Among the numerous new weapons in the DLC of Elden Ring, players have found one that works particularly well against the tough bosses. The reactions from the community are enthusiastic – but there are some critical voices as well.
Which weapon is it? The DLC Shadow of the Erdtree has added over 100 new weapons to the main game Elden Ring. Depending on the playstyle, there’s something for everyone. Some of the coolest new weapons you can find right at the beginning, before you have even defeated one of the tough bosses.
Currently, a new weapon type is particularly making waves: the thrusting shield. Especially the Carian thrusting shield is an ideal means to stand firm in battles against bosses.
Because you can hide behind it, block enemy attacks, and attack at the same time. However, some players who have tested the build are worried that it might get nerfed soon.
This doesn’t stop most of the community from using the weapon now and making life easier in the Shadow Lands.
The community loves the new shields
What do the players say? User DamnHare expresses the thoughts of many others in a Reddit post, when he writes:
“The new thrusting shields are the strongest weapons in the entire game, and not just by a little. NG+ in the DLC has been absolutely obliterated. Thrusting shields can be enchanted with any affinity/damage type, making them extremely versatile.”
He also shows a clip in which he fights against various bosses from the expansion. For spoiler reasons, we won’t link the video here; follow this link to Reddit if you are interested.
Many other users join him in the praise: “I love the thrusting shield, and you’re telling me there’s more than one?” writes UB-iK on Reddit.
“Yes, that’s how I defeated the final boss,” writes Drstrangelove899 under the Reddit post. However, the prerequisite is that you actually know how to play the weapon correctly.
Users like goshagrim on Reddit were not even aware until this post that you can block and attack simultaneously with thrusting shields. He didn’t understand why everyone thought the weapons were so good. However, after players tried the shields, most are very impressed.
Is there any criticism as well? As often, not all voices in the community are positive. User nisanosa on Reddit finds this playstyle “extremely boring, to be honest.”
SecXy94 also agrees with this under the Reddit post, stating: “I couldn’t play the game like that. I would be bored to death.”
Thrusting shields are therefore not the right choice for every type of player. Those who want to be agile and prefer to dodge enemy attacks with skillful rolls instead of blocking them will find better weapons in Elden Ring.
It remains to be seen how long the thrusting shields will remain this powerful. Perhaps a nerf is on the way that will weaken the weapon. The same could happen to another strong newcomer in the DLC: a perfume bottle, that deals with the final boss swiftly.
