With Elden Ring having such a diverse amount of builds and weapons, here’s our list of the top 5 best shields to parry with, in the game.

Using parries will not only deal great damage but also look amazing. 

5. Spiralhorn Shield

Who doesn’t want antlers on their shield?

The Spiralhorn shield is a small shield that requires 8 and 10 dex, with the parry ash of war on from the start, you can go to town on enemies with this super fun shield.

Why the Spiralhorn Shield is great:

• Low requirements.
• Low weight.
• Can be infused with other ashes of war if you wish to not use the parry or with other parry variants.
• Can be buffed with magic and consumables.

How to get the Spiralhorn shield:

• Go to Uld palace Ruins in the Northeast Liurnia of the Lakes.
• From Ruined Labyrinth Grace.
• Head towards the mausoleum.
• Turn left along the lake and head uphill.
• It is on a corpse nearby.

Spiralhorn shield details: https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Spiralhorn+Shield

4. Red Thorn Roundshield

The Red Thorn Roundshield (linked) is one of the best starting shields for one of the best starting classes.

As a Samurai starter myself I would highly recommend this shield, with the requirements of 8 strength and the parry ash of war on it, it is easy to see why this is one of the best starting shields. Even if you’re not a Samurai, don't worry as you can get this shield quite early on.

Why the Red Thorn Roundshield is great:

• Good damage absorption.
• Can be buffed with magic and consumables.
• Can be infused with other ashes of war if you wish to not use the parry or with other parry variants.

How to get the Red Thorn Shield:

• Starting shield for Samurai.
• Go to the Nomadic Merchant in Weeping Peninsula.
• Can be bought from him for 600 runes.

Red Thorn Shield details: https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Red+Thorn+Roundshield

3. Inverted Hawk Heater Shield

The shield of the slaves that were ordered to explore the Eternal City.

This amazing shield, which requires 10 strength to use, has 100 physical absorption, meaning if you block and get hit by a physical attack you won’t take any damage. 

Why the Inverted Hawk Heater Shield is great:

• Good damage absorption.
• Can be infused with other ashes of war if you wish to not use the parry or with other parry variants.

How to get the Inverted Hawk Heater Shield:

• Go to the Siofra River.
• Southeast of the Siofra River bank Grace.
• Run past 3 enemies, it will be on a body.

Inverted Hawk Heater Shield details: https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Inverted+Hawk+Heater+Shield

2. Flame Crest Wooden Shield

A tall, medium shield with a flame to warn enemies.

The Flame Crest Wooden shield is a great shield for newer players who want to get into parrying, the shield requires 8 strength and has 89 physical absorption.

Why the Flame Crest Wooden Shield is great:

• Can be buffed with magic and consumables.
• Can be infused with other ashes of war if you wish to not use the parry or with other parry variants.
• Has good absorption.

How to get the Flame Crest Wooden Shield:

• Go to Weeping Peninsula
• Go to the Ailing Village.
• Found on a corpse in a shack in the North side of the village.

Flame Crest Wooden Shield details: https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Flame+Crest+Wooden+Shield

1. Buckler

The Buckler is the best shield for parrying.

The Buckler is famed for being one of the best parrying weapons in the Souls games. With the requirements of  8 strength and 13 dex, you can parry enemies to your heart's content.

Why the Buckler is great:

• Made for parrying, the ash of war is literally called Buckler Parry.
• Can be buffed with magic and consumables.
• Ash of war can be changed, but I wouldn't recommend it.

How to get the Buckler shield:

• Bandit starting class shield.
• Sold by Gatekeeper Gastoc at Stormveil Castle for 1500 runes.
• If he is killed, his bell bearing can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks and the shield can alternatively be purchased from them.

Buckler details: https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Buckler

This concludes our list of the top 5 parrying shields in Elden Ring, if you enjoyed this article check out these as well.
 

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• Elden Ring Best Weapons for Dual Wield
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• Elden Ring Best Keepsakes and How To Get Them
• Elden Ring Best Dex Weapons
• Elden Ring Best Bleed Weapons