses are immune to Pacification, but that 210 potency is not to be ignored.
Yeah especially since it's so cheap.
Leveling up I would use a small shield for shield swipe because pacification is incredibly good in instances. Obviously, the large shields will shine with bulwark later on.
Waning Sun Pelta (28) -> Lominsan Kite Shield (37) -> Dark Lite Kite Shield (50)
Those are the 3 most important shields, besides relic.
http://www.ffxivinfo.com/items/shields.php
I'm going to go out on a limb here, but 200 proc rate is too high
Certainly less than 100 is far too little
Frankly I prefer the look of a kite shield, but I still hold aesthetic preference for a hoplon before a Tower.
Is there any place to get a decent shield pre-relic quest? I'm still using the one from Ampador. It's pretty solid but I'm looking for something better in the mean time. Does Ifrit drop one?
Thanks! Guess I'm stuck with my 49 shield for now