In the world of Elden Ring, surviving brutal enemy encounters often comes down to proper defense. Shields are essential tools for many builds, offering vital protection against physical and elemental damage. But not all shields are created equal—knowing which ones to use and how to enhance them can drastically improve your performance. This guide covers the best shields in Elden Ring, and how to upgrade them using key Elden Ring items and Elden Ring items weapons strategies. Why Shields Matter in Elden RingUnlike many action RPGs, Elden Ring rewards players who adapt to their combat style. Whether you're a tanky knight or a spell-slinging battlemage, the right shield can complement your build. Greatshields offer high stability for blocking most attacks, while medium shields strike a balance between defense and mobility. Small shields are ideal for parrying, especially in PvP. Top Shields in Elden RingBelow are some of the top-performing shields in Elden Ring based on defense stats, utility, and synergy with various builds. 1. Erdtree GreatshieldWhy it's great: This Greatshield not only offers massive physical and holy resistance, but its unique skill, Golden Retaliation, reflects spells—making it fantastic for both PvE and PvP.Enhancement Tips: Use Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade this special-class shield. Buff it with Blessing of the Erdtree for added survivability. 2. Fingerprint Stone ShieldWhy it's great: The best choice for players who want to turtle up. It boasts the highest guard boost in the game.Enhancement Tips: Pair with the Greatshield Talisman to increase guard efficiency. Upgrade with Somber Smithing Stones and use Shield Grease to resist elemental damage. 3. Carian Knight’s ShieldWhy it's great: A medium shield that provides excellent magic resistance, perfect for caster-heavy areas.Enhancement Tips: Standard Smithing Stones will improve its stats. Combine with Magic Grease to push elemental resistance even higher. 4. BucklerWhy it's great: A small shield ideal for parrying. It’s favored in PvP for those who want quick, reactive defense.Enhancement Tips: Upgrade with Smithing Stones and practice timing to make full use of its quick parry window. 5. Dragonclaw ShieldWhy it's great: A greatshield with high fire resistance and solid physical defense, dropped by dragon enemies.Enhancement Tips: Use Somber Smithing Stones and apply Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear in your Wondrous Physick mix for maximum synergy. Best Items to Enhance ShieldsThe right enhancements can turn a decent shield into a game-changer. Here are essential Elden Ring items for improving your defensive gear: * Smithing Stones (1-8): Used for upgrading standard shields. * Somber Smithing Stones (1-10): Required for special-class shields with unique skills. * Greases (Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy): Temporarily boost resistance to specific elements. * Ashes of War (e.g., Barricade Shield): Add skills and alter scaling. Barricade Shield improves guard strength for a duration. * Talisman of the Greatshield: Boosts guard efficiency, ideal for Greatshield users. * Wondrous Physick Mixes: Combine defensive Tears for unique buffs during hard encounters. Combining Shields with WeaponsFor those using Elden Ring items weapons such as colossal swords, katanas, or spears, shield selection is key. For example: * Colossal weapons: Pair with Greatshields like the Fingerprint Stone Shield for stamina-based tanking. * Dex builds: Use medium or small shields like the Buckler to retain agility while staying protected. * Magic users: Combine the Carian Knight’s Shield with staves or glintstone weapons for magic-heavy builds. Final Tips1. Don’t neglect shield weight. It affects your Equip Load and can lead to fat-rolling. 2. Learn enemy patterns to time blocks and parries effectively. 3. Experiment with Ashes of War to match your preferred combat style. Finding and upgrading the best shields in Elden Ring is a rewarding process. Whether you're diving into tough PvE boss fights or fending off invaders in PvP, the right combination of Elden Ring items, shields, and Elden Ring items weapons can turn the tide in your favor. Prioritize your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to try out new gear—you might find the perfect shield that changes your entire build for the better. Full Breakdown: Elden Beast Is the final Boss of Elden Ring