Group

Shields are a staple in Elden Ring, offering an invaluable layer of protection against the game’s relentless enemies. But many players fall into the trap of becoming overly passive when relying too much on their shield. Through my experience tackling some of the game’s most punishing areas and bosses, I’ve learned that shields can be used actively—not just defensively—without dulling the excitement or effectiveness of combat.

Don’t Just Block—Create Opportunities

The first time I entered Stormveil Castle, I found myself hiding behind my shield, blocking every strike out of fear. This kept me alive, but it also made combat feel slow and reactionary. Over time, I learned to treat blocking not as an end, but as a means to open my enemy’s guard.

Using a shield to absorb an attack is your setup—not your solution. After a successful block, immediately retaliate with a guard counter. This move, which you can perform by pressing heavy attack after a block, deals substantial poise damage and often staggers enemies, giving you control of the fight.

Know When to Parry and When Not To

Parrying is risky but highly rewarding. I used to avoid it entirely, thinking it was for expert players. However, with practice (especially on predictable enemies like Godrick Soldiers), it became clear that parrying was the most aggressive way to play defensively. Instead of waiting for an enemy to stop attacking, parrying lets you end the threat on your terms.

That said, not all enemies are worth parrying—especially large bosses. In those moments, stick to well-timed blocks and dodges to maintain momentum without risking too much.

Mind Your Stamina

One of the biggest mistakes I made was ignoring stamina management while blocking. Early in the game, during a long encounter with a Tree Sentinel, I learned this the hard way. I blocked too many heavy attacks, and once my stamina broke, I was left wide open for a killing blow.

Use your shield selectively, not constantly. Only raise it when you're anticipating a hit, and always back off briefly to regenerate stamina before it drops too low.

Choosing the Right Shield

Different shields serve different purposes. I recommend experimenting with medium shields—they offer a balance of protection and weight that allows for more flexible playstyles. For example, the Erdtree Greatshield not only blocks damage well but also reflects magic if used correctly. However, it’s heavy. In contrast, something like the Brass Shield is much easier to manage for most builds.

Upgrading shields is just as important as upgrading weapons. This requires runes, which is why farming and resource management are crucial. If you’re short on resources, you can acquire them more quickly by purchasing Elden Ring Runes from trusted sources.

Active Positioning Wins Battles

Shield play doesn’t mean staying still. Strafe around enemies, control the distance, and bait attacks. Mobility is your best friend when using a shield. In PvP, I’ve had much more success when using lateral movement and feints than when simply turtling up and waiting.

Even in PvE, active positioning helps manipulate AI behavior, creating better openings for attack or even disengaging when needed.

Final Tip: Runes Matter

Whether you’re upgrading your shield, fine-tuning your build, or trying out new weapon-shield combos, you’ll need a healthy supply of runes. If farming becomes too time-consuming, services offering elden ring runes for sale can provide a helpful shortcut—especially if you're focused on exploring the game’s depth rather than grinding.

Conclusion

Using a shield in Elden Ring doesn't have to mean playing passively. With the right mindset, proper timing, and a focus on creating opportunities rather than avoiding danger, you can turn your shield into a tool of aggression and control. It’s all about staying active, learning your enemies, and managing your resources wisely. Don't let the shield define your pace—let it sharpen your strategy.