Use These 6 Elden Ring Items to Improve Guard Counters

 
Guard Counters in Elden Ring are one of the most satisfying mechanics in the game, especially for players who prefer a defensive playstyle. After successfully blocking an enemy attack, a well-timed heavy attack can stagger most foes, opening them up for critical hits. However, this technique can be greatly enhanced with the right gear. Whether you're a Tarnished struggling to break enemy posture or simply looking to optimize your melee engagements, here are six items that can significantly improve your Guard Counter performance.
1. Curved Sword Talisman
 
This talisman is a must-have if you're serious about Guard Counters. It increases the damage of your Guard Counter attacks, making each retaliatory strike more punishing. Lightweight and easy to equip in any build, it’s especially useful when fighting enemies with high poise.
 
You can find it in Stormveil Castle fairly early in the game, making it accessible for new characters as well. If you're playing on console and want to get ahead quickly, it might even be worth it to [url=https://www.u4gm.com/elden-ring-items]buy Elden Ring items PS5[/url] to complement this strategy with gear that synergizes well.
2. Greatshield Talisman
 
The Greatshield Talisman reduces the stamina consumed when blocking attacks with a shield, allowing you to absorb more blows without running out of stamina. This is crucial because running out of stamina while guarding leaves you vulnerable.
 
Pair this with a high-stability shield, and you'll find yourself able to hold the line much longer in intense fights. Players on Xbox who find themselves underpowered in the early game may want to [url=https://www.u4gm.com/elden-ring-runes]buy elden ring runes xbox[/url] to upgrade their gear and shields for better blocking efficiency.
3. Ironjar Aromatic
 
This consumable from the Perfumer’s repertoire increases your poise and reduces damage taken. When used right before engaging in a Guard Counter-heavy fight, it helps you tank through attacks and maintain your stance.
 
Since it requires resources from the later areas or farming certain enemies, some players may find it more convenient to acquire it through trade or crafting using materials obtained via side quests or merchant routes.
4. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
 
Sometimes, you’re going to get hit—even with perfect Guard Counters. That’s where the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman shines. It provides substantial physical damage negation, letting you stay in the fight longer.
 
If you’re going for a build centered on trading blows and striking back hard after blocking, this talisman is indispensable. Just be aware that it can be found late in the game, so plan accordingly if you're relying on it as a core part of your strategy.
5. Erdtree’s Favor
 
While not directly tied to Guard Counters, Erdtree’s Favor increases your max HP, stamina, and equip load. These three stats all enhance your effectiveness when blocking and retaliating. More stamina means more blocks and Guard Counters, while extra HP gives you room for error.
 
If you're focusing on heavier weapons or shields, the added equip load will help you avoid fat rolling, which is crucial for survival in fast-paced fights.
6. Fingerprint Stone Shield
 
This is arguably the best shield for Guard Counter builds. With extremely high stability and excellent guard boost, the Fingerprint Stone Shield lets you block multiple hits with minimal stamina loss, creating many opportunities to counter.
 
However, this shield is quite heavy, so you’ll need to balance your gear accordingly. When building around this item, investing in Endurance is recommended—or consider augmenting your build with gear that reduces weight or boosts stamina regen.
 
 
Guard Counters are a core mechanic for shield users in Elden Ring, and mastering them can make even the toughest enemies manageable. By equipping the right items—whether it’s a damage-boosting talisman or a stamina-saving shield—you can make this defensive technique truly shine.
 
For players looking to fast-track their builds or gear loadouts, it’s understandable to [url=https://www.u4gm.com/elden-ring-runes]buy elden ring runes[/url] xbox or [url=https://www.u4gm.com/elden-ring-items]Buy Elden Ring items[/url] PS5 to supplement what you earn naturally in the game. Just make sure you’re pairing your items with solid timing and positioning—the true essence of a powerful Guard Counter lies in practice and precision.