Elden Ring’s recently released Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduced a new weapon class: dueling shields. While some players enjoy the challenge of mastering spells or colossal weapons, these spiked shields offer a much simpler approach.
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Of the two dueling shields currently available in Elden Ring, the Carian Thrusting Shield found in the Shadow Keep is the strongest choice. The shield champions a new playstyle that allows players to dish out damage while maintaining near-perfect defense by holding the shield with both hands, holding the block button, and spamming the light attack button. A video post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 28 by YouTuber Scott Jund shows the playstyle in action, hilariously demonstrating how to defeat an enemy by holding the block button and slamming the attack button into their forehead.
We can clearly see that Scott Jund is using the Carian Thrusting Shield along with the Scholar's Shield Sorcery. This, combined with the Two-Handed Sword Talisman he mentions in the post, improves the shield's protection and attack capabilities. To use the shield effectively, it's best to upgrade it to around +25 using smithing stones and then increase its stamina, as the R1 light attack eats up a large portion of its stamina. Additionally, it's possible to take some chip damage while blocking attacks, so make sure to put some health regeneration Crystal Tears in the flask of Wondrous Physick.
The Carian Thrusting Shield can be found in Shadow Keep (one of the legacy dungeons) on the northern side of Scadu Atlus. After finding the first Site of Grace, players will need to turn left and go up some stairs, followed by another set of wooden stairs where a Fire Knight will spawn, peering at some hanging statues. After defeating the Fire Knight, the shield can be found on the other side of the hanging beast statue after crossing a narrow stone walkway.
