The Ward

The Ward is a unique Gothic Shield from Diablo II: Lord of Destruction.

Although it has the highest defense out of unique normal shields, it does not have the best chance to block, making it similar to fellow unique shield Bverrit Keep. Nonetheless, the Ward has other very useful bonuses.

The Ward is perhaps the first unique shield that has an effective boost to all resistances. In Nightmare and Hell mode, when resistances are lowered, this is incredibly helpful. A character can even choose to socket the Ward with Larzuk's quest in Act V, then put in a Perfect Diamond to even further resistances.

Therefore, since the bonuses of the Ward are primarily defensive, a character such as a Paladin may find other shields with higher chances of blocking more useful. However, Spellcasters may want to consider the Ward as a viable option.

Other, more high level unique shields exist, and certain Rune Words can also outdo the Ward. However, as a relatively easy to find unique item, the Ward is certainly not without merit.

Stats

The Ward
Gothic Shield
Defense: 112
Required Level: 26
Required Strength: 60
Durability: 40
Chance to Block:

• Paladin: 56%
• Amazon/Assassin/Barbarian: 51%
• Druid/Necromancer/Sorceress: 46%

Paladin Smite Damage: 2 To 6 +100% Enhanced Defense
+40 Defense
10% Increased Chance to Block
All Resistances +30-50
Magic Damage Reduced By 2
+10 To Strength

Trivia

This section contains facts and trivia relevant to this article.

• This item may have led to the elite version of the Gothic Shield being named Ward.

Diablo II Unique Shields

Normal Shields — Pelta Lunata (Buckler) • Umbral Disk (Small Shield) • Stormguild (Large Shield) • Steelclash (Kite Shield) • Swordback Hold (Spiked Shield) • Bverrit Keep (Tower Shield) • Wall of the Eyeless (Bone Shield) • The Ward (Gothic Shield)
Exceptional Shields — Visceratuant (Defender) • Moser's Blessed Circle (Round Shield) • Stormchaser (Scutum) • Tiamat's Rebuke (Dragon Shield) • Lance Guard (Barbed Shield) • Gerke's Sanctuary (Pavise) • Lidless Wall (Grim Shield) • Radament's Sphere (Ancient Shield)
Elite Shields — Blackoak Shield (Luna) • Stormshield (Monarch) • Spike Thorn (Blade Barrier) • Medusa's Gaze (Aegis) • Head Hunter's Glory (Troll Nest) • Spirit Ward (Ward)