With a passion for soulslike games, Waleed has immersed himself in Dark Souls 3 for over 300 hours. Hence, you can trust his expertise for reliable information about the game.
What are Greatshields In Dark Souls 3?
In a weapons-centric game, shields deserve equal importance. Dark Souls 3 defies RPG norms with 50+ diverse shields divided into small, standard, and greatshield categories. Greatshields, the largest, excel in stability and damage reduction. They shield against late-game boss attacks, but drawbacks should be recognized. We’ll look at Dark Souls 3 Best Greatshields for this guide.
Key Takeaways
- Greatshields in Dark Souls 3 offer a great defense at the cost of a high strength requirement, along with them weighing a ton.
- The important things to look out for in Greatshields are the defense they offer, their requirements, and their unique abilities like weapon arts or passives.
- Our picks for the top 5 greatshields are the Giant Door Shield, Havel’s Greatshield, Yhorm’s Greatshield, Dragonslayer Greatshield, and the Stone Greatshield.
- Bear in mind that the stability stat is very important for shields as it tells the player how much stamina they’ll lose when they get hit. Shields with a greater stability stat are usually better.
Comparison table for best Greatshields;
Here is a comparison table of my best Greatshields in Dark Soul 3. Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:
No. Names Weapon Category Skill Fp Cost Physical Attack Power Magic Attack Power Fire Attack Power Critical Attack Power Stability Durability Weight Strength (Scaling) Strength (Requirement )
1 Twin Dragon Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 18(-/-) 106 0 0 100 63 105 7.0 D 16
2 Ancient Dragon Greatshield Greatshield Weapon Skill -(-/-) 87 0 0 100 54 105 6.5 D 16
3 Greatshield of Glory Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 134 0 0 100 80 190 18.5 D 40
4 Curse Ward Greatshield Greatshield Weapon Skill -(-/-) 125 0 0 100 66 150 17.0 D 34
5 Bonewheel Shield Greatshield Whell of fate 14(-/-) 111 0 0 100 59 115 15.0 D 30
6 Wolf Knight’s Greatshield Greatshield Weapon Skill -(-/-) 124 0 0 100 67 140 11.0 D 30-
7 Black Iron Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 112 0 0 100 64 150 14.5 D 32
8 Cathedral Knight Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 112 0 0 100 67 150 15.5 D 32
9 Moaning Shield Greatshield Moan 10(-/-) 130 0 0 100 77 205 21.5 D 50
10 Lotheric Knigh Great shield Greatsword Shield Bash 16(-/-) 111 0 0 100 64 140 15.0 D 36
11 Stone Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 115 0 0 100 67 170 18.0 D 38
12 Dragon Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 134 0 0 100 74 190 26.0 D 38
13 Yhorm’s Greatshield Greatshield Shield Bash 16(-/-) 132 0 0 100 73 205 20.5 D 40
14 Dragonhead Greatshield Greatshield Dreagon roar 16(-/-) 145 0 0 100 60 150 18.0 D 35
15 Havel's Greatshield Greatshield Stone Flesh 16(-/-) 143 0 0 100 75 270 28.0 D 40
16 Giant Door Shield Greatshield(Piared) Locket -(17/20) 107 0 0 100 60 150 21.5 C 40
Twin Dragon Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 18 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 106 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 63 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 105 |
| Weight | 7.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 16 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Twin Dragon Greatshield tops my Dark Souls 3 Best Greatshields list. Second-lightest, just 0.5 units behind Ancient Dragon Greatshield. Lowest strength requirement, beginner-friendly, early-game obtainable.
Drawbacks: doesn’t achieve 100% physical damage absorption; costs stamina and some HP. Ideal for sorcerers with Magic Shield buffs.
Weapon Art
Twin Dragon Greatshield features Shield Bash, not Parry due to its size. Activating it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger. Not invincible; using it during an attack flurry leads to stun lock. Timing is critical for effectiveness.
Location
Found in the Road of Sacrifices, on a corpse in the swampy area past the halfway Fortress bonfire.
Ancient Dragon Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Graetshield |
| Skill | Weapon Skill |
| FP Cost | -(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 87 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 54 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 105 |
| Weight | 6.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | D |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 16 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Ancient Dragon Greatshield, the lightest in Dark Souls 3 Greatshields, has low stat requirements. Like Twin Dragon Greatshield, it lacks 100% physical damage absorption, consuming stamina and HP when blocking. Provides an average 52% block rate but offers passive regeneration (2 HP/sec), surpassing Twin Dragon Greatshield. Ideal for regen builds with decent defense.
Weapon Art
Ancient Dragon Greatshield lacks a unique weapon art but enables the use of right-hand weapon arts when equipped in the left hand. You can activate the right-hand weapon art regardless of your stance—blocking or not.
Location
Found in the menacing area of Archdragon Peak – make your way to the entrance fog gate of the Ancient Wyvern’s boss battle, but don’t go in. You’ll see a series of Giant Man Serpents in the area beforehand; the Ancient Dragon Greatshield will be found behind the first one standing on top of an archway.
Greatshield of Glory
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 134 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 80 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 190 |
| Weight | 18.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 40 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Greatshield of Glory pays homage to Dark Souls 3’s Drakekeepers. It boasts the highest stability (85 fully upgraded) among Dark Souls 3 Greatshields, reaching 100 with Magic Shield. Often used in PvP to exhaust opponent stamina before counterattacking. Drawback: requires 40 strength and reduces stamina regeneration by 20%, vulnerable to attrition tactics.
Weapon Art
In Dark Souls 3, the Greatshield of Glory features Shield Bash instead of parry due to its size. Activating it bashes the enemy, causing stagger. It’s not invincible; using it amidst multiple attacks leads to stun lock, so timing is key.
Location
Obtained in the Profaned Capital area by killing a mimic – make your way to the entrance fog gate of the Yhorm the Giant’s boss battle, but don’t go in. Instead, turn right into the treasury room, where you’ll find a chest, which in reality, is actually the mimic you need to kill.
Curse Ward Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Weapon Skill |
| FP Cost | -(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 125 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 66 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 150 |
| Weight | 17.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 34 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Curse Ward Greatshield resembles Dark Souls 2’s Pursuer’s Greatshield, known for resisting curses. It’s the first shield offering 100% physical damage absorption, obtained early without farming. It excels in elemental resistance, especially Dark. However, it’s heavy at 17.0 units with only 70 stability (base 66), lower than Greatshield of Glory. Suitable for entry-level play, but consider replacing it for better options later.
Weapon Art
The Curse Ward Greatshield lacks a unique weapon art but enables the use of right-hand weapon arts when equipped in the left hand. It allows activation regardless of your stance—blocking or not.
Location
The Curse Ward Greatshield is found in the Cathedral of the Deep. Make your way to the graveyard outside the second bonfire, and follow along until you come across two doors, in the front of which you will spot a body deceased in a mausoleum. The Curse Ward Greatshield is on this very corpse.
Bonewheel Shield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Whell of Fate |
| FP Cost | 14 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 111 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 59 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 115 |
| Weight | 15.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 30 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | 10 |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Bonewheel Shield, surprisingly made of wood, is unique, with offensive prowess exceeding its defense. Despite having 100% physical damage absorption, its stability is lacking. It excels offensively, dealing significant damage through bashing and unique weapon art, useful against multiple foes, especially Bonewheel Skeletons.
Weapon Art
The Bonewheel Shield features its unique weapon art, “Wheel of Fate,” mimicking enemy attacks. You thrust and spin the wheel, causing it to shred enemies with three strikes, scaling with weapon damage and infusions. Ideal for bleed builds. Can be used without FP, but with 33% higher stamina cost and 33% reduced damage; use sparingly.
Location
The Bonewheel Shield is seen equipped by Bonewheel Skeletons, meaning killing them drops you this shield. Bonewheel Skeletons are found in the Catacombs of Carthus and Smouldering Lake, where you’ll have to farm them – just be wary of their rolling attacks as they are very, very annoying!
Wolf Knight’s Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Weapon Skill |
| FP Cost | -(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 124 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 67 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 140 |
| Weight | 11.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 30 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Wolf Knight’s Greatshield, also known as the Artorias Greatshield, offers 100% physical damage absorption and allows weapon art use. It surpasses the Curse Ward Greatshield due to its superior weight-to-stability ratio, being the best per weight. It’s 6.0 units lighter, with a base stability of 67, peaking at 71 when fully reinforced.
It provides a unique 50% resistance to status effects (bleed, poison, frost, curse) but lacks effective elemental defense, especially against Lightning. Consider switching shields for bosses like Nameless King, Dragonslayer Armour, Soul of Cinder, Slave Knight Gael, or Halflight, Spear of the Church.
Weapon Art
The Wolf Knight’s Greatshield, like others, doesn’t have a unique weapon art but enables the use of right-hand weapon arts when equipped in the left hand. Activation occurs regardless of your blocking or guarding stance.
Location
Acquiring the Wolf Knight’s Greatshield involves a unique process. Join the Watchdogs of Farron Covenant in Farron Keep. Achieve rank 2 by offering Wolf’s Blood Swordgrass, earned from defeating summoned enemies via the Covenant Emblem. First, reach rank 1 with 10 Wolf’s Blood Swordgrass, then rank 2 with 30.
Black Iron Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 112 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 64 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 150 |
| Weight | 14.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 32 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Black Iron Greatshield, known from Dark Souls 1 and wielded by Black Iron Tarkus, specializes in high-fire defense when fully reinforced and infused with a fire gem (99.6%). It offers 100% physical damage absorption and a respectable weight-to-stability ratio, making it ideal for various foes, including fire-wielding enemies and bosses like the Old Demon King, Demon Prince, and Lorian, Elder Prince. However, it’s vulnerable to Lightning, so consider swapping for specific boss fights.
Weapon Art
The Black Iron Greatshield features Shield Bash, can not Parry, due to its size. Activating it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger. It’s not invulnerable; when used amidst a flurry of attacks, you risk getting stun-locked, emphasizing the importance of precise timing.
Location
In Dark Souls 3, the Black Iron Greatshield is dropped from Knight Slayer Tsorig. To find him, go to the plains below the Smouldering Lake. Go past the area with those annoying rats and frog-like creatures, and you should encounter him right before the exit that goes up to the ballista.
Cathedral Knight Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 112 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 67 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 150 |
| Weight | 15.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 32 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Cathedral Knight Greatshield, similar to the Black Iron Greatshield, excels in specialized defense, particularly against dark damage. Its impressive weight-to-stability ratio reaches 75 with just 15.5 units of weight. Besides offering 100% physical damage absorption, it’s obtainable early in the game, making it an excellent entry-level greatshield for physical protection.
Additionally, its high dark defense makes it a top choice for facing bosses like the Deacons of the Deep, High Lord Wolnir, Sister Friede, and Darkeater Midir. However, it lacks non-dark elemental absorption, necessitating swaps for different occasions.
Weapon Art
The Cathedral Knight Greatshield features Shield Bash, not Parry, due to its size. When activated, it bashes the enemy, causing a staggering animation. It’s not impervious; using it amidst a flurry of attacks may lead to a stun-lock, emphasizing the need for precise timing.
Location
The Cathedral Knight Greatshield is dropped from Cathedral Knights, which, although have two different variations, all share the same shield in their off-hand. You can find crossbow and mace-wielding Cathedral Knights in the Cathedral of the Deep as well as just mace-wielding Consumed King’s Knights (just Cathedral Knights under Oceiros’s spell) in the Consumed King’s Garden.
Moaning Shield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Moan |
| FP Cost | 10(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 130 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 77 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 205 |
| Weight | 21.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 50 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Moaning Shield ranks second in stability and boasts a base stability of 77, upgradable to 82. With Magic Shield buff, it reaches peak stability, impervious to melee attacks, even withstanding Ledo’s Great Hammer. While it excels in magic and lightning resistance, it demands 50 strength, the highest requirement among greatshields on this list. It also features a unique weapon that attracts nearby enemies, aiding crowd control.
Weapon Art
The Moaning Shield features a unique weapon art called “moan.” When activated, your character prays to the woman on the shield, causing her to emit a low moan. This moan increases enemy aggro for 30 seconds and diverts their attention from others, making it valuable in multiplayer. Additionally, the weapon art provides hyper armor, preventing easy stagger during its animation.
Location
The Moaning Shield is dropped from killing the Eygon of Carim, an NPC you encounter in the Undead Settlement. However, if you don’t want to kill him, the game eventually will – if you complete Irina of Carim’s questline, you will find the Moaning Shield on his deceased body in Irina’s cell located in the Undead Settlement.
Lothric Knight Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatsword |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 111 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 64 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 140 |
| Weight | 15.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 36 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Lothric Knight Greatshield, available early but requiring high strength, offers solid stats and ranks high on my list. It provides 100% physical damage absorption, a favorable weight-to-stability ratio, and a 73.2% block rate. It excels in magic absorption, matching even Havel’s Greatshield. Ideal for bosses like the Crystal Sage, Pontiff Sulyvahn, Lothric, Younger Prince, Soul of Cinder, Oceiros the Consumed King, Sister Friede, and Aldrich Devourer of Gods. However, it’s not suitable for countering lightning damage sources, its sole weakness.
Weapon Art
The Lothric Knight Greatshield features Shield Bash, not parry due to its size. When activated, it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger animation. It’s not impervious; using it amidst a flurry of attacks may lead to stun lock, emphasizing the importance of precise timing.
Location
The Lothric Knight Greatshield is dropped from Lothric Knights found wielding this shield all across the world Dark Souls 3. But if you’re not up for the grind, you can also buy this off Greirat after he returns from scavenging Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, or off the Shrine Handmaid if given Greirat’s Ashes if he dies after pillaging the Undead Settlement.
Stone Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 115 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 67 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 170 |
| Weight | 18.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 38 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Stone Greatshield is a versatile and efficient greatshield, often considered a jack-of-all-trades. With an 80% average block rate, it stands out among moderately heavy greatshields at just 18.0 units of weight. It’s known for balanced defensive stats across the board. If you prefer a well-rounded greatshield without extreme specialization, like the Cathedral Knight Greatshield, Lothric Knight Greatshield, or Black Iron Greatshield, the Stone Greatshield is an excellent choice.
Weapon Art
The Stone Greatshield features Shield Bash, not parry due to its size. When activated, it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger animation. It’s not impervious; using it amidst a flurry of attacks may lead to stun-lock, emphasizing the importance of precise timing.
Location
In Dark Souls 3, the Stone Greatshield drops from the Elder Ghru enemies found in Farron Keep. Here’s a pro tip: make your way to the Keep Ruins bonfire and solely farm the three Elder Ghru’s near the bridge before returning to the bonfire. Repetition leads to success!
Dragonslayer Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 134 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 74 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 190 |
| Weight | 26.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 38 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Dragonslayer Greatshield is exceptionally robust and dependable, with an impressive average block rate of 82%. Moreover, it boasts the highest lightning resistance among all greatshields, making it valuable in boss battles like the Nameless King, Dragonslayer Armour, Soul of Cinder, Slave Knight Gael, and Halflight, Spear of the Church.
However, it demands 38 strength to wield and is only 2.0 units lighter than the heaviest Havel Greatshield. Its weight-to-stability ratio is relatively poor, peaking at just 79 stability despite its 26.0 unit weight.
Weapon Art
The Dragonslayer Greatshield features Shield Bash, not parry due to its size. When activated, it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger animation. It’s not impervious; using it amidst a flurry of attacks may lead to stun lock, emphasizing the importance of precise timing.
Location
Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of Dragonslayer Armour at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine. It is obtained after beating the Dragonslayer Armour boss in Lothric Castle, or more specifically after the Dragon Barracks bonfire. He is a very formidable boss that uses lightning attacks mostly, so prepare accordingly!
Yhorm’s Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Graetshield |
| Skill | Shield Bash |
| FP Cost | 16 (-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 132 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 73 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 205 |
| Weight | 20.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 40 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Yhorm’s Greatshield in Dark Souls 3 is a well-rounded titan akin to the Stone Greatshield, excelling in stats across the board. It offers an impressive average block of nearly 78% and peak stability at 78, allowing its wielder to absorb most attacks with minimal elemental chip damage.
However, its hefty strength requirement can deter some players, but its remarkable stats more than compensate. Yhorm’s Greatshield stands out as one of the Best Greatshields in Dark Souls 3 due to its unique trait – a 15% increase in player poise while wielded.
Weapon Art
Yhorm’s Greatshield features Shield Bash, not parry due to its size. When activated, it bashes the enemy, causing a stagger animation. It’s not invulnerable; using it amidst a flurry of attacks may lead to stun lock, emphasizing the importance of precise timing.
Location
Acquired by Soul Transposition of the Soul of Yhorm the Giant at Ludleth of Courtland in Firelink Shrine. It is obtained after beating the Yhorm the Giant boss in the Profaned Capital – he is a very formidable opponent that hits like a truck.
Dragonhead Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Dreagon roar |
| FP Cost | 16(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 145 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 60 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 150 |
| Weight | 18.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | E |
| Strength (requirement) | 35 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | 15 |
The Dragonhead Greatshield, a top choice for PvE in Dark Souls 3, is unique and designed for offense rather than defense. Its defensive capabilities are lacking, with only a 66% average block rate, a poor weight-to-stability ratio (64 peak stability at 18.0 units weight), and weaknesses to lightning, magic, and dark damage.
However, it excels in fire defense at 90%, a nod to its connection with the Archdragon. What sets it apart from other greatshields is its weapon art, Dragon Roar. This not only pushes back nearby enemies but also grants the wielder effects akin to Perseverance, increasing player poise and weapon hyper armor.
Weapon Art
The Dragonhead Greatshield features a unique weapon art called Dragon Roar. When activated, it releases a powerful roar that not only staggers nearby enemies but also grants you the Perseverance effect for the next 6 seconds. Meeting the shield’s stat requirements is crucial; failing to do so will trigger only the Perseverance effect and not the stagger effect.
Location
The Dragonhead Greatshield is located underneath the bridge where you first encounter the scary Darkeater Midir near the Ringed City Streets Bonfire. Don’t forget that this item will be guarded by a Ringed Knight, so getting it won’t be a piece of cake!
Havel’s Greatshield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield |
| Skill | Stone Flesh |
| FP Cost | 16(-/-) |
| Physical Attack Power | 143 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 75 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 270 |
| Weight | 28.0 |
| Strength (Scaling) | D |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 40 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
Havel’s Greatshield is a recognizable staple in the Dark Souls series and ranks as the second Best Greatshield in Dark Souls 3. It excels in extreme defensive capabilities, boasting an 86% average block rate—the highest in the game. This greatshield, often referred to as an “Ultra Shield,” provides exceptional protection against both physical and elemental damage.
Fully upgraded, Havel’s Greatshield can withstand relentless attacks with minimal stamina consumption and minimal chip damage from elemental threats. However, its tremendous defensive prowess comes at the cost of being the heaviest greatshield, weighing 28.0 units with a peak stability of 80.
Weapon Art
Havel’s Greatshield retains its signature ability, Stone Flesh, which serves as its weapon art in Dark Souls 3. This ability costs 16 FP per use and essentially transforms your body into a stone-like fortress, akin to an enhanced version of the Iron Flesh pyromancy. Stone Flesh is most potent when used without heavy armor, providing a 40% bonus to physical damage absorption while reducing lightning damage absorption by 60%.
Location
As expected by Dark Souls veterans, Havel’s Greatshield is dropped by Havel the Rock himself. You can encounter Havel in Archdragon Peak. To find him, descend the staircase from the Great Belfry bonfire, bypass the large central courtyard, and continue until you reach a ladder. At the top of the ladder, you’ll find Havel standing next to a dead wyvern—a truly imposing sight!
Giant Door Shield
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Weapon Category | Greatshield (Paired) |
| Skill | Lockout |
| FP Cost | -(17/20) |
| Physical Attack Power | 107 |
| Magic Attack Power | 0 |
| Fire Attack Power | 0 |
| Critical Attack Power | 100 |
| Stability | 60 |
| Range | - |
| Spell Buff | - |
| Durability | 150 |
| Weight | 21.5 |
| Strength (Scaling) | C |
| Dexterity (Scaling) | - |
| Intelligence (Scaling) | - |
| Faith (Scaling) | - |
| Strength (requirement) | 45 |
| Dexterity (requirement) | - |
| Intelligence (requirement) | - |
| Faith (requirement) | - |
The Giant Door Shield, in my opinion, surpasses even the famed Havel’s Greatshield, making it the Best Greatshield in Dark Souls 3. This two-piece shield resembles paired greatshields and offers exceptional defensive capabilities. What sets it apart, especially for PvP, is its offensive short-ranged moveset, allowing players to engage in legitimate combat.
The Giant Door Shield also utilizes block frames and hyper armor during attacks, catching opponents off guard. Moreover, it cannot be parried, making it a formidable choice. Enemies will struggle to interrupt its attack animations, and attempting a battle of attrition will prove futile due to its remarkable stability. However, using this unconventional weapon demands substantial strength and vitality to keep up with its stamina consumption.
Weapon Art
The Giant Door Shield features a unique weapon art called Lockout, exclusive to this shield. When activated, the two “doors” are firmly closed in front of the wielder, significantly boosting stability. Any incoming attacks that strike this barrier are effortlessly negated. From this position, you have two options: a light attack that releases a multi-hit charge capable of stunlocking opponents and dealing substantial damage, or a heavy attack that anchors you in a defensive stance, rendering you stationary. Properly utilizing this weapon art requires a fair amount of skill.
Location
The Giant Shield is found in the Dreg Heap, an area in The Ringed City. Make your way to the Earthen Peak Ruin bonfire and proceed to the next area – you’ll fight a couple thralls in this area while being rained down upon by Angels. Avoid them until you reach the bottom of the cliff, and you’ll be rewarded with this thing of beauty!
My Thoughts
In my opinion, greatshields are incredibly important in Dark Souls 3 for several reasons. First and foremost, they offer a level of protection and stability that’s unmatched by other shield types. When I’m exploring treacherous areas or facing formidable bosses, having a greatshield equipped gives me the confidence that I can block most attacks without getting staggered or losing too much stamina.
Greatshields are especially valuable for players who prefer a defensive playstyle. They allow me to adopt a more cautious approach, carefully studying enemy patterns and finding openings to strike back. This defensive approach can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with challenging foes or navigating through unpredictable environments.
For now, that will be all. I hope this guide will be of use to all the players.
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I’m an avid gamer turned content writer, my hobbies include but are not limited to different forms of content creation. Not a complicated person, I play games and write about them. Currently attending university for Data Sciences. My favorite past-time is trying to different challange runs of Soulsborne and Souls-like games in the goofiest way possible for my own amusement. You can check my Gaming Profile on Steam And Xbox!
