Buckler

"Bucklers! Here's a tip - you'll need to FLANK them so your attacks aren't blocked by that shield of theirs! What's that? Okay, maybe that one WAS obvious, but did you know their dash can be explosive? Or that they're lucky shots? That they use Honey in combat? Hmm? Did you? Of course not! Lucky I'm here then."

- Beep-0

Bucklers are Rabbid enemies in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. They are large Rabbids that carry shields and blast guns. These guns fire in a cone-shaped arc, doing increasing damage based on how close their targets are. Their shots are capable of destroying Mega Blocks and inflicting status effects. Their shields protect them from frontal weapon attacks, forcing the heroes to attack from their unprotected sides and back; alternatively, they can bypass the shield with dashes, Team Jumps, and splash damage attacks. Also, when Bucklers are moving, they lower their shields thus leaving the enemies open to heroes' reaction shot techniques. Bucklers can also use an ability similar to Yoshi's Super Chance, giving themselves and nearby allies an aura that guarantees a critical hit on their next attack. However, Tropical Bucklers instead have the technique of Protection, shared with Valkyries and Princess Peach, reducing damage dealt to nearby enemies through partial absorption.

In the introductory cutscene, the Buckler is seen on top of a mountain, coming down by riding its shield. When it reaches the bottom it holds its shield up and points its Boomshot towards the player, followed by the introductory tagline appearing.

In the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC, they have no introductory cutscene. Instead, the camera simply zooms on them and shows the introductory tagline. Bucklers are the only enemies to have their introductory tagline shown in both the main game and the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC. This is due to the DLC being available from before the Bucklers introduction in Sherbet Desert in the main game, as the DLC is available after finishing Ancient Gardens.

Variants
There are four Buckler variants, one for each area apart from Ancient Gardens. As an exception, several Sherbet Bucklers do appear in Challenge 8 of said world.
 * Sherbet Buckler: Encountered in Sherbet Desert, this Buckler has 195 HP. Its gun, shield, and scarf are cactus themed with darker stripes. The shield also has ice and a fan on it. Their shots inflict the Honey status.
 * Spooky Buckler: Encountered in Spooky Trails, this 295 HP Buckler appears to be undead, with a pale body, glowing blue eyes, and black accessories. Their shots inflict the Push status.
 * Lava Buckler: The final Buckler variant is encountered in the Lava Pit, with a charred appearance, glowing orange eyes, orange accessories including a Bowser Jr. scarf, and 445 HP. Their shots inflict the Ink status.
 * Tropical Buckler: The Buckler variant for Donkey Kong Adventure. It wears a feathered headdress resembling a skull and shoulder plate resembling bones, and 170 HP. They can be encountered before their actual introduction in Sherbet Desert.

Trivia

 * If a Buckler is underground, its ears appear bigger than when it spawns.
 * The Buckler's name comes from a with the same name. However, the shield is actually very small, unlike the Buckler and its shield, which are both large.

Scudato