Blocking hits: The Vanguard’s Shield Mechanics and Stamina

The Vanguard Fighter has two blocking Mechanics, which both involve raising the shield. Blocking can be used to significantly increase survivability and is specific to the Tank role.

The first one is called Block: You absorb damage from the front up to 40% of your Maximum Hit Points. You can move while your shield is raised. The second one is more powerful but you are unable to move: The power is called Dig In. Dig In is used to take big Hits, while Blocking is only used rarely.

(Left) Stamina Bar. (Mid) Block. (Right) Dig In. (Well this caption was obvious)

Both blocking mechanics involve Stamina (or Guard as depicted in the image) to measure your remaining Block mass. For 'Block' 100(%) Stamina represents 40% of your Maximum Hit Points. For ‘Dig In’ 100(%) Stamina represents 60% of your Maximum Hit Points.

The Stamina regenerates when the Shield is lowered. Its base regeneration rate is ~0.5 Stamina every 0.1 seconds. Thus one would need 20 seconds to regenerate 100 Stamina. This form of Stamina Regeneration (and only it!) can be increased by the Stat Stamina Regeneration. More information can be found in the Power descriptions and under the section Stamina based Mechanics.

Endgame tanking tip

In endgame it is normal to take most normal hits without Shielding and only raise your Shield to counter special attacks that deal huge damage (called tank busters). Do not fear and hide behind the Shield all the time! If you still take too much damage, your build might need a few more defensive stats!

That said, use Dig In at the Start of a pull and once in a while to trigger 'Retaliate' - a strong threat generation mechanic!