Board Thread:Suggestions/@comment-29781728-20190412235056

Summary
In addition to being usable as a melee weapon, the Riot Shield would provide complete stun immunity to indirect explosions you're facing, and 90% explosive damage reduction. Complete damage immunity, similar to melee immunity, is provided if clawing zombies (e.g normal, Edgar, Digger) attack from the front. As it should be, you are completely vulnerable to attacks from behind, but direct explosive hits (close-range Elemental, full hit Brute club) will still stun you, Leapers can pin you, Stalkers can grab, Elementals can still shock or burn through contact or ranged attack. Edgars and Diggers can not stun / suffocate through the shield. Teammates standing behind you that are in explosion radius will not be stunned or take damage from explosions.

While holding the Riot Shield, you can pull out your secondary gun, but with a 75% accuracy penalty, and no ADS ability. Right clicking with your gun out will perform a normal melee with the shield, left clicking will fire. Press 1 to de-equip and properly hold your gun.

If you get pinned or stunned while holding the Riot Shield, 50% damage reduction is applied to all damage taken while disabled.

OPTIONAL: You receive $10 for every 100 damage blocked.

Banned in all non-zombie gamemodes.

Background Story
Salvaged shields from fallen police forces were refurbished. I don't want to write.

Reasoning
A primary melee weapon would be a very cool addition to the game, but I don't think any typical melee deserves the position. The best fit likely would have been the Katana, but as it's already been relegated to its secondary position, that option is off the table. The main issue with the Riot Shield is not balance, but difficulty to create and add to the game, but I think it will be worth it and open up new playstyles. Additionally, this would be a great alternative if people are tired of getting stunned over and over again, and not only helps solo survivors, but also provides an incentive to assist your team. I feel like loadout options need to be diversified from simply big gun + big gun or big gun + big melee, and this would be a great change of pace. Also, smacking zombies with a giant shield and then finishing them off sounds cool.

Anyway, the weapon itself is quite balanced and requires skill to use. Sure, now your primary doesn't require you to aim, but you need to play properly to not expose your backside. Sitting in a corner is an option, but no one wants to play like that in R2DA, and the weakness to direct explosions means you can't just sit there forever.

Unlocked at the same rank as Mini Uzis to synergize with them. Don't ask how you're going to shoot both Uzis (or Peacemakers) while holding a giant shield. Let's say it's attached to your arm. 