Shields in Elden Ring are more diverse than in any previous FromSoftware game. There are small shields, medium shields, greatshields, and unique shields with special abilities. This guide ranks every shield type and identifies the best shields for each play style.
How Shields Work
Shields in Elden Ring have four key stats:
- Guard Boost: how much Stamina is consumed when blocking.
- Physical Defense: how much physical damage is blocked.
- Magic/Fire/Lightning/Holy Defense: how much elemental damage is blocked.
- Weight: affects equip load and roll speed.
Shields can be infused with Ashes of War to add unique skills like Barricade Shield or Carian Retaliation.
S Tier: Best Shields
Brass Shield
The Brass Shield is the best all-around small shield. It has 100% physical block, decent elemental defenses, and moderate weight.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 56, Fire 56, Lightning 56, Holy 56, Guard Boost 65.
How to get: Found in the Bridge of Sacrifice area.
Great Turtle Shield
The Great Turtle Shield is a greatshield with unique skill "Barricade Shield" that blocks multiple attacks without Stamina drain.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 60, Fire 60, Lightning 60, Holy 60, Guard Boost 80.
How to get: Dropped by the Bull Goat boss.
Erdtree Greatshield
The Erdtree Greatshield is the best greatshield in the game. It has very high defenses and the "Erdtree Heal" skill.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 81, Fire 81, Lightning 81, Holy 81, Guard Boost 78.
How to get: Dropped by the Erdtree Avatar boss.
Fingerprint Shield
The Fingerprint Shield is a unique greatshield with the highest Stability in the game. It blocks almost all damage without consuming much Stamina.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 64, Fire 64, Lightning 64, Holy 64, Guard Boost 90.
How to get: Dropped by the Vyke boss.
A Tier: Strong Choices
Heater Shield
The Heater Shield is a reliable medium shield with balanced defenses.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 58, Fire 58, Lightning 58, Holy 58, Guard Boost 56.
How to get: Starting shield for the Warrior class.
Kite Shield
The Kite Shield is a versatile medium shield with good defenses.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 50, Fire 50, Lightning 50, Holy 50, Guard Boost 54.
How to get: Found in the Stormveil Castle area.
Banished Knight's Shield
The Banished Knight's Shield is a medium shield with high defense and low weight.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 56, Fire 56, Lightning 56, Holy 56, Guard Boost 60.
How to get: Dropped by the Banished Knight enemies.
Haligtree Shield
The Haligtree Shield is a medium shield with high Holy resistance.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 64, Fire 58, Lightning 58, Holy 81, Guard Boost 65.
How to get: Found in the Haligtree area.
B Tier: Reliable Mid-Tier
Beast Crest Heater Shield
The Beast Crest Heater Shield is a medium shield with low weight.
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 50, Fire 50, Lightning 50, Holy 50, Guard Boost 50.
How to get: Found in the Stormhill area.
Brood Shield
The Brood Shield is a small shield with decent defenses and the unique skill "Beast Claw."
Stats: Physical 100, Magic 50, Fire 50, Lightning 50, Holy 50, Guard Boost 50.
How to get: Dropped by the Beastman enemies.
Carian Knight's Shield
The Carian Knight's Shield is a medium shield with high magic resistance.
Stats: Physical 92, Magic 84, Fire 56, Lightning 56, Holy 56, Guard Boost 52.
How to get: Found in the Caria Manor area.
Best Shields for Each Build
Strength Build
Fingerprint Shield or Erdtree Greatshield. Both have high Stability.
Dexterity Build
Brass Shield or Banished Knight's Shield. Both have low weight.
Faith Build
Haligtree Shield or Erdtree Greatshield. Both have high Holy resistance.
Intelligence Build
Carian Knight's Shield or Carian Retaliation shield. Both have high magic resistance.
Best Shield Ashes of War
Barricade Shield
Reduces Stamina consumption when blocking. Essential for tank builds.
Carian Retaliation
Returns magic damage to attackers. Excellent for magic-resist builds.
Shield Grease
Applies elemental grease to your shield. Useful for status effects.
No Skill
Sometimes the best Ash of War is no skill. Use this for pure block builds.
Common Mistakes
- Don't use heavy shields on Dexterity builds. You will fat roll.
- Don't block magic with physical shields. Use magic-resist shields.
- Don't forget about Stability. Higher Stability means more blocks.
Best Shield for PvP
For PvP, the Brass Shield is the best small shield. Its low weight and decent defenses make it perfect for fast-rolling characters.
For tanky PvP builds, the Fingerprint Shield is the best greatshield. Its high Stability lets you block almost any attack.
Best Shield for PvE
For PvE, the Erdtree Greatshield is the best choice. Its high defenses and Erdtree Heal skill make it perfect for tanking bosses.
Final Tips
- Infuse your shield with the right Ash of War for your build.
- Always carry a backup shield for different situations.
- Practice parrying. Parrying is more effective than blocking.
With this tier list, you will know which shield to use in every situation and how to maximize its effectiveness.