Baldurs Gate 3: Best Shields [Top 20]

Baldurs Gate 3 is full of content and items for players to discover. These items can improve the player’s offensive or defensive capabilities. Moreover, shields are a great defensive asset that Acts as armor and provides additional buffs and abilities. Therefore, this guide will help you decide what some of the best shields in Baldurs Gate 3 are and how you can get your hands on them.

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Key Takeaways

• These Shields range from Common to Legendary and can be acquired in different game acts.
• Some Shields can be found on dead NPCs or inside Chests, while some Shields require players to spend countless hours to get.
• Each Shield comes with an Armor Class rating that increases your overall armor and, in turn, defensive capabilities.
• Moreover, some Shields can also come with Passive Effects or abilities that can buff your character.
• These Shields may also grant your character an extra spell slot or completely new spells.

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There are many shields for players and various ways to get them. These shields can be found within Chests, on a dead NPC, or bartered from a merchant. You will often encounter a powerful Shield from places you least expect. Therefore, players are often encouraged to explore every corner and every dead NPC so they will not miss anything important.

Shield's Name	Value	Armor Class	Quality
Absolute's Warboard	70	+2	Uncommon
Abdel’s Trusted Shield	570	+2	Very Rare
Absolute’s Protector	300	+2	Rare Shield
Adamantine Shield	750	+2	Rare
Glowing Shield	440	+2	Uncommon
Spiked Shield	4	+2	Common
Studded Shield	50	+2	Common
Enforcer Shield	70	+2	Uncommon
Gloomstrand Shield	70	+2	Uncommon
Iron Banded Shield +1	50	+3	Common
Ironvine Shield	45	+2	Uncommon
Justiciar’s Greatshield	300	+2	Rare
Ketheric’s Shield	300	+2	Rare
Safeguard Shield	55	+2	Uncommon
Sentinel Shield	570	+2	Rare
Shield of Scorching Reprisal	190	+2	Rare
Shield of Shielding	190	+2	Rare
Shield of Devotion	627	+2	Very Rare
Shield of the Undevout	570	+2	Very Rare
Viconia’s Walking Fortress	760	+3	Legendary

Shields are categorized as special armor for players and affect your overall defensive score. Moreover, these shields can also come with unique abilities that can give out specific bonuses to players. The game may not have as many shields as swords, but picking the best is still important. However, it is essential to remember that not all classes can carry a shield due to their additional weight.

Absolute’s Warboard

Shield's Feature	Absolute's Ward, Heroism
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	70
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Absolute’s Warboard is a mighty and versatile shield in Baldurs Gate 3. This Uncommon Shield provides the player with a +2 Armor Class. This significant defense buff offers players an advantage on the opponent’s attack rolls and adds additional protection.

• Effects: The Shield has an Absolute Ward effect, allowing players a +1 Bonus on Saving Throws. However, a player must have the Absolute’s Brand to exploit this effect. As a result, players will be able to dodge more incoming enemy effects. Moreover, this Shield comes with a level 1 Heroism Spell.
• How To Get: This Shield can be acquired in the game’s first Act inside the Goblin Camp. Players would need to find Priestess Gut inside the Goblin Camp and defeat her as part of the refugee’s quest. Therefore, players can get this Shield from the dead body of Priestess Gut.

Abdel’s Trusted Shield

Shield's Feature	Shield Bash
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	570
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Very Rare

Abdel’s Trusted Shield is another strong shield that can be acquired in Act 3 of the game. Therefore, this late-game Shield is classified as Very Rare. Moreover, the Shield provides the player with a +2 Armor Class that will add to the defensive stats of the wielder.

• Effects: This Shield comes with the Shield Bash effect, a passive bonus action. Therefore, whenever the player takes melee damage from an opponent you are given a bonus reaction that would knock the opponent prone. However, no reaction occurs if the opponent wins on the Dexterity Saving Throw.
  Moreover, players are granted a level 2 Protection from Missles Spell.
• How To Get: The Abdel’s Trusted Shield can be acquired from the Golbraith’s Cellar (X: -152, Y: -64). When you find Golbraith, you need to trigger a dialogue with him and convince him to let you help with his son. Players will be gifted this rare and powerful Shield as a reward.

Absolute’s Protector

Shield's Feature	Absolute's Aegis, Shield Bash
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	300
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare Shield

The Absolute’s Protector is another must-have shield for your party. This Shield has impressive stats and allows players to have +2 on their Armor Class. Therefore, the players can defend themselves from incoming attacks and use the passive effects to their advantage.

• Effects: The Absolute’s Protector comes with the Absolute’s Aegis effect. This effect grants players the ability to receive -1 damage from all of the enemy attacks. However, players must have the Absolute’s Brand to use this Shield effectively. Moreover, the Shield also comes with the Shield Bash effect.
  This Bonus Effect will be able to use your Bonus Action to push opponents performing melee attacks. Therefore, if the opponent fails the Dexterity Saving Throw, they will be forced to be prone. Moreover, the Shield also comes with a Fire Shield Spell.
• How To Get: The Absolute’s Protector can be acquired in the Act 2 of the game. However, players must fight and defeat the Absolute’s Disciple Z’rell to get this Shield. Just loot the body of Z’rell and add this impressive Shield to your inventory.

Adamantine Shield

Shield's Feature	Adamantine Feature, Shield Bash
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	750
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Adamantine Shield is an impressive shield that players need to Forge. This powerful Shield provides a player +2 on Armor Class, making it very effective for defensive situations. Moreover, this magical Shield has a few effects that could turn the tide of combat in your favor.

• Effects: This Shield has an impressive passive feature that allows players to send opponents Reeling if they miss an attack. Therefore, the opponent Reeled will get -1 on all their Attack Rolls for the next two turns. This increases the chance of the opponent missing further attacks.
  Not only this, but the Shield also comes with Shield Bash, which can use your reaction to make enemy attackers prone. If this was not impressive enough, the Shield makes it so attackers can never land critical hits on the wielder.
• How To Get: Player can get their hands on this Shield in the Grymforge section of the Underdark. During the Adamantine Forge Quest, players can forge this Shield for themselves. However, you must bring the Mithral Ore and the Shield Mold to craft this Shield.

Glowing Shield

Shield's Feature	Loving Protection
Weight	2.7kg
Value	440
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Glowing Shield is another impressive shield that players can acquire early in Act 1. This Shield can also provide +2 Armor Class, which is quite a buff to your Defensive Stats. Moreover, the Shield has an impressive passive effect, allowing players to give out more damage during combat.

• Effects: The Shield comes with a Loving Protection passive effect. This effect kicks in whenever the player’s health drops below 50%. Therefore, whenever players take additional damage after 50%, they are granted an additional eight health. This powerful effect can come in handy in any critical situation, making it one of the best shields in Baldurs Gate 3.
• How To Get:  This is an early game shield that can be acquired during Act 1 of Baldurs Gate 3. Players need to visit the Goblin Camp during their campaign. However, you are required to explore and search every corner of the Camp. Therefore, the Shield can be found inside a chest behind Goblin Camp (X: -54, Y: 462).

Spiked Shield

Shield's Feature	N/A
Weight	2.7kg
Value	4
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Common

The Spiked Shield is ubiquitous in the early campaign of Baldurs Gate 3. Even though this Shield is common in the game, it does not mean it is impractical. As a result, the Shield becomes highly influential during the early part of your campaign, where even the slightest buff goes a long way. The Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class.

• Effects: N/A
• How To Get: This Shield is common and can be acquired from several dead Goblins. Therefore, visit the Goblin Camp and look around carefully to get this Armor stat on you.

Studded Shield

Shield's Feature	N/A
Weight	3kg
Value	50
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Common

The Studded Shield is another common early-game item and is one of the best in Baldurs Gate 3. This Shield provides players with extra defensive capabilities, making you harder to hit during the opponent’s Attack Rolls. The Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class stat increasing your overall armor.

• Effects: N/A
• How To Get: This Shield can be found on a few NPC’s bodies and inside certain chests. However, the easiest way to get this sturdy Shield is through Dammon inside Druid Grove. Moreover, you can sell this Shield for a hefty 50 Gold if you want extra Gold.

Enforcer Shield

Shield's Feature	Staunch Blessing
Weight	2.7
Value	70
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Enforcer Shield is uncommon in the game, making it slightly difficult to acquire. Moreover, this Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class rating, making it a very effective defensive asset. However, what makes this shield special is the passive effect it comes pre-equipped with.

• Effects: The Shield comes with the Staunch Blessing passive ability. This effect allows players to buff the wielder whenever the attacker misses an attack. As a result, the wielder gains a bonus minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4 to their following Attack Roll. However, the effect will end if the player carrying this Shield deals lethal damage.
• How To Get: This Shield can not be acquired without Mods or Console Commands.

Gloomstrand Shield

Shield's Feature	Stealth +1
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	70
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Gloomstrang Shield is another uncommon shield in Baldurs Gate 3. This Shield also comes with an impressive +2 Armor Class, which allows you to hold your ground more during combat. Even though the Shield is uncommon, if used correctly, the Shield comes with a massive buff.

• Effects: The Shield grants its wielder +1 Stealth point, which can be significant for the character. This allows players to use a point in other aspects of the class instead of stealth. Therefore, players can invest that crucial point into strength or any other area their current class lacks.
• How To Get: This Shield can be acquired in Act 2 of the game. You would need to travel to the Ruined Battlefield and the Tollhouse. Here, the Shield can be found inside a locked chest behind Tollhouse (X-60, Y-114).

Iron Banded Shield +1

Shield's Feature	N/A
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	50
Armor Class	+3
Quality	Common

The Iron Banded Shield +1 is the upgraded version of the commonly available Iron Banded Shield. Moreover, the +1 here signifies the extra point of Armor Class that comes with this Shield. This makes the total Armor Class +3 a mighty shield early on in the campaign.

• Effects: The +3 Armor Class rating makes this Shield one of the most vital defensive assets for the early and mid-game.
• How To Get: This is another standard shield that makes this easier to acquire. NPCs can sometimes drop the Shield. However, this Shield can also be found on the north wall next to Lann Tarv in Moonrise Tower.

Ironvine Shield

Shield's Feature	Ironvine
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	45
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Ironvine Shield is a tremendous mid-game shield that is classified as uncommon. Moreover, the Shield has a +2 Armor Class rating, making it an effective additional armor. However, the Shield comes with a passive ability, Ironvine, which makes this a must-have and one of the best Shields in Baldurs Gate 3.

• Effects: The Ironvine Shield comes with the Ironvine passive effect. This effect allows players to use a bonus action or reaction when taking melee damage. As a result, the player can react with an instant 1 Piercing Damage. However, your weapon must also be associated with Shillelagh for this effect.
• How To Get: This Shield can be acquired in Act 2 after defeating Gerringothe Thorm. Players can find a key on this corpse of Throm that can be used to open a Great Chest containing this Shield. The Chest is located inside the Master’s Office Room, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Tollhouse.

Justiciar’s Greatshield

Shield's Feature	Shield Bash
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	300
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Justiciar’s Greatshield is Rare and one of the best Shields in Baldurs Gate 3, making it slightly tricky to acquire. This Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class rating on the base level, making it very effective during combat. However, this Shield is exceptional due to the multiple effects that come prebuilt in this Shield.

• Effects: The Justiciar’s Greatshield has multiple effects, including the Shield Bash. This effect allows players to knock back any opponent intro-prone as a reaction move. Moreover, the Shield comes with the Darkness Cloak effect, making you much harder to hit during combat.
  Even though these effects may seem plenty, the Shield also gives players an Advantage on all Perception Checks.
• How To Get: Players must travel to the Gauntlet of Shar. Players will be able to get here on their Find the Nightsong quest. You would need to locate Yurgir as part of your quest if you help him fulfill his contract and kill all of the Rats. One of the Rats will turn into a Justiciar and have this Shield on his body. 

Ketheric’s Shield

Shield's Feature	Arcane Enchantment, Shield Bash
Weight	2.7
Value	300
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Ketheric’s Shield is impressive and may be one of the best Shields in Baldurs Gate 3. This Rare Shield takes a long time to acquire and can only be found during the finale of Act 2. Moreover, the Shield has a +2 Armor Class rating and a few extra effects that set it apart.

• Effects: The Shield comes with the Shield Bash as one of the effects. This effect will allow players to use their reaction on any melee strike to throw back their enemy into prone. Therefore, you will have an Advantage on an already prone enemy.
  Moreover, the Shield also comes with a passive Arcane Enchantment effect. This effect grants players a +1 bonus on their Spell Save Throws and Spell Attack Throws.
• How To Get: The Ketheric’s Shield is acquired during the finale of Act 2’s main questline. Players are supposed to fight and defeat Ketheric Thorm during this quest line. Then, players can pick this Shield up from Ketheric Thorm’s body and keep it safely within their inventory. The location of this fight is Mind Flayer Colony (X: 866, Y: -22).

Safeguard Shield

Shield's Feature	Saving throws +1
Weight	2.7
Value	55
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Uncommon

The Safeguard Shield is an excellent early-game Shield during your campaign. This is a very well-rounded shield that comes with +2 Armor Class and is worth only 55 Gold. Moreover, the Shield has a passive effect at this price, making it an excellent purchase.

• Effects: The Shield has a passive effect directly buffs up all your Saving Throws. Due to this effect, players are granted +1 on all their Saving Throws. Moreover, players must only equip this Shield for this effect, with no additional requirements.
• How To Get: The Safeguard Shield can be acquired during the early quests of your Act 1. Players must travel to Druid Grove or Emerald Grove as part of their initial questlines. A merchant named Dammon will sell this Shield for a few hundred Gold.

Sentinel Shield

Shield's Feature	Heightened Awareness, Shield Awareness
Weight	2.7
Value	570
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Sentinel Shield is a Rare Shield that can be acquired during the early hours of Act 2. This Shield has a +2 Armor Class rating, making it a much-needed additional armor. However, the Sentinel Shield also comes with a few effects and features that set this Shield apart from other commonly available Shields.

• Effects: Akin to many Rare Shields on this list, the Sentinel Shield also comes with the Shield Bash effect. This effect allows a player to use the reaction to push the enemy attacker into a prone condition. Moreover, this Shield also comes with another incredible effect: Heightened Awareness.
  The Heightened Awareness effect will give players a +3 bonus to all the Initiative Rolls and an Advantage on Perception Checks.
• How To Get: The Sentinel Shield can be bought during the early campaign of Act 2. This Shield is worth a whopping 1083 Gold, which is a given considering the effects of this Shield. Moreover, the Shield is sold by Lann Tarv at the Moonrise Tower.

Shield Of Scorching Reprisal

Shield's Feature	Shield Bash
Weight	2.7
Value	190
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Shield of Sorching Repsisal may be one of the most flashy Shields in the game. This Shield has a beautiful design on it, which adds to the overall lore of the Shield. Moreover, the Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class rating, making it a compelling piece of armor. Furthermore, the Shield also comes with some significant passive buffs.

• Effects: This Shield is another Rare Shield with the Shield Bash effect on the lists. This effect will let you use a reaction move to knock enemies prone. Moreover, the Shield also grants its wielder resistance to fire, an incredible buff.
• How To Get: The Shield of Scorching Reprisal can be acquired in Act 2 during the Shadow-Curse Lands questline. Players can locate the Flaming Fist corpse (X:-3 Y:215) carrying this Shield. The carcass can be found north of the Last Light Inn under debris.
  Players should first win on a Perception Check to reveal the corpse and then use a high-strength character to lift the debris. Once the carcass is exposed, players can get their hands on this Shield.

Shield Of Shielding

Shield's Feature	Shield Bash
Weight	2.7
Value	190
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Rare

The Shield of Shielding is another Rare shield players can acquire during their campaign. This powerful Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class rating, which makes this an effective additional armor. Moreover, the Shield has other effects that instantly buff up your character.

• Effects: This Rare Shield comes with the Shield Bash effect. As a result, players can use their reaction turns to knock enemies into prone. Moreover, the Shield comes with the bonus Shield Spell, which also explains the name of this Shield. This Spell will be able to provide players with extra protection by further increasing their Armor Class.
• How To Get: The Shield of Shielding can be acquired from Act 2 onwards. This Rare Shield can be found in the basement of Stormshore Tabernacle (X:800 Y:1155) in Lower City.

Shield Of Devotion

Shield's Feature	Additional Spell Slot, Shield Bash
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	627
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Very Rare

The Shield of Devotion is classified as a Very Rare Shield in Baldurs Gate 3. This Shield is an excellent choice for any class as this grants one additional level 1 spell slot to the character. Moreover, the Shield also has an Armor Class rating of +2, making it a compelling piece of armor.

• Effects: This is a Very Rare Shield, so on top of granting an additional level 1 spell slot, this Shield also comes with Shield Bash. Therefore, players can knock out enemy attackers using their reactions. Moreover, the Shield also comes with an additional Aid spell, which can add bonus hit points to all your allies. 
• How To Get: The Shield of Devotion can be purchased in Act 2 of your campaign. During Act 2, players will come across the Last Light Inn, where they can meet the Quatermaster Talli. As a result, players can buy this Shield from Talli, which is valued at 627 Gold.

Shield Of The Undevout

Shield's Feature	Dreadful Hewer
Weight	2.7 kg
Value	570
Armor Class	+2
Quality	Very Rare

The Shield of the Undevout is a Very Rare Shield that can be acquired in Act 3. This precious Shield is a late-game item that boasts some powerful effects. Moreover, the Shield comes with a +2 Armor Class rating, making it a compelling piece of armor.

• Effects: This Very Rare Shield comes with the Shield Bash effect, which allows players to use their reactions to knock enemies into prone. Moreover, this Shield grants its wielder an extra Spell Slot, enabling you to cast more spells.
  The Shield also comes with what is known as the Dreadful Hewer effect. This passive ability will allow players to put their opponent at a disadvantage on Saving Throws. However, this effect will only work if the player uses a spell or action that inflicts Fear.
• How To Get: The Shield of the Undevout can be acquired from the Bhaalist Crypt. Players must find and defeat the That Which Guards to get their hands on this Shield. You can encounter this Crypt before you enter the Sarevok’s Lair.

Viconia’s Walking Fortress

Shield's Feature	Rebuke of the Mighty
Weight	2.7
Value	760
Armor Class	+3
Quality	Legendary

The Viconia’s Walking Fortress is the only Legendary Shield on this list. This is one of the best Shields in Baldurs Gate 3 and can be acquired during Act 2. The Shield comes with some impressive effects, as well as a +3 Armor Class rating. This Shield comes with multiple effects that will truly upgrade your character.

• Effects: The Shield comes with the Shield Bash effect. Moreover, the Shield also comes with the Rebuke of the Mighty effect. This effect is an upgraded version of the Shield Bash, which, on top of knocking enemies prone, will also deal some additional damage. 
  The Shield also has the Spellguard effect, which allows players to have an Advantage on Saving Throws against Spells. You will also gain two additional Spells, the Reflective Spell, and the Warding Bond Spell.
• How To Get: This Shield can be acquired from Shadowheart’s Daughter of Darkness quest. The player would need to find Viconia inside the House of Grief in Baldurs Gate to get their hands on this Shield.

These are some of the best Shields players can get their hands on in Baldurs Gate 3. The Shields can be found across your entire campaign through all three Acts. These three Acts will take you around the vast world of Baldurs Gate 3, where players can explore and complete specific quests to get their hands on these Shields.

Some of these Shields are easy to acquire, while some may take players countless hours. Moreover, players can purchase a few of these Shields from various Merchants they interact with during the three Acts. Moreover, these Shields provide a buff to defensive stats and can also sometimes come with a few extra effects. 

The Shields are integral to most builds and are always recommended if your class allows it.

If you found this guide helpful, below are a few more guides to help you along your journey.

• Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Companions.
• Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Race.
• Baldurs Gate 3 Best Paladin Builds.