In Elden Ring, shields are essential tools for players who want to play defensively, offering the ability to block attacks, reduce damage taken, and provide tactical advantages during combat. With a variety of shields to choose from, some stand out for their unique abilities, special moves, and superior defense. Whether you're early in the game or tackling end-game content, having the right shield can significantly enhance your survival. Here are some of the best shields in Elden Ring and where you can find them.

1. Beast Crest Heater Shield

Location: Near Stormveil Castle in Limgrave

This is one of the best early-game shields in Elden Ring. It blocks 100% of physical damage and offers decent elemental resistance, making it an excellent choice for new players. With only 10 strength required to wield it, it's accessible to most starting classes. You can find it in a chest guarded by enemies east of Stormveil Castle.

2. Brass Shield

Location: Dropped by Godrick Soldiers

The Brass Shield offers superior defense compared to other early-game shields, with better protection and reduced stamina consumption after blocking. However, it's harder to acquire due to its low drop rate from Godrick Soldiers. If you're lucky enough to obtain it, it becomes an incredibly valuable asset early in your adventure. It requires 16 strength to wield.

3. Great Turtle Shell

Location: Weeping Peninsula, on top of a tower

This shield doesn't offer complete physical protection, but it provides a passive boost to stamina recovery. It's especially useful for players who wield two-handed weapons while using the shield for its passive buff. You can find it by jumping onto a tower with Torrent in the Weeping Peninsula.

4. Carian Knight's Shield

Location: Dropped by Moongrum in Raya Lucaria Academy

If you're struggling against magic-wielding enemies, the Carian Knight's Shield is your best bet. Offering some of the highest magic damage negation in the game, it's perfect for encounters with spellcasters like Rennala. To wield it, you'll need 15 intelligence. It's a great choice for players who want to minimize magic damage while focusing on offensive combat.

5. Visage Shield

Location: Caelem Ruins, Caelid

The Visage Shield is a massive Greatshield with a unique skill: it doubles as a flamethrower! You can use this shield to spread fire in front of you, dealing significant damage to groups of enemies or staggering tough opponents. You'll find it after defeating the duo Mad Pumpkin Head bosses in Caelem Ruins. Be prepared for its heavy weight and high strength requirement, but it's a fun and powerful option for fire-based offense.

6. Icon Shield

Location: Woodfolk Ruins, Altus Plateau

Though the Icon Shield doesn't offer full physical protection (blocking only 95% of physical damage), it has a passive health regeneration effect. This makes it ideal for prolonged exploration or traversing poisonous areas. If you have enough weight capacity, you can carry it on your back for a constant health boost, reducing the need for healing flasks.

7. Erdtree Greatshield

Location: Dropped by the duo Tree Sentinels in Altus Plateau

The Erdtree Greatshield is exceptional for defending against both physical and magical damage. Its special ability allows you to parry spells, reflecting a powerful projectile back at the caster. This makes it perfect for players who are proficient with timing and want to counter magical enemies effectively. To obtain it, you'll need to defeat the Tree Sentinels guarding a path in Altus Plateau.

8. Jellyfish Shield

Location: Liurnia of the Lakes

The Jellyfish Shield offers full physical protection and increases your attack power by 20% when using its special ability, making it a great tool for players who want to stack buffs for extra damage. You can find it inside a wagon in Liurnia of the Lakes, and the shield is a versatile choice for both defense and offense.

9. Fingerprint Stone Shield

Location: Leyndell, underground

The Fingerprint Stone Shield boasts the highest defensive stats of any shield in the game, making it a go-to for players who want to turn themselves into an immovable fortress. It trivializes most attacks when upgraded, but obtaining it is no easy feat. First, you must defeat Morgott, and then navigate a challenging jumping puzzle. The effort is well worth it for the protection this shield provides.

10. One-Eyed Shield

Location: Guardian's Garrison, Mountaintops of the Giants

The One-Eyed Shield is unique in that it acts as both a shield and a long-range weapon. Its special skill, Flame Spit, fires a powerful projectile that can deal significant damage from a distance. This makes it ideal for strength builds who want to combine defense and offense without sacrificing either.

Each shield in Elden Ring serves different playstyles and strategies, whether you're looking for heavy protection, passive buffs, or powerful offensive abilities. Finding the right shield can make a significant difference in your journey through the Lands Between.

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