Overview
Sometimes the best offense is a sound defense, and it can pay to just dig in and hope for the best. With all thoughts bent on simply staying alive, the Warrior hunkers down and puts that shield to good use.
Functionality
Shield Wall is a defensive self-buff that costs no Rage. It has a 30 minute cooldown, which is linked to the 
[Retaliation] and 
[Recklessness] timers. When activated it absorbs 75% of all incoming damage, for 10 seconds.
Available in Defensive Stance only, and requires an equipped Shield.
| Rank | Rage Cost | Effect | Level | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank 1 | 0 | 75% Absorb for 10 sec | 28 | Template:Gsc |
| Rank 2 | 0 | 75% Absorb for 13 sec | 28 | Talent Point * |
| Rank 3 | 0 | 75% Absorb for 15 sec | 28 | Talent Point * |
* It can be improved with the Improved Shield Wall Talent.
- Rank 1/2: +3 seconds to 13 sec.
- Rank 2/2: +5 seconds to 15 sec.
Notes
The huge linked cooldown puts this firmly in 'Panic Button' territory, and is best saved for when you just have to survive a little bit longer. Examples include an OOM Priest, just a few adds too many, an end-instance Boss or a Battle Ground flag run.
For more day-to-day panic, there may be less extreme measures available; Hamstringing or Piercing Howl before running, potions, using the much faster cooldown Shield Block lots while you finish it off, or even just dying and being raised again by the group healer if it doesn't look like a total wipe is hinged on your survival.
Bear in mind that it isn't an invulnerability shield, and even 25% damage from a ?? Elite can still hurt plenty.
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