Medium shields won’t equip unless your current Augment supports them. Swap from a Free/Looting loadout to a Combat or Tactical Augment, then place the shield in the dedicated shield slot to activate it.
Medium shield requirements (Augment compatibility)
Augments are the loadout kits that define carry capacity and which shield sizes your character can use. Light shields work on the starter kits, but Medium and Heavy shields require an Augment that explicitly lists those sizes under Shield Compatibility.
| Loadout Augment | Shield sizes allowed |
|---|---|
| Free Loadout. | Light only. |
| Looting Mk.1 / Looting Mk.2. | Light only. |
| Combat Mk.1 / Combat Mk.2. | Light and Medium. |
| Tactical Mk.1. | Light and Medium. |
| Any Augment that lists “Heavy”. | Light, Medium, and Heavy. |
Check the Augment’s description on the loadout screen; you should see Shield Compatibility callouts for Light, Medium, and/or Heavy.
Method 1: Switch to a compatible Augment
Step 1: Open the Loadout screen at the hub before matchmaking. This is where you manage weapons, backpack, Augment, and shield.
Step 2: Select your Augment slot at the top of the loadout panel. Read the Shield Compatibility line on the Augment card to confirm which shield sizes it supports.
Step 3: Equip a Combat Mk.1/Mk.2 or Tactical Mk.1 Augment. These kits allow Medium shields while also improving carry capacity compared to Free/Looting.
Step 4: Return to the loadout panel and verify the shield slot no longer shows a restriction for Medium. If it still does, you’re likely on a Free or Looting kit; reselect the Combat or Tactical Augment.
Method 2: Get a compatible Augment (Clinic and crafting)
Step 1: Visit Lance at the Clinic in town. Exchange a Free Loadout Augment for a Combat or Tactical Augment if offered, or purchase one when available.
Step 2: Use the Equipment Bench to craft Augments if the Clinic doesn’t have the one you need. Upgrading the Equipment Bench unlocks higher-tier Augments and broader shield support.
Step 3: You can also acquire Augments from PvP loot. After obtaining the right Augment, equip it at the Loadout station to enable Medium shields.
Equip the Medium shield in your shield slot
Step 1: Obtain a Medium shield via crafting or from Lance’s shop. Medium shields offer stronger protection than Light at a small movement cost.
Step 2: On the Loadout screen, drag the Medium shield from your bag into the dedicated shield slot (lower-left of the loadout panel). The shield will begin to charge when equipped.
Step 3: You can only change shields in the loadout before a raid. Mid-raid, use shield recharge items instead of swapping shields.
Troubleshooting — Medium shield won’t equip or sits in inventory
Step 1: If the shield only moves into your backpack and not the shield slot, your Augment doesn’t allow Medium. Switch to Combat or Tactical and try again.
Step 2: Remove Looting Mk.1/Mk.2 or the Free Loadout Augment. These kits restrict you to Light shields and block Medium and Heavy.
Step 3: Hover the Augment and confirm “Medium” appears under Shield Compatibility. If not, equip an Augment that explicitly supports Medium.
Step 4: Reopen the Loadout screen after changing Augments. Occasionally the UI needs a moment to reflect the new shield compatibility.
Medium shield behavior and upkeep (movement, recharging)
Medium and Heavy shields reduce incoming damage more than Light but add weight that slows movement. Investing in the Used to the Weight skill in the Conditioning tree helps offset movement penalties from heavier shields.
During raids, restore shields using items: small bursts from ARC Powercells, steady channeling with a Shield Recharger, or a larger one-time restore with a Surge Shield Recharger. Crafting options become available at medical benches as you progress, and you can also buy rechargers from vendors.
Once you’re on a Combat or Tactical Augment, equipping a Medium shield is a simple drag into the shield slot. Make the swap before you deploy so you can benefit from the extra protection immediately.
