Introduction to Shields
Shields in Sipher Odyssey provide powerful defensive capabilities that can protect you from various types of damage. Understanding how different shield types work is essential for surviving challenging encounters and developing effective defensive strategies.
Shield Types
Sipher Odyssey features three primary shield types, each providing protection against different damage sources:
Immune All Shield
The most powerful shield type that protects against all sources of damage including:
- All weapon damage (ranged and melee)
- All skill damage
- All elemental damage
- All status effect damage
Visual Indicator: Complete shield bubble with distinctive glow
Immune Range Shield
Specializes in blocking all ranged attacks including:
- Projectile weapon damage
- Ranged weapon synergy skills
- Elemental damage from ranged sources
- Status effects applied by ranged attacks
Visual Indicator: Transparent shield with highlighting when hit by ranged attacks
Immune Melee Shield
Specializes in blocking all melee attacks including:
- Melee weapon damage
- Melee weapon synergy skills
- Elemental damage from melee sources
- Status effects applied by melee attacks
Visual Indicator: Close-fitting barrier that flashes when hit by melee attacks
Shield Mechanics
Duration
All shields last for a specific duration before disappearing. Look for visual indicators when a shield is about to expire.
Shield Stacking Rules
When multiple shields are active:
- Only one shield of each type can be active simultaneously
- If a new shield of the same type is applied, it replaces the previous one
- Having both Immune Range and Immune Melee shields effectively creates an Immune All shield
- Sub-race skill shields take priority over other shields of the same type
Visual Effects
Shield visual effects help you identify active protections:
- Each shield type has a distinctive appearance
- On-hit effects show when shields successfully block damage
- When a shield is about to expire, a warning visual effect appears
- Only one visual effect per shield type is displayed, regardless of how many are active
Advanced Shield Features
Charging Shields
Some shields have special "charging" capabilities:
- Accumulate damage in a visible charge bar
- When fully charged, trigger special effects
- Can be configured to charge from specific damage types (melee, range, or all)
How to Use: Monitor the charge bar on your shield UI. When it fills completely, the shield will activate its special effect.
Shield Trigger Effects
When shields reach certain conditions, they can trigger various effects:
- Shield Destruction: The shield breaks, often releasing a powerful effect
- Damage Release: Deals damage to nearby enemies
- Status Effect: Applies status effects to enemies in range
- Special Ability: Activates unique abilities
Strategic Shield Usage
Offensive Shielding
Shields aren't just defensive - they can be powerful offensive tools:
- Use charging shields to absorb damage and release powerful counterattacks
- Position carefully when using shields with area effects
- Coordinate shield timing with team attacks for maximum effect
Defensive Tactics
- Match shield types to enemy attack patterns
- Time shield activation to block heavy damage phases
- Use shields with specific immunities against specialized enemies
- Shield allies before they take heavy damage
Team Coordination
When playing in a group:
- Communicate shield availability and duration
- Coordinate shield types to cover different damage sources
- Use area shields to protect multiple team members
- Stack different shield types across team members for complete coverage
Shield-Specific Abilities
Various vessels and equipment in Sipher Odyssey provide unique shield abilities:
Buru Mecha's Energy Shield
- Creates a powerful shield that absorbs damage
- Shields nearby allies in its radius
- When destroyed, explodes and damages nearby enemies
Ancient Guard (Buru Ancient)
- Creates a sphere that absorbs ranged projectiles
- After absorbing damage, releases an iron fist attack
- Excellent for countering ranged enemy groups
Item-Based Shields
Many equipment pieces and augments can grant shield abilities:
- Shield on dash completion
- Shield after taking critical damage
- Periodic automatic shields
- Shields that trigger upon specific conditions
Shield UI Elements
The shield interface provides important information:
- Shield Icon: Shows which type of shield is active
- Duration Bar: Indicates remaining shield time
- Charge Bar: Shows charging progress for special shields
- Warning Indicators: Flash when shield is about to expire
Remember, Sipher: The right shield at the right moment can turn certain defeat into glorious victory!