Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII shields

Relm: I couldn't miss the chance to practice my drawing!

This article is in need of a few pictures. Perhaps you can help by uploading a picture of the shield and gauntlet icons, Ultima Shield.

Cloud: I couldn't finish 'em. Looks like this's gonna get complicated.

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Lightning brandishing a shield.

In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning has a variety of shields in her arsenal. Their common traits are raising maximum HP and status resistance.

Shields can be upgraded from the second playthrough onwards after defeating the final boss. They can be upgraded at forges for a small fee and various materials that can be bought at the Adventuring Essentials, or obtained from defeated enemies. The best materials are only available as enemy drops.

It's not possible to upgrade shields to their maximum values, because each item can only be upgraded a set number of times. One can max-out a couple of stats at most, but never all of the possible parameters. 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, but this will not refund the materials used to upgrade them although it does "refund" the number of upgrades. Downgrading can therefore be considered as the backup plan in case one upgrades a shield the wrong way.

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%*(Percent damage reduction)
0.75	×	0.85	=	0.6375

For example, with 100 damage the formula for receiving it using the example above would be:

$0.75*0.85*100=ca.64$

Instead of receiving 100 damage, Lightning would receive 64 damage.

Guard Defense

Guard Defense is a flat damage reduction which is 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:

$64-50=14$

Shields

Well-balanced shields

Well-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 gil
	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	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 11+), 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 Rose (Name in development.))	Guard Defense: +100 Magic: +100	Buy: Jagd Village Forge from 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 from 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 from 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	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 gil.
	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	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	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	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	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 which are 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

Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

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Gallery

Twilight Lotus's artwork.

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Etymology

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.

Trivia

• 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.