Elden Ring: Sword & Shield Build Guide in Shadow of the Erdtree
In Elden Ring, players are often drawn to flashy weapons and powerful spells, like the Sacred Relic Sword or Comet Azur. These tools can make short work of many of the game's toughest bosses in both the Lands Between and the Shadow Realm of the Erdtree. However, you don't need these high-powered options to conquer the game. Classic builds, such as the Sword and Shield build, have proven time and again that simplicity can be just as effective.
A Sword and Shield build is similar to the Knight build, with the key difference being the consistent use of a shield. This build offers solid defense and steady offense, but choosing the right equipment can be challenging due to the sheer variety of swords, shields, and other Elden Ring Items available. This guide will walk you through the best weapons, stats, and Talismans for a Sword and Shield build, helping you create a character that's both powerful and durable.
Choosing the Best Starter Class and Stats
The first step in creating a strong Sword and Shield build is selecting the right starter class. The Bandit and Vagabond classes are ideal choices. The Bandit begins with the Buckler, a shield known for its excellent parry skill, while the Vagabond starts with the Heater Shield, which offers basic parry capabilities and 100% physical damage negation.
Once you've chosen your class, focus on leveling up your character's stats to complement your Sword and Shield build. Start by meeting the minimum stat requirements for your chosen sword and shield. After that, prioritize Vigor and Strength for a Strength-focused build, or Dexterity if your sword scales better with that stat. If you have additional Elden Ring Runes, consider investing in Faith to unlock powerful buffing incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength, and Golden Vow.
Here's a recommended stat array for a level 150 Sword and Shield build based on the Vagabond class:
Vigor: 60
Mind: 20
Endurance: 30
Strength: 65
Dexterity: 13
Intelligence: 9
Faith: 25
Arcane: 7
Beyond level 150, you can continue to increase Strength up to 80 or allocate additional Elden Ring Runes to Endurance for more stamina and a higher equip load, which will allow you to carry heavier weapons and armor.
Best Armaments for a Sword & Shield Build
In Elden Ring, shields come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The size and weight of your shield affect its guarding capabilities, so choose wisely. For a parry-focused build, small and medium shields are ideal, as they come equipped with parry skills. However, if you're looking for higher guard values and offensive Ashes of War, large shields are the way to go.
Top Shield Choices for a Sword & Shield Build
Buckler: This small shield offers one of the best parry skills, Buckler's Parry, making it a top choice for Bandit starters. For other classes, it can be purchased from Gatekeeper Gostoc after he opens the main gate. Its high parry frames make it excellent for countering enemy attacks.
Brass Shield: Among medium shields, the Brass Shield stands out for its high Guard Boost and 100% physical damage negation. It's especially effective against enemies that deal mostly physical damage, such as Putrescent Knight or Malenia. Other alternatives include the Banished Knight's Shield and the Messmer Soldier Shield.
Fingerprint Stone Shield: Known for its excellent damage negation, this is the heaviest shield in Elden Ring. While often used in shield poke builds, it can be paired with any sword. If you don't prefer its look, consider the Verdigris Greatshield as an alternative.
Top Weapon Choices for a Sword & Shield Build
When it comes to swords, Elden Ring offers a vast array of choices, from Straight Swords to Colossal Swords. Here are some reliable options:
Miséricorde: Ideal for a parry-crit build, this dagger has the highest critical damage among all weapons. It can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing you to tailor its damage type to exploit enemy weaknesses. However, it's less useful in guard counter builds.
Lordsworn's Greatsword: Available early in the game, this Greatsword is simple yet effective. It doesn't have flashy moves, but its 110 critical damage boost makes it a reliable choice.
Claymore/Flamberge: If you're building around guard counters, Greatswords like the Claymore and Flamberge, or Colossal Swords like the Zweihander and Greatsword, are excellent choices. Pair them with the Deflecting Hardtear to turn your build into a stance-breaking powerhouse.
Best Armor for a Sword & Shield Build
Armor in Elden Ring is not just about protection; it's also about style and poise. For a Sword and Shield build, you'll want an armor set that provides at least 51 poise to help you withstand hits from enemies in PvE. Here are some recommendations:
Godrick Knight Set: One of the first armor sets you can farm, offering exactly 51 poise. It can be obtaed from the Godrick Knights near Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave. Alternatively, consider sets from other Knight factions like Redmane Knights or Leyndell Knights.
Beast Champion Set: This heavy armor set provides 72 poise and high damage resistance, making it one of the tankiest options available. You can obtain it early by defeating Knight Bernahl at the Warmaster's Shack in Limgrave.
Rakshasa Set: This armor set from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC increases your damage output by 2% per piece, at the cost of taking 2% more damage. It's perfect for players confident in their ability to dodge or block attacks effectively.
Best Talismans for a Sword & Shield Build
Talismans are critical for maximizing your build's potential. While some Talismans, like Erdtree's Favor and Bull-Goat's Talisman, are universally useful, others specifically enhance Sword and Shield builds.
Curved Sword Talisman: Boosts guard counter damage by 20%, making it essential for builds focused on this mechanic. You can find it early in Stormveil Castle.
Greatshield Talisman: Reduces stamina consumption when guarding attacks, preventing guard breaks against tough bosses like Radahn or Malenia.
Dagger Talisman: Increases critical damage when parrying, making it a perfect match for weapons like Miséricorde.
Shard of Alexander: Enhances the damage of Ashes of War, making it great for builds that rely on weapon skills. It's especially useful if your shield doesn't have an Ash of War skill, allowing you to focus on your weapon's abilities instead.
Great-Jar's Arsenal: Increases your Equip Load, allowing you to use heavy shields and armor without compromising mobility.
With the right combination of Elden Ring Runes, items, and careful stat allocation, your Sword and Shield build will be ready to face any challenge Elden Ring throws your way. This classic build, bolstered by the right gear and strategy, proves that sometimes, simplicity is the key to mastering the game.