The brilliant Octopath Traveler proves that an old genre can still learn new tricks. Many aspects of the title are reminiscent of the classic Final Fantasy games of old (such as the iconic Final Fantasy VI), but with the polished sheen of a modern game engine and many other features. One holdover from its roots is its difficulty: An ill-equipped party is bound to despair in one of the game’s many dungeons and boss encounters.
Each of the characters’ job classes (a mechanic that also familiar from Final Fantasy‘s roots) entails different item restrictions, but the whole party can always equip shields. This makes shields the primary consideration for creating a robust, hardy team in the late-game. This is especially true because many of the later offerings carry unique boons and drawbacks. To keep the team’s edge, it’s never bad to buy what’s available at the local armory, but using a team’s Path Actions can open up new avenues to equip the party. Inquire and Scrutinize are Path Actions that can open up new items for sale at nearby establishments, while Steal offers a more… direct approach to obtaining new equipment. The things players do in pursuit of the best shields in the game!
10 Tower Shield
The Tower Shield is less well-rounded than the other, rarer shields in the game, but it still carries a high Phys. Def. This means it has its uses against common enemies throughout the lengthy journey of Octopath Traveler. While it’s not the most impressive shield in the game, it’s not shabby, either, and it’s much better than going without one.
Players can buy it easy in Cobbleston, where players begin Olberic’s story in this now-Xbox-bound RPG. Alternatively, parties that find themselves in Stonegard first can use the Purchase action on an elderly man there to get one cheaply.
9 Knight’s Shield
The Knight’s Shield is rather standard by the time it becomes available for purchase at armories in Riverford, Grandport, and Marsalim. It boasts a high Phys. Def., but middling Elem. Def. compared to some other defensive competition for the equipment slot it occupies.
Still, it’s a trusty and easy-to-obtain piece of equipment that provides balanced defense to any party member who needs it. Be wary, though, as a party member who equips it will suffer a major hit to their Evasion. Party members using the Thief and Dancer jobs might want to steer clear of equipping shields that cause a major drop to Evasion, because Evasion is a key feature of either job.
8 Adamantine Shield
The Adamantine Shield becomes available for purchase late in the game, at the Duskbarrow, Orewell, and Wispermill armories. Its Phys. Def. is not outstanding, but it does boast a high Elem. Def., enough to warrant keeping one on-hand in case of a run-in with powerful mages and other magic users.
Similarly to the Knight’s Shield, however, its poor Evasion stat means it should only sparingly be used by party members whose main defense is their Evasion, such as Dancers and Thieves.
7 Leviathan Shield
The Leviathan Shield is a reward for the side story Scourge of the Seas. The journey is rather involved, but definitely worth the effort. The quest requires the party to obtain a Leviathan Egg from a Fledgeling Fisherman in Goldshore, then travel to nearby Captain’s Bane and defeat the Leviathan at the end of the dungeon.
While the Leviathan Shield offers no overall Elem. Def., it instead cuts all ice damage in half. This feature is particularly useful in the far-north Frostland dungeons. Otherwise, it doesn’t do much to deserve a permanent spot in a party. Resist any urge to sell it, though, because it may come in handy in unexpected places! A real mixed bag, it’s niche but invaluable in certain spots.
6 Force Shield
The Force Shield is an improved version of the Adamantine Shield. It’s one of many shields that’s available for normal purchase, but its lack of uniqueness doesn’t mean it should be passed up. While it boasts lower Elem. Def. than its adamantine predecessor, it offers far superior Phys. Def., with a lower penalty to Evasion than any other shield available for normal purchase.
To pick one up, Inquire/Scrutinize elderly NPCs in Duskbarrow until one of them spills the beans about “more plentiful provisions.” The player can then find it at the General Store in Duskbarrow.
5 Gustav’s Shield
The Black Knight Gustav doesn’t need his shield as badly as the heroes do. Gustav’s Shield boasts high Elem. Def. compared to any shield available for purchase to this point, and a high Evasion stat to boot.
To relieve Gustav of his shield, simply best him in battle at the end of Olberic’s second chapter. Players can obtain it a little earlier by approaching Gustav in the Arena at Victor’s Hollow before fighting him. To do so, simply obtain it via the Purchase/Steal skills.
4 Mikk and Makk’s Shield
This shield is a reward for completing the side story Mikk and Makk Make Good. To undertake the quest, complete both Tressa’s and Therion’s stories, then approach Barham at his home in Noblecourt. Then, at his direction, approach the imposter named Leon Bastralle? in the town square, and Provoke/Challenge him.
Once the imposter Bastralle is defeated, the quest is complete and the player can claim their reward. Its defenses are well-rounded and it boasts the highest Evasion of any shield in the game: a whopping +178! It’s highly recommended to equip it to anyone whose class/sub-class is the Thief.
3 Gargantuan Shield
The Gargantuan Shield offers the highest Phys. Def. of any conventionally-purchased shield in the game. To get a Gargantuan Shield rather early, Inquire/Scrutinize around the Victor’s Hollow Arena Gate armory until an NPC mentions new items for sale, then buy one at the armorer.
If that’s not an option, it can also be found among the merchants in the Grandport Markets, where its trade value (thankfully) fails to live up to its name. Parties tight on cash might find the Gargantuan Shield’s price tag of about 20,000 leaves attractive compared to some of the other offerings at this market.
2 Forbidden Shield
Like the other Forbidden weapons, the Forbidden Shield is a very special and very powerful item. This one is available to buy at the Grandport Markets. It’s only available through a Merchant’s Purchase ability. Players seeking it are best served by checking every merchant NPC in the area until they spot the shield for sale. Be warned, though, it demands a hefty price of 53,000 leaves!
Fortunately, it’s worth the price. Its Phys. Def. outshines nearly every other shield in the game, and it just barely out-strides the Adamantine Shield in Elem. Def. Its tradeoff is an abysmal Evasion stat of -171. Thieves and Dancers should steer clear, but otherwise, there’s really only one shield in the game that tops this one.
1 Battle-Tested Shield
The Battle-Tested Shield is the best shield in Octopath Traveler, especially for parties utilizing the formidable Warmaster job. On paper, its middling penalty to Evasion and total lack of Elem. Def. seems unattractive, but this is more than made up for by the highest Phys. Def. of any shield in the game. On top of that, it boasts a special property that restores 200 HP and 8 SP to its user every single turn! Don’t travel to tricky areas like the Maw of the Ice Dragon without it.
To obtain the Battle-Tested Shield, approach Grieg the Unbreakable in Marsalim after beating the game. Then, simply purchase or steal the shield from her inventory. For players who really want to go the extra mile to fully outfit their party with the best equipment, the Muttering Codger NPC in Flamesgrace has a 2% chance of dropping a Battle-Tested Shield following a successful Challenge or Provoke. Battle-Tested weapons are tough to acquire, but they’re worth the effort.
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