Most of the characters that I’ve created in all these years playing Skyrim are focused on core DPS while almost completely ignoring my defending stats. Yes, I know some of you might call me crazy. But to me, the best defense is a powerful offense. However I’ve decided to try out a couple of shield mods to see what the fuss is all about. Even though these amazing mods weren’t enough to convince me to start carrying a shield regularly, I did have quite a good time using most of these. If you’re not like me and you enjoy defending, or even if you’re like me and you’re looking to change your ways, then take a look at some of these mods. Some of them are quite unique and innovative compared to the original base game shield options. Keep in mind that not all of these mods add shields to the game – some modify the way shields work! I’m also listing shields that are at least somewhat lore-friendly, so you won’t find any Game of Thrones shields on my list.
12. Imperial Iron Greatshield
Check Out This Mod Alright, when I got my head down to write this list, I first said to myself that I was only going to add shields that were either unique or offered cool enchantments. I know I’m not starting with the right foot on that regard, but check this one out. It’s a retexture of the original iron shield, and it looks COOL!
11. Shield of the Forgotten Jarl
Check Out This Mod This majestic shield needs to be crafted by someone well versed in the arts of Daedric smithing, so beware. It has a high base armor rating as well as a decent weight for a heavy shield. And it’s fully enchantable too, so enhance it however you like!
10. Black Iron Greatshield
Check Out This Mod The Black Iron Greatshield doesn’t offer anything in particular other than the most badass look in the game if you’re a shield-bearer. If you’re reading this list, you probably are. And if so, then why are you wasting your time and not downloading this fantastic shield? It once belonged to a mighty warrior, and it can now belong to you.
9. Shield Enhancements
Check Out This Mod Shield enhancements adds three new shields to the game, all of which carry fantastic enchantments. These enchantments aren’t tied to the shields themselves, though. And you can freely disenchant them and place the buffs on any other shield of your liking.
8. Azura’s Shield
Check Out This Mod This shield is blessed by none other than Azura herself, and it provides quite a list of buffs to the wearer. Bonuses to health, stamina, and magicka are its main advantages. But it also gives you quite a solid list of defensive attributes to go alongside these useful buffs.
7. Shield of Solitude Replacer (Texture Mod)
Check Out This Mod The Shield of Solitude truly deserves a better look than the one it got given by Bethesda. This dude thought the same thing, so he made a cooler-looking Shield of Solitude. It only replaces the base one but you’ll love rocking it with its new look.
6. Ethereal Oak Shield
Check Out This Mod This amazing shield has quite the lore written for it, so I encourage you to check it out before downloading it. It’s not only the lore or the design of the shield that earns it a spot on my list, though. You’ll find the health regen effect of this shield to be quite useful – and it can be upgraded!
5. Gray Aegis Resurrection
Check Out This Mod Oh man. If you played Oblivion, I know you just opened your eyes wide when you read the title of this mod. Yes, the Gray Aegis shield that we loved is back! It provides 30% magic resistance, but even more so, it brings us that feeling of happiness that we got when we played Oblivion back in the day. It does, right? Or is it just for me? In any case, even if you didn’t play Oblivion give this shield a try.
4. Traveler’s Shield
Check Out This Mod This shield is meant to be used by travelers, as its name suggests. And it truly isn’t anything out of the ordinary. However it does come with ultra HD textures that make it look completely stunning, and even more so if you have a couple of graphic mods installed.
3. The Lionheart
Check Out This Mod I know I said I wasn’t going to add any mods that weren’t lore-friendly and now you’re seeing this Warcraft shield, but bear with me. The mod suits the theme of the game to a tee. And besides, just look at the damn thing. It’s stunning. I’m including it on this list and you’ll love it.
2. Dragon Slayer Shields Collection
Check Out This Mod These beautiful and unique shields honor the slayer of dragons that is the Dragonborn themselves. The mod includes three beautiful shields that you can craft and enchant as you please. Honestly, the shields look fantastic and the suit the team of Skyrim so well that I was tempted to give this mod the number one spot on my list. But that’s reserved for a truly game-changing mod.
1. Shields Protect from Magic
Check Out This Mod If there was ever a good reason to use a shield in Skyrim, this is it. It truly makes no sense that shields are almost useless against magic in the base game, and I think this is the main reason as to why so many players are reluctant to occupy one of their hands with a damn thing that only blocks arrows and physical damage. Gone are the days of that, though. With this mod you’ll be able to set how much magical damage can be blocked with your shield (the default amount is 20%). It’s not overpowered at all and it makes shields formidable battle necessities instead of annoying encumbrances.
