Why Can’t I Equip a Medium Shield in ARC Raiders?

If you’re confused and wondering why you can’t equip a medium shield in ARC Raiders, don’t worry; you’re not missing something obvious. This is one of the most common questions new and mid-game players ask. You finally find a Medium Shield, try to equip it, and the game simply refuses. There’s no clear error message and no helpful hint: just frustration.

So let’s clear it up and explain Arc Raiders and why you can’t equip a medium shield in the simplest way possible.

Shields Are Locked Behind Augments

The main reason you can’t equip a medium shield in Arc Raiders is Augment restrictions. In Arc Raiders, shields are not equipped freely. Instead, they are controlled by the Augment you’re using.

At the start of the game, most players only have Augments that support Light Shield Compatibility. That’s why you can’t equip medium shield Arc Raiders, which becomes a problem the moment you pick up better gear. To use a Medium or Heavy Shield, you must equip an Augment that specifically allows it.

Understanding Shield Compatibility

Each Augment has a Shield Compatibility stat. This tells you exactly which shields you can equip:

• Light only
• Light + Medium
• Light + Medium + Heavy

If your Augment only supports Light shields, then Arc Raiders can’t use medium shield, no matter how many Medium Shields you own. This system exists to control power growth and keep early gameplay balanced. Fix multiplayer issues with the Arc Raiders crossplay not working guide if the game isn’t behaving. Dive into our guide for details. 

Why Medium and Heavy Shields Matter

Players often ask Arc Raiders, “Why can’t I equip medium shield?” because Medium Shields are a big upgrade. They offer:

• Higher shield charge
• Better damage reduction
• Longer survival in tough fights

However, there’s a downside. Heavier shields slow you down. That tradeoff is why the game doesn’t unlock them instantly. Unlock better Augments by collecting crafting items from Arc Raiders materials for sale at MitchCactus. Hurry and grab these now!

Movement Speed and Skills

Another reason why you can’t equip a medium shield in Arc Raiders, which feels frustrating, is the movement speed. Medium and Heavy Shields reduce mobility, which can be deadly if you’re not prepared.

To balance this, you should invest skill points into Used to the Weight in the Conditioning skill tree. This skill helps reduce the movement penalty and makes heavier shields more practical. Without this, you can’t equip a medium shield. Arc Raiders might feel like the game is protecting you from making things harder.

Track achievements using the Arc Raiders Trophy Display Project for long-term goals. Learn how to do so through our guide. 

Progression Is Part of the Design

Arc Raiders wants you to grow slowly. That’s why you can’t use medium shield early on. Light Shields are enough for starting zones, but tougher enemies demand better protection later. Once you find or craft a better Augment, the medium shield stops being a problem entirely.

How to Fix It Fast

If you’re still stuck wondering why you can’t equip a medium shield in Arc Raiders, follow these steps:

• Check your current Augment.
• Look for Shield Compatibility stats.
• Equip an Augment that supports Medium Shields.
• Re-equip your shield.

That’s it. No bug and no glitch. Just a system that the game doesn’t explain very well.

If you want faster progress and stronger gear, upgrade your combat options with Arc Raiders weapons for sale to survive tougher encounters.

In short, equipping a medium shield in Arc Raiders is all about Augments, progression, and balance. Get the right Augment, invest in movement skills, and Medium Shields become a powerful upgrade instead of a mystery.