Shields are additional hit points that absorb a set amount of damage to units.
Taking damage while shielded is considered not being hit; as long as the shield's damage absorption does not break, it allows passives such as Gaurdian Helmet - Recovery to continue healing.
Damage absorption[]
Heroes and other units can gain shields through abilities that generate shields (see List of shield abilities). These shields are placed aside from their health. Shields have a set amount of hit points determined—called damage absorption—when a shield is received; whenever a unit takes damage, the damage is dealt to the shield first, and any remaining damage is normally deducted from the unit's health. Damage absorption by shields depends on several factors.
Multiple shields from different sources can be stacked, further increasing the target's damage absorption.
Damage calculation[]
- Main article: Damage
Physical defense, magic defense, and damage reduction all take effect before shields absorb damage. These effects reduce respective damage with the exception of true damage, which is then absorbed by a shield, making shields more effective.