Unit Guide: Shieldmaidens

As well as being the first female unit to charge onto the Conqueror’s Blade battlefield, the Norse-inspired Shieldmaidens are also among the most versatile. Available to unlock now as part of Season VII: Wolves of Ragnarok, they're able to switch between swords and spear, making the unit equally adept in defensive and attacking roles. They can deliver equally high amounts of all three types of damage, leaving very few enemies a unit of Shieldmaidens shouldn’t be able to make short work of. If you can spare the Leadership and assemble an effective warband around them, these ladies will not let you down.

Unlocking

You will be able to command a Shieldmaiden unit temporarily after completing just one series of Season VII unit challenges. The unit will become permanently yours after finishing a fourth stage (along with any XP the unit may have earned along the way). Complete Stages 6 and 8 to secure a defense- and attack-enhancing Doctrine respectively.

Gameplay

It’s often true that a jack-of-all-trades is a master of none, but the Shieldmaidens challenge that assumption so long as the unit is utilised correctly. When taking up defensive positions, make sure spears are readied so as to increase the unit’s defensive attributes. Use the Shield Wall Formation and Cover Commander and Guardian Unit Orders to protect your hero and other units respectively. When preparing to attack, switch to swords and get ready to unleash Freyja’s Charge, which can be devastating if followed up with a Triple Strike.

Progression

Shieldmaidens can invest in Veterancy Points across two branches. The top branch generally works to increase the unit’s defensive attributes, with the final bonus increasing Blunt Armour Penetration while spears are equipped. The lower branch favours the sword, increasing (among other attributes) Slashing damage and sword-based armour penetration

Just the facts: Shieldmaidens (5-star, melee)

NOTE: The above information is correct as of the time of publication. Please check in-game for the most up-to-date unit information.