Shield blocking has been rebalanced to bring defensive mechanics in line with each other.
Shield Block Rebalance
- Block chance now uses asymptotic scaling (like Parry and Critical Hit)
- This means block chance increases with diminishing returns as shield quality improves
- Legendary shields remain the strongest option, but no longer reach extreme block rates
- Common and Uncommon shields are only slightly affected
What Changed?
- Common shields: ~20-24% block chance (barely changed)
- Uncommon shields: ~20-24% block chance (slight reduction)
- Rare shields: ~32% block chance (was ~42%)
- Legendary shields: ~34-38% block chance (was ~46-58%)
- Maximum block chance is now capped at 40%
Why This Change?
- Block had no upper limit, while Dodge caps at ~30% and Parry at 35%
- Legendary shields combined with QTE made Champion fights too easy
- The new system rewards skill and stat investment over relying on a single item
Balance Philosophy
- All three defensive mechanics (Dodge, Block, Parry) now have comparable caps
- Equipment remains important, but cannot single-handedly decide fights
- Shield Wall trait continues to provide meaningful bonus at all tiers
- Both new config values are tunable via the Admin panel
