Shielded3

Shielded3 is the boss variant of the Chapter 3 Shield buff, granting 7 points of non-stacking Shield that regenerates at the start of each round. The boss's health is reduced by 20% in compensation. The Shield absorbs incoming damage first, and any damage that does not fully deplete the 7-point barrier in a given round is effectively lost since the Shield resets. The boss has a blue tint indicating the active Shield.

Seven points of Shield per round is a moderate barrier for a boss fight, but it adds up over many rounds. If your team deals inconsistent damage, some rounds will fail to break through the Shield at all, resulting in zero progress. This is especially frustrating on bosses with complex attack patterns that force your team to spend turns dodging instead of attacking, since fewer attack actions means less chance of breaking the barrier each round.

Reliable, consistent damage output is more important than occasional burst when facing Shielded3 bosses. Ensure your team can break through 7 Shield every round, even on rounds where you lose actions to dodging or healing. Marked status bypasses the Shield entirely. Have a designated Shield-breaker cat that attacks first each round, followed by your damage dealers. The 20% health reduction means the total health damage needed to kill the boss is lower, rewarding teams that can consistently punch through the barrier.