10 Greatshields in Elden Ring: Protection & Style

Introduction

Elden Ring's vast and challenging world offers a myriad of armaments, including a diverse array of greatshields. These towering defensive barriers provide unparalleled protection, allowing players to withstand the relentless onslaught of formidable foes. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the realm of greatshields, exploring their unique attributes, strengths, and weaknesses to help you choose the optimal shield for your perilous journey through the Lands Between.

1. Fingerprint Stone Shield

This legendary shield boasts the highest physical damage negation in the game, rendering it an impenetrable bulwark against melee attacks. Its colossal size and weight, however, demand immense strength to wield effectively.

• Pros:
  • Exceptionally high physical damage negation
  • Durability unmatched by other shields
• Cons:
  • Enormous weight, requiring high Strength
  • Limited elemental damage negation

2. Golden Greatshield

As its name suggests, the Golden Greatshield is a testament to grandeur and defense. Its golden exterior provides excellent resistance to lightning damage, making it an ideal choice for encounters with electrified enemies.

• Pros:
  • High lightning damage negation
  • Impressive overall damage negation
  • Solid durability
• Cons:
  • Heavy, requiring significant Strength
  • Not particularly strong against other damage types

3. Erdtree Greatshield

Infused with the essence of the Erdtree, this greatshield is a symbol of unwavering faith. It excels in blocking holy damage, proving invaluable in battles against sacred adversaries.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional holy damage negation
  • High physical damage negation
  • Respectable durability
• Cons:
  • Moderate weight, requiring decent Strength
  • Weakness against other damage types

4. Eclipse Crest Greatshield

Harnessing the power of gravity, the Eclipse Crest Greatshield grants its bearer the ability to reduce enemy poise with each successful block. This unique feature makes it a formidable tool for disrupting opponents.

• Pros:
  • Poise reduction on block
  • Decent physical and magical damage negation
  • Lightweight relative to other greatshields
• Cons:
  • Lower durability than some other choices
  • Special effect does not always trigger

5. Dragoncrest Greatshield

With its intricate carvings depicting dragons, the Dragoncrest Greatshield offers exceptional resistance to fire and physical damage. It is an indispensable companion for those venturing into the fiery depths of the Lands Between.

• Pros:
  • High fire damage negation
  • Solid physical damage negation
  • Durable construction
• Cons:
  • Heavy, requiring considerable Strength
  • Vulnerable to other damage types

6. Black Knight Greatshield

As befitting its ominous name, the Black Knight Greatshield is a dark and imposing protector. It possesses exceptional resistance to physical damage, particularly when blocking with its sharp edge.

• Pros:
  • High physical damage negation, especially when blocking with the edge
  • Intimidating appearance
  • Moderate durability
• Cons:
  • Relatively heavy
  • Lower elemental damage negation

7. Banished Knight Oleg's Greatshield

This battle-worn shield embodies the tenacity of the banished knight Oleg. It grants enhanced protection against physical damage, particularly thrust attacks, making it a formidable choice in close-quarters combat.

• Pros:
  • High physical damage negation, especially against thrust attacks
  • Decent durability
  • Lightweight compared to other greatshields
• Cons:
  • Vulnerable to elemental damage
  • Does not offer as much protection as some other options

8. Jellyfish Shield

Unlike traditional greatshields, the Jellyfish Shield is a flexible and ethereal barrier. It provides substantial protection against magical damage,尤其是冰霜，使其成为对抗施法者的理想之选。

• Pros:
  • High magical damage negation, especially ice damage
  • Lightweight and easy to wield
  • Unique appearance
• Cons:
  • Lower physical damage negation
  • Durability is not as high as other greatshields

9. Turtle Shield

This peculiar shield resembles the shell of a turtle, offering excellent protection against physical attacks. Its unique shape and heavy weight make it a niche choice, but it can be invaluable in certain situations.

• Pros:
  • High physical damage negation
  • Protects against critical hits
  • Unconventional appearance
• Cons:
  • Extremely heavy, requiring immense Strength
  • Vulnerable to elemental damage

10. Barricade Shield

As its name suggests, the Barricade Shield is designed to withstand the most formidable blows. It possesses the highest stability among all greatshields, making it the ultimate choice for tanking heavy attacks.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional stability, preventing staggering
  • Decent physical damage negation
  • Relatively lightweight for a greatshield
• Cons:
  • Lower elemental damage negation
  • Durability is not as high as other options

Table 1: Greatshield Comparison by Damage Negation

Table 2: Greatshield Comparison by Weight and Durability

Table 3: Greatshield Comparison by Special Effects

Table 4: Greatshield Comparison by Ideal Use

FAQs

1. Which greatshield is the best overall?

The best greatshield depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize physical damage negation and durability, the Fingerprint Stone Shield is unmatched. For resistance to elemental damage, consider the Golden Greatshield (lightning), Erdtree Greatshield (holy), or Dragoncrest Greatshield (fire).

2. How do I choose the best greatshield for my playstyle?

Consider your character's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the enemies you are likely to encounter. If you prefer melee combat and have high Strength, a heavy greatshield like the Fingerprint Stone Shield or Black Knight Greatshield is a good choice. If you are facing frequent magical attacks, opt for the Jellyfish Shield or Eclipse Crest Greatshield.

3. Can I upgrade greatshields?

Yes, greatshields can be upgraded using Smithing Stones. Upgrading increases their damage negation, durability, and sometimes adds special effects.

4. What are the advantages of using a greatshield?

Greatshields provide superior protection compared to smaller shields, blocking a large portion of incoming damage. They also allow for the use of powerful shield-based abilities, such as Shield Bash and Barricade Shield.

5. What are the disadvantages of using a greatshield?

Greatshields are heavy and require significant Strength to wield effectively. They also limit mobility and can hinder the use of certain weapons or spells.

6. Can I use a greatshield with a sword?

Yes, it is possible to use a greatshield in one hand and a sword in the other. However, this requires a significant amount of Strength and can be challenging to maneuver.

7. What is the best way to use a greatshield?

The most effective use of a greatshield is to block incoming attacks while managing stamina and positioning. Use shield-based abilities strategically and be aware of the shield's limitations to avoid being overwhelmed.

8. Can greatshields be parried or broken?

Greatshields cannot be parried, but they can be broken if they are repeatedly struck with heavy attacks or spells. However, breaking a greatshield is not easy and requires sustained damage.