The Fingerprint Stone Shield is one of Elden Ring's most iconic and Elden Ring Runes overpowered defensive tools. As the heaviest Greatshield in the game, it offers unmatched stability, immense Guard Boost, and the ability to turn the Tarnished into an unstoppable wall. But simply equipping the shield isn't enough; to truly maximize it, players must build around its strengths, manage stamina intelligently, and exploit its unique Ash of War and scaling. When used properly, the Fingerprint Shield enables a playstyle built on attrition, control, and relentless pressure. Here's how to use it to the fullest.

1. Understand the Shield's Core Strengths

The Fingerprint Shield excels for three reasons: absurd Guard Boost, high elemental resistances, and flexible infusion potential. With endgame upgrades and proper stats, the shield reaches Guard Boost values that allow you to block nearly all physical attacks while taking minimal stamina damage. This means you can face down some of the hardest-hitting bosses—Malenia, Godskin Duo, or Placidusax—without being instantly broken.

Elemental resistances matter too. Unlike many Greatshields that excel primarily against physical damage, the Fingerprint Shield has excellent innate absorption across magic, fire, and holy. This makes it a universal defensive answer to almost everything except chip damage from certain status buildups.

2. Build for Maximum Efficiency

To fully exploit the shield, you must tailor your build around its enormous weight and its defensive scaling.

Strength Investment

The Fingerprint Shield scales well with Strength when infused with Heavy affinity, letting your blocks cost less stamina and your Shield Bash attacks hit harder. Aim for 50–60 Strength to unlock its potential.

Endurance Management

Its biggest drawback is weight. You need 35–50 Endurance depending on your armor choice to maintain a medium roll. A slow, fat-roll Fingerprint Shield build is still workable, but you lose positioning flexibility.

Talismans

To maximize utility:

Greatshield Talisman – reduces stamina consumption on block, essential for tanking combos.

Viridian Amber Medallion (or +2) – improves stamina recovery to maintain block uptime.

Pearldrake / Dragoncrest Shields – depending on whether you need elemental or physical reinforcement.

Green Turtle Talisman – for even more stamina regen in early game.

Armor

High-poise armor complements the "walking fortress" playstyle. Poise helps you swing and counterattack between blocks without getting staggered.

3. Use the Right Ash of War

The signature way to maximize this shield is with Shield Bash, Barricade Shield, or Shield Crash.

Barricade Shield

This dramatically boosts Guard Boost for a short duration. Perfect for boss phases with long combos—Malenia's rapid slashes, Maliketh's aggressive leaps, or Radagon's relentless followups.

Shield Crash

A powerful offensive move that turns your massive shield into a battering ram. It deals high poise damage, staggers many enemies, and lets you push through pressure.

Shield Bash

A controlled, stamina-efficient option that deals steady damage and maintains your defensive posture.

Using these ashes transforms the Fingerprint Shield from a passive wall into an offensive tool capable of breaking bosses, interrupting enemies, and maintaining tempo.

4. Master Stamina Control

The secret to maxing the shield is never letting your stamina bar empty. Even with over 50 Endurance and stamina talismans, you must:

Lower your guard when the enemy retreats

Attack instead of blocking when chip damage is negligible

Use stamina flasks or Greenburst Aromatics when needed

Blocking uses stamina proportional to the attack's power and your Guard Boost; higher Guard Boost means lower stamina cost.

5. Play the Stagger Game

Because blocking prevents stagger to you while enemies still take poise damage, you can buy Elden Ring Runes counterattack safely. Use a heavy Strength weapon—Colossal Sword, Warhammer, or Great Axe—to capitalize on stagger windows.