Unlock These Must-Have Early Shields in Avowed for Maximum Survival!

Summary

Unflinching Duty: The best early shield, boasting unique perks.
Wind and Wave: A great elemental protection shield with a move speed bonus.
Beetle’s Bulwark: Shields against Fire Accumulation and summons Beetle allies.

In “Avowed”, having a shield can be crucial in determining whether a character lives or dies, and players who know where to find some of the top-tier shields early in the game can build powerful characters right from the start. Whether you’re playing as Tank Fighters or hybrid Wizards, shields are often an excellent choice for their equipment arsenal and have a substantial effect on damage reduction.

Here’s a rundown on some top-tier shields that Avowed players can get early, along with their locations, stats, and why these off-hand items are crucial for an early build. Options range from one of the best shields in the game to a simple but effective piece of gear that anyone can find and enhance if they have the necessary materials.

1. Stone Shield (Located at the starting area, Solitude Market District): This basic shield is easy to obtain for any player. It has decent stats and can be improved with blacksmithing. Its simplicity makes it a good choice for beginners who are just starting out.
2. Iron Shield (Located in the Riftweald Clearing, Eastmarch): This shield is a step up from the Stone Shield and provides better defense. It’s found early on in the game, making it a great option for players who want to upgrade their gear without venturing too far into the world.
3. Ebony Shield (Located in the Reach, Skyrim): This shield is one of the best in the game and can be obtained relatively early if you’re willing to travel to the Reach. It provides excellent defense and has unique properties that make it a valuable asset for any build.
4. Steel Shield (Can be crafted with the right materials): If you have the necessary resources, crafting a steel shield is an option. This shield offers good stats and can be further improved through blacksmithing, making it a solid choice for players who want to customize their gear.
5. Elven Shield (Located in various dungeons throughout Skyrim): These shields are rare but can be found in dungeons scattered across Skyrim. They provide excellent defense and unique enchantments that make them worth seeking out for any player looking to enhance their build early on.

1. Unflinching Duty

The Best Unique Shield That Players Can Get Early

Block Effectiveness: 39
Parry Effectiveness: 95
Elemental Resistance: 13
Stability: 20

Early in the game, players can acquire one of the best shields available, as it comes with two unique advantages that are particularly beneficial for Fighters and Rangers. The first perk, Lesser Glancing Strikes, provides a 5% chance to dodge melee attacks. In simpler terms, this means there’s a possibility that damage taken at close range will be entirely avoided. The second perk, Lesser Peak Conditioning, boosts your Stamina by 20 points. It’s important to note that Stamina is essential for various aspects of the game, including attacking, blocking, and parrying actions.

This unique shield boasts a substantial Parry Efficiency and decent Block Efficiency, with these attributes enhancing as players upgrade it at their Workbenches while leveling up. You can obtain this special shield within Strangleroot Cave, during the Message from Afar main quest where you encounter the Afflicted Bear. The shield is hard to overlook, as it’s situated near the fallen Aedyrnan soldier’s corpse before the Dreamthrall Elder Brown Bear boss battle. Equipping this shield will make melee-focused character builds more effective against the bear, as it poses a significant challenge for Sword and Shield Rangers and Spellblade Wizards.

2. Wind And Wave

Decent Elemental Protection And Good For Mobility Builds

Block Effectiveness: 49
Parry Effectiveness: 29
Elemental Resistance: 140
Stability: 20

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my insights on an exceptional piece of equipment – a versatile shield that provides robust defense against environmental elements. This shield is a game-changer for Fighters, Rangers, and Wizards, offering them an effective means to deflect spells. Not only does it provide standard protection, but it also boosts resistance by an additional 20% against frost accumulation, and grants a 10% increase in movement speed. This makes it the ultimate defense against spellcasters who wield Chill Blades and Blizzard, as it mitigates the slow and frozen effects of ice-based spells. The added move speed ensures that melee builds can effortlessly navigate between opponents without being impeded.

Upon reaching Claviger’s Landing, adventurers should ascend the lighthouse and hunt for a concealed skeleton offering a treasure map. With this map clutched tightly, they can then locate Captain Henqua’s Hoard to the north of Paradis. By tracing the river, they will eventually spot a pair of towers and a stone archway. Along the riverbank, there lies a cave; players must dive beneath the surface to enter it, and within, they will find a shield to collect. While enhancing this shield may require an initial investment, it proves beneficial in the long run as players can gradually upgrade it rather than spending a large amount of resources later in their journey. This early acquisition offers another advantage during their adventure.

3. Beetle’s Bulwark

Parry And Summon Monster Allies

Block Effectiveness: 49
Parry Effectiveness: 140
Elemental Resistance: 20
Stability: 20

As a dedicated gamer in the immersive world of Avowed, I’ve stumbled upon a game-changing find – Beetle’s Bulwark, a unique shield hidden within Sasha’s Emporium, nestled in the Northern Paradis district. From the moment you acquire this badge of defense, it exudes fine quality. What sets it apart is its effectiveness against those pesky foes who wield fire-based spells. The Fire Accumulation mechanic can be quite a nuisance during combat, dealing periodic damage, but fear not! Beetle’s Bulwark offers a robust 20% protection against this very annoyance.

But wait, there’s more! This shield comes equipped with an extraordinary ability – it summons an Armored Beetle ally when you successfully parry an attack while your health dips below the 75% mark. Remember, only one summon can be active at a time to maintain balance in the game and avoid breaking the rules of engagement entirely!

As a dedicated player, I can’t wait to see the beetles swarm and attack any enemy I successfully parry, maintaining their assault until they are eliminated in combat. Enhancing this shield only makes it more formidable, boosting its initial Block Efficiency, Parry Efficiency, and Elemental Resistance, making it a powerhouse even against enemies of Rank III or higher, growing stronger with each encounter!

4. Fine Round Shield

The Cheapest Option But Still Viable

Block Effectiveness: 49
Parry Effectiveness: 140
Elemental Resistance: 20
Stability: 20

A notable advantage of this basic yet potent protective shield is that players can acquire one relatively early if they choose to upgrade it. They’ll discover this opportunity during the initial On Strange Shores quest, specifically at the location where they collected the Northreach Storage Key. From thereon, players will need to gather numerous Grade 1 materials like Softwood Branch and Paradisan Ladder to enhance the shield until it reaches a Fine Quality (blue) level. However, if they prefer, players can also buy an upgraded version from any Blacksmith in Dawnshore or the Quartermaster in the Paradis Northern District.

As a devoted player, I’m grateful for the abundance of mats scattered around Fort and Dawnshore. This means I won’t run short when it comes to upgrading my basic shield to the required level. It’s crucial to note that the superiority of an item significantly impacts its efficiency against specific foes. For instance, weapons deal more damage if the item quality surpasses the enemy’s by one grade, while armor and shields offer better protection against enemies of the same or lower tiers.

2025-02-24 16:41