Digital Phablet

Tag: Shield

  • Where to Find the Helfryn Leather Armor Set and Black Sun Shield in Crimson Desert

    Crimson Desert is an open-world RPG where you play as a mercenary named Kliff, trying to rebuild his clan after a devastating defeat. Most of your time will be spent completing quests, battling bosses, or solving puzzles in the sky. However, there are many items you might miss if you don’t explore thoroughly.

    One of these items is Helfryn Leather armor, found in the capital city of the Demeniss region. Here’s how to find this hidden armor and what each piece offers.

    Black Sun Shield Location

    To find the Black Sun Shield, go to the castle located in the southern part of the city. Look for a long bridge that connects the streets to the main castle. Jump into the water and swim under the archway that’s farthest from the castle. Face the castle and stab your knife into the wall with Left Trigger. Then, perform a Force Push to flip the tricky wall, revealing a small room with a chest that contains the Black Sun Shield.

    The shield is at Refinement Level 4, provides 7 Defense, and grants a Level 2 Movement Speed boost. It also has two Abyss Gear slots equipped with Damage Reduction 1 and Guard Stamina Cost reduction cores.

    Tip: If you find it difficult to find this gear in Demeniss City, consider coming back after completing Chapter 8. By then, the city won’t be hostile, making exploration and item gathering much easier.

    Helfryn Leather Armor Set Location

    Helfryn Leather Boots Location

    To get the boots, head to the main castle on the south side of the city. Outside, look at the main gate leading into the city. To the right of the gate, along the wall, there’s a small hole covered with wooden boards. Break the boards with your weapon and enter the space. Inside, you’ll find a chest containing the Helfryn Leather Boots and a Palmer Pill.

    The boots are at Refinement Level 3, with 15 Attack, 4 Defense, Critical Rate Level 2, and Lightning Resistance 1. They also include two Abyss Gear slots that increase Silver gained by 10% and provide Fire Resistance Level 1.

    Helfryn Leather Chest Piece Location

    For the chest armor, go to the southeastern part of the city. Look for a group of white stone towers, and at ground level, find the front of the taller bell tower (the side with the large crowd of soldiers and civilians). Climb about halfway up on the left side of the tower until you reach a small stone ledge with several short columns.

    Find a spot where the columns form a small rectangle and press Kliff against it. Push the stone wall to reveal a hidden chamber. Inside, find a chest containing the Helfryn Leather Armor.

    This chest piece is at Refinement Level 3, offers 9 Defense, Lightning Resistance 1, and has three Abyss Gear slots. These slots already contain items that boost health regeneration, swim speed, and damage reduction.

    Helfryn Leather Gloves Location

    Next, go north to a guard tower with vines growing on one side. Climb up the vines on the southern side of the tower. Just below the roof, you’ll see a secret flip wall on the left of the vines. Insert your knife into the wall with Left Trigger, then perform a Force Palm strike to flip the wall and access a hidden treasure room. Remember to hold the resist button, or you’ll be thrown off when the wall turns.

    Open the chest inside to get the Helfryn Leather Gloves. They are at Refinement Level 3, featuring 16 Attack, 4 Defense, Lightning Resistance 1, and Critical Rate 1. They also have two Abyss Gear slots, one of which increases the chance to find extra items when pickpocketing and boosts climbing speed.

    Helfryn Leather Cloak Location

    For the cloak, return outside the tower where you found the gloves. Look at the side where you performed the Force Push. Nearby, there’s a U-shaped building with a brown roof. Find a second-floor window just above a stone arch that you can open.

    Climb through the window into the attic, where you will find the Helfryn Leather Cloak in the back right corner. The cloak has 3 Defense and 5 Ice Resistance, making it a good choice for exploring Pailune.

  • Understanding the Golden Dome Missile Defense System

    Understanding the Golden Dome Missile Defense System

    US President Donald Trump announces the Golden Dome missile defense shield in the Oval Office, Washington, DC, May 20, 2025.

    President Donald Trump has chosen a design for the Golden Dome missile defense system and has appointed a leader for this ambitious $175 billion defense project. Here are the insights about Golden Dome, its origins, and its operational mechanics.

    How Will It Operate?

    The Golden Dome initiative aims to utilize a network of hundreds of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites will be equipped with advanced sensors and interceptors to neutralize enemy missiles shortly after their launch from nations like China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.

    “I vowed to the American people that I would establish a state-of-the-art missile defense shield to safeguard our homeland from foreign missile threats,” Trump stated during his announcement on Tuesday.

    In April, the Pentagon sought input from defense contractors on designing a network capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles during their “boost phase,” which occurs immediately after lift-off when enemy missiles ascend slowly and predictably through the atmosphere. Current defense systems engage targets once they are in space.

    Upon detection of an incoming missile, the Golden Dome system will either intercept it with a missile or laser before it leaves the atmosphere or engage it further along its trajectory using existing missile defense systems based on land-based interceptors located in California and Alaska.

    In addition to the space-based interception layer, there will be another defensive layer positioned within or around the U.S. This concept was previously considered by the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency during Trump’s first term.

    Is Golden Dome Similar to Israel’s Iron Dome?

    “We assisted Israel in developing their system, which has proven to be very effective. Now, we possess technology that far surpasses that,” Trump remarked, referencing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.

    The Iron Dome is a short-range air defense system designed to intercept projectiles like the rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza. It was developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with U.S. assistance and became operational in 2011. Each unit, transportable by truck, launches radar-guided missiles to destroy short-range threats, including rockets, mortars, and drones.

    This system evaluates whether a rocket will strike a populated area; if not, the rocket is disregarded and allowed to impact safely.

    The Iron Dome was initially promoted as providing city-sized coverage against rockets with ranges between 4 and 70 kilometers (about 2.5 to 43 miles), but experts suggest that its capabilities have since expanded.

    How Does It Compare to Reagan’s Star Wars Initiative?

    “We will be fulfilling the mission that President Reagan initiated four decades ago, ultimately eliminating the missile threat to our homeland,” Trump stated on Tuesday.

    The concept of equipping satellites with rocket launchers or lasers to intercept enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles is not novel; it was part of the Star Wars initiative developed during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. However, it represents a significant and costly advancement from current technologies.

    Reagan’s “Strategic Defense Initiative” (SDI), announced in 1983, aimed to create a defense system that could render nuclear weapons obsolete.

    The core of the SDI was a plan for a space-based missile defense system capable of protecting the U.S. from large-scale nuclear attacks by identifying and automatically intercepting numerous incoming ballistic missiles during different phases of their trajectories. However, the SDI failed to materialize due to factors like high costs, technical challenges, difficulties in testing, and conflicts with existing anti-ballistic missile treaties.

    Who Will Construct Golden Dome?

    Elon Musk’s SpaceX, alongside software firm Palantir and drone manufacturer Anduril, is positioned as a key player in developing essential components of the Golden Dome system.

    Many initial systems are anticipated to be sourced from existing production lines. During a recent White House press conference, L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and RTX Corp were mentioned as potential contractors for this extensive project.

    L3 has invested $150 million to expand its new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it produces Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor Satellites. These satellites are part of a Pentagon initiative aimed at improving detection and tracking of hypersonic weapons and could be adapted for the Golden Dome system.

    However, funding for Golden Dome remains uncertain. Some Republican lawmakers have proposed an initial investment of $25 billion as part of a broader $150 billion defense package; however, this funding is contingent on a contentious reconciliation bill facing significant opposition in Congress.

  • Trump Reveals $175 Billion Golden Dome Missile Defense Strategy

    Trump Reveals $175 Billion Golden Dome Missile Defense Strategy

    U.S. President Donald Trump announces the Golden Dome missile defense system with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office, Washington, D.C., May 20, 2025. — Reuters

    WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has unveiled a massive new defense initiative called the Golden Dome missile defense system.

    This ambitious project comes with a price tag of $175 billion and aims to protect the United States from missile threats by utilizing satellites in space. Trump emphasized that the system is intended to counter potential threats from nations such as China and Russia.

    During a press briefing at the White House, Trump confirmed that he has chosen a specific design for the missile defense shield and appointed U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein as the lead manager for this significant military program.

    “The Golden Dome will safeguard our homeland,” Trump stated from the Oval Office, noting that Canada has expressed interest in collaborating on the initiative.

    The project, which Trump initiated in January, seeks to establish a satellite network capable of detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming missiles. The defense system could involve the deployment of hundreds of satellites dedicated to missile detection and tracking.

    With a budget of $175 billion, the implementation of Golden Dome is expected to take several years and will likely encounter political challenges and funding uncertainties.

    Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the procurement process and the involvement of Trump ally Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which is emerging as a front-runner—alongside Palantir and Anduril—to construct key components of the defense system.

    The concept for Golden Dome is inspired by Israel’s land-based Iron Dome defense system, which protects the country from missile attacks. Trump’s Golden Dome is considerably more extensive, featuring a vast array of surveillance satellites and a separate fleet designed to intercept and eliminate offensive missiles shortly after launch.

    The Pentagon’s efforts to test and eventually acquire the missiles, systems, sensors, and satellites that will constitute the Golden Dome initiative were officially initiated with Tuesday’s announcement.

  • Ultimate Sword and Shield Setup for Monster Hunter Wilds

    Ultimate Sword and Shield Setup for Monster Hunter Wilds

    The Sword & Shield is one of the most recognizable and classic weapon options available in Monster Hunter Wilds. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, yet remarkably effective, making it a reliable choice for players of all skill levels.

    Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned player, the Sword & Shield is your go-to ally for smoother hunts. If you’re looking to take up the Sword & Shield and want to navigate the endgame with ease, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you build your character effectively.

    As Monster Hunter Wilds is a newer game, players are continuously fine-tuning their builds to maximize damage output. Therefore, the following Sword & Shield setup may undergo changes over time.

    Overview of Sword & Shield Build

    The Sword & Shield is very straightforward to wield, but setting up your build requires utilizing both the sword and the shield effectively. You will primarily rely on the sword for dealing damage, so stacking offensive buffs such as Critical Boost and Weakness Exploit is essential.

    For the shield, Offensive Guard is crucial as it provides a damage boost when you successfully block enemy attacks. Additionally, mastering the timing for perfect guarding and executing power clashes against monsters can be a game changer. As a general rule, using Offensive Guard can greatly enhance your combat effectiveness whenever you have a shield equipped.

    It’s also worth noting that Decorations are limited in Monster Hunter Wilds, categorized by armor and weapons, which means you will need to invest considerable time in farming to collect the necessary Decorations for this build.

    For the best loot, it’s advisable to farm Tempered Arkveld and Tempered Gore Magala.

    Sword & Shield Build Guide


    Sword and Shield build overview in Monster Hunter Wilds.

    Here’s an outline of the armor and Decorations for an endgame Sword & Shield setup:

    Gear Slot

    Gear Name

    Decorations

    Weapon

    Jager-Ankh (Gore Magala Weapon)

    Guardian/Dragon Jewel (3), Critical Jewel (2), Critical Jewel (1)

    Head

    G. Ebony Helm Beta (Guardian Odogaron Gear)

    Phoenix Jewel (2)

    Chest

    Arkvulcan Mail Beta (Arkveld Gear)

    Tenderizer Jewel (3), Phoenix Jewel (2)

    Hand

    G. Ebony Bracers Alpha (Guardian Odogaron Gear)

    –

    Waist

    Gore Coil Beta (Gore Magala Gear)

    Tenderizer Jewel (3), Phoenix Jewel (2)

    Legs

    Gore Greaves Beta (Gore Magala Gear)

    Chain Jewel (3), Sane Jewel (1) x2

    Charm

    Exploiter Charm 2

    –

    Your weapon choice should be the Jager-Ankh, a Sword & Shield from Gore Magala, featuring slots for one Level Three, one Level Two, and one Level One Jewel. Equip it with a Guardian/Dragon Jewel level three for Offensive Guard Level Three and Dragon Attack Level One. Using Critical Jewels will enhance your Critical Boost, which significantly increases your damage output. Alternatively, consider the Artian Sword & Shield for even better damage potential if you want to optimize further.

    If you’re looking to maximize Dragon Attack, you can swap out the Guardian/Dragon Jewel for a Dragon Jewel Level Three. However, maintaining the Offensive Guard buff is crucial for maximizing your shield’s effectiveness while blocking.

    In the head slot, select the G. Ebony Helm Beta, which comes with a single Level Two Jewel slot. Insert a Phoenix Jewel Two here, which grants the Coalescence buff to boost your elemental damage and status buildup when you cleanse debuffs. Battling monsters like Arkveld will frequently expose you to blights, making this skill easy to knock into action.

    For the chest piece, the Arkvulcan Mail Beta should be chosen due to its Level Three Jewel slot and Level Two Jewel slot. Insert a Tenderizer Jewel Level Three for Weakness Exploit and another Phoenix Jewel Level Two to raise the Coalescence level. This armor component also boasts an additional Weakness Exploit Level Two.


    Fighting Arkveld with Sword and Shield in Monster Hunter Wilds.

    In the hand slot, equip the G. Ebony Bracers Alpha for their Burst Level Two and Divine Blessing Level One. While there is no Decoration slot, the protective skills provided by this gear are paramount.

    For the waist slot, use Gore Coil Beta, which has a Level Three and a Level Two Jewel slot. Insert another Tenderizer Jewel Level Three and a Phoenix Jewel Level Two to enhance Weakness Exploit and Coalescence.

    Finally, for the leg slot, choose Gore Greaves Beta, allowing for the attachment of a Chain Jewel Level Three and two Level One Sane Jewels. The Chain Jewel Level Three boosts your Burst level, while the Sane Jewel adds the Antivirus buff. Alternatively, you can replace the Chain Jewel with a Challenger Jewel Level Three to gain the Agitator buff, enhancing both your attack and Affinity when monsters are enraged.

    The Exploiter Charm grants Weakness Exploit Level Two, maximizing your Affinity when targeting weak spots on monsters. If you prefer overall attack and Affinity rather than focusing on weak spots, consider the Challenger Charm 2 for its Agitator benefits.

    Gore Magala Gear provides the Black Eclipse buff, which inflicts Frenzy on the player. Clearing this Frenzy results in a 10% Affinity boost and triggers Antivirus, adding an additional 15% Affinity boost. To remove Frenzy, simply attack aggressively during battles.

    Skill Overview for Sword & Shield Build

    The key skills for the Sword & Shield build include:

    • Critical Boost Level 3
    • Offensive Guard Level 3
    • Critical Element Level 3
    • Dragon Attack Level 1
    • Weakness Exploit Level 5
    • Burst Level 5
    • Coalescence Level 3
    • Antivirus Level 3
    • Constitution Level 2
    • Divine Blessing Level 1
    • Flinch Free Level 1

    Tips for Mastering the Sword & Shield Build


    Performing Perfect Guard against Arkveld in Monster Hunter Wilds.

    The Sword & Shield is straightforward to master, primarily focusing on two aspects: parrying monster attacks and executing perfect guards. Successfully achieving this activates Offensive Guard, which greatly enhances your attack power.

    Additionally, you should practice some basic combos with your Sword & Shield to maintain consistent damage output against foes. The beauty of this weapon lies in its minimal risk while offering high rewards.

    A common issue with the Sword & Shield is that it loses Sharpness quickly. If you struggle with that, consider using Razor Sharp instead of Critical Boost. Otherwise, make sure to regularly sharpen your weapon to maintain its effectiveness.

    You enjoy the speed of Dual Blades along with the defensive capabilities of a Greatshield, but the advantage is that your combos and attacks require less commitment, which reduces your risk of taking fatal damage. If things start to get tense, blocking can keep you alive until you find a chance to heal.