Guns and Shields Necessary?

[Bib Fortuna]

Or are they just for different play styles? I'm at the rank 4 content and have honestly never really used either. Sometimes get into gun mode on accident but never use it. Do shields help with defense if you don't ever use it to block?

Thanks!

BTW, I'm playing this on Switch in case you go profile diving.

[Nikana]

shield give you defense even you're not blocking. for guns. it's better to use some type of bullets that your melee weapon doesn't have. it's also for playstyles or roles.

[RexEviL]

Shields
1- Shields give % damage reduction when its up.
2- Shield def is and type gives you damage reduction while you aren't shielding
3- Heavier Shield consumes more stamina when diving, 6-4-3 respectively if I remember right.
4- Heavier Shields have longer deployment rate, which means perfect block takes longer to execute
5- Perfect Block, regardless of your shield type, it completely ignores damage received. It can also stop Ash Aragami Devours.
6- You can perfect block with either normal way or after 0.1 seconds of dive.
Even if you don't use block, diving will allow you to catch up to aragami or run from it.

Guns
You can play just fine without ever using them.
I highly recommed r7 sniper final judgement for its 4 slots.
Guns will make your life easier in time attacks or certification mission, Having trouble with aragami? shot at its head, it will break bonds and you can melee it.

[Maximilion13]

it depends on your playstyle. u can of course play only with melee, no guns no shield use and do it perfect without getting any damage or using any item, some people can do it, but it will be really hard to do every missions just like that.
I'm sure u will find a reason to use them on one mission.