Mastering Shield Ascension in Dark Souls: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to know how to ascend a shield in Dark Souls? The process is simple, but requires a specific sequence of actions and resources. First, you need to understand that shields are treated as weapons for upgrade purposes. Therefore, you’ll be using the ‘Reinforce Weapon’ option at a blacksmith or bonfire (if you have the Weapon Smithbox). To get a shield to +10 on the standard upgrade path, you’ll need the Large Ember, which can be given to Andre of Astora, the blacksmith near the Undead Parish. Finally, you’ll need titanite shards and souls to complete each upgrade level.

The Ascension Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s a breakdown of how to ascend your shield from its base level to +10:

Step 1: Initial Upgrades (+0 to +5)

1. Visit a blacksmith (Andre is the most accessible early on) or use the Weapon Smithbox at a bonfire.
2. Select ‘Reinforce Weapon’.
3. Choose your shield.
4. Upgrade it using titanite shards. Each upgrade level requires a specific amount of souls, usually around 200 per level, but this can vary slightly depending on the shield.
5. Repeat this process until your shield is at +5.

Step 2: Obtaining the Large Ember

1. Venture into the Depths. This area is accessible from the Undead Parish, through a door unlocked with the Basement Key (obtained after defeating the Taurus Demon).
2. Navigate the Depths until you encounter the first butcher.
3. The Large Ember is located in a chest near the butcher. Be careful, as this area can be dangerous!

Step 3: Giving the Large Ember to Andre

1. Return to Andre of Astora in the Undead Parish.
2. Talk to Andre and select the ‘Give Ember’ option.
3. He will now be able to upgrade standard path weapons (and shields) beyond +5.

Step 4: Modifying the Equipment (+5 to +6)

1. Talk to Andre again and select ‘Modify Equipment’.
2. Choose your +5 shield.
3. This will upgrade your shield from +5 to +6, consuming the necessary souls.

Step 5: Final Upgrades (+6 to +10)

1. Return to the ‘Reinforce Weapon’ option at Andre or a bonfire (with the Weapon Smithbox).
2. Continue to upgrade your shield using ‘Large Titanite Shards’. You will need a total of 9 Large Titanite Shards to go from +6 to +10.
3. Upgrade the shield incrementally to +10, consuming souls with each upgrade.

Congratulations! Your shield is now at +10, significantly increasing its stability and defensive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I upgrade my shield in Dark Souls?

Upgrading shields drastically improves their stability. Higher stability allows you to block more attacks without having your guard broken, which is crucial for survival in Dark Souls. While offensive capabilities might not change, the enhanced defense can make a significant difference. Consider exploring the resources available from organizations such as the Games Learning Society for a deeper dive into game mechanics and strategies.

2. What are the different types of Titanite used for upgrades?

• Titanite Shards: Used for upgrading standard weapons and shields from +0 to +5.
• Large Titanite Shards: Used for upgrading standard weapons and shields from +6 to +10.
• Titanite Chunks: Used for upgrading weapons on the standard upgrade path from +11 to +14 and various other upgrade paths.
• Titanite Slab: Used for fully upgrading a weapon or shield to its maximum level (+5 for special weapons, +15 for standard weapons).

3. Where can I find Large Titanite Shards?

Large Titanite Shards can be found in various locations, including:

• The Depths: Dropped by the slimes and hollows.
• Blighttown: Dropped by the Infested Barbarians.
• Sen’s Fortress: Dropped by the Serpent Soldiers.
• The Duke’s Archives: Dropped by the Crystal Golems.
• They can also be purchased from the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo.

4. How do I know which ember to give to which blacksmith?

Each ember unlocks specific upgrade paths. The Large Ember, as mentioned earlier, unlocks upgrades from +5 to +6 with Andre. Other embers unlock different upgrade paths (e.g., Fire Ember, Chaos Ember, etc.) and must be given to specific blacksmiths who specialize in those paths.

5. Is there a point in upgrading all shields?

Not all shields benefit equally from upgrades. Some shields, like the Greatshield of Artorias, have exceptionally high stability even without upgrades. Smaller shields might see a less dramatic increase. Consider upgrading shields you use frequently or those that offer unique blocking properties.

6. What is the best shield to upgrade in Dark Souls?

This depends on your playstyle. The Silver Knight Shield is a fantastic medium shield with high stability and good resistances when fully upgraded. Greatshields like Havel’s Greatshield and the Greatshield of Artorias are also excellent choices for maximizing defense.

7. Can I upgrade unique shields like the Adjudicator’s Shield?

Yes, but unique shields often require different materials. For example, the Adjudicator’s Shield is upgraded using Colorless Demon Souls at Blacksmith Ed in Stonefang Tunnel (Demon’s Souls). Dark Souls does not have the Adjudicator’s Shield.

8. Can all blacksmiths upgrade shields?

No, not all blacksmiths can perform every type of upgrade. Andre of Astora handles standard upgrades. Other blacksmiths, like Vamos in the Catacombs or the Giant Blacksmith in Anor Londo, specialize in different upgrade paths (fire, lightning, etc.).

9. What happens if I don’t upgrade my shield?

You’ll likely find yourself getting guard-broken more often, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. This can make combat significantly more challenging, especially against stronger enemies and bosses.

10. How important is a shield in Dark Souls?

While not strictly necessary, shields provide a valuable defensive option, especially for new players. Skilled players can often rely on dodging, but a good shield can be a lifesaver in tight situations. Some builds forgo shields entirely, focusing on two-handing weapons for increased damage output.

11. Are there any shields that shouldn’t be upgraded?

This is subjective, but generally, it’s best to focus on upgrading shields you actively use. Upgrading every shield can be resource-intensive, and some shields might not align with your playstyle.

12. What does ‘Guard Boost’ mean?

Guard Boost is a stat that determines how much stamina is depleted when blocking an attack. A higher Guard Boost means you can block more attacks before your stamina runs out, preventing you from being guard-broken. Guard Boost can be improved by upgrading the shield.

13. How many souls does it cost to upgrade a shield?

The cost varies slightly depending on the shield’s size and type, but it generally costs around 200 souls per level for standard upgrades. Upgrading to +10 will require a significant investment of souls.

14. How do I get a shield to +15 in Dark Souls?

To get a standard shield to +15, you first need to get it to +10 as described above. Then, you need the Very Large Ember which is located in New Londo Ruins. Give the Very Large Ember to Andre. You can then upgrade the shield to +15 using titanite chunks.

15. Can I reverse an upgrade on my shield?

No, Dark Souls does not offer a way to reverse upgrades. Once you’ve upgraded a shield, the upgrade is permanent. This makes it important to carefully consider which shields you choose to invest in.

Mastering shield upgrades is an essential part of excelling in Dark Souls. By following these steps and understanding the resources required, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges that await. Remember, practice makes perfect, and experimentation is key to finding the shield and playstyle that best suits you. Happy gaming!