ELDEN RING - The EASIEST Build: INFINITE BLOCKING SHIELD & Poke to get OP EARLY! Gear & Strategies

[@cRPGBro]

For an updated version of this Shield Build for the Shadow of Erdtree DLC, please check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZCVeWSKnJyUnKc

[@jessicahansen1288]

I love that the build considers the whole game and isn't just like "ok, for this build you first need to pick up the fingerprint shield..."

[@Jsharpeone]

Thank you so much for adding full map zoom-outs for every item location. SO MANY elden ring videos do not do this and it's infuriating.

[@cRPGBro]

You're very welcome! I like doing it to really try my best at showing how to get to the places considering how big the map can be and sometimes there's also cliffs and mountains blocking the way.

[@johnhale7798]

yes I agree!, all the other videos don't show you on map they just tell you location names really annoying, great video!

[@ebonywires72]

This comment needs more than 22 likes.

[@gerardohernandez5721]

Bro honestly they hand you out the piece of a pusstle and expect you to find it

[@bryanlee6065]

You nailed the perfect formula for an Elden Ring build guide video. It's full of information, clear and chaptered, liked an subscribed !

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! Really glad my guide was useful, I try to make them all in the same way, with chapters and such for easier viewing.

[@axeman787]

Completely agree

[@cRPGBro]

@@axeman787 Thank you for the support, axeman!

[@Zackary1005]

Hell yeah brother

[@patricksullivan9713]

This is a terrific guide! I’ve got some nerve damage in my left hand so I been wanting to do a build like this since all the dodging is hard for me. This is everything I need all in one guide to get me started. Thank you!!

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you so much for the support! I'm really glad I was able to help you have a good time with the build and the game. Shield + Spear really is a very comfortable, laidback and very effective playstyle too. Please be sure to check my Mid & Late game update for the Build here if you need it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo It can actually become even better to play due to less micromanagement, since eventually with Fingerprint Shield you can get 100% Guard Boost even without Barricade. Not having to activate Barricade Shield as much should make for a more comfortable time playing too. Before that, you can also go for Greatshield Talisman + Scholar's Shield buff, which lasts for 1 minute.

[@YouGuessIGuess]

Hope this build helped you enjoy the game!

[@kingsleysmith1104]

Hey I have no nerve damage and suck at dodging lol 😆 I've had same build in ds 1 2 and 3 lol

[@ITzFlipper0k]

Have you been enjoying your play through?

[@patricksullivan9713]

@@ITzFlipper0k Good I finished the game now, I used the Halig tree shield and holy defense to beat the elden beast

[@IronDragoon01]

Good video, going to use parts of this in my Paladin build. As a heads up: If you go to the twins in the Roundtable, they have a set of armor for sale called the Knight's Armor. The gauntlets and greaves are *very* comparable to the Mausoleum set, but weigh 1+ less each. While this might not seem a lot, at a certain point of Endurance, it'll get you into the mid-roll, which opens up your chances of dodging grapples. Also, Guard-Counters count as critical hits, so if you get the Assassin's Cerulean Dagger talisman (which is from the boss in the dungeon you farm the Mausoleum set in front of), your Guard-Counters will restore FP which will *vastly* improve the sustain of this build.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for these tips! It can certainly be useful while you still have lower Endurance to reduce Equip Load. I tend to get by with the FP Flask (usualy 1 or 2) but I can see the use in the FP restoring Talisman. A Paladin character can certainly work wonderfully for this build, since some of the great Spears also require Faith to use.

[@IronDragoon01]

@@cRPGBro I did some quick math on shields with STR reqs ranging 30-34 with 60+ Guard Boost, adding up their total resistances: Dragon Towershield: 247 Crossed Tree Towershield: 242 Golden Greatshield 242 Inverted Hawk Towershield: 242 Manor Towershield: 239 Eclipse Crest Greatshield: 239 Cuckoo Greatshield: 238 Redmane Greatshield: 229 So yeah, the Eclipse is probably the best/easiest option in the early-mid game. It'll last you for a very long time, probably the entire game if you want to keep your Str lower. Also, if you choose a different starting class that doesn't already begin with close to 20 Dex, the Partisan is probably the better spear option to go for: Dex is only 12 and Str 15, which you'll surpass for the shield, and its physical attack is pretty much the same, though you don't get the bleed build up. Much lower investment early game for a weapon, until you get that dex pumped.

[@TheHernaki]

@@IronDragoon01 What do you think about brass shield?

[@IronDragoon01]

@@TheHernaki It's the best medium shield, but it's a medium shield.

[@looneymar9153]

Im locked with using treespear and erdtree greatshield due to roleplaying a certain character, is there a set of talismans/incantation buffs that would outdamage malenia healing from me blocking? Kinda made it a point for myself to beat her using these weapons and only rolling waterfowl dance' 2nd flurry, grab and dash+thrust attack while block+poking/guard countering everything else

[@gabrielt6570]

This is a great intro guide to using shields. So many small things I would have never have known. Thanks for taking the time to explain it all.

[@cRPGBro]

Glad it was helpful! Shields & Spear builds can make for a very powerful and fun time in Elden Ring!

[@ivo1999ful]

Great build! Definetly usefull for the new players who just entered the soulsborne saga.

[@cRPGBro]

Yep, Shield/Shield Turtling Builds in Elden Ring probably make for the easiest to play, especially for beginners! And very, very fun too considering you get to capitalize on both high defenses & high offenses.

[@Pettstarable]

Yes I am al.ost a complete noob to Fromsoft games so this build is gonna help me a lot! I just love the idea of Spears in games. Not enough game ket you wield them, was disappointed when Elder scrolls removes them from their games. But for real, thank you for creating this video!

[@daviddeveaux1046]

Same here i'm a noob , but what make me want to do this build is : I really love big shield and armor in Game but when it mean something , in most game you ask yourself : Why do i lose dps for no reason with this shield , but with this i think i will love my first playthrough

[@cRPGBro]

@@daviddeveaux1046 Yeah, with a shield and spear you can get both high defenses and offenses at the same time!

[@robertstripling87]

Anybody willing to help me on PS5?

[@mas8705]

The only additional thing I might add is getting early access to the lift and grabbing the great shield talisman that’s nearby. Might be a slight overkill on the extra guard power, but that would make it even more difficult to be knocked over. Otherwise, this was a great video. I’m trying to do a “Braum” run (where you can only use a shield and your fist), so this can be a great way to work on ironing out how you would first approach the game when starting off.

[@aarondavis6174]

Having a blast with this even with the barricade nerf. Definitely a different feel to my first faith build

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, it's still a very solid and fun build! I also have an updated version for mid & late game here showing its full potential even vs the superboss of the game: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@kyvan_unheist8584]

You can also just farm the godrick knight at Gatefront for his full set, the Partisan spear and his Gilded great shield (36 Star req). Great place to farm since the Godrick soldiers drop Brass shield which is one of the best medium shields on the game early on, not to mention Godrick knight set is a pure upgrade in terms of looks and all of your defensive stats.

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, Gilded Shield is also great and easy to farm, I was going to include it but decided to just go for the Mausoleum set + Eclipse Shield instead due to the lower STR requirement and the boost to resistances.

[@KaptainKhaos70]

Also Royal Remains set is easy to find and a cool looking option, one of the top early easy to find armors.

[@varianngaming9403]

I just farmed for that spear and it's worse than my rusty halberd you start with it, am I missing something here?

[@MagisterJohn]

Does the mausoleum set still drop.? This guy hasn't dropped anything in 20 tries

[@RobertSpitzer]

One of the better build styles I have seen. Enough info on how to use the build as well as a good balance for farming the gear.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! It has really become one of my favorite builds because of how simple yet very effective the playstyle is.

[@LordTyrone1989]

I've been using a similar high-STR build, but also high-INT and more magic-focused. Instead of Cross Naginata, Clayman's Harpoon-Standard affinity AoW-buffed with the sorcery Scholar's Armament.

[@Vampurrya]

I'm not exactly a beginner (have beaten all three souls, and have 120 hours into Elden Ring, albeit across multiple characters). But being a massive great shield fan, I'm gonna start a new character and follow this build. Very well put together video.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the support! I think shields and poke builds are even better in Elden Ring since we can at least get no stamina cost on blocks, which is massive!

[@Vampurrya]

@@cRPGBro Agreed! I'm thinking of adding in some faith, for a holy spartan type build haha.

[@KentRPG]

Thanks for the video! I'm rocking a faith-hybrid shield build with the Treespear, loving it! You can teleport in dungeons if you access map from the Grace menu.

[@cRPGBro]

Nice, and thank you for the support! Shield poke builds are really lots of fun in Elden Ring.

[@charlesforbin8526]

I am a rather casual gamer, but I love everything (difficulty aside) about the game so much that I bought it anyway. Beat that grafted creep on my first try with your build! Thanks!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear you're having fun with the build! Shield & Spear really make for a comfy playstyle.

[@zacharyalfano9846]

Well this build is cheating so not surprising

[@brendanle101]

Thanks for making a very thorough and clear build guide, extremely easy to follow and solid explanation.

[@cRPGBro]

Really glad it was helpful to you, and thank you for the support, man! I also have an updated version more focused on Mid & Late Game here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@rudesthazard5769]

The resists on that shield are great. I'd also recommend the Great Epee for a weapon. Even easier to get, suitable for strength or quality builds. Pike has excellent reach too.

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, it's a very solid shield overall. Gilded Shield is also another nice choice for the beginning. I recorded sections for the Pike & Lance, but ended up just going with the Cross Naginata for the video, they are nice weapons too.

[@afrofusiondaily8278]

Are these better than the cross naginata?

[@cRPGBro]

@@afrofusiondaily8278 I think the Cross Naginata is the one with best damage/speed overall. The Pike is special in that it has the highest reach/range of any weapon in the game, and similar speed, but somewhat lower damage than Naginata.

[@breadimus5486]

the manor towershield that you find in stormveil castle is my go-to; you don't have to farm it cause its just on a corpse + it has more guard boost and slightly less strength requirement than the eclipse crest, plus available as soon as you kill margit. unfortunately you give up the bonuses to immunity, robustness etc. but it really depends how long you're gonna use it for since eventually you'll probably replace it with the fingerprint stone shield, which has 90 guard boost at +24, so add the greatshield talisman and its like a permanent barricade shield tho it is ridiculously heavy (nearly 2x the weight of the eclipse crest)

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, the Gilded Shield from the golden knight close to the Castle can also help. I guess I just like the Mausoleum Set that the headless knight drops too so I'm fine with the farming considering how close it is to a Grace.

[@ChronozOdP]

I have played the game so far with all the tricks and buids that „get OP! Early!!!“. After taking break for half a year I felt like experiencing the game at a slower pace, probably the way it is meant to be played. This guide was absolutely great to do this. Very informative, perfect guide, thank you very much 😊😊 Always liked your videos, keep it up!

[@carstenh3924]

Nice build! I killed the night cav with your setup on the first try! Cant wait to level it more.

[@cRPGBro]

Nice! It's certainly a build that starts out great and becomes even better later on.

[@carstenh3924]

@@cRPGBro Yeah, just killed the night cav for the ice spear first try. And normally i suck in melee in this game. Played a mage and priest before this one.

[@farawayjakdu3490]

Hope you would make a walkthrough from A-Z for the SHIELD + POKE build. This build along with all trophies, all secrets, all endings would be great too.

[@cRPGBro]

It would certainly be nice! I'm thinking of streaming some of the game with the build, or at the very least post some boss videos.

[@ninjor9800]

One of the most well made guides I've ever seen. Thank you very much.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the support! I also have other build guides done in the same style for STR, DEX and Faith that you can check here: kzbin.info/aero/PL8adH-ifQHcAT_QO5-NzMRXcZ1-3a7R6y

[@kevinschm9798]

this is the exact build i was looking for, for i am a skillless piece of ish. i absolutely love this

[@cRPGBro]

Hi there, I'm really glad my build helped you! It's certainly a super fun and very easy & smooth to play, certainly great for beginners as well as you get the hand of the game and its mechanics.

[@herbyoung2767]

😂 👍

[@joshblahnamehere2308]

word my man

[@axeman787]

Can i hit the like button twice? Haha Very smartly put together video. And thank you for not just doing a fast forward video like everybody else 👍👍👍

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you so much 😁 Note that post Patch 1.03, Barricade Shield has lower duration, but the effect is still the same. I explain on the pinned comment the changes and offer some alternatives if you don't want to micromanage, so please give it a read if it interests you. I also talk about it in my Patch 1.03 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKmtYmBvpapoppI

[@LordKnightBane]

Brillianr guide, really helps me to make the switch from shield/golden halberd to shield/spear.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! The poking behind shield ability of spears really makes a big difference gameplay wise.

[@jeffgagnon1983]

I used your guide to modify my spellblade to add survivability. It rly helped and got me to beat Rahdan. Thank you!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear! Radahn is certainly one of the toughest bosses. Shield + Spear is a great way to handle him!

[@bimbofeof1241]

Just finished game with this build! Got a lot of fun! Author explained everything perfectly, every moment... Again, this is an amazing guide! Thx!

[@cRPGBro]

Hi there, and thank you so much for the support! Really glad my Shield Build helped you beat the game, it's really one my favorite playstyles 😁

[@RujioWR]

What a well thought out video! This is a comment for the algorithm.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! Have fun with Shield & Spear 😀

[@DaBaum92]

Just a few minutes in but I'm subscribing lol this is the guide I was looking for!

[@Shaun614]

Thanks for the guide, I was looking into a shield build but messed up on my stats early on (Im level 29) and placed a lot of points into endurance already... wish i saw this video earlier..

[@cRPGBro]

Glad I was able to help! Also please be sure to check out my updated Guide for this Build for Mid & Late Game: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@vikingjack9994]

For people that might struggle with the dude in towers wind spam bs and jumps. Pull him up the stairs, and in the little archway hug the wall. Helped me A lot!! Or after the first set of stairs, where there is a little patch, his wind thing misses a lot. and he cant jump as much.

[@TheGmanway]

Farming the knights alone for me was great to just practice counters

[@blackeyedturtle]

Thank you for producing and posting this very informative shield guide.

[@tonyg5162]

Great guide! Easy and informative and I am loving the different playstyle! Started with halberd and then to spears and damn they are fun! Thank you and happy to subscribe. Look forward to more vids from you sir!!!

[@darkcloud9053]

Man you are a legend. Finding one gem after another .

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! I gotta say this is no doubt my favorite build at the moment, because of how utterly amazing zero cost stamina blocks + poking from behind your shield with spears is! You basically have a super easy and smooth time even against hard bosses!

[@heyame111]

If you're going for the shield after Radahn, you can use a +7/+8 or so Starscourge Greatsword special from the doorway to pull and oneshot him

[@cRPGBro]

Thanks for the tip, Radahn's special sword really is fun to use!

[@jarhead2808]

This is the build i've used in ds3. Greatshields are so powerful

[@cRPGBro]

Yep, I'm having a really good time with Greatshields, especially since no stamina cost on blocks is crazy fun and powerful!

[@davefekete7187]

I’m having so much fun with this build! I made a Spartan (a Sparta Greek god with shield & spear lol) and the build fits it perfectly! Thanks 🙏 THIS IS SPARTA!!!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear it 😁 Shield + Spear build in Elden Ring really is tons of fun!

[@kayman4828]

What about your build makes them a god

[@davefekete7187]

@@kayman4828 have you ever seen the 300 movie probably not by the looks of it so I’ll give you a hint: THIS IS SPARTA!!!

[@kayman4828]

@@davefekete7187 Leonidas wasn't a God tho and Spartans were just soldiers which is why I was asking what makes your build a God haha.

[@davefekete7187]

@@kayman4828 By Greek god I mean he looked so good that it’s Greek god level, now stop whining and leave me alone with your nonsense. Btw you just assumed it’s Leonidas but I never even mentioned he’s name, I’m just saying it’s about Sparta…you know the Greeks!?? . You completely missed the point.

[@michaellee8075]

Really awesome details and thank you very much for adding map details as well on how to get where we need to go. Thanks really appreciate this

[@cRPGBro]

Always glad to help! I prefer leaving the map details considering how open ended and huge Elden Ring can be.

[@blargminton]

this was my favorite build in darksouls 1. glad to see it has made a return

[@cRPGBro]

I think it has returned even stronger, since we can now get ZERO Stamina cost when blocking with ease! I also have an updated Mid & Late Game Guide for this Shield Build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@varianngaming9403]

This is a fantastic guide, very well thought out and easy to follow. Great work.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! Glad the video was useful, it's really a fun and smooth build to play as no doubt.

[@varianngaming9403]

@@cRPGBro Aaaaand I wake up to find that they've nerfed barricade shield....god damn it.

[@wrathfirex]

Thank you so much! I have never beaten any souls boss before this. But with this starting build I have beaten several optional bosses! Edited: even with the nerf to barricade, I'm still loving the build

[@cRPGBro]

Nice work and glad I could help! Even post Barricade Nerf, it's still a perfectly viable build indeed. I also talk about some alternatives in my pinned comment or also my Patch 1.03 video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKmtYmBvpapoppI

[@wrathfirex]

@@cRPGBro does the rune farming from the sleeping dragon still work? That's next in my to do list. Might have to get magic shield from sellena. Also any advice to advance to mid-end game? Or is this build viable till end game?

[@tibbus]

Not quite on topic, but while your dropping down the ledges (the 2nd or 3rd one) theres an alcove with a body you can get a lvl 2 somber smithing stone incase you need it.

[@cRPGBro]

Thanks for the tip! There are some nice places to get early Somber Stones with ease, so it's always good to know.

[@tibbus]

@@cRPGBro I it helps, theres also about a dozen of those headless knights around the walking mausoleum in Weeping Peninsula. They're in groups of 3, and 2 more at the fourth church of Marika (bonus sacred tear too) Just have to be careful about keeping them in front of you so they don't teleport up behind. Just move in and out, smacking them when there's an opening. Note: theres one grp near a wooded area that has one of those kaiden armor guys patrolling along with a couple of wolves. So you wanna keep an eye out for them.

[@stickyone11]

yo this guide is legit amazing bro, I subbed n made a str shield/poke char after watching this and have been having a blast! What other weapons would you recommend after the naginta? Is there any other bleed/status poking spears? Or should I just invest fully into naginta n upgrade it to max? I just dont wanna waste mats to upgrade if ima replace naginata after awhile.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the support, bro! Cross Naginata is actually very solid and can last you through the whole game. Another good spear to have is the Treespear if you want to get some Faith for support/buff incantations. You can get it early but it does have 22 DEX & 18 Faith requirement. Faith buffs can help the build such as stronger stagger on shield block & also higher elemental resistances for even less damage on blocking non physical hits.

[@21Tritons]

Spiked spear also has bleed, easy farm in weeping peninsula.

[@JohnSmith-bs9ym]

I really like this. I found that the reason you die is often not enough defense. It doesn't matter if you can hit super hard. This is almost totally opposite to Dark Souls 3 where you just spin your twinblades to victory.

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, it's really amazing to be able to combine both very high defenses with the ability to attack at the same time!

[@JohnSmith-bs9ym]

@@cRPGBro Man this game feels so different from dark souls lol...Leveling up is kind of a slog too. Can you perhaps post a guide for leveling up fast in the early game? (The cheesy strategies have all been posted, but I'm sure you'll be able to find something unique :D )

[@udohartel3274]

Such an awesome build. Thank you for the guide. I'm having a blast.

[@cRPGBro]

Glad you're enjoying it, it's certainly the most fun I've had with the game too!

[@offshore33]

Another very useful guide, thanks. I always appreciate your attention to detail.

[@cRPGBro]

And thank you for the support as always! I like having everything detailed and timed not only for easier viewing but also so I manage to properly explain the reasoning behind the choices.

[@BronySnowfall]

Might try this out as a Lance main in Monster hunter this is very similar. Thanks for the great build

[@cRPGBro]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's really a very fun build.

[@tuffgong2568]

Awesome and just in time, I was drawn yet perplexed by machine gunner shield build, didn't want to spend so much time investing in faith.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you, and really glad I could help! This is more for shield turtling/poking, but the infamous machinegun can work too with that OP Erdtree Shield, though you cannot get Barricade Shield on it.

[@literallyjeff]

Another great guide, very thorough and easy to understand. Great work.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the support! Shield builds are very fun in Elden Ring so I really wanted to make a guide for it.

[@literallyjeff]

@@cRPGBro Spent the night assembling this build, and it is really fun! The great shield took longer than I expected to farm, but it was easy to do using the starter halberd to stagger the knight. The whole set looks really cool. I'd love to see a follow up for mid-late game gear in this style if possible!

[@hulynchow8505]

The knight at 7:18, I had to cheese him. Fought him several 5imes. Down to just one hit left to finish him and he'd get me. So I thought, if I can get above him, shoot down with arrows and the 3 rock spell, I might beat him. There's a structure on it's side next to the road. I climbed up there and started throwing the stone spell at him. It was fun. Sometimes he'd come up at me only to go over the edge. Took me 3 tries this way, but I got him. I swear they put these things in the game for this purpose. LoL!

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, the Knight can be troublesome at the start, since we don't have no stamina cost Barricade Shield yet, but with Turtle Shield it's certainly doable.

[@MrLargo85]

Well described, full of useful information. Thank you Boss !

[@cRPGBro]

Glad it was helpful! I also have an updated version of the Shield Build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXSxaWhooraMaLM

[@nicholaslandolt8912]

Exactly what I was looking for! Trying to build a sword and board paladin character!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear it! Spear + Shield is not only loads of fun, but also very powerful in Elden Ring.

[@EldenRingBuildsArchive]

This has been patched, but if you want a similar experience, the next best thing is fingerprint shield+great spears combined with the green turtle talisman and the tear that boosts stamina recovery, having lots of stamina is also helpful

[@Simpullguy]

I like to use great shield talisman instead of radagons soreseal

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, the Soreseal is something better used early on to make up for lower stats and such.

[@the0s0ph1st]

Great vid, this is almost my build but had been using Treespear and high faith. Haven't heard of the Cross Naginata spear so I going to check it out when I get home. In the same catacombs you farm the shield and armor (Black Knife Catacombs) is a secret boss from which you can get the Assassin's Cerulean Dagger talisman. This talisman restores FP everytime you do a critic hit, and because this build is a guard counter machine, you can use this to recoup your FP from using Barricade.

[@cRPGBro]

Treespear is certainly a very powerful spear too, the main difference is Cross Naginata lets you apply Frost/Cold to it from an Ash of War. Nice note about the Talisman, it can certainly be useful now that Barricade costs more FP!

[@the0s0ph1st]

Just tried the cross naginata, it works great with my build! The range is shorter but I really like the moveset, and the damage of just physical is nothing to scoff at too, its inherent blood buildup works so well with Bloodflame Blade. And yeah the FP return during critical hits is really good.

[@cRPGBro]

@@the0s0ph1st Glad to hear! It really is one of my favorite spears in the game. If you want the spear with highest range, you can also go with the Pike, but it has lower scaling/damage than Naginata.

[@ciprianov2006]

Thx bro for this build, looks amazing , I will try this 👌

[@cRPGBro]

You're welcome, Shield Builds are indeed great fun in Elden Ring 😁 Also please be sure to check my updated Mid & Late Game version of this Shield Build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@lexmats8527]

This is my first souls-like game and just like in you Pathfinder guides, I am using your videos as bible.

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear, friend! Hopefully they prove just as useful in your Elden Ring journey. I also have an updated version of this Shield Build here for Mid & Late game: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo Also please be sure to check the pinned comment here for post Barricade Shield nerf alternatives!

[@michaelbehrens3167]

I'm Mike. From your video (and thank you) and got the spear and the spear Talisman. I upgraded my Dexterity to 20. I'm still looking for a shield that I like (the look). I hate the way the turtle shield looks, but I have been using it, but I want something better looking. Hey it is about style as much as game place. I need to look good. Thanks again.

[@cRPGBro]

Hi there and thanks for the comment! Turtle Shield is just for the very beginning because it has Barricade Shield, but as of Patch 1.03 it doesn't have 100% Phys Negate anymore, it's really only here so you can get the Barricade Shield skill from the Night Cavalry, and also farm for the other shields. You can still get the Gilded Greatshield or the Eclipse Crest Greatshield which I go for at the beginning for this build at 09:15 Both look pretty cool to me as well!

[@michaelbehrens3167]

@@cRPGBro - Thanks. I'm close to quitting the game. I can't find a shield that blocks all damage - I just die with one or two hits all the time - so killing bosses is impossible. I killed that guy on the horse and got the ashes of war shield, but can't find a shield that blocks full swings, so I can fight bosses. Any ideas?

[@SinSorrowEU]

Nice one. Got the weapon. It needs 20 dex that I did not have =( now grinding the dex.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! I also have an updated version for Mid & Late game here showing the build has an easy time even vs the superboss of Elden Ring: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo And yeah, Cross Naginata is definitely worth the DEX investment, I also recommend using Godrick's Great Rune for +5 to all stats as I show here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGHOkoyPpJmJiMk

[@LPchief]

great, concise, complete information my friend! subscribed!

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you so much, friend! Glad to be of help 😀

[@OutHereOnThePerimeter]

This title makes me feel nauseous.

[@gea5401]

That was so detailed and straightforward! Love the vid

[@joelmccreaandfamily9469]

All i can say is wow! This is amazing. I finally fully commited to it and now im having so much fun. Battles can still be hard, which is fine, but suddenly im taking down bosses like a boss!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to help 😁 Also please check out my Updated version of this guide for Mid & Late Game here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@g405t]

Nice i just got the stone shield going to poke my way through the game!

[@cRPGBro]

Nice indeed! Don't forget to equip the Greatshield Talisman too so you can get zero stamina on blocking even without Barricade Shield. Also please see my other guide here for MAX Tanking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32menmbbs1psMU

[@sgt_badedyr4445]

Thanks. Funny i have start Samurai that i Building for shield & Spear. So some good information here to work with. Thanks kindly.

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to help and have fun! Samurai can also work, actually, it doesn't matter that much outside of starting stats. Uchigatana is a great starter weapon but we need thrusting ones to attack with shield, so spear or rapier. Thank you for the support.

[@sgt_badedyr4445]

@@cRPGBro Aye Start Samurai for DW Katana, But didn't find it fun at all. I use the Rapier I got after complete Storm Veil Castle. Have to go get the poison ash of war and see if I can put it on it. (that my plan any way) Even before upgrade it, It hit like a truck... I am building for 48 strength for "Ghiza Wheel Fingerprint Stone Shield with Shield Barrier" i hope to get late game, Look so cool i think !!! All so looking for "Godskin Stitcher with Chilling Mist (Cold)" and Antspur Rapier with Poison Moth Flight(Poison) i see a video from someone using this set up and look crazy fun :-) Kinddly.

[@isdatdalord1622]

Keep it up! These builds are top tier, per usual.

[@cRPGBro]

Thanks, bro 😎

[@Paulafan5]

Gotta try that. I've tried doing shield runs and it never goes well. Never thought to do this kind of a build. Didn't know you could block and attack with poking weapons. Elden Ring doesn't like to tell you things directly and if you haven't played every other souls game you wouldn't know about certain mechanics.

[@cRPGBro]

Sadly some stuff has been nerfed since regarding Shields, but I'll definitely release an updated version once the DLC comes!

[@nathan87dlkh]

thats pretty goos build. Im gonna follow the build thank you for the guide!

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the support! It's really a fun and very smooth to play build.

[@nathan87dlkh]

im literally making ur build now hahhahaha

[@nathan87dlkh]

I JUST BEAT 3 NIGHT RIDER WITH YOUR BUILD FOR F SAKE U BUILD ARE INSANEEEEEEEE

[@cRPGBro]

@@nathan87dlkh Glad to hear it, friend! It's really a fun build, isn't it?

[@nathan87dlkh]

@@cRPGBro hell yeahh

[@TravisJ10]

Great info on the defensive stats.

[@cRPGBro]

Thanks, man! The entire shield + poke playstyle really combines the best of both worlds.

[@JohnDoe-od6xk]

Currently getting owned by the Night Cavalry lol, used to playing casters. So weird with sword and board 😆 😅

[@cRPGBro]

Night Cavalry can be somewhat tough so early, sometimes it's better to walk alway a bit while holding shield as to avoid the horse stomp + overhead attacks! Thankfully we have the Cross Naginata for range. I also have an updated Mid & Late game of this Guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@JohnDoe-od6xk]

@@cRPGBro I been trying without the Spear because I'm 5 off from the str I need to use it. I don't may grab Radagon Soreseal to equip it though not fond of the thought of taking more dmg from him when he already rekts me in a few and sometimes two good heavy hits. I was trying to use the mace from the carriage south of him for the bleed but it doesn't do much. And I actually do well against mostly on horseback cause on the ground dude so hard to hit (I guess without a spear). And he is in and out and the parry alot of times don't reach him fast enough. And most his attacks break my guard to easily...all but the light attack he does when he does a regular little swing from side of horse which isn't as common as I would hope. He much rather do heavy hits or running in out and doing over head heavy hits his a pain lol. I'm to used to casters I guess, haven't played a melee class yet. Horseback can sat I honestly if I had more levels and gear would beat him easily. Just now I have to be perfect and hit him a hundred times vs him hitting me like 2-4x for kill. I will get him eventually 😆

[@nagginsnuggets9424]

That headless knight is a PITA, farmed for an hour and not one single drop. Great video though, very neat and chapters are well done.

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! The Headless Knight doesn't have the best drop chances indeed, which is why I went with one super close to a Grace. I recommend you use Silver Pickled Fowl Foot consumables which are craftable, for a big increase to drop chances. You can also get the Gilded Greatshield from the shield & spear Knight at the Gatefront Ruins if you prefer, although it has higher STR requirement.

[@nagginsnuggets9424]

@@cRPGBro nah I finally got it. Loving the build. Been having fun with it for sure

[@cRPGBro]

@@nagginsnuggets9424 Glad to hear it! I also have an updated version of this build for Mid & Late Game here, you definitely want to get Fingerprint Shield later on: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@milesjkillsrocks3452]

im running a shield as a high level and i love the fingerprint stone shield

[@cRPGBro]

Fingerprint is heavy, but certainly very useful! Can get 100% Guard even without Barricade Shield, which is completely insane.

[@soulinjekt1151]

thank you for the guide on the shield it's very nice anyway

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you, glad it helped!

[@marcelaldo1409]

This is the only guide that make me able to finished Elden Ring

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to hear it, friend! Shield builds really are fun and effective!

[@icristian6707]

Wish the mimic tear ash would hold the Shield up all the time instead of holding the spear with both hands....

[@cRPGBro]

That would be nice indeed! Mimic Tear's AI is kinda... questionable outside of melee spam.

[@TheShamz]

Great video thanks - is there an updated version or any advice on what to go for mid-late game off the build?

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! For mid & late game, you can go with Fingerprint Stone Shield for maximum Guard Boost, and then equip the Greatshield Talisman: this will give you enough guard boost for zero stamina on block even WITHOUT Barricade Shield. If you find Barricade Shield too low in duration, then another great choice is going for the Scholar's Shield spell + Greatshield Talisman, so your blocks cost minimal stamina. I also recommend the Equip Load Tear as I show here so you can still have fast rolling even with the heaviest of armors/shields: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3nLq4OXa5eke7c

[@HerbertBalagtas]

Thanks! This build is really fun, I hate dodge/rolling!

[@cRPGBro]

No problem, glad to be of help! Do note that the duration has been decreased as of Patch 1.03, so for the longer battles like against bosses, you have to take a bit more care when it comes to activating your skill.

[@NobodyDungeons]

You can also use the block charm to increase block bonus further.

[@cRPGBro]

Indeed, the Shield Talisman was nerfed a bit in the last patch, but it still works just fine for certain Greatshields!

[@NobodyDungeons]

@@cRPGBro I believe it still gives the fingerprint great shield 100% at +25

[@TheVic18t]

@@NobodyDungeons No it doesn't. Fingerprint plus talisman only gets you 90

[@Ash.Hardingham]

lost count of the times i've killed that Headless chap for him to drop absolutely nothing! Otherwise great build guide! Keep up the good work!

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you! His drop can be somewhat low, but at the very least the farming is easy since he is very close to a grace and can be backstabbed for the first hit.

[@NBarbario]

I've killed him probably 15 times and not a single drop. Wondering if its been patched or something....?

[@cRPGBro]

@@NBarbario It is still in, but he doesn't have high drop chances. Still decent enough to farm considering how close he is to a grace, and you can always use the craftable Silver Pickled Fowl Foot item to increase your loot chances if it's taking long, it will last through resting as well, so long as you don't fast travel, but there's a grace very nearby at least.

[@MisterSinister47]

This has helped me a lot. Thank you!!!

[@cRPGBro]

You're welcome 😀

[@aimex]

ive done this but with poison infinity and have a spear maxed out with heavy infinity and have the lance throw ash of war for ranged fighting, just switch between.

[@cRPGBro]

That can work too! Shield + Spear can be pretty versatile.

[@edgewalker00]

I didn't know that raising the Eclipse shield to 6 would increase its guard boost. thanks so much for this! does the shield poke mechanic work on halberds that have thrust animations on their L1? I'm currently using Dragon Halberd on my END build

[@cRPGBro]

Eclipse also has the "hidden" +50 to resistances, pretty good too when it comes to avoiding most status ailments! I don't believe Halberds will work with Shield Pokes, the ones I tested at least did not work, but I could be wrong. They have to be Thrusting Weapons, so either Rapiers or Spears for example.

[@Squitwort448]

@@cRPGBro great video but I have a question, it looks like my barricade shield runs out too quickly is this normal and I just have to pay attention and constantly re apply it?

[@cRPGBro]

@@Squitwort448 It does not have very high duration, so you do indeed need to reapply it often. But the cast is almost instant, FP cost is low, and you raise your shield to block whenever you cast it anyways. Also, you can notice it's working either from your shield glow effect, or an icon beneath your character HP/FP bars.

[@Squitwort448]

@@cRPGBro ok thank you!

[@artikelservice796]

great guide very detailed and easy to understand

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you!

[@vypermajik]

Awesome guide. Thanks!!

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you for the comment, and glad it helped!

[@FartBox_BeatBox]

What a great guide! Thanks for this

[@cRPGBro]

No problem, glad it was helpful!

[@bimbofeof1241]

Amazing guide. Thx, dude!

[@cRPGBro]

Glad I was able to help! I also have an updated Mid & Late Game version of this Shield Build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXK8cn5qebp4bJo

[@jasonarbuthnot443]

How do you prevent blight build up when blocking?

[@gabirusama3072]

Love the guide homie. Subbed

[@cRPGBro]

Thank you, really appreciate the sub!

[@IronDragoon01]

I tossed this on another video about the new patch, but you have a shield build as well, so:

[@IronDragoon01]

With the nerf to Barricade Shield, it seems like Scholar's Shield might be a good replacement for Barricade, doing a Mage-Knight Tank build. Scholar's gives something like a 22-23% Guard Boost buff, has damage negation buffs, and has a 30 FP/1 minute duration, which is the same FP/Duration ratio as Barricade Shield had. Might need to use the Greatshield Talisman to boost the base GB value of some shields until you upgrade enough. Which, on paper, seems to be a better option as it opens up the use of other sorceries as opening burst damage, pop SS, and go into spear-shield stabby stabby.

[@cRPGBro]

I have made a video here commenting both the Barricade Shield Nerf and also the Shield Buffs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKmtYmBvpapoppI To put it simply, Barricade Shield is still very effective, the difference is you have to pay more attention to properly manage your casts. As you said, Scholar's Shield + the Talisman + a big Shield post the Guard Boost buffs is also another way to go, as you can heavily reduce the stamina block costs to almost nothing!

[@Ridubo]

Been trying to get the shield from the guy for a while now lol killed him at least 30 times but still nothing, wish me luck!

[@cRPGBro]

Don't worry, you can do it! You can also farm the Gilded Shield from the Spear + Shield Knight at Gatefront ruins, but it has 4 more STR requirement. Remember you can use a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot, which is craftable, to increase drop chances. , Just don't fast travel, because that will remove the buff, but the grace is super close to the headless knight at least!

[@robrikkers]

Thanks a lot for the great guide.

[@cRPGBro]

You're welcome, and thank you for the support!

[@MB-go6uy]

Starting a brand new character. What do you think is the optimal starting class for this build. I want to take this build then progress it into your big dmg mitigation build.

[@cRPGBro]

Vagabond is the most solid in my opinion. You have great stats all around, nothing is wasted! Golden Seed is a very good Keepsake too for the beginning.

[@KILLRAIN42]

So as someone who came to this build cause I'm pretty dumb and was having zero fun with what I was doing previously, what's gonna wind up being my long-term stat priority? Just more vigor and endurance? What's the priority for damage then, since the naginata's scaling gets too complicated for a dumb like me to keep track of?

[@noobatron2663]

You'll be pumping up STR quite a bit, for me it was to first get to 36 for the Gilded Greatshield in early game. From there, I used an ash of war to give my lance the heavy scaling. From there, You want to go Vig and End. Nothing too fancy, you have a lot of equip load so late game becomes more about finding sets of armor you really like since you can equip anything. Might try investing some points into faith just for some buffs.

[@jimmyd694]

OK, so I'm a boomer. At least now I have confidence to get started without being owned by everything. Excellent guide BTW :)

[@cRPGBro]

Glad I could help 😁

[@dadbodonfleek9501]

How far have u gotten with this build? Any changes?

[@norbertb2436]

Simple Perfect. Thx

[@cRPGBro]

Glad to help! Shields are really fun in Elden Ring. I also have a more up to date Shield Build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXSxaWhooraMaLM

[@EdKutsko]

For those of us who don't get the affinity, what affinity are you using for your ashes of war?

[@cRPGBro]

For the Spear with Ice Spear, Cold no doubt! For the late game, Occult is the way to go for the Cross Naginata.

[@setoriusbelle]

This is early, but by the end if you guys want 100 guard boost with no ash of war. Just 100 all the time, you need the great shield talisman and a shield with 90 guard boost. Now I have no skill on my shield while I can use ash of war for my right hand weapon and still block everything.

[@cRPGBro]

Yeah, it can be done with for example Fingerprint Stone Shield, certainly a nice upgrade for the late game!

[@setoriusbelle]

@@cRPGBro Exactly that shield is amazing even the other stats that aren’t physical. thank you for the video I used it as a precursor to help me start. I just came back to drop this comment for those who may not have known. Have you read the recent patch notes? They nerfed barricade shield. But made shields “more effective” idk what that means, but the patch notes are on the wiki

[@cRPGBro]

@@setoriusbelle It means Barricade Shield has lower Duration and slightly more FP cost. The main change is that you have to pay more attention to activating your Barricade Shield. As for higher shield effectiveness, it means that most shield got a nice boost to their default Guard Boost!