In the latest Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, a controversial new strategy has emerged involving dueling shields that are reshaping the game’s combat dynamics. These shields, particularly the Carian Thrusting Shield found in Shadow Keep, have garnered attention for their ability to almost effortlessly dispatch even the game’s toughest bosses.
Unlike traditional approaches relying on overpowering perfumes or elaborate spellcasting, this strategy revolves around a surprisingly straightforward tactic of utilizing shields that can both attack and defend simultaneously.
The Carian Thrusting Shield, when optimized by enhancing its stats and pairing it with suitable damage affinities like bleed, becomes a formidable tool in the player’s arsenal. The strategy hinges on wielding the shield with both hands and executing rapid light attacks while maintaining a defensive stance.
This method, popularized by influencers like Scott Jund, has gained traction due to its relative ease of execution and undeniable effectiveness in gameplay demonstrations.
Players looking to maximize this strategy can further augment their build with enhancements in endurance and stamina management. Utilizing sorceries such as the Scholar’s Shield Sorcery to bolster defense and employing specific talismans for added bonuses also enhances the viability of this approach.
Despite its straightforward mechanics, there are nuances, such as managing chip damage and incorporating health regeneration for sustained combat.
Critics and players alike have noted the overwhelming success of this shield-centric build, which appears to trivialize encounters that were previously considered challenging. There have been discussions within the gaming community regarding potential balance issues, with observations suggesting that dueling shields might not correctly consume stamina during use, potentially skewing their intended difficulty.
Even against formidable foes, including the final boss encounters, this strategy has proven surprisingly effective, as demonstrated by various players who have showcased its application, often with unconventional control methods.
While opinions on its entertainment value vary, its undeniable efficiency makes it a noteworthy addition to Elden Ring’s evolving meta, prompting discussions on its impact on gameplay balance and future updates.