Best Thrusting Shield build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Thrusting Shield is one of the most interesting new weapons that was added to the game with Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. Despite being a Shield, this is one of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game. Thrusting Shields also deal a ton of poise damage, making it extremely easy to posture-break your enemies and get off critical hits.

Building around a Shield might seem like a bad idea at first, but with the right Talismans and stat distribution, you can make short work of most foes in the Realm of Shadow. This article will show you one of the best Thrusting Shield builds in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Disclaimer: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

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What is the best weapon for a Thrusting Shield build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Carian Thrusting Shield is one of the best weapons in the Realm of Shadow (Image via FromSoftware)

For this build, we will be using the Carian Thrusting Shield that can be found just ahead of the Specimen Storehoud, Back Section Site of Grace. We'll be applying a Magic affinity to our Thrusting shield, and we'll also use the Scholar's Shield incantation to boost damage negation.

This Thrusting Shields build will mainly depend on guard counters, so we will also have to equip the correct talismans to maximize damage.

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Best stats for Thrusting Shield build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

To successfully use this build, we need a lot of Vigor, Endurance, and Intelligence. We will need at least 40 points in endurance and 50+ in both Vigor and Intelligence.

Here's what your stats should look like if you want the best Thrusting Shield build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree:

• Vigor: 60
• Mind: 30
• Endurance: 40
• Strength: 35
• Dexterity: 35
• Intelligence: 60
• Faith: 25
• Arcane: 8

Depending on which affinity is chosen, players can shuffle the stats around to get the most out of their weapon.

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How to create the best Thrusting Shield build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

A few guard counters with the Carian Thrusting Shield is enough to take out most enemies (Image via FromSoftware)

This is what one of the best Thrusting Shield builds in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree looks like with everything in place:

Weapon

• Carian Thrusting Shield (+25)
• Carian Regal Scepter (+10)

Talismans

• Curved Sword Insignia
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
• Axe Talisman
• Assassin's Crimson Dagger

Incantations

• Flame, Grant me Strength
• Golden Vow
• Scholar's Shield

Armor Set

• Night Cavalry Set

Now, before we jump into battle, we'll be using the Scholar's Shield spell on our Thrusting Shield. This will allow us to negate most of the damage our enemies will deal. The Curved Sword Insignia will enhance the power of our guard counters and combine that with our weapon's already decent damage numbers, and we'll be able to roll through most foes.

We will also often break our enemy's posture with guard counters, so make sure you're landing critical hits often. Doing so will allow the Assassin's Crimson Dagger to heal you for the small amount of damage you'll take. As long as we're smart about when to use our guard counters, even defeating bosses becomes trivial with this build.

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Check out our other articles covering Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree:

• All Elden Ring weapon buffs and nerfs for Shadow of the Erdtree
• Best Great Katana build in ER Shadow of the Erdtree
• Best hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in ER Shadow of the Erdtree
• Best Reverse-hand Sword build in ER Shadow of the Erdtree
• ER Shadow of the Erdtree ending explained