Apart from various new weapons found in the Shadow of Erdtree expansion, the developers have added a dozen Elden Ring shields that can be used not only for defense but even for attack. Each has its unique ability that can be useful in combat.

If you enjoy melee builds based on heavy weaponry and defense, or simply want to collect all the new shields, this overview of all the shields in Shadow of the Erdtree is what you need.

Smithscript Shield

Let's start with the Smithscript Shield. This shield is an interesting addition to your arsenal in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This unique throwing weapon has base damage of 72 and a special skill called Discus Hurl, which allows you to launch the shield into the air to strike a target from a distance and then instantly return to your hand. To get this fascinating shield, head to the Taylew's Ruined Forge dungeon, located northeast of Rauh Base.

To reach this dungeon, start from the Moorth Ruins site of grace in Scadu Altus and head northeast to a shallow pond. Pass through a nearby cave filled with poisonous flowers and Perfumer enemies. After exiting the cave, head northwest through the poisonous field and pass through a tunnel full of Gravebirds to reach Rauh Base.

Touch the Ancient Ruins Base site of grace, then head north along the road guarded by Messmer Soldiers and Feathered Beast-Men. At the end of this road, you will find stone ruins with three braziers and an arch. Go through the arch, enter the crack in the wall, and you will find yourself in Taylew's Ruined Forge, where this shield is located.

Shield of Night

The Shield of Night offers its wielder a combination of physical and magical damage and scales with dexterity. Its unique weapon skill, Revenge of the Night, allows you to unleash a powerful ranged attack imbued with dark magic, which is significantly enhanced if used after blocking an attack. To find this shield, head to the Bonny Gaol dungeon in the south of Scadu Altus. That's one of the best shields in Elden Ring.

Go through the caves under Moorth Ruins to the Bonny village and head south to reach Bonny Gaol. At the end of the prison, before the bridge leading to the boss room, use the last elevator. Instead of jumping off, wait until the elevator rises to a hidden floor on the upper level. Here you will encounter the Condemned enemy. After defeating him, search his body to get the Shield of Night.

Messmer Soldier Shield

The Messmer Soldier Shield is a versatile medium-type weapon introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Weighing 5.0, it is excellent for blocking enemy attacks, reducing physical damage by 100%.

This shield is perfect for the Poke Shield build, where you attack enemies with a sword or spear while blocking them. Enhance this build with talismans like the Pearl Shield, Greatshield Talisman, Spear Talisman, as well as the Iridian Amber Medallion +3 or Two-Headed Turtle Talisman to increase blocking efficiency and counterattack damage.

To obtain the Messmer Soldier Shield, defeat the Messmer soldiers patrolling the Gravesite Plain, Scadu Altus, and inside legacy dungeons such as Castle Ensis and Shadow Keep. A good place to farm this item is southeast of the Castle Front site of grace.

Clear a small camp with several soldiers, and one of them will definitely drop this shield. Otherwise, head to the Main Gate Plaza site of grace after defeating the Golden Hippopotamus inside Shadow Keep. From the site of grace, head northwest to find more Messmer Soldiers to increase your chances of obtaining this item.

Wolf Crest Shield

The Wolf Crest Shield, used by Carian Knights, is primarily aimed at magical defense. This shield can be equipped with any ash of war suitable for shields. To find it, head to Castle Ensis. Inside, follow the path to the Castle Ensis Checkpoint site of grace. Cross the bridge guarded by four soldiers and beware of the hidden dog in the bushes.

In the chapel, you will meet Moonrithyll, the Carian Knight. Defeat him and go to the back left corner of the courtyard. Descend the small stairs to find a chest with the Wolf Crest Shield.

Serpent Crest Shield

The Serpent Crest Shield is excellent for fire protection, making it valuable against enemies with fire attacks in the Shadow Lands location. Its low stat requirements make it accessible even for builds that don't require strength parameters. Use it with ash of war at Roundtable Hold for additional benefits.

To get this shield, complete the invasion painting puzzle from the Artist's Shack. Go to the Greatbridge: North site of grace, then head east around the lake. Avoid the powerful dragon nearby. Find the two stone structures depicted in the painting. When you find the artist's location, they will point you to the Serpent Crest Shield and then disappear, leaving it behind.

Golden Lion Shield

The Golden Lion Shield is a medium-type shield that scales with strength, providing a balance of protection and weight. Its unique skill, Roaring Bash, allows you to roar like a golden lion and perform a shield bash, stunning enemies in a large radius. 

To get this shield, talk to Redmane Freyja twice after giving her the key item Letter for Freyja, found near the Storehouse, Seventh Floor site of grace in Shadow Keep. Freyja will be on the seventh floor of the Shadow Keep Specimen Storehouse.

Black Steel Greatshield

The Black Steel Greatshield is a sturdy shield with high holy damage stats. It can be upgraded to +25 with Smithing Stones and can receive buffs. The shield is equipped with the Ash of War: Shield Bash, which costs 10 FP to cast.

To find this greatshield, head to the Church of Consolation in Gravesite Plain or to Fog Rift Fort, accessible via a cliff in Scadu Altus. Defeat Black Knight Garrew in Fog Rift Fort to obtain the Black Steel Greatshield.

Verdigris Greatshield

The Verdigris Greatshield is a heavy shield with excellent damage protection and high block boost. Its unique skill, Moore's Charge, allows you to charge forward while maintaining guard, knocking enemies back.

To get this Elden Ring shield, tell the character Moore, put it behind you, at the site of grace near Main Gate Cross after breaking the great rune. Search the corpse in the Cleansing Chamber of Enir-Ilim after defeating a group of enemies during Moore's quest.

Alternatively, you can provoke Moore's invasion by killing two Forager Brood members before telling Moore "Put it behind you" or "Remain sad forever". Defeating Moore will reward you with the Verdigris Greatshield and Moore's armor set.

Dueling Shield

The Dueling Shield is a striking shield that can be found in the legacy dungeon in Shadow Keep. It allows you to defend and attack simultaneously, making your combat more versatile. To find it, navigate through Shadow Keep until you reach the Storehouse, First Floor site of grace.

Go around the building to the left, then climb the stairs and follow the path through the bookshelves until you find a fire knight. Defeat the fire knight and jump onto the platform where the Dueling Shield is located.

Carian Thrusting Shield

The last among all Elden Ring shields introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree is the Carian Thrusting Shield. It excellently combines defense and attack, especially effective in PvP.

It has better defense, scaling, and block boost compared to the Dueling Shield but requires higher stats and weighs more. Its default skill, Shield Strike, allows you to perform shield bashes, but this skill can be replaced with another ash of war.

To get this shield, head to the Storehouse, Back Section, located in the legacy dungeon in Shadow Keep. Defeat the fire knight and three shadow wraiths guarding a corpse with the shield. To reach this location, approach Shadow Keep from the east, pass through the flooded church area, and use the lift in the chapel to reach the Storehouse, Back Section site of grace.