Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's Best Weapon is a Shield?
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree players are convinced they've discovered the expansion's most potent weapon and it's not even one of FromSoftware's iconic gigantic swords. While the amount of damage The Tarnished can dish out on a single hit depends on a variety of factors, having the right tools for the job can topple the most imposing challenges. With a careful build even the most feeble of weapons can turn into a slaying machine, even if it's designed to cater more toward defensive play styles.
Over on Reddit, user DamnHare shared their observation that the Thrusting Shields are the best Weapons currently available in Shadow Of The Erdtree, demonstrating the lethality of the Carian Thrusting Shield by swiftly defeating Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, Putrescent Knight, and even the Scadutree Avatar. They go on to say that the versatility of the weapon is down to the sheer number of affinity types that can be assigned to them and their high attack and defense stats. Users were quick to agree with many speculating that some kind of nerf will likely strike down Thrusting Shields soon.
How to Get the Most Out of Thrusting Shields
When it comes to the Thrusting Shield, be it the Carian or the Dueling variant, the best aspect of the weapon type is the ability to deal damage while also blocking incoming attacks. Players will no doubt recommend a "turtle" approach that focuses on constantly maintaining a defensive stance, only breaking out of it at moments when it's clear that a follow-up attack will land unhindered. Of course, there are other approaches one can take when speccing into Thrusting Shields as some Talismans can make them even more deadly.
Players will want to ensure that they pair their Thrusting Shield, which should optimally be used two-handed, with the Greatshield Talisman to reduce the amount of stamina that's lost when blocking an attack. Additionally, the Shard of Alexander can be used to boost the attack power of skills by 15%. Mixing this all together with a potent Ash of War attack will bring down even the hardest of boss encounters, as long as players spec into endurance to withstand heavy attacks.
Is the Thrusting Shield Really the Best Weapon?
While many players are convinced that the Thrusting Shield is the best weapon in Shadow of the Erdtree, it's important to remember that there are many other powerful options available. The Sword of Night and Flame, for example, is a popular choice for its ability to deal both physical and magical damage. Ultimately, the best weapon for you will depend on your playstyle and build.
However, the Thrusting Shield's ability to both attack and defend makes it a versatile and powerful weapon that is sure to be a popular choice for many players. If you're looking for a weapon that can handle anything Shadow of the Erdtree throws at you, the Thrusting Shield might be just what you need.
Elden Ring's Community is Always Innovating
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree may still be fresh in the hands of the community but that's not stopping players from producing all manner of incredible builds. At the time of writing, some dedicated fans have managed to topple the game's final boss without dodging once while others have achieved victory by perfectly parrying all their standard attacks. FromSoftware fans are constantly looking to innovate and expand so one should expect plenty more impressive strategies in the coming months.
It remains to be seen if the Thrusting Shield will truly remain the top pick in Shadow of the Erdtree, but it's clear that it is a powerful and versatile weapon that has caught the attention of Elden Ring players. With its ability to deal damage and block attacks, the Thrusting Shield is a valuable tool for any Tarnished looking to conquer the Lands Between.
