Elden Ring Weapons: 24 That Work with Shield Counter Builds
Shield countering in Elden Ring is one of the most underrated but satisfying combat mechanics. With a well-timed guard followed by a heavy attack, you can punish aggressive enemies without needing to roll or rely on summoning. Shield counter builds reward patience, precision, and the right gear.
In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at 24 weapons that synergize particularly well with shield countering. These weapons have favorable movesets, poise damage, or status effects that make them ideal for this reactive playstyle.
1. Broadsword
A classic for a reason. The Broadsword’s fast heavy attack after guarding ensures clean counters without overcommitting. Great for early-game stability.
2. Lordsworn’s Greatsword
Surprisingly effective for its class. This Greatsword pairs well with a medium shield and hits hard on counter, especially when infused for scaling.
3. Claymore
Its sweeping moves and manageable stamina cost make it a perfect choice for a balanced strength-dexterity counter build.
4. Regalia of Eochaid
This unique weapon benefits from counterplay thanks to its bleed buildup and quick heavy attack animation. Ideal for status-focused builds.
5. Morning Star
With innate bleed and solid poise damage, the Morning Star turns defensive play into an aggressive finisher.
6. Noble’s Slender Sword
Fast, light, and perfect for DEX-based shield counters. Its speed means you can punish quickly after a guard without risking stamina depletion.
7. Flamberge
This Greatsword combines reach with bleed, making it brutal when landing counter hits. Infuse it with a Blood or Heavy affinity for added effect.
8. Black Knife
Its weapon skill steals the show, but even basic counters with this dagger build up percentage-based damage. Best used by nimble, hybrid builds.
9. Battle Hammer
For those leaning into pure Strength, the Battle Hammer breaks enemy poise and punishes with each counter. Great against humanoids.
10. Uchigatana
Bleed buildup and precision make this katana shine. It's one of the most efficient early-game weapons for shield counters.
11. Mace
A reliable go-to for blunt damage. Great for staggering enemies with each guard counter, especially in tight corridors.
12. Banished Knight’s Greatsword
High damage and excellent reach. Its heavy attack works well post-block and benefits from poise-breaking capability.
13. Winged Scythe
Faith builds can use the Winged Scythe for its added Holy damage and range. Perfect for reactive play and punishing roll-happy invaders.
14. Cursed Blood Slice (from Eleonora’s Poleblade)
Though it's a twinblade, landing a counter after a guard with this weapon's skill adds up fast — especially with Arcane scaling.
15. Great Stars
With lifesteal on hit and innate bleed, Great Stars is tanky and punishing. Guard counters help trigger its passive quickly.
16. Knight’s Greatsword
Simple but powerful. Scales well with Strength, and its stagger potential is ideal for counterattacks out of a guard stance.
17. Spiked Mace
Bleed and blunt force come together here. Add a Blood infusion for consistent pressure through counters.
18. Guardian’s Swordspear
Versatile and long-reaching, this weapon allows you to safely poke and punish with reach after a block.
19. Antspur Rapier
Fantastic for status builds. Its speed and status application — especially with Rot — make it deadly in counter builds.
20. Halberd
A solid all-arounder. Guard countering with a halberd lets you maintain spacing and punish safely from mid-range.
21. Pickaxe
Surprisingly effective. It’s slower, but its counter damage is devastating when timed right. Ideal for heavy builds.
22. Blasphemous Blade
Excellent for Strength/Faith hybrids. While its weapon art is powerful, even guard counters deal impressive damage and heal you.
23. Carian Knight’s Sword
For Intelligence-based builds, this weapon has good reach and magic scaling. It’s a reliable choice for caster-knight hybrids.
24. Iron Greatsword
A beast of a weapon for Strength users. Its counter hits feel like mini-charges. Combine it with a greatshield for maximum effect.
Shield Counter Build Tips
Stamina Management is Key: Shield counters cost stamina for both the block and follow-up, so prioritize Endurance early on.
Poise Helps: Even though you’re blocking, having some poise allows you to stay in control if your guard breaks or during trades.
Infusion Matters: You can tailor most of these weapons with the right Ashes of War. Using Sacred or Blood infusions expands your damage options while preserving counter viability.
Upgrade Smart: Shield counters scale with weapon upgrades. If you’re tight on resources, consider prioritizing a single weapon. Some players reduce farming time by looking for elden ring runes for sale or by acquiring cheap Elden Ring Items to streamline early upgrades.
Shield counter builds reward patience, defense, and solid timing. They may not be flashy, but they offer a strategic and rewarding way to conquer Elden Ring’s most punishing encounters. Whether you’re walking into a boss fight or dealing with PvP invaders, these weapons give you the tools to hold your ground — and hit back twice as hard.