anyone else ends up never using shields even when trying to ?

[Buurt]

I wanted to make a pyro character with shield to play around with the guard counter a little bit.
after 30 hours I noticed that I close to never really used the shield, I always forgot about it, I either just roll around because it feels simpler or I don't have it in my hand because of my seal.
I played 200 hours without shield and now I have to force myself to use it because I just forget it even when it feels cool.
anyone else has that with shields or other mechanics stuff in this game ?

[An Irate Walrus]

I was sword and board in Demon's and Dark 1, but moved on to 2H STR builds in 2, and then quality in 3 (because prior to being nerfed, the Estoc was called the "Bestoc" for a reason).

In ER, I did my first run (PS5) as a 2h STR build with the Guts UGS. Ashed it for frost, and even put Malenia down.

Then I thought, "let's just see what all the howling about bleed is about."

This was pre-Rivers nerf.

And lo, I joined the dork side.

So, as a roundabout way of answering your question: I stopped using shields a long time ago, partially because my parry timing sucks in every game apart from Dark 1, and partially because my preferred play styles and loadouts don't call for them.

[Lenox]

Same. I played Dark Souls 1 with a shield on at all times, even if just for parrying. So when I started Elden Ring I wanted a change. Now I’m used to no shield. Been blocking a little with two-handing sometimes though. Or double-staff, or a crossbow.

[VBro96]

My shield is the most important piece. Its essential for me. Try a shield with thicc guard boost.

[Koumori]

VBro96 původně napsal:

My shield is the most important piece. Its essential for me. Try a shield with thicc guard boost.

This is my feeling as well. I find it quite difficult to play without using a shield.

[CazadorDeLobo]

I haven't used a shield in years for anything other than testing and against certain bosses. The AI feels much more balanced around you having one than I'm used to, but then again, face-rolling and strafing still work if timed properly, so I tend to never use one in ER. I like weight efficiency and if I don't use it all the time I don't think it deserves to eat up X weight that can be replaced by maybe an offhand weapon.

Context: By "for years" I'm referring to the base engine of the game, modified from Souls engine, where most gameplay elements are completely identical in nature.

[fauxpas]

I never could parry so I just use a shield occasionally as a trinary weapon, mostly against archers, dogs, and other annoying critters that want to trade.

[Chaosium]

I can't imagine playing without a greatshield

[CazadorDeLobo]

Chaosium původně napsal:

I can't imagine playing without a greatshield

It's a scary world out there. Keep it close.

[PritX]

Shields are honestly better and more fun than they've ever been. Guard counters are satisfying, shield bashes can do almost the same damage as your weapon when upgraded while also blocking attacks at the same time, and you have the magic and holy parry along with vow of the indomitable to add some nice flavor to character builds along with status shields like the bleed greatshield which can trivialize Malenia on its own.

[Ermitaum]

What's a shel.. sho.. sh... shield?

[Luna]

Shield are awesome. Guard counters are great, they hit hard and feel REALLY good to do. Plus there are quite a few ashes of war that can give your shields different abilitys. I used a great-shield on my first run and it makes learning what the bosses and enemies do much easier.

[Koala 4peace]

I'm yet to discover how to survive Malenia 2nd phase flower power without a shield, so i normally use them.

[Krazy Wallet]

I haven't used a shield since DS1 unless you count the grass crest shield plopped on my back. But even that has been disposed of in favor of a staff, seal, or a dirty, little, scarlet-rot based dagger

[Yal]

If you think rolling is simpler than shields, you should challenge yourself and do a shield-only run. They've got combos, they've got guardcounters, there's a couple really good unique shield arts (the snake shield that causes Deadly Poison, the flamethrower shield, the cannon shield...), they deal completely bonkers poise damage... the only real issue is less attack range than your bare fists.

[Kalvix]

Definitely stopped using them in DS1 at some point and haven't touched them since. I just feel like its better to avoid damage with rolls and go for more damaging builds.