In Elden Ring, shields are essential for blocking damage, parrying attacks, and enhancing survivability in combat. With a vast selection of shields available, players can choose between Small Shields, Medium Shields, Greatshields, and Thrusting Shields, each offering unique benefits and playstyles.
This guide will break down all shield types, their advantages, and key choices for different builds. Whether you’re a nimble duelist, a defensive tank, or a strategic caster, there’s a shield that suits your journey through the Lands Between.
Table of Contents
- 1 Shield Types in Elden Ring
- 2 Small Shields – Best for Parrying & Agility
- 3 Medium Shields – The Perfect Balance
- 4 Greatshields – The Ultimate Tanking Option
- 5 Thrusting Shields – A Hybrid Defense & Offense Tool
- 6 Choosing the Right Shield for Your Build
- 7 Boost Your Elden Ring Experience with GladiatorBoost
- 8 Final Thoughts
Shield Types in Elden Ring
Each shield category in Elden Ring serves a different purpose:
- Small Shields: Lightweight, quick, and ideal for parrying but offer minimal defense.
- Medium Shields: A balance between mobility and protection, suited for most builds.
- Greatshields: Heavy but provide unmatched damage mitigation, perfect for tank builds.
- Thrusting Shields: A unique hybrid category introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, allowing both blocking and offensive thrusting attacks.
Small Shields – Best for Parrying & Agility
Small Shields are the lightest option, designed for quick movement and parrying enemy attacks. While they don’t provide substantial damage negation, their fast equip speed makes them excellent for dexterity-based builds.
Notable Small Shields:
- Buckler – One of the best parrying shields with an extended parry window.
- Coil Shield – Releases poison mist, great for applying poison effects.
- Shield of Night – Provides a unique balance between weight and defense, with a sleek design.
- Smoldering Shield – Offers slight fire resistance, useful against fire-based enemies.
🔹 Best For: Players who prioritize parrying and agility over blocking.
Medium Shields – The Perfect Balance
Medium Shields are the most versatile, providing solid defense while maintaining mobility. They work well in most builds, making them the go-to choice for many Tarnished exploring Elden Ring.
Notable Medium Shields:
- Brass Shield – One of the best early-game shields with high stability.
- Great Turtle Shell – Boosts stamina recovery, perfect for aggressive playstyles.
- Carian Knight’s Shield – Great for mage builds, offering both physical and magic defense.
- Silver Mirrorshield – Offers high resistance to magic damage.
🔹 Best For: Players seeking a balance of mobility, stability, and blocking power.
Greatshields – The Ultimate Tanking Option
Greatshields are for tanks and defensive players who want to absorb damage without staggering. While they’re heavy, their superior damage negation and stability make them excellent for blocking even the toughest attacks.
Notable Greatshields:
- Dragonclaw Shield – Offers incredible lightning resistance, great against dragons.
- Erdtree Greatshield – Reflects incoming attacks using a special skill.
- Fingerprint Stone Shield – The heaviest shield, but provides unmatched poise and stability.
- Visage Shield – Fires flames from its surface, turning defense into offense.
🔹 Best For: Strength-focused builds that want to block everything without flinching.
Thrusting Shields – A Hybrid Defense & Offense Tool
A new category introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, Thrusting Shields allow both blocking and attacking, making them a unique choice for players who like offensive-defensive gameplay.
Notable Thrusting Shields:
- Carian Thrusting Shield – Integrates magic scaling, great for sorcerers.
- Dueling Shield – A balanced shield with strong thrusting attacks.
🔹 Best For: Players who prefer aggressive counterattacks while still having solid defense.
Choosing the Right Shield for Your Build
Your shield choice should match your playstyle and build:
- Parry Enthusiasts: Buckler, Iron Roundshield
- Balanced Fighters: Brass Shield, Carian Knight’s Shield
- Tank Builds: Fingerprint Stone Shield, Erdtree Greatshield
- Magic Defense: Silver Mirrorshield, Carian Thrusting Shield
- Hybrid Offense/Defense: Dueling Shield, Visage Shield
Whether you’re dodging, blocking, or parrying, your shield can define your survivability and combat effectiveness in Elden Ring.
Boost Your Elden Ring Experience with GladiatorBoost
Mastering Elden Ring takes time, skill, and patience. If you need help farming shields, leveling up, or clearing difficult bosses, GladiatorBoost’s Elden Ring Boosting services can provide professional assistance to help you conquer the toughest challenges in the Lands Between. Don’t struggle alone—get expert help today!
Final Thoughts
Shields in Elden Ring are more than just defensive tools—they shape how you approach combat. Whether you prefer nimble parrying, steady blocking, or an impenetrable fortress, there’s a shield tailored for you.
Experiment with different shields to find the one that best fits your build, playstyle, and adventure through the Lands Between.
Which shield is your favorite? Let us know!
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