Auto Guard
| Job | Crusader |
|---|---|
| Type | Active, Supportive |
| Target | Self |
| Max level | 10 |
| SP cost | 12 → 30 |
| Duration | 300 sec |
| Catalyst | Shield equipped |
Auto Guard is an active buff skill of the Crusader class that grants a chance to completely block incoming physical attacks, whether melee or ranged, while a shield is equipped.
Overview
Auto Guard is the cornerstone of the Crusader's defensive toolkit. While the buff is active, every physical hit has a chance to be nullified outright. It is a toggle: recasting the skill cancels the active buff. A shield must be equipped both to cast and to keep the effect running.
Mechanics
Effect:
- Block chance by level: 5 / 10 / 14 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 26 / 28 / 29 / 30 (%)
- Duration: 300 seconds
When a hit is blocked, the user is briefly immobilized as the guarding animation plays, so a high block rate against rapid attackers can interrupt movement. Only physical attacks can be guarded.
While Auto Guard is active it also empowers the Crusader's shield-based offensive skills. Shield Charge, Shield Boomerang and the Paladin's Shield Chain each gain a flat +10% bonus damage, regardless of the learned level of Auto Guard.
Leveling
Block chance rises quickly through the early levels and then flattens. The offensive bonus to shield skills is a flat +10% at any level, so only the block chance and SP cost change with further investment.
Requirements
A shield must be equipped to cast and maintain Auto Guard.
Notes
The block buff is shared with allies linked through Devotion. Auto Guard has no prerequisites of its own, and it opens Shield Charge at level 2, Reflect Shield at level 3 and Devotion at level 5.