When it comes to weapons, FromSoftware really outdid themselves while creatingElden Ring. This expansive soulsborne title boasts a staggering array of unique armaments, granting players unparalleled freedom in their approach to the game. Whether you fancy yourself a samurai or prefer the classic knight build,Elden Ringoffers a wealth of options, from elegant Katanas to reliableClaymoreandZweihander.
Using weapons with a parry shield is another powerful combo inElden Ring. While not all enemies might be parryable in the game, many of them are, including iconic bosses like Malenia and Morgott. Unfortunately, you will need multiple parries to get a stance break. However, executing a successful parry requires the utmost skill, with only a brief window available to deflect incoming attacks. Players must carefully observe their foes' movements to identify the perfect moment for aflawless parry.
Thankfully, there are certain shields with unique parry abilities, providing additional frames for successful deflections. Among these, the Buckler shield stands out, boasting an unparalleled skill known as Buckler Parry. Players who are new to parrying will have the best chance of doing so by using this weapon. Here’s how you can get theBuckler ShieldinElden Ring.
Buckler Shield Location
There are two ways to obtain the Buckler shield inElden Ring: choose theBandit classorpurchase it from Gatekeeper Gostoc in Stormveil Castle. Players starting a new playthrough are in luck as they can acquire theBuckler Shieldright away by selecting the Bandit starter class, one of the ten available inElden Ring. Due to low vigor, beginners might struggle to maximize the Bandit class’s potential. Soulsborne veterans with experience in parrying and landing backstabs might find enjoyment in the Bandit class when paired with the Buckler shield and Dagger.
Similar to other starter equipment, the Buckler shield is available in the vast world of the Lands Between. In fact, it becomes accessible after encountering the first main story boss. However, don’t feel compelled to choose the Bandit class solely for the Buckler shield. You can purchase it fromGatekeeper Gostoc, an NPC merchant found immediately after defeating Margit, the Fell Omen, at the entrance of Stormveil Castle in Limgrave. However, he won’t start selling items until you obtain the Rusty key found in a room where Gostoc traps you or after catching him spying on you three times.
Players can fightMargit the Fell Omenby ascending the hill on the west side of Stormhill Shack in Limgrave. Enter the tunnel guarded by soldiers to discover the Castleward Tunnel site of grace, where Margit awaits. While this boss poses a challenge for beginners, veterans may find the encounter less daunting.
After defeating Margit, head to the Stormveil Main Gate site of grace. On the left side of the grace site, players can locate a small entrance leading to a secret route for entering Stormveil Castle. Adjacent to this door is Gatekeeper Gostoc. Players can speak to him about opening the front gate of Stormveil Castle, but heed his warnings, as the castle gate is tightly guarded. Unless proficient in dodging or possessing the Bloodhound’s Step skill, it’s advisable to use the secret route from behind the castle.
To unlock his merchant shop, players must either find the Rusty key through the path behind the castle or catch Gostoc spying three times. Alternatively, players can choose to kill Gostoc at the entrance of Stormveil Castle to obtain hisBell Bearingand give it to Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold to unlock his trades. Players can then purchase the Buckler shield for 1,500 runes.
Is Buckler Shield good or not?
Buckler is the best small shield inElden Ring, and it is ranked at the top of oursmall shield tier list. Like almost all small shields, the Buckler doesn’t come with a high damage negation, as medium and great shields do. What it excels at is its weapon skill - Buckler Parry. Buckler Parry has one of the highest numbers of parry frames, which makes parrying a lot easier compared to the basic Parry skill.
The Buckler also has a bare minimum requirement of Strength 8 and Dexterity 13. Most of the starter classes can use the Buckler shield without leveling up or with only a few points into Dexterity. Players can always use stat-boosting talismans like Radagon’s Soreseal, Prosthesis-Wearer Heirloom, andMillicent’s Prosthesisto instantly boost Dexterity. Moreover, the Buckler has an astonishingly low weight of 1.5, which is the same as some sacred seals. For this reason, all players can carry a Buckler shield without having to worry about the weight of their equipment.
