The player’s health is calculated based on current level, breastplate crafting level, and added Health Points from the equipped shield.
Your health regenerates anytime you are removed from conflict. In combat, your health regenerates once you own the Regeneration ability.
The health bar is made up of three equal sections. If your health dips into the middle section, it can rebuild to only two full sections. If it dips into the final segment, it may regenerate to only one full section. Therefore, for a prolonged battle, you really want to avoid losing more than one section of health—fleeing to safety before allowing it to dip that far. Keeping your health in the upper third can go a long way when battling tougher foes.
Shields make you more resistant to damage by increasing your Health Points. Hold up your shield by activating Shield Lock to negate all or part of an enemy’s attack. The Shield Charge ability allows you to run at your target and bash with the shield. This consumes adrenaline, so use it sparingly.
When facing a soldier with a shield, you typically have to perform a shield break before attacking from the front. (Certain weapons can push shields out of the way.) With the Charge Heavy Attack ability, you can charge a heavy attack—allowing you to break any size shield, including a tower shield. This move leaves you briefly vulnerable, so time it well.
