The Shield Build in Elden Ring: Dominating the Lands Between
Elden Ring, one of the most celebrated action RPGs of recent times, offers a vast and diverse world where players can tailor their builds to suit a variety of playstyles. For those who prefer defense and adaptability, the Shield Build is an excellent choice, allowing players to block attacks, absorb damage, and dish out potent strikes all while maintaining a formidable defense. If you want to dominate the Lands Between with a nearly indomitable shield, this guide will break down the essential mechanics, weapons, talismans, stat allocation, and Elden Ring Runes strategies that make this build effective.
The Shield Build in Elden Ring revolves around creating an unbreakable defense while simultaneously maintaining offensive pressure. The combination of shield mechanics and effective weapon choices allows players to stay safe and control the flow of combat. We’ll explore the core components of this build, how to utilize the best gear, and strategies for tackling various in-game challenges. Additionally, for those looking to speed up their journey to acquiring the necessary gear and Elden Ring Runes, MMOEXP offers a variety of helpful resources, including Elden Ring Items to boost your build’s potential.
The Main Attraction: Carrying and Thrusting Shield
At the heart of the Shield Build is the Carrying and Thrusting Shield, an unsung hero of the game’s shield inventory. This shield is known for its versatility, offering both defensive and offensive advantages. While traditional shields are purely for defense, the Carrying and Thrusting Shield offers the added bonus of being able to execute powerful thrusting attacks, all without consuming stamina. This unique feature allows players to balance both attack and defense without ever letting up.
The Carrying and Thrusting Shield’s attacks are an essential part of this build because they allow players to maintain offensive pressure while still protecting themselves from incoming attacks. The thrusting motion is quick, efficient, and deals substantial damage. With the proper Ash of War, this shield becomes not only a defensive tool but also an offensive powerhouse.
Weapon Choice: Flame Skewer Ash of War
The next key element in the Shield Build is the Flame Skewer Ash of War. This powerful addition enhances your damage output while adding a fiery element to your thrusting attacks. The Flame Skewer is particularly valuable because it can deal a massive amount of damage, with fully charged attacks hitting over 8,000 points of damage. This damage output is significant enough to take down even the most formidable foes with a single, well-timed strike.
The Flame Skewer works wonderfully with the Carrying and Thrusting Shield, allowing you to use your shield to block while simultaneously launching charged thrusts that can break through enemy defenses. This synergy between shield and Ash of War gives players the unique ability to dominate combat, both by absorbing damage and unleashing powerful counterattacks.
Pairing the Flame Skewer with a two-handed sword like the Talman further amplifies the damage potential. The two-handed sword provides an additional boost to your strength-based attacks, maximizing your damage potential and ensuring that your Flame Skewer attacks are as powerful as possible.
Talismans That Enhance Your Build
Talismans are one of the most important aspects of any build in Elden Ring. For the Shield Build, certain talismans will significantly enhance your damage output, defense, and mobility. Here are the three talismans that complement this build the most:
Great-Jar's Arsenal: This talisman boosts your equip load, allowing you to wear heavier gear without sacrificing mobility. The Shield Build requires a high level of stamina and durability, so this talisman ensures that you can wear heavy armor, maintain a solid defense, and still move effectively.
Shard of Alexander: One of the best talismans for Ash of War-based builds, the Shard of Alexander amplifies the damage of your Flame Skewer and other Ash of War attacks. This talisman makes your thrusting attacks hit harder, ensuring that every strike you land does maximum damage.
Spears Talisman: The Spears Talisman increases the effectiveness of thrusting attacks, making your charged thrusts even more devastating. This talisman ensures that your thrusts not only deal more damage but also maintain their reach and effectiveness, allowing you to break through enemy lines more easily.
Stat Allocation for Maximum Effectiveness
At level 200, the following stat distribution should be considered for the Shield Build. These allocations ensure that your character is optimized for defense, stamina management, and damage output:
60 Vigor: Vigor is critical for surviving the harsh battles that are inevitable in Elden Ring. With 60 Vigor, you’ll have a substantial amount of health, making it easier to survive even the most brutal attacks.
40 Endurance: Endurance directly impacts your stamina, which is vital for both blocking and attacking. At 40 Endurance, you’ll have enough stamina to absorb damage, perform multiple attacks, and evade incoming strikes when necessary.
80 Strength: Strength is the cornerstone of any shield-based build. By maxing out 80 Strength, you ensure that your attacks—especially those with the Flame Skewer Ash of War—are as powerful as possible. This allows you to wield heavy weapons and deal high damage, while also boosting the effectiveness of your shield-based thrusts.
55 Dexterity: While strength is your primary focus, 55 Dexterity ensures that your thrusting attacks scale well, increasing their damage output. This makes your thrusts more effective and gives you greater control over your offensive capabilities.
18 Intelligence: A modest investment in Intelligence provides additional utility. This small boost allows you to potentially use utility-based spells and items, improving your survivability and overall effectiveness in combat.
Crafting Your Strategy: The Art of Combat
Mastering the Shield Build involves more than just equipping the right gear; it requires careful tactics and well-timed decisions. Here are some key strategies for success in both solo and multiplayer scenarios:
Engage in Combat
The core strategy when engaging in combat with the Shield Build is to always start with your shield raised. Use your Carrying and Thrusting Shield to absorb incoming attacks while maintaining offensive pressure with thrusting strikes. This allows you to whittle down enemy health without compromising your own safety. Additionally, since the Carrying and Thrusting Shield allows for attacking while blocking, you’ll be able to maintain a constant offensive stance without worrying about losing your defensive advantage.
Utilize Healing Items
It’s essential to stock up on Hefty Rock Pots and Flask of Wondrous Physick to stay topped off during fights. Rock Pots serve a dual purpose—they can deal damage to enemies and create distractions, allowing you to reposition or heal. The Flask of Wondrous Physick provides a boost to your health or other stats, ensuring that you stay in fighting shape during lengthy battles.
Invasion Tactics
When invading enemy players, use the defensive capabilities of your shield to absorb their attacks while waiting for an opportunity to strike. Look for openings in your opponent’s defense, especially when they overcommit to an attack. If they make a mistake or leave themselves open, counter with a charged Flame Skewer for devastating damage.
Team Play
In cooperative play, the Shield Build excels as a tank. You will act as the frontline, absorbing enemy damage and protecting your allies. Keep your shield up at all times, and use your thrusting attacks to weaken enemies while your teammates deal with other threats. This defensive role is crucial in ensuring your team’s survival in tougher encounters.
Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them
Dealing with Magic Users
When facing off against magic users, it’s important to maintain distance while strategically closing the gap. Use your shield to block incoming spells, then retaliate with thrusting attacks once you’re in range. Be mindful of the enemy’s spells and dodge when necessary, but always keep your shield ready for protection.
Handling Multiple Opponents
In group battles, positioning is key. Stay close to your allies, but keep an eye on enemy movements to avoid getting overwhelmed. Use your shield to absorb damage and create openings for your team to strike. In these chaotic situations, the Shield Build's ability to control the battlefield is invaluable.
Recovery After Close Calls
If you find yourself low on health, use the Flask of Wondrous Physick to recover while avoiding enemy fire. Be sure to time your healing properly, as standing still can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
Conclusion
The Shield Build in Elden Ring is a powerful and effective strategy for players who prefer a balanced approach to combat, combining offense and defense. The Carrying and Thrusting Shield, paired with the Flame Skewer Ash of War, creates an unrelenting offense, while talismans like Great-Jar's Arsenal, Shard of Alexander, and Spears Talisman enhance your survivability and damage output.
This build is particularly well-suited for players who enjoy tanking in both solo and multiplayer modes. By mastering the mechanics of defense and learning how to strike when the opportunity arises, you’ll become a formidable force in the Lands Between.
For those looking to further enhance their build, MMOEXP offers a range of Elden Ring Items and Elden Ring Runes to help you level up your character and acquire the best gear faster. No matter where you are on your journey, with the right tools and cheap Elden Ring Items strategies, you’ll be able to conquer the toughest foes in the game.
