Shield Yourself: Uncovering the Best Shields in Skyrim

The frozen wastes and draugr-infested crypts of Skyrim are unforgiving. A sturdy shield can be the difference between glorious victory and an ignominious death at the hands of a frostbite spider. The best shields in Skyrim aren’t simply about raw armor rating; they’re about unique enchantments, strategic advantages, and the quests that reward them. While personal preference and playstyle play a large role, several shields consistently top the list. Spellbreaker, obtained by completing “The Only Cure,” offers unmatched magical resistance, and the Shield of Solitude, awarded after “The Wolf Queen Awakens,” provides a balanced mix of magic resistance and damage blocking. Ysgramor’s Shield, found in Ysgramor’s Tomb, boasts a hefty boost to magic resistance and health, making it a great early game shield.

The Top Tier of Tamrielic Targe

Spellbreaker: The Anti-Mage’s Dream

Armor: 38, Weight: 12 This Daedric artifact, granted by Peryite after completing “The Only Cure,” is arguably the best shield in the game for its defensive capabilities. Its unique enchantment summons a ward that grants the player +50 protection from magic damage while blocking. This makes it invaluable against dragons, mages, and any other source of magical assault. While its armor rating is decent, it’s the magical absorption that makes Spellbreaker a must-have.

Shield of Solitude: A Bulwark Against Blades

Armor: 32, Weight: 12 Awarded by Falk Firebeard after completing the “The Wolf Queen Awakens” questline in Solitude, the Shield of Solitude is a solid all-around choice. It provides +30% magic resistance and +35% damage blocked, offering a balanced defense against both physical and magical threats. While it doesn’t specialize in any one area like Spellbreaker, its versatility makes it a dependable option for any character build.

Ysgramor’s Shield: An Ancient Defense

This is an amazing early game option. Located in Ysgramor’s Tomb. This shield provides 20% magic resistance and increases health by 20 points. This one is easy to get and very helpful.

Honorable Mentions: Situational Saviors

Auriel’s Shield

Located on an NPC during the Dawnguard Questline, this unique shield provides +75% fire resistance and +75% sun damage. This is extremely useful if you know you are going to be facing enemies dealing those damage types.

Daedric Shield: Crafted Power

For those who prefer to forge their own destiny, the Daedric Shield offers the highest base armor rating in the game. While it lacks a unique enchantment, its superior physical defense makes it a formidable choice. The Daedric Shield is primarily found on Golden Saints and in Daedric ruins. Enchanters can add potent enchantments to customize it to their playstyle.

Targe of the Blooded: A Bloody Good Time

Found in Alftand Glacial Ruins, this shield boasts a unique ability: blocking with it causes enemies to bleed for 5 points of damage per second for 5 seconds. While not as defensively powerful as other options, the Targe of the Blooded offers an offensive edge, making it a viable choice for those who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.

Stalhrim Shield: Frost Resistant Fortress

Crafted from Stalhrim, found primarily in Solstheim (Dragonborn DLC), the Stalhrim Shield offers a significant advantage against frost-based attacks. Its enchantment increases frost resistance, making it ideal for battling frost dragons and other icy adversaries. Its armor rating is also respectable, making it a well-rounded defensive option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shields in Skyrim

1. Is it worth it to use a shield in Skyrim? Absolutely! Shields provide crucial defense against both physical and magical attacks. Beyond simply blocking, the Shield Wall perk tree allows for powerful shield bashes that stagger enemies, interrupting attacks and creating openings for counter-attacks. They are especially effective against dragons, allowing you to interrupt their breath attacks.

2. What race is best for a shield build in Skyrim? While any race can effectively use a shield, Redguards and Orcs are often cited as ideal. Redguards benefit from Adrenaline Rush, providing increased stamina regeneration for frequent shield bashes, while Orcs’ Berserker ability offers increased damage output and reduced damage taken, perfect for aggressive shield users.

3. Is it better to dual wield or use a shield in Skyrim? This depends on your playstyle. Dual wielding offers higher damage output, but sacrifices defense. Sword and shield provides a balance of offense and defense, allowing you to block attacks, stagger enemies, and control the flow of combat. For players prioritizing survivability, sword and shield is generally superior.

4. Is it better to use Light or Heavy Armor with a shield? Again, this depends on preference. Light Armor favors mobility and stamina regeneration, allowing for more frequent shield bashes and dodges. Heavy Armor provides superior protection, but at the cost of mobility. In the late game, with the right perks, both can reach the armor cap, making the choice primarily about playstyle.

5. Where can I find a Daedric Shield early in the game? Finding a Daedric Shield early on is difficult due to their high level requirement. However, you might find them in chests in high-level dungeons, or sometimes sold by merchants if your level is high enough. Golden Saints are more common in specific areas.

6. What enchantments are best for shields in Skyrim? Common enchantments include those that increase magic resistance, fortify blocking, or fortify health. Consider your character’s weaknesses and enchant accordingly. For example, if you’re playing a Nord (who already has inherent frost resistance), you might prioritize magic resistance over frost resistance.

7. How does the “Shield Charge” perk work? The Shield Charge perk allows you to sprint while blocking, knocking down most enemies in your path. This is an excellent way to initiate combat, control crowds, or escape dangerous situations.

8. Does the “Block Runner” perk affect shield speed? No, the “Block Runner” perk increases movement speed while blocking, but it doesn’t directly impact shield speed or bash speed.

9. How effective are shields against magic? Shields are reasonably effective against magic without the Spellbreaker. Spellbreaker’s ward is incredibly effective against magic, especially when combined with other sources of magic resistance.

10. Are there any unique shields in the Dragonborn DLC? Yes, the Dragonborn DLC features the Stalhrim Shield, which provides increased frost resistance.

11. Can you find shields underwater in Skyrim? While it is possible to find standard shields in sunken chests and shipwrecks, finding specific unique shields underwater is uncommon.

12. Do shields affect sneaking in Skyrim? Yes, shields increase the weight of your character’s equipment, making you slightly less effective at sneaking. Consider minimizing your equipment weight if you prioritize stealth.

13. How does the armor rating of a shield work? The armor rating of a shield contributes to your overall damage reduction. The higher the armor rating, the less physical damage you take from attacks.

14. Are there mods that add more shields to Skyrim? Yes, numerous mods add a vast array of new shields to Skyrim, ranging from lore-friendly options to extravagant designs. Explore the Nexus Mods website to find a mod that suits your tastes.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and player engagement? Explore the resources and community at the Games Learning Society.

By carefully choosing and skillfully wielding a shield, you can transform from a vulnerable adventurer into an unstoppable force, ready to face any challenge Skyrim throws your way. Good luck, Dragonborn, and may your shield always hold strong!