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When it comes to becoming an unbreakable fortress in Elden Ring, few builds compare to the sheer dominance of a shield user. Whether you prefer to soak up hits like a stoic juggernaut or deflect enemy attacks with precision timing, the shield class offers unmatched defensive potential. But a truly invincible build isn't complete without the right talismans - these special items amplify your endurance, stability, and overall defensive prowess, pushing your tank potential to new heights.

Below is a curated list of the best talismans for shield users in Elden Ring, covering both the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. These talismans boost your damage reduction, stamina, poise, and even counterattack potential - everything you need to stand tall in the face of any foe.

1. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman - Become The Wall

·Effect: Reduces Physical Damage taken by 20%

·Location: Found in a chest on an elevated platform inside Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree (Base Game)

Arguably the most famous defensive talisman in Elden Ring, the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman is a must-have for any shield-focused build. A 20% reduction in physical damage taken is an enormous defensive boost, especially when combined with the natural resistances of a greatshield. With this talisman, even the strongest bosses in the Lands Between will struggle to dent your HP bar.

Reaching it requires traversing the challenging Haligtree area, filled with dangerous knights and parasites, but the reward is well worth it. Once equipped, you'll feel virtually indestructible - a true wall against any physical threat.

2. Curved Sword Talisman - Strike Back Harder

·Effect: Increases Guard Counter damage by 20%

·Location: Found near the Stormveil Cliffside Site of Grace (Base Game)

If turtling behind your shield isn't satisfying enough, the Curved Sword Talisman lets you punish enemies for daring to attack. This talisman boosts your guard counters - the heavy attacks you unleash right after blocking - by 20%.

You can find this talisman early in Stormveil Castle, making it an ideal pickup for anyone starting a shield-heavy playthrough. It's the best way to make blocking both a defensive and an offensive tactic.

3. Pearl Shield Talisman - Elemental Defense Mastery

·Effect: Reduces Elemental Damage taken by 20% while guarding

·Location: Found inside a chest in a Messmer soldier camp southwest of Taylew's Ruined Forge (Shadow of the Erdtree DLC)

Physical hits aren't the only threat in Elden Ring - elemental attacks can melt through even the toughest armor. That's where the Pearl Shield Talisman shines.

Pair this talisman with other strong Elden Ring Items to create an all-rounded defense setup capable of handling both physical and magical foes.

4. Viridian Amber Medallion +3 - Stamina That Lasts Forever

·Effect: Raises maximum Stamina by 17%

·Location: Found in the Darklight Catacombs (Shadow of the Erdtree DLC)

Holding up a greatshield for extended battles burns through stamina fast. The Viridian Amber Medallion +3 solves that problem with a significant 17% boost to your maximum stamina pool.

Earlier versions of this talisman can be found in the base game, but the +3 variant in the DLC offers the biggest improvement. It's a must-have for tank builds that rely on blocking or repeated heavy swings from colossal weapons.

5. Great-Jar's Arsenal - Carry More, Worry Less

·Effect: Raises maximum Equip Load by 19%

·Location: Reward for defeating three NPC duelists summoned by The Great-Jar in Dragonbarrow (Base Game)

Heavy armor and colossal shields quickly push your equipment load to its limits, which can result in slow, clumsy rolls. The Great-Jar's Arsenal talisman lets you carry more weight - up to 19% more - allowing you to wear heavier armor or shields without suffering the dreaded "fat roll."

Completing The Great-Jar's challenge can be tough, but the payoff is huge. Once equipped, you can freely combine your favorite heavy gear pieces while keeping your agility intact.

6. Bull-Goat's Talisman - The Poise King

·Effect: Raises Poise by 33%

·Location: Found inside Dragonbarrow Cave (Base Game)

Shield users thrive on poise, and the Bull-Goat's Talisman gives you plenty of it. With a 33% boost, you can take hits without staggering, letting you keep your guard up even in the thickest of fights. Pair this with the Bull-Goat armor set for near-total poise dominance.

This talisman is also fairly easy to get - just head into Caelid's Dragonbarrow region and venture into a cave near the minor Erdtree. With it, you'll be able to shrug off enemy blows like they're nothing.

7. Verdigris Discus - Power Through the Weight

·Effect: Take 10% less damage when at heavy load, 20% when overloaded

·Location: Found behind a waygate west of the Highroad Cross Site of Grace (Shadow of the Erdtree DLC)

For those who love the true "heavy tank" fantasy, the Verdigris Discus actually rewards you for being encumbered. The heavier your load, the more damage reduction you gain. At full overload, you'll take a whopping 20% less damage.

It's perfect for role-playing as a walking fortress. You won't be dodging much, but who needs to when nothing can hurt you?

Greatshield Talisman - The Ultimate Defender

·Effect: Reduces stamina damage taken while blocking by 20%

·Location: Found in a carriage chest east of the Erdtree-Gazing Hill Site of Grace (Base Game)

No list of defensive talismans would be complete without the Greatshield Talisman. Reducing the stamina drain from blocking by 20% might sound modest, but it makes a massive difference in long fights. When combined with stamina-boosting gear or the Viridian Amber Medallion, it allows for near-constant defense without running out of stamina.

Found early in Altus Plateau, it's easy to grab and incredibly efficient for any shield-focused character. Together with the Dragoncrest and Bull-Goat talismans, it forms the holy trinity of pure tanking power.

Final Thoughts

A perfect shield built in Elden Ring isn't just about having the biggest slab of metal on your arm - it's about fine-tuning your defense with the right talismans. Whether you're maximizing physical defense, poise, stamina, or elemental resistance, these items can transform any Tarnished into a true immovable object.

So equip your best shield, slot in these talismans, and march fearlessly into battle. And if you're short on time, you can always buy Elden Ring Items from P2Pah to complete your ultimate tank setup faster. With the right combination of defense and endurance, no enemy in the Lands Between will be able to break your guard.