Elden Ring is a brutal game, where even the weakest enemies can devastate your health bar if you’re not careful. While dodging and parrying are essential skills, sometimes you just need an impenetrable defenseβand that’s where Greatshields come in.
These massive shields absorb damage like a fortress wall, making them essential for tanking attacks from bosses, defending against magic, and breaking enemy poise. However, not all Greatshields are created equal.
This guide ranks every Greatshield in Elden Ring, from the best tanking options to the weakest choices, so you can find the perfect fit for your strength build, tank setup, or PvP strategy.
Table of Contents
How Greatshields Work in Elden Ring
Greatshields are the heaviest shields in the game, offering the highest Guard Boost and damage negation. These shields excel at:
β Blocking 100% physical damage
β High resistance to elemental attacks
β Reducing stamina consumption on block
β Using powerful shield-based skills like Shield Bash & Shield Crash
However, they also have drawbacks:
β High Strength requirements
β Can slow movement & cause heavy equip load
β Require high stamina for blocking consecutive attacks
π‘ Pro Tip: If you’re running a heavy tank build, make sure to level up Endurance to avoid fat rolling while wearing the heaviest Greatshields and armor.
S-Tier β The Best Greatshields in Elden Ring
These Greatshields are the strongest in the game, offering high defense, great passive effects, and excellent Guard Boost. If you’re looking for the absolute best, these are your top choices.
1. Fingerprint Stone Shield
π Best for: Maximum defense & tanking in PvP/PvE
- 100% Physical Damage Negation
- Highest elemental resistance
- 81 Guard Boost (Reduces stamina loss on block)
- Causes 50 Madness build-up when attacking
- Heaviest shield in the game (Weight: 29.0)
π‘οΈ Why Itβs S-Tier:
- Unrivaled defensive power, making it nearly impossible to stagger
- Best shield for pure tank builds
- Still dominant in PvP despite nerfs
π‘ Location: Found in the Cathedral of the Forsaken in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds (Leyndell, Royal Capital).
2. Black Steel Greatshield (DLC β Shadow of the Erdtree)
π Best for: Blocking Holy & Physical damage
- 100% Physical Damage Negation
- High Holy resistance (84 base, 105 infused with Sacred)
- Weight: 19.5
π‘οΈ Why Itβs S-Tier:
- Best Greatshield for Holy damage resistance, making it ideal against bosses like Radagon
- Can be farmed from Black Knights in the DLC
π‘ Location: Dropped by Black Knight Garrew at Fog Rift Fort in Shadow of the Erdtree.
3. Verdigris Greatshield (DLC β Shadow of the Erdtree)
π Best for: High Guard Boost & AoE crowd control
- 90 Guard Boost at +10 (Highest in the game)
- Moore’s Charge Skill: AoE knockdown attack
- Weight: 28.0 | Strength Requirement: 49 (Highest in-game)
π‘οΈ Why Itβs S-Tier:
- Best Guard Boost of any Greatshield, making it ideal for turtling builds
- Mooreβs Charge can knock down multiple enemies in PvE and PvP
- Second heaviest shield in the game, making it a true tankβs shield
π‘ Location: Dropped by Moore in Shadow of the Erdtree.
4. Eclipse Crest Greatshield
π Best for: Magic resistance & well-balanced defense
- Blocks 72% Magic Damage
- Boosts Immunity, Robustness, and Focus by +50
- Weight: 15.0
π‘οΈ Why Itβs S-Tier:
- Best Greatshield for Magic resistance
- High Guard Boost (67), making blocking very efficient
- Lightweight for a Greatshield, making it more viable for different builds
π‘ Location: Dropped by specific enemies in the game (Altus Plateau & Leyndell).
A-Tier β Strong & Reliable Greatshields
These Greatshields offer excellent defense but may have slightly lower Guard Boost or require specific builds to shine.
5. Golden Greatshield
π Best for: Early-mid game tank builds
- Guard Boost: 78 (High for its weight)
- Weight: 17.0
π‘οΈ Why Itβs A-Tier:
- Strong elemental resistance & balanced weight
- Easier to farm than other S-Tier shields
π‘ Location: Dropped by Leyndell Knights in Altus Plateau & Leyndell.
6. Dragonclaw Shield
π Best for: Strength builds with Lightning resistance
- Weight: 13.5
- Blocks 70% Lightning damage
- Comes with Shield Bash skill for counterattacks
π‘ Location: Dropped by Dragonclaw Knights in Crumbling Farum Azula.
B-Tier β Situational Greatshields
These Greatshields have solid stats but are outclassed by higher-tier options.
7. One-Eyed Shield
π Best for: Ranged tank builds
- Shoots explosive fireballs (Flame Spit skill)
- Good fire resistance
π‘ Location: Dropped by a Fire Giant enemy in the Mountaintop of the Giants.
8. Redmane Greatshield
π Best for: Fire resistance
- Blocks 85% Fire damage
- Lightweight compared to other Greatshields
π‘ Location: Dropped by Redmane Knights in Caelid.
C-Tier β Weakest Greatshields
These Greatshields have major flaws, making them less viable for serious builds.
9. Icon Shield
π Best for: Passive HP regeneration
- Recovers 3 HP per second
- Weak physical damage negation (95%)
π‘ Location: Looted from a corpse in Altus Plateau.
10. Briar Greatshield
π Best for: Blood Loss builds
- Causes 70 Blood Loss build-up
- Weak physical & elemental defense
π‘ Location: Found in the Mountaintop of the Giants.
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Final Thoughts
Greatshields are game-changers for tanking damage, resisting magic, and breaking enemy poise in Elden Ring. Whether you’re a PvE tank or a PvP fortress, this tier list ensures you choose the best shield for your build.
Now, grab your Greatshield, face the Lands Between, and stand unshaken against any foe!
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