.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1100&h=618&dpr=1.5)
In From Software's newest title, Elden Ring, players will quickly note that enemies hit hard. Some enemies are even capable of killing the player with one move. Players can bolster their defenses with heavier armor, more points in vigor (the game's health stat), or they can take a more simple approach. If an enemy is hitting like a truck, why not put some bollards in the way to stop it?
The solution to this problem is shields — and more specifically, shields that bolster fire defense. There are abundant amounts of fire-spewing creatures in the Lands Between, and these shields will help cover their mouths.
Small Shields
Small shields generally have the lowest amount of defense out of the shield categories. With that being said, they are the lightest and can be paired with the biggest weapons. A small amount of defense is often better than no defense. In the small shield's case, players can usually implement them in their builds no matter, what because of their low weight.
Iron Roundshield
This Iron Roundshield is the third most fire-resistant Small Shield in Elden Ring, with a 42 fire negation at base. The Bloody Wolf class starts with this shield, or alternately, it can be obtained at the traveling merchant by the Coastal Cave.
The shield starts with no Ash of War; however, it is a great option for someone who wants some protection, but doesn't want to slow roll.
Man-Serpent's Shield
Coming in at second for the most fire negation on a Small Shield is the Man-Serpent's Shield, found in the Volcano Manor legacy dungeon. The shield drops from the Man-Serpent enemies who are wielding it.
This shield provides the user with a 48 fire negation stat. It also has no innate Ash of War, so the player can infuse it with whatever they prefer.
Smoldering Shield
Surprisingly, the shield made out of smoldering rock has the most fire negation out any of the Small Shields. This shield can be found in the Volcano Manor right by the Prison Town Church lost grace. The player will need to jump down to a roof and then to the smoldering rock beneath, to find the shield in a graveyard filled with molten hot lava
The shield comes with the "Shield Bash" skill and boasts a 56 fire negation stat. That is a great amount of defense for such a small shield.
Medium Shields
Medium Shields contain the greatest balance compared to the others. They are perfect for players who want to have their cake and to eat it, too. They are not too heavy, and provide great defense for the user. Many Medium Shields also let the player infuse them with their own Ash of War, making them a versatile and effective choice.
Beastman's Jar-Shield
The Beastman's Jar-Shield is made out of a broken vase. It makes perfect sense that it would have a great fire negation stat, considering the method used to make pottery!
This shield can be obtained as a drop from the Azula Beastmen enemy in the game's later region, Crumbling Farum Azula. The shield boasts a 55 fire negation, stat making it the third-best Medium Shield for fire negation. The shield comes with no skill, so it can also be changed to the user's preferences.
Banished Knight's Shield
The Banished Knight's Shield is the runner-up for fire negation in its category. It can drop from the Banished Knight enemy (seen in Commander Niall boss fight) if the player is able to slay one of them.
This shield offers a 57 fire negation stat and no Ash of War. Of course, as in other shields' cases, no Ash of War means that the player can alter the shield to their liking.
Brass Shield
The best shield for fire defense for its medium size is the Brass Shield, which can be obtained by killing the soldiers seen wearing it. These soldiers can be found in both Limgrave and Raya Lucaria.
This shield has a 59 fire negation stat, which makes it a great option for when the heat gets too hot in the kitchen. The shield is also infusible with any Ash of War.
Greatshields
For the players who believe that the best offense is a good defense, Greatshields are perfect. They provide the user with the highest overall defense and negation. While they do weigh far more than the other shield types on this list, that weight is not going to waste, considering their ability to block damage.
One-Eyed Shield
This cycloptic looking shield makes sure to keep an eye out for the Tarnished. It can be acquired by killing Chief Guardian Arghanthy in the Guardian Garrison located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, and provides a 69 fire negation stat to the user.
This shield also has a unique Ash of War titled "Flame Spit" which shoots a fireball out of the shield. This literally makes the best offense a good defense.
Redmane Greatshield
Many of the Greatshields in Elden Ring contain their own Ash of War. The Redmane Greatshield is perfect for the players who want control over what their shield does, but still want protection from the flames.
This shield can be acquired from slaying the Redmane Knights in Caelid. The shield boosts fire negation by 70, making it a great addition to the player's defenses.
Visage Shield
The Visage Shield is as intimidating as it looks, with some of the highest overall defense in the game. This shield sits at a whopping 81 fire negation making it tied for the best in class at base.
The shield is acquired in the Caelem Ruins (located in Caelid) after a fight with two Mad Pumpkin Heads. The shield also has a unique skill called "Flame Spit," which shoots fire out of it like a flamethrower.
Overall Best Shield For Fire Negation: Fingerprint Stone Shield
Arguably the hardest shield to acquire on this list, the Fingerprint Stone Shield makes up for it in stats. This shield is acquired through a platforming puzzle after defeating Mohg, the Omen. The Tarnished must strike the altar that sits behind the boss opening the route to the shield. This shield provides the user with 81 fire negation at base, but with a little upgrading, they can get it as high as 101.
Along with its incredible defense, it also contains the skill "Shield Bash," which can push away enemies that decide to get too close. If the player doesn't like this skill, however, they can always change via the blacksmith.