Shields are an excellent way to increase one's defense in combat. The holy Paladins of Zakarum are even said to use them as weapons. Wielding a shield increases your character's defensive rating. Additionally, some shields can completely block an attack. Only Barbarians may wield both a shield and a two-handed weapon.

You can only equip one shield at once.

Barbarians cannot dual-wield shields.

Shields cannot be used to attack monsters, they will do no damage.

Shields list Smite Damage for the Paladin which is a Paladin Combat Skill.

What do Shields Block?
Any melee attack and any ranged attack with physical damage or delivered physically, like Exploding Arrow.

How does Blocking work?
Blocking always works against physical attacks. 75% Blocking will indeed stop 75% of attacks from hitting, regardless of whether you are attacking, or standing, or whatnot. Note: that if a player is moving, the block percentage is reduced to 1/3rd of its original value. Think of it as "resist physical". The block animation will only play if you are not doing anything else. For more information go here.

Is there a Cap on the % Chance to Block?
Yes, 75% is max.

Is % Chance to Block Class Specific?
Yes, different classes may see different numbers.

	Min/Max Defense	Min Strength	% Block	Durability	Sockets	Paladin Smite Damage	Type	Quality Level
Buckler	4-6	12	[0] Pal: 30% Ama/Asn/Bar: 25% Dru/Nec/Sor: 20%	12	1	1 to 3	Light	1
Small Shield	8-10	22	[5] Pal: 35% Ama/Asn/Bar: 30% Dru/Nec/Sor: 25%	16	2	2 to 3	Light	5
Large Shield	12-14	34	[12] Pal: 42% Ama/Asn/Bar: 37% Dru/Nec/Sor: 32%	24	3	2 to 4	Medium	11
Kite Shield	16-18	47	[8] Pal: 38% Ama/Asn/Bar: 33% Dru/Nec/Sor: 28%	30	3	2 to 5	Light	15
Spiked Shield	15-25	30	[10] Pal: 40% Ama/Asn/Bar: 35% Dru/Nec/Sor: 30%	40	2	5 to 9	Light	11
Tower Shield	22-25	75	[24] Pal: 54% Ama/Asn/Bar: 49% Dru/Nec/Sor: 44%	60	3	1 to 5	Heavy	22
Bone Shield	10-30	25	[20] Pal: 50% Ama/Asn/Bar: 45% Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%	40	2	3 to 6	Light	19
Gothic Shield	30-35	60	[16] Pal: 46% Ama/Asn/Bar: 41% Dru/Nec/Sor: 36%	40	3	2 to 6	Medium	30