Why are shields so pathetically small and thin?

Partomax · October 2019

I understand this is a somewhat regular complaint but, since I haven't seen any improvements in the past years, my frustration has driven me to attempt to bring this issue to light once more.

Firstly I'd like to point out that I like many of the shield designs from recent motifs, that's not where the problem lies. The thing that bugs me is why they are so pathetically small and thin I end up using the larger, blander designs. I understand that there are historically many types of shields some of which were small such as the buckler, however, that doesn't seem like the kind of shield you'd want to bring into the kind of battle we take part in, even if it was though many of the designs look like they would fit a larger shield better. Also, since larger shields exist in the game I don't see a reason as to why they are so rare.

This bothers me a lot because I would love to use some of the great shield motifs that have been coming out but they are all so small that I don't feel good wearing them.

Does anyone actually enjoy the size of the shields? If so, why? I only hope you can change my mind.

Taleof2Cities · October 2019

Clicked this thread thinking it was about recent nerfs to Sorc damage shields.

Was not disappointed ...

wild_kmacdb16_ESO · October 2019

I prefer the smaller rounded shields because the resting combat stance looks better with them. Holding a tower shield at a weird angle like the character does, doesn’t look good to me.

GhostofDatthaw · October 2019

Yeah some of the shield designs are dumb and small, there are very few actual big shields. My favorite is the celestial if you don't have it, I think it might be something you would like

ghastley · October 2019

Actually, I'd disagree with the idea that large shields are appropriate for the fast-moving combat that's typical in ESO. They were used as defensive walls by troops whose job it was to stay in place, or to move together as a unit. They were too heavy for one-on-one fights.

Agile troops used lighter shields and bucklers. And neither side had mages casting spells, and nobody stood in the red.

gatekeeper13 · October 2019

Well, in ESO we have full armored tanks that jump, roll doge and sprint faster than ninjas... So the small and tinfoil-like shields are not the weirdest thing in my opinion...

L_Nici · October 2019

Yeah thats true, most shields just look like a joke, I would love to see a big Kite Shield or some kind of Scutum (would fit the Imperials so very well), you know a shield which allows you to really hide behind, not some device for cooking pancakes. I know that real shields that were used in real battles were pretty small due to handling, but come on, it is a fantasy game, why not creating a massive shield that looks like you would need superhuman strength to just lift it.

idk · October 2019

This brings to mind the main story line when Mannimarco appeared to the companions in a large that life projections of himself Abnur Tharn said "He's obviously overcompensating for something."

But seriously, I guess for players who are challenged with good shield play a large shield might be better for them.

Partomax · October 2019

ghastley wrote: »

Actually, I'd disagree with the idea that large shields are appropriate for the fast-moving combat that's typical in ESO. They were used as defensive walls by troops whose job it was to stay in place, or to move together as a unit. They were too heavy for one-on-one fights.

Agile troops used lighter shields and bucklers. And neither side had mages casting spells, and nobody stood in the red.

I'm not suggesting getting rid of small shields I very much enjoy diversity, still, there are many fights in where the tank will not move around that much and while the mobility aspect of small shields might be more realistic good luck blocking any attack that comes from a trial boss with a plate as a shield (realistically). But forgetting reality for a second, this is fantasy, we can sacrifice some realism for looks and the existence of big shields is something loads of us have been craving for way too long.

cyclonus11 · October 2019

Needs more bucklers

Partomax · October 2019

idk wrote: »

This brings to mind the main story line when Mannimarco appeared to the companions in a large that life projections of himself Abnur Tharn said "He's obviously overcompensating for something."

But seriously, I guess for players who are challenged with good shield play a large shield might be better for them.

I was referring mostly to looks, I don't see how it would affect gameplay.

Millz · October 2019

I like strapping dinner plates to my arms DONT NERF MY SHIELD APPEARANCE

JimmyJuJu · October 2019

Wow, you mean actual shields. Ok then.

It would be interesting to add some options to the sword & board line. Like a tower shield vs. kite shield vs. buckler. The weapon lines have this differentiation so why not S&B? Maybe a tower shield offers more defense at the expense of mobility whereas a buckler adds mobility with less defense. Or something like that.

Acrolas · October 2019

The short answer is clipping issues. In a single player game with a stronger physics engine, each shield could be adapted to fit its wearer. But the more proportional shields in ESO allow most shields to float convincingly near both the back and the forearm. They're never truly attached to your character.

If the shield provides the armor the tool tip says it does, then that's as far as the defensive realism needs to go. After all, there's no penalty for wearing a wedding dress or a towel into battle...

THEDKEXPERIENCE · October 2019

It’s not the size of the shield that counts ... it’s how you use it.

Oreyn_Bearclaw · October 2019

I still feel like a #nerfsorcs is somehow appropriate.

kringled_1 · October 2019

Acrolas wrote: »

The short answer is clipping issues. In a single player game with a stronger physics engine, each shield could be adapted to fit its wearer. But the more proportional shields in ESO allow most shields to float convincingly near both the back and the forearm. They're never truly attached to your character.

If the shield provides the armor the tool tip says it does, then that's as far as the defensive realism needs to go. After all, there's no penalty for wearing a wedding dress or a towel into battle...

Agreed. Even as it is, on smaller characters the medium and larger shields will regularly clip into the character in certain postures or animations.
Some styles do have larger shields (mercenary comes to mind) and the outfit system allows you to use that for visuals if such is your preference.

Royaji · October 2019

As mentioned above, when you are running with sheathed weapons large shields clip through your head. A lot.

I find this significantly more jarring than just having smaller shields.

Starlock · October 2019

I'm totally fine with the shields, but... the only one who can change your mind is you. It sounds to me that you are being really nitpicky because I never would have though "shields so pathetically small" if you or someone else hadn't suggested it. *shrugs*

Gnome_Saiyan · October 2019

Can I just say how refreshing it is to come across a thread criticizing not the gameplay, but the aesthetics.

As to the actual topic, it would be nice for weapons and shields to scale to your toon's height. One handed axes look ridiculous on my Breton.

... yeah, I use stam builds on some of my Bretons. Don't be hatin'

Cortimi · October 2019

Ebonheart Pact shield, you're welcome.

Also, nerf sorcs.

JimmyJuJu · October 2019

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

I still feel like a #nerfsorcs is somehow appropriate.

Fine. Sorcs are OP. Nerf them all.

fred4 · October 2019

Is this more like what you're thinking of?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47cq3sjlUug

mustangmorgan31 · October 2019

It's not the size that matters, it is what you can do with it!

DuckInRealLife · October 2019

I like using the larger shields like Morag Tong.
I look at the small ones and think "What organ do I want to keep and how do I feel about having no kneecaps?"
Isn't a point of shields to protect the body as much as it can? Not part of the body?

Stebarnz · October 2019

mustangmorgan31 wrote: »

It's not the size that matters, it is what you can do with it!

You KNOW its the big thick shields that are more effective!

Kesstryl · October 2019

I'm the opposite, I like the smaller, sleek designs because I like to actually see the back of my character and not this big thing covering everything from the waist up. I have female tanks that don't need to prove they can macho it out because one of them fights in a monk outfit, and the other one fights in an elegant gown. I also like to see my male tanks because they wear sleeveless outfits and I like to see the muscle (and their butt, female player here). I like the smaller designs for so many reasons.

Morgha_Kul · October 2019

My preference is always REALISTIC shields. So many of the shields are incredibly impractical, with lots of spikes and points and hooks and things that would hinder their effectiveness.

Right now, I'm using the Yokudan round shield, but I do switch over to the Bloodforge or Apostle shields. They're SIMPLE, but not bland.

Lumenn · October 2019

I feel your pain OP. Small shields have their place but when I'm thinking TANK(or even warrior) I'm thinking a big, hulking, scary shadowknight/paladin type. A hulking Nord that laughs at your efforts to hurt him and his group. (which is ironic as my tank in EQ was a halfling) it sucks when you're at the outfit table and finally get to the weapons and shields and it's...dinky shield, dinky shield, cool design but dinky shield.... Grr. On a side note 2h axes are the same. Limited.

KillsAllElves · October 2019

Partomax wrote: »

I understand this is a somewhat regular complaint but, since I haven't seen any improvements in the past years, my frustration has driven me to attempt to bring this issue to light once more.

Firstly I'd like to point out that I like many of the shield designs from recent motifs, that's not where the problem lies. The thing that bugs me is why they are so pathetically small and thin I end up using the larger, blander designs. I understand that there are historically many types of shields some of which were small such as the buckler, however, that doesn't seem like the kind of shield you'd want to bring into the kind of battle we take part in, even if it was though many of the designs look like they would fit a larger shield better. Also, since larger shields exist in the game I don't see a reason as to why they are so rare.

This bothers me a lot because I would love to use some of the great shield motifs that have been coming out but they are all so small that I don't feel good wearing them.

Does anyone actually enjoy the size of the shields? If so, why? I only hope you can change my mind.

This is easy, Its due to lack of imagination and this enables laziness.

Btw NERF SORCS

Moonsorrow · October 2019

Royaji wrote: »

As mentioned above, when you are running with sheathed weapons large shields clip through your head. A lot.

I find this significantly more jarring than just having smaller shields.

Yeah, unpopular opinion maybe but i actually wish there was even more small shield styles. Same for Bows, i wish more really tiny Bow models. I`d pay. A lot lol.

Especially on petite female characters the big shields can clip through both upper and lower body and it looks bad.

I pvp, but i have the right to look stunning while at it!

edit: I support the idea on this topic though, there should be more large shield styles for those needing them too, big Orcs, Imperials, Nords can look a bit silly with a tiny shield, so i can support for actual big shields.. just hoping more for the tiny people too on the side.