I couldn't miss the chance to practice my drawing!
I couldn't finish 'em. Looks like this's gonna get complicated.
Lightning brandishing a shield.
In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning has a variety of shields in her arsenal, listed below. Their common traits are raising maximum HP and status resistance.
Shields can be upgraded from the second playthrough onwards after defeating the final boss. Shields can be upgraded at forges for a small fee and various materials. Most materials can either be bought at Adventuring Essentials or obtained from defeated enemies, although the best materials are only available as enemy drops.
It is not possible to upgrade shields such that all of their statistics achieve their theoretical maximum values, because each shield can only be upgraded a set number of times. Upgrading a shield the first time earns the Novice Shieldsmith achievement. Upgrading a shield thirty times earns the Expert Shieldsmith achievement.
One can also downgrade shields. This will not refund all of the materials used to upgrade them, but will "refund" the number of upgrades.
Contents
Defense formulas[]
Guard Efficiency[]
Guard Efficiency is a percent damage reduction multiplied by the Physical and Magic Resistance of the used ability.
| Ability Defense% | Guard Efficiency | |||
| 25% | × | 15% | = | 36.25% |
| 0.75 | × | 0.85 | = | 0.6375 |
For example, with 100 damage the formula for receiving it using the example above would be:
Instead of receiving 100 damage, Lightning would receive 64 damage.
Guard Defense[]
Guard Defense is a flat damage reduction, calculated as a subtraction from the multiplication of incoming damage, ability's percent damage reduction, and a shield's Guard Efficiency.
Using the example above, the damage calculation for Guard Defense with 50 points would be:
Shields[]
Well-balanced shields[]
Balanced shields generally boost HP and Guard Defense.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night Lotus | Maximum HP: +500 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 50 |
Initial | N/A |  |
| A shield of deep crimson that protects the chosen savior. | ||||
| Ultima Shield | Maximum HP: +8000 ATB Speed: +20 Guard Defense: 330 |
Reward: Complete Four Trials in God's Sanctum on Final Day. Replaces Night Lotus. | N/A | |
| A battle shield that shines with ultimate power, brimming with Serah's unfulfilled wishes. | ||||
| Juno Sospita | Maximum HP: +900 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 70 |
Gift: Hope Day 2 Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Research Camp Forge |
2,600 |  |
| A well-balanced shield, good for enduring hits and for deflecting damage while guarding. Rank: Basic | ||||
| Hesperides | Maximum HP: +1600 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 100 |
Buy: Research Camp Forge, Luxerion Old Town Forge, Final Day Forge | 36,000 |  |
| A balanced shield good for enduring hits and for deflecting damage while guarding. Rank: Average | ||||
| Megalesia | Maximum HP: +2,800 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 100 |
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge | 165,000 |  |
| A well-balanced shield, good for enduring hits and for deflecting damage while guarding. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Nemesis | Maximum HP: +4,800 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 150 |
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) | 420,000 |  |
| A well-balanced shield, good for enduring hits and for deflecting damage while guarding. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Large shields[]
Large shields boost HP and Guard Defense, but come with the drawback of reducing ATB Speed. They focus on providing massive amounts of HP and include the auto-ability Defender which increases Keep to reduce enemy interruption of abilities.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prytwen | Maximum HP: +1500 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 20  Defender Lv. 1
|
Gift: Hope Day 1 Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Ruffian Forge |
500 |  |
| A large shield that boasts a strong defense. It increase the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Basic | ||||
| Pendragon | Maximum HP: +3,000 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 30 Defender Lv. 1
|
Reward: "Born from Chaos" quest Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge |
2,600 |  |
| A large shield that boasts a strong defense. It increases the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Average | ||||
| Dame du Lac | Maximum HP: +5000 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 50 Defender Lv. 1
|
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Ruffian Forge | 36,000 |  |
| A large shield that boasts a strong defense. It increase the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Good | ||||
| Guard of Avalon | Maximum HP: +9000 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 70 Defender Lv. 2
|
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge | 165,000 |  |
| A large shield that boasts a strong defense. It increase the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Knight's Pledge | Maximum HP: +15000 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 100 Defender Lv. 2
|
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) | 420,000 |  |
| A large shield that boasts a strong defense. It increase the bearer's maximum HP. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Tactical shields[]
Tactical shields boost HP, ATB Speed, and Guard Defense.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cross | Maximum HP: +100 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 100 |
Gift: Hope Day 1 Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Jagd Village Forge |
500 |  |
| A tactical shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding. Rank: Basic | ||||
| Infidel | Maximum HP: +200 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 160 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Jagd Village Forge | 2,600 |  |
| A tactical shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding. Rank: Average | ||||
| Renegade | Maximum HP: +500 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 220 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge, Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge | 36,000 |  |
| A tactical shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding. Rank: Good | ||||
| Blasphemy | Maximum HP: +1000 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 280 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter (Day 10+), Final Day Forge | 165,000 |  |
| A tactical shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Deicide | Maximum HP: +2000 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 350 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) | 420,000 |  |
| A tactical shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Ensorcelled shields[]
Ensorcelled shields boost ATB Speed, Guard Defense, and Magic.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deirdre's Tears (Blooming RoseName in development.) |
Guard Defense: +100 Magic: +100 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 6+) | 5,200 |  |
| An ensorcelled shield that increases Magic, its every line and detail holding mystic potential. Rank: Basic A shield inspired by a rose. Increases magic resistance.Description in development. | ||||
| Iseult's Lament | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +5 Guard Defense: 60 Magic: +150 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 6+) | 36,000 |  |
| An ensorcelled shield that increases Magic, its every line and detail holding mystic potential. Rank: Average | ||||
| Kore Soteira | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +5 Guard Defense: 80 Magic: +200 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Day 6+) | 155,000 |  |
| An ensorcelled shield that increases Magic, its every line and detail holding mystic potential. Rank: Good | ||||
| Juliet's Sorrow | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 100 Magic: +250 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge (Hard Mode), Final Day Forge | 228,000 |  |
| An ensorcelled shield that increases Magic, its every line and detail holding mystic potential. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Cleopatra's Praise | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 130 Magic: +350 |
Buy: Jagd Village Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) | 330,000 |  |
| An ensorcelled shield that increases Magic, its every line and detail holding mystic potential. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Light shields[]
Light shields boost HP and ATB Speed. They focus on ATB Speed and include the auto-ability Guard Efficiency, which increases damage resistance by a certain percent while actively guarding.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghostly Bloom | Maximum HP: +1000 ATB Speed: +20 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +14%
|
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+) | 4,000 |  |
| A light shield of grace and beauty. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Basic | ||||
| Il Nome Della Rosa | Maximum HP: +1500 ATB Speed: +25 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +14%
|
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+) | 42,000 |  |
| A light shield of grace and beauty. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Average | ||||
| Noblesse Veronique | Maximum HP: +2000 ATB Speed: +30 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +14%
|
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 10+) | 180,000 |  |
| A light shield of grace and beauty. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Good | ||||
| Gilded Lily | Maximum HP: +3000 ATB Speed: +35 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +18%
|
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode) | 250,000 |  |
| A light shield of grace and beauty. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Les Fleurs du Mal | Maximum HP: +3200 ATB Speed: +40 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +18%
|
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode) | 500,000 |  |
| A light shield of grace and beauty. It hastens the recovery of ATB. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Valuable shields[]
Valuable shields boost HP and improve elemental resistance while guarding, but they reduce ATB Speed. They include two auto-abilities, which strengthen elemental resistances.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amethyst Anthem | Maximum HP: +2600 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 0 Lightning Guard +70% Wind Guard +70%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+) | 4,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-based attacks. Rank: Average | ||||
| Aquamarine Waltz | Maximum HP: +2600 ATB Speed: -15 Fire Guard +70% Ice Guard +70%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+) | 4,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against fire- and ice-based attacks. Rank: Average | ||||
| Carnelian Choir | Maximum HP: +5500 ATB Speed: -15 Fire Guard +70% Ice Guard +70%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+) | 32,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against fire- and ice-based attacks. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Emerald Ensemble | Maximum HP: +5500 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 0 Lightning Guard +70% Wind Guard +70%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+) | 32,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-based attacks. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Dark Discord | Maximum HP: +9200 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 0 Lightning Guard +80% Wind Guard +80%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode) | 360,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-based attacks. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
| Crystal Silence | Maximum HP: +9200 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 0 Fire Guard +80% Ice Guard +80%
|
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode) | 360,000 |  |
| A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against fire- and ice-based attacks. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
Crest shields[]
Crest shields boost HP and Guard Defense and have varying effects on ATB Speed.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lominsan Escutcheon | Maximum HP: +2000 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 110 |
Reward: "Roadworks III" quest | N/A |  |
| A shield emblazoned with the crest of the Maelstrom, one of the Grand Companies of Eorzea. | ||||
| Ul'dahn Crest | Maximum HP: +5000 ATB Speed: -15 Guard Defense: 55 |
Reward: "Roadworks I" quest | N/A |  |
| A shield emblazoned with the crest of the Immortal Flames, one of the Grand Companies of Eorzea. | ||||
| Gridanian Sigil | Maximum HP: +700 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 240 |
Reward: "Roadworks II" quest | N/A |  |
| A shield emblazoned with the crest of the Twin Adder, one of the Grand Companies of Eorzea. | ||||
Other shields[]
The following shields are available either from having save data from previous entries of Lightning Saga games or from downloadable content. Many of them have traits reminiscent of one of the seven types from above.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian Corps Shield | Maximum HP: +1000 ATB Speed: +15 Guard Defense: 0 Guard Efficiency +15%
|
DLC Have an existing FFXIII save file |
 |
| Defensive equipment made using the antimatter technology of Cocoon's scientific community. | |||
| Goddess's Grace | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 100 Strength: 100 Magic: 100 |
DLC Have an existing FFXIII-2 save file |
 |
| A shield from Valhalla, borne by the sworn protector of the goddess Etro. | |||
| Guardian's Protector | Maximum HP: +1500 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 0 Strength: 200 Blitz Ace
|
DLC |  |
| A shield which represents the determination of a guardian who would offer up his life for that of his summoner. | |||
| Flower Bearer | Maximum HP: +1500 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 200 Great Gospel
|
DLC |  |
| A defensive shield that holds the wishes of a young maiden who tried cure a gloomy city with her flowers. | |||
| Riot Shield | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 150 Critical Barrier Critical Barrier+
|
DLC |  |
| Once worn by an adventurer, the nicks and scars speak to the dangers that its owner faced. | |||
| Thunderstruck | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Status Ailments Resistance +25%
|
DLC |  |
| A shield which glitters with an undying light that strikes like the lightning which illuminates a dark night. | |||
| Final Border | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Resist Magic Damage +20%
|
DLC |  |
| A miraculous shield crafted from sacred trees that stand as guardians over holy sites. | |||
| Nightwalker | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Resist Physical Damage +20%
|
DLC |  |
| Dancing shadows of the moonlight on this shield's surface confuse and deflect enemy weapons. | |||
| Fealty | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Resist Physical Damage +20%
|
DLC |  |
| A sturdy shield covered in steel rivets that is said to have knocked back even mounted warriors. | |||
| Kaminari | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Status Ailments Resistance +25%
|
Reward: Complete demo |  |
| A solid shield that defends as solidly as the gate that not even the gods could force open. | |||
| Warning Sign | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Resist Magic Damage +20%
|
DLC |  |
| A shield which shows the control of one who can keep their own mind as calm as still waters, even amidst the bloody battlefield. | |||
| Rasa | Maximum HP: +800 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 30 Status Ailments Resistance +25%
|
DLC |  |
| A beguiling shield, as describe in the fantastic phrases of an ancient song of the past. | |||
| Abyss Gate | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +20 Guard Defense: 800 Maximum HP -95%
|
DLC |  |
| The fool who tries to fight at the gates of hell will die in the embrace of the lord of the underworld. | |||
| Aegis Shield | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +30 Guard Defense: 150 Defender's HP Restore 1%
|
DLC |  |
| The shield of God, which takes the form of an unseen wall that seems to negate all attacks against it. | |||
| Mog's Shield | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +30 Guard Defense: 150 Mog's Blessing Lv. 1
|
DLC |  |
| A shield which will drain enemies of their fighting strength on its looks alone—or perhaps incite them to greater fury. | |||
| Summoner's Shield | Maximum HP: +1500 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 0 Magic: 200 Song of Prayer
|
DLC |  |
| A shield that expresses the pure prayers of the summoner who brought peace to Spira. | |||
Gauntlets[]
Gauntlets are similar to ensorcelled shields in that they raise ATB Speed and Guard Defense by a fair amount, but instead of Magic they augment Strength. They are best suited for Schemata which rely on physical abilities.
| Name | Properties | Acquirement | Cost | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragoon Gauntlet | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +5 Guard Defense: 50 Strength: 100 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 6+) | 5,200 |  |
| A bracer that sacrifices defense in order to focus on offense. Rank: Basic | ||||
| Chiron Gauntlet | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +5 Guard Defense: 60 Strength: 150 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 6+) | 26,000 |  |
| A bracer that sacrifices defense in order to focus on offense. Rank: Average | ||||
| Yale Gauntlet | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +5 Guard Defense: 80 Strength: 200 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Day 10+) | 155,000 |  |
| A bracer that sacrifices defense in order to focus on offense. Rank: Good | ||||
| Apis Gauntlet | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 100 Strength: 250 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge (Hard Mode), Final Day Forge | 228,000 |  |
| A bracer that sacrifices defense in order to focus on offense. Rank: Superior | ||||
| Echidna Gauntlet | Maximum HP: 0 ATB Speed: +10 Guard Defense: 130 Strength: 350 |
Buy: Yusnaan Champion's Quarter Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) | 330,000 |  |
| A bracer that sacrifices defense in order to focus on offense. Rank: Ultimate | ||||
| SOLDIER's Band | Maximum HP: +2000 ATB Speed: 0 Guard Defense: 0 |
DLC | N/A |  |
| A band that protects a SOLDIER operative using mystical mako energy. | ||||
Other appearances[]
Lightning's Night Lotus appears in Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
Behind the scenes[]
The large shields are inspired by Arthurian legends: Prytwen was the name of King Arthur's ship, Pendragon was King Arthur's surname, Dame du Lac, is French for Lady of the Lake, from whom he received Excalibur; Guard of Avalon, the paradise Arthur went to upon his death, and Knight's Pledge refer to the Knights of the Round Table.
The Riot Shield is not used by Lara Croft in the 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider, though this is implied by its description (Lara being "the Adventurer"). Rather, it is used several times by enemies trying to kill her, most notably by a boss guarding the Radio Tower.
Gallery[]
