Armor & Defensive Gear

Your go-to guide for armor and defensive gear in Dragon Quest Heroes II. Learn about shields, their types, and how they impact your character's defense and combat style. Stay protected!

Hey there! So, you're diving into Dragon Quest Heroes II and wondering about keeping your characters safe? While the game doesn't have a separate 'Armor' slot like some RPGs, your main line of defense often comes in the form of Shields. Think of them as your primary defensive gear, especially for characters who can equip them. Shields in Dragon Quest Heroes II, much like in the broader Dragon Quest series, are a recurring type of one-handed defensive equipment. They've been around since the very first game! What's interesting is how they've evolved. Starting around Dragon Quest IX, shields began to take on more characteristics of weapons, with their own Vocation proficiencies, skills, and abilities. How Shields Work in Combat: * One-Handed Focus: Shields typically occupy your off-hand. This means they're usually paired with one-handed weapons like Swords. You won't be able to equip a shield if you're using a two-handed weapon like a greatsword, or dual-wielding weapons like claws. * Dual Wielding Option: However, if you unlock the Dual Wielding skill, you can choose to forgo a shield entirely and equip a second weapon of the same type in your off-hand. It's a trade-off between defense and offense! Types of Shields: While the source material doesn't go into super specific detail for Dragon Quest Heroes II, the general categories from the series are good to know: 1. Standard Shields: These are your everyday, run-of-the-mill shields. They offer a solid baseline defense without any flashy special properties. 2. Light/Ornate Shields: Often preferred by more fragile party members or female characters, these are typically lighter and can sometimes have a more decorative appearance. 3. Greatshields: These are the big, bulky, heavy shields. They're designed for the strongest and most robust characters, offering maximum protection at the cost of mobility or perhaps requiring specific stats to wield effectively. Keep an eye out for different shields as you progress. They can make a huge difference in survivability, especially when you're facing tougher monsters and bosses. Experiment with different loadouts to see what works best for your playstyle!