There are restrictions when it comes to equipping Medium and Heavy shields in ARC Raiders. At first, you’ll only have access to Light shields, but as you progress, you will eventually unlock the Medium shield. However, you can’t simply equip it right away; you’ll need an additional piece of specialized tech to do so.
### How to Equip Medium & Heavy Shields
Medium and Heavy shields can only be equipped if you have an Augment that allows them. Most early-game Augments only offer compatibility with Light Shields. As you advance, you will gain access to better Augments that feature Shield Compatibility settings for Light, Medium, and Heavy shields.
To equip a Medium or Heavy shield, start by equipping an Augment that supports the desired shield type. Once this is done, you can then equip the corresponding shield in your gear.
### Benefits and Considerations
Equipping better shields comes with significant advantages. Medium and Heavy shields provide a higher charge capacity, meaning more shield protection, and offer better damage reduction, allowing you to take less damage in combat.
However, there is a trade-off. The heavier the shield, the more it will impact your movement speed. To mitigate this downside, invest points into the **Used to the Weight** skill within the Conditioning branch of the Skill Tree. This skill helps offset the movement penalties caused by heavier shields, allowing you to maintain agility while enjoying enhanced protection.
By carefully upgrading your Augments and investing in complementary skills, you can effectively use Medium and Heavy shields to improve your survivability in ARC Raiders.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146677/equip-medium-heavy-shields-arc-raiders
