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	Level Requirement	Min Strength	% Block	Durability	Sockets	Paladin Smite Damage	Type	Quality Level
Heater	95-110	43	77	[22] Pal: 52% Ama/Asn/Bar: 47% Dru/Nec/Sor: 42%	88	2	16 to 30	Light	58
Luna	108-123	45	100	[20] Pal: 50% Ama/Asn/Bar: 45% Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%	84	2	17 to 29	Light	61
Hyperion	119-135	48	127	[24] Pal: 54% Ama/Asn/Bar: 49% Dru/Nec/Sor: 44%	82	3	14 to 32	Medium	64
Monarch	133-148	54	156	[22] Pal: 52% Ama/Asn/Bar: 47% Dru/Nec/Sor: 42%	86	4	12 to 34	Light	72
Blade Barrier	147-163	51	118	[20] Pal: 50% Ama/Asn/Bar: 45% Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%	83	3	26 to 40	Light	68
Aegis	145-161	59	219	[24] Pal: 54% Ama/Asn/Bar: 49% Dru/Nec/Sor: 44%	92	4	18 to 28	Heavy	79
Troll Nest	158-173	57	106	[20] Pal: 50% Ama/Asn/Bar: 45% Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%	74	3	24 to 38	Light	76
Ward	153-170	63	185	[24] Pal: 54% Ama/Asn/Bar: 49% Dru/Nec/Sor: 44%	100	4	11 to 35	Medium	84