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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.

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[]

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
LRFFXIII Twilight Lotus
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
LRFFXIII Juno Sospita
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
LRFFXIII Hesperides
A well-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
LRFFXIII Megalesia
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
LRFFXIII Nemesis
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
Passive Defender Lv. 1
Gift: Hope Day 1
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Ruffian Forge
500
LRFFXIII Diktynna
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
Passive Defender Lv. 1
Reward: "Born from Chaos" quest
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge
2,600
LRFFXIII Pendragon
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
Passive Defender Lv. 1
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Ruffian Forge 36,000
LRFFXIII Dame du Lac
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
Passive Defender Lv. 2
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge (Day 10+), Final Day Forge 165,000
LRFFXIII Guard of Avalon
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
Passive Defender Lv. 2
Buy: Luxerion Old Town Forge, Final Day Forge (Hard Mode) 420,000
LRFFXIII Knight's Pledge
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
LRFFXIII Gothic Buckler
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
LRFFXIII Infidel
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
LRFFXIII Renegade
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
LRFFXIII Blasphemy
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
LRFFXIII Deicide
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 (Day 6+) 5,200
LRFFXIII Deirdre's Tears
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
LRFFXIII Iseult's Lament
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
LRFFXIII Kore Soteira
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
LRFFXIII Juliet's Sorrow
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
LRFFXIII Cleopatra's Praise
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +14%
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+) 4,000
LRFFXIII Ghostly Bloom
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +14%
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 6+) 42,000
LRFFXIII Il Nome Della Rosa
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +14%
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Day 10+) 180,000
LRFFXIII Noblesse Veronique
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +18%
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode) 250,000
LRFFXIII Gilded Lily
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +18%
Buy: Research Camp Forge (Hard Mode) 500,000
LRFFXIII Les Fleurs du Mal
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
Aquamarine Waltz Maximum HP: +2600
ATB Speed: -15
Passive Fire Guard +70%
Passive Ice Guard +70%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+) 4,000
LRFFXIII Aquamarine Waltz
A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against fire- and ice-based attacks. Rank: Average
Amethyst Anthem Maximum HP: +2600
ATB Speed: -15
Guard Defense: 0
Passive Lightning Guard +70%
Passive Wind Guard +70%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 8+) 4,000
LRFFXIII Amethyst Anthem
A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-based attacks. Rank: Average
Carnelian Choir Maximum HP: +5500
ATB Speed: -15
Passive Fire Guard +70%
Passive Ice Guard +70%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+) 32,000
LRFFXIII Carnelian Choir
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
Passive Lightning Guard +70%
Passive Wind Guard +70%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Day 10+) 32,000
LRFFXIII Emerald Ensemble
A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-based attacks. Rank: Superior
Crystal Silence Maximum HP: +9200
ATB Speed: -15
Guard Defense: 0
Passive Fire Guard +80%
Passive Ice Guard +80%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode) 360,000
LRFFXIII Crystal Silence
A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against fire- and ice-based attacks. Rank: Ultimate
Dark Discord Maximum HP: +9200
ATB Speed: -15
Guard Defense: 0
Passive Lightning Guard +80%
Passive Wind Guard +80%
Buy: Ruffian Forge (Hard Mode) 360,000
LRFFXIII Dark Discord
A valuable shield that triggers great defensive abilities when guarding against lightning- and wind-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
LRFFXIII Lominsan Escutcheon
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
LRFFXIII Ul'Dahn Crest
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
LRFFXIII Gridanian Sigil
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
Passive Guard Efficiency +15%
DLC
Have an existing FFXIII save file
LRFFXIII Guardian Corps Shield
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
LRFFXIII Goddess's Grace
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
Passive Blitz Ace
DLC
LRFFXIII FFX Buckler
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
Passive Great Gospel
DLC
LRFFXIII Flower Bearer
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
Passive Critical Barrier
Passive Critical Barrier+
DLC
LRFFXIII Riot Shield
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
Passive Status Ailments Resistance +25%
DLC
LRFFXIII Thunderstruck
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
Passive Resist Magic Damage +20%
DLC
LRFFXIII Final Border
A miraculous shield crafted from sacred trees that stand as guardians over holy sites.
Nightwalker Maximum HP: +800
ATB Speed: +10
Guard Defense: 30
Passive Resist Physical Damage +20%
DLC
LRFFXIII Nightwalker
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
Passive Resist Physical Damage +20%
DLC
LRFFXIII Fealty
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
Passive Status Ailments Resistance +25%
Reward: Complete demo
LRFFXIII Kaminari
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
Passive Resist Magic Damage +20%
DLC
LRFFXIII Warning Sign
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
Passive Status Ailments Resistance +25%
DLC
LRFFXIII Rasa
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
Passive Maximum HP -95%
DLC
LRFFXIII Abyss Gate
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
Passive Defender's HP Restore 1%
DLC
LRFFXIII Aegis Shield
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
Passive Mog's Blessing Lv. 1
DLC
LRFFXIII Mog's Shield
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
Passive Song of Prayer
DLC
LRFFXIII Summoner's Shield
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
LRFFXIII Dragoon Gauntlet
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
LRFFXIII Chiron Gauntlet
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
LRFFXIII Yale Gauntlet
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
LRFFXIII Apis Gauntlet
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
LRFFXIII Echidna Gauntlet
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
LRFFXIII SOLDIER's Band
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 Arthur received Excalibur), Guard of Avalon is the paradise Arthur went to upon his death, and Knight's Pledge refers 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[]

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