Does Artorias Use a Shield? Unraveling the Lore of the Abysswalker
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Yes, Artorias, the Abysswalker, is well-known for using a shield, the legendary Greatshield of Artorias. This iconic shield plays a significant role in his lore, his fighting style, and even in the game mechanics of Dark Souls. While the Artorias encountered in the game is corrupted and damaged, the shield is a hallmark of his identity as a noble knight of Gwyn before his descent into the Abyss. This article delves into the significance of Artorias’s shield, exploring its in-game mechanics, lore, and other frequently asked questions that surround this crucial piece of equipment in the Dark Souls universe.
The Greatshield of Artorias: More Than Just Defense
The Greatshield of Artorias is not just a generic shield; it’s an integral part of his legend. It’s not found on his person during the in-game boss fight, due to his corruption. The shield is created later by the player through transposing the Soul of Sif. Before his corruption, it’s stated in lore that Artorias wielded his greatshield with skill and honor, using it for both defense and to protect those he swore to safeguard. During his battle with Manus, Father of the Abyss, Artorias used the shield to protect his companion, Sif, from being engulfed by the Abyss, further solidifying its role in his heroic acts.
Crafting the Greatshield
In Dark Souls, you cannot find the Greatshield of Artorias lying around. Instead, it must be crafted by the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo. To create this legendary shield, you will need the following:
- A +10 Shield: Any standard shield upgraded to its maximum +10 form will work.
- The Soul of Sif: Acquired by defeating Sif, the Great Grey Wolf.
- 5,000 Souls: The in-game currency needed for the blacksmith’s services.
This process ensures that the player must undertake significant challenges to obtain the Greatshield, emphasizing its rarity and value.
Mechanics and Functionality
While a powerful shield, the Greatshield of Artorias doesn’t offer the parrying capability often associated with smaller shields. This shield is built primarily for defense and damage reduction. This is important because while players can achieve this in a limited way with any shield, this great shield offers a great deal of damage mitigation from most enemies in the game.
- No Parry: It cannot parry incoming attacks. Instead, it excels at blocking.
- High Stability: Its high stability allows players to absorb attacks with little stamina drain, making it ideal for tanking damage.
- No Scaling: The stability does not improve with upgrades.
This greatshield provides players with a potent option for deflecting strong attacks, and this is why some of the larger boss attacks feel significantly less impactful if you wield the Greatshield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artorias and Shields
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide more insights into Artorias, his shield, and related topics within the Dark Souls universe.
1. What would “True” Artorias have used?
A “true” version of Artorias, before his corruption by the Abyss, would have used the holy version of his sword, a non-broken shield, and non-corroded armor. This would represent him in his prime as an honorable knight of Gwyn, untouched by the darkness that ultimately consumed him.
2. Is Havel’s Greatshield more iconic than Artorias’s?
While the Greatshield of Artorias is deeply tied to the lore and legacy of Artorias, the Havel’s Greatshield is arguably the more prominent shield due to its sheer defensive capabilities. Havel’s Greatshield is considered one of the best in the game, capable of withstanding the most massive attacks and a favorite of “tank” builds.
3. Are Shields Necessary in Dark Souls?
No, shields are not a must-have in Dark Souls. Many players successfully complete the game without relying on shields, choosing instead to dodge and roll. However, shields are very useful for new players and offer an additional layer of defense for those learning the game mechanics. Ultimately, the choice to use a shield is a matter of personal play style.
4. What is the best starter shield in Dark Souls?
The Balder Shield is widely considered the best early shield. It offers the second-highest base stability among medium shields, and is easily attainable as early as the Undead Parish. It’s a great option for players who want a reliable shield early in the game.
5. Why can’t I use a shield in Dark Souls?
If you’re having trouble equipping a shield, you might be on the Inventory screen rather than the Equipment screen. The Equipment screen is where you equip gear to slots, and set your quick access items. This is a common mistake for new players, so check the screen and make sure you are in the right place.
6. What is the most iconic armor set in Dark Souls?
Among the most iconic armor sets, the Giant Set is often ranked at the top, followed closely by Havel’s Armor. These sets are recognizable throughout the game, and the player-base also seems to favor their visual design and in-game functionality.
7. Which character has the best shield in Genshin Impact?
In Genshin Impact, Zhongli is widely regarded as the best shield character. His shields are incredibly strong and provide exceptional protection, making him an invaluable asset for many team compositions. However, this game is not related to Dark Souls.
8. What is the most iconic weapon in Dark Souls?
The Moonlight Greatsword is arguably the most iconic weapon in Dark Souls. It appears in every game in the series and represents a powerful and visually stunning weapon that many players find irresistible.
9. Is Artorias weak to anything?
Artorias does not have a specific elemental weakness. He is resistant to Magic, Fire, and Lightning damage, so it is best to avoid using any elemental damage against him. Therefore, the player is required to use traditional weapons against him.
10. What level should I fight Artorias?
It is recommended to fight Artorias at level 60 or higher. For optimal summoning range, characters should be at level 75 or 80. This ensures you’re well-equipped and ready to tackle this challenging boss fight.
11. Is Artorias left or right-handed?
Artorias is traditionally depicted as left-handed. Item descriptions like the Majestic Greatsword from Dark Souls II mention that all prominent users of the sword are left-handed.
12. Why is Artorias’ arm broken?
Artorias’ left arm was broken during his battle with Manus, Father of the Abyss. In his last act before succumbing to the Abyss, he used his Greatshield to protect Sif. This is the lore that makes the damaged version of Artorias so tragic.
13. How many souls does Artorias give you?
Defeating Artorias grants you the Soul of Artorias, which can be consumed for 16,000 souls. Feeding it to Frampt grants 10,000 souls. The number of souls does not reflect the true power of the player using the soul to create the Greatshield.
14. How did Sif get Artorias’ sword?
Sif retrieves Artorias’ sword from his grave. In the fight, Sif holds the sword in its mouth, signifying its loyalty and grief for its fallen companion. Sif is a creature that holds a powerful memory, as it engages the player differently if they completed certain areas in the DLC beforehand.
15. Is it worth upgrading shields in Dark Souls?
Yes, upgrading shields is generally a great investment, especially for increasing stability and damage absorption. The exception is the Greatshield of Artorias, whose stability does not increase with upgrades. However, all other shields are vastly improved by leveling them up, making a good shield essential for many builds.
Conclusion
Artorias, the Abysswalker, is a character intrinsically tied to his iconic shield. The Greatshield of Artorias not only provides valuable in-game defense but is also a symbol of his noble past and tragic fall. Understanding the significance of this shield, its creation process, and how it ties into the lore of Dark Souls provides a deeper appreciation of one of the series’ most beloved characters. Whether you choose to use a shield, the legacy of Artorias and his shield remain an enduring part of the Dark Souls experience.