Elden Ring: Carian Thrusting Shield Build Guide

The Carian Thrusting Shield is a new addition to the Elden Ring DLC, bringing a unique offensive twist to the shield archetype. This guide will help you optimize your build around this versatile weapon, detailing its acquisition, stats, and the best strategies to maximize its potential.

How to Obtain the Carian Thrusting Shield

Location: Shadow Keep Back Section

Access:

Travel to Moorth Ruins.

Descend into the Bonny Village underground.

Cross the bridges and head northeast to the Church District Entrance.

Scale the rooftops to find a hole in a building.

Descend through the hole and defeat the Fire Knights.

Use the elevator to reach the Back Section.

From the Grace Site, head west to locate the Carian Thrusting Shield.

Carian Thrusting Shield Stats & Scaling

Stat Requirements:

Strength: B scaling

Dexterity: B scaling

Magic Damage: Small amount due to Intelligence scaling

Weight: Higher than Medium Shields, but lower than most Greatshields

Upgrade: Can be upgraded to +25 using Smithing Stones and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones of Elden Ring Items.

Best Talismans to Pair with Carian Thrusting Shield

Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Enhances your effectiveness when using the shield in both hands.

Greatshield Talisman: Provides better blocking capabilities.

Spear Talisman: Boosts damage for thrusting attacks.

Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Improves Stamina recovery, crucial for this build.

Best Armor to Pair with Carian Thrusting Shield

Rakshasa's Armor: Boosts damage dealt to enemies. Despite its reduction in damage negation, it complements the shield's offensive capabilities and provides a significant damage increase. Avoid heavy armor to prevent Heavy Rolling.

Best Character Attribute Distribution

Focus on the following attributes for an optimal Carian Thrusting Shield build:

Strength: 40-50

Dexterity: 40-50

Endurance: 30-40 (to manage stamina usage)

Mind: 10-15 (minimal use of FP)

Faith: 25 (if using Golden Vow Incantation)

If needed, respec using a Larval Tear obtained from Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.

Best Wondrous Flask of Physick Combinations

Stamina Recovery: Combine with Two-Headed Turtle Talisman for near-instant Stamina replenishment.

Opaline Hardtear: Compensates for damage negation reduction from Rakshasa's Armor.

Best Incantations to Pair with Carian Thrusting Shield

Golden Vow: Increases overall damage and damage negation.

Flame, Grant Me Strength: Boosts damage output.

Best Great Runes to Pair with Carian Thrusting Shield

Malenia's Great Rune: Encourages an aggressive playstyle with health regeneration after attacks.

Radahn's Great Rune: Increases HP, FP, and Stamina, enhancing your overall survivability and attack capacity.

Buffing Routine & Attack Strategy

Pre-Fight Preparation:

Consume the Wondrous Flask for Stamina Recovery.

Apply Golden Vow for enhanced damage and damage negation.

Use Flame, Grant Me Strength for additional damage boost.

Combat Strategy:

Close the distance to enemies to capitalize on the shield's offensive capabilities.

Maintain a defensive stance to guard against attacks while looking for openings.

Utilize the Ash of War: Giant Hunt to stagger enemies with lower Hyper Armor.

Combine supportive Incantations with charged Heavy attacks for significant damage output.

This build allows you to take full advantage of the Carian Thrusting Shield's offensive capabilities while maintaining solid defensive options. Equip the best talismans, armor, and incantations to enhance your effectiveness and adapt to different combat situations.