# Shields

<mark style="color:blue;">Shields</mark> are protective skills that guard your alpaca against incoming [<mark style="color:purple;">**Debuffs**</mark>](https://docs.almightyalpacas.com/readme/skills/debuffs). By activating <mark style="color:blue;">Shields</mark>, you can maintain your alpaca's performance and prevent opponents from gaining an advantage.