Shield Dash
In-game tooltip: dash forward a certain distance behind the shield, striking enemies in the path before stopping, for Physical Damage. Attacks from the front are blocked while the shield is held. Casting a skill briefly increases Movement Speed, and only while Sword and Shield is wielded. Can be cast while blocking.
Applies to 15 September 2026 updateUpdated
In-game tooltip captured
- Class
- Mercenary
- Weapon
- Sword & Shield
- Role
- Gap close / crowd control
- Applies to
- 15 September 2026 update
When to use it
First skill in the parry build. The tooltip settles the name — one guide’s captions render it "shield bash" — and explains why it is safe to lead with: the dash itself blocks, and it can be started from inside a block.
Builds using this
- Mercenary — Parry Sword & Shield, solo — Master Deemo explains it at 18:30The build’s engine: the dash animation itself is a block, so it doubles as an approach and a defensive window.
- Mercenary — Hammer — Mr Loony Lemon explains it at 05:00The shield is carried for exactly two skills, and this is the first: the dash grants increased movement speed for a few seconds afterwards, which is what lets the hammer actually reach people.
- Mercenary — Sword & Shield, Chaos — Firebox explains it at 01:30Half of the mobility pair. With Rising to the Challenge, blocking during the dash stuns the enemy — an engage that punishes the counter-swing.
- Mercenary — Skullcrusher hammer, PvP — Firebox explains it at 01:53The block and the gap closer in one. Taken with Rising to the Challenge so blocking with it opens the Rock Throw window.
Where this comes from
Master Deemo — Best Mercenary Solo Build and Affix Guide — opens at 14:35, where the skill is explained.
◆
Sources for this page
- Master Deemo — Best Mercenary Solo Build and Affix Guide — Launch build, published 2 August 2026. Source for the parry Mercenary talents and the Elusive / Vitality / Valor solo affix core.