Greatshield Soldier Ashes: A Guide for Tarnished

In the vast and unforgiving world of Elden Ring, the Greatshield Soldier Ashes are a formidable summoning option that can bolster your defenses and turn the tide of battle in your favor. These spectral warriors wield massive shields and powerful weapons, rendering them capable of absorbing immense amounts of damage and dishing out significant punishment in return.

Stats and Abilities

The Greatshield Soldier Ashes summon three resilient soldiers with the following stats:

• Max HP: 3,000
• Damage Negation: 85% physical, 50% magical
• Damage: 300 slashing / 250 piercing

Soldiers are equipped with large shields that reduce incoming melee and ranged damage by up to 95%. They additionally wield axes that deal both slashing and piercing damage, making them effective against various enemy types.

Combat Effectiveness

Greatshield Soldier Ashes excel in tanking damage and protecting you from dangerous encounters. They are particularly effective in the following situations:

• Melee combat: The soldiers' massive shields provide exceptional protection against melee attacks, allowing you to focus on dealing damage while they absorb blows.
• Large enemy groups: The soldiers can withstand the onslaught of multiple enemies simultaneously, freeing you to eliminate weaker foes or cast spells from a distance.
• Boss fights: Against bosses that utilize powerful physical attacks, the soldiers can mitigate damage and give you time to heal or recover stamina.

Acquisition and Upgrade

The Greatshield Soldier Ashes can be obtained by defeating the Red Wolf of Radagon in the Limgrave region. Upon defeat, they will drop the ashes required to summon the soldiers.

To upgrade the ashes, you can use Grave Glovewort collected throughout the game. The ashes can be upgraded to +5, increasing the soldiers' health, damage negation, and damage output.

Considerations

While the Greatshield Soldier Ashes are a valuable asset, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Mana cost: Summoning the soldiers costs 92 FP, so it's important to manage your mana pool effectively.
• Aggro management: The soldiers can attract enemy attention, so be prepared to reposition them or yourself to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Vulnerability to magic: The soldiers' high physical defense comes at the cost of lower magical resistance, making them susceptible to spells and incantations.

Strategies

To maximize the effectiveness of the Greatshield Soldier Ashes, consider the following strategies:

• Shield wall: Position the soldiers in front of you to create a wall of defense that absorbs incoming attacks.
• Flanking: Use the soldiers to distract enemies while you attack from the side or behind.
• Hit-and-run: Summon the soldiers, let them engage enemies, then withdraw them before they take significant damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid making the following mistakes when using the Greatshield Soldier Ashes:

• Over-reliance: Don't rely solely on the soldiers as your main defense. They are not invincible and can be overwhelmed by superior numbers or powerful enemies.
• Poor positioning: Summon the soldiers at a strategic location that allows them to protect you and intercept threats effectively.
• Ignoring magic: Be aware of the soldiers' vulnerability to magic and protect them from spellcasting enemies.

Benefits

Summoning the Greatshield Soldier Ashes offers several notable benefits:

• Increased survivability: The soldiers provide a significant boost to your survivability by absorbing damage and allowing you to focus on offense.
• Crowd control: Against large enemy groups, the soldiers can control the flow of battle by engaging multiple foes simultaneously.
• Versatility: The soldiers are effective in various combat situations, from close-quarters melee to ranged encounters.

Conclusion

The Greatshield Soldier Ashes are a formidable summoning option that can significantly enhance your defensive capabilities in Elden Ring. By understanding their stats, abilities, and effective strategies, you can harness their power to overcome challenging encounters and progress through the game with greater ease.