When playing a game that includes guns and swords, you tend to make sure you have the best ones that deal the most damage. But they're not always the most valuable piece of equipment you carry. Sometimes a good shield can be just as integral to your survival or success in any given adventure.
Naturally, their primary function is to protect you from the enemy. Yet, occasionally, they make for useful weapons, too. Of course, not every shield is created equal. Several are more effective, visually appealing, or iconic than others. The following ones excel the most in at least one of those categories.
7 Boom Shield - Gears Of War Series
There are some incredible weapons in the Gears Of War series, but not everything you pick up is meant to hurt. The Boom Shield, which is primarily carried by Maulers, is a great way to protect yourself from harm. After all, it's pretty much indestructible and can take point-blank grenade launcher fire.
While its strength is appreciated when you're holding it, it's annoying when the item is in the enemies' hands. However, it isn't the largest shield even when its plates are extended, so it can't cover up a full body, meaning you can shoot around it. Even with that flaw, it's still a useful tool, nonetheless.
6 Bubble Shield - Halo Series
The Bubble Shield from Halo is one of the more fancy protection devices in gaming history. As the name suggests, it's a piece of equipment that you can throw down to create a bubble around yourself. Things like bullets, rockets, and grenades can't penetrate the sphere.
Therefore, it's a great idea to use it when you're hurt in the middle of a firefight. You're not entirely safe inside the bubble, though, as enemies and vehicles can enter it. Plus, the shield is only active for 20 seconds. These downsides are necessary to stop the device from being overpowered.
5 Aegis Shield - Final Fantasy Series
Despite the Final Fantasy series containing all sorts of outlandish items, the simple Aegis Shield is among the most iconic. The reason for its fame is because it features in all the main games. It's usually an effective item, too.
What it exactly does changes depending on the game. Occasionally it protects against poison, it can save you from petrification, and it's often a good defense against magic. Along with continually changing its function, the developers tend to alter how it looks. As a result, it has come in a variety of different shapes and sizes over the years, and on a few of those occasions, it's looked really cool.
4 Koopa Shells - Mario Kart Series
Shells are some of the most common items you pick up while racing around in Mario Kart. They are primarily weapons as you're able to throw them at other racers to slow them down. When you get a group of three of them - whether they're red or green - you can put them around your kart.
Once there, they act as a protective shield, so you can't get hit by your opponents' equipment. They don't protect against absolutely everything, but they stop the average things from hitting you - like other shells. Yet, you can only use them for protection if you can resist the urge to use them for violence.
3 Jellyfish Shield - Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a very tough game, so you certainly need a bit of protection. Thankfully, there are many great shields in the Lands Between. The Jellyfish Shield stands out, in particular, because it is the head of a jellyfish.
Yes, the transparent dome on an aquatic animal can be used to protect you from the various enemies you face. While it is a shield, the thing is most effective from an offensive standpoint. This is because it comes with a skill called Contagious Fury that boosts your attack power for a while. Therefore, carrying a jellyfish into battle can make you significantly more dangerous.
2 Hylian Shield - The Legend Of Zelda Series
Throughout the Zelda games, Link often uses a shield in combat. And while he uses plenty of different ones, the Hylian Shield is easily the most iconic. It's also an impressive-looking piece of equipment. While its appearance has changed a little over the years, the basic design is always the same. The shield is primarily blue, and it has a Triforce symbol and Hylian Crest on the front.
More importantly, though, it tends to be an effective item, especially more so than those wooden shields that Link often picks up. This is because it's made from a very sturdy metal that must be somewhat light since Link can hold it with one arm. At least the grown-up version of the character can carry it. Child Link, on the other hand, struggles to use it in Ocarina of Time.
1 Captain America's Shield - Marvel's Avengers
Captain America's circular shield is among the most famous in all media. The patriotic hero uses it to great effect in movies and comics. It's also appeared multiple times in the video game world. And when it comes to a virtual setting, the shield is best used in Marvel's Avengers.
In the game, Captain America has all sorts of abilities that utilize the Vibranium frisbee. He can throw it at people, create shockwaves with it, and use it to parry his opponents' attacks. The Captain can also simply hit enemies with the thing in a number of different ways. Besides the super serum flowing through his veins, it's the only weapon in the hero's arsenal.