The Rising of the Shield Herois a dark fantasy isekai series filled with enthralling battles, betrayal, comedy, and companionship. The anime centers on Naofumi Iwatani, one of the four Legendary Heroes brought into a parallel universe alongside three other heroes from different worlds. The Legendary Heroes wield different weapons – the Sword, Spear, Bow, and Shield. In addition, each has its own set of features, powers, and limitations. Naofumi Iwatani was chosen by the Legendary Shield, a weapon that focuses primarily on defense, with little to no attack power, earning him ridicule and betrayal from those he trusted.
Related:Best Isekai Anime To Watch If You Love Rising Of The Shield Hero
Following the betrayal of his allies, Naofumi unlocked several variants of the Shield with distinct powers unlike any other in the entire series. The more skills he unlocks, the more abilities the main character can use, increasing his attack’s strength and making him one of the most powerful characters in the franchise.The Legendary Shield slowly upgradesinto various forms, unlocking more skills and abilities. Here are the top ten of Naofumi’s most powerful abilities in the form of his strongest shields.
10Air Strike Shield
The Airstrike Shield is one of the earliestvariants of the Legendary Shield. Although relatively simple compared to the other Shield forms, its potency and usefulness can’t be overlooked. The shield focuses on defense, releasing a gust of blue wind that blocks the opponent’s attacks, and deflects the force to the opposite direction.
This modification can also be used in various other ways, including support features – by creating steps mid-air, increasing the range of attack when coupled with Filo’s skills. Airstrike Shield can also be doubled to reinforce protection and create an extra layer of defense from oncoming attacks.
9Two-Headed Black Dog Shield
Biting attacks are one of the offensive components that contribute to a dog’s strength. And two bites equal more biting power. In one of the earlier episodes, Naofumi fed the Legendary Shield the carcass of a two-headed black dog, causing the shield to mutate and form another variant. When in use, the shield transforms into a two-headed black dog.
The biting force of an ordinary dog is roughly 230-250 psi; however, the force of the two-headed black dog shield is enough to rip through flesh and the bones at 500psi. Although it varies according to the substance being chewed, the pressure exerted is second to none.
8Venom Shield
Like thetwo-headed shield, the Venom Shieldis an animal-mutated type that morphs into chimera viper snakes while in action. With the fangs bared open, the snake shield clamps on the opponent’s body, injecting minuscule toxins that weaken the muscles, inhibit breathing, and cause delusion and hemorrhaging to the opponent. Although the effect doesn’t seem immediate, the damage power is just as sly as the mutated shield.
The successive attacks cause damage, slowly ebbing at the opponent’s power. This gives the Shield Hero more opportunity to attack or defend before the opponent recovers from the toxins.
7Prison Shield
The Prison Shield lives up to its name, creating a variety of uses and offering a different dynamic to the shield variants. The shield morphs into a solid chunk of round metal, with a hollow depth at the very center. It serves as confinement towards opponents with stronger attacking force, creating a restrictive environment that ebbs away at their life force.
But that’s not all. It can also be used as a defense for themain protagonist and his companions, offering solid protection against high destructive attacks.
6Nue Shield
The Nue Shield is one of the unlocked skills ofthe Legendary Shield. It is an animal-based shield type that was unlocked through the Nue remains. The Nue made its appearance during the making of Filo’s magical cloth in episode six of the anime’s first season. It has a tiger’s body, a monkey’s head, and a snake-like tail.
Related:The Rising Of The Shield Hero Review: A Heartbreaking Separation
After the variant was unlocked, the Legendary Shield could produce a lightning shield and offer lightning resistance to a certain level, which is one of the Nue’s abilities. The shield can also generate night terror – creating a loud sound that causes fear and mentally attacks opponents.
5Soul Eater Shield
The Soul Eater Shield is a shield form that was unlocked after the protagonist fed his weapon with Soul Eater’s remains. Therefore, the shield becomes imbued with the soul eater’s abilities, ranging from a certain level of immunity to physical damage, dark magic, and soul attacks.
The Soul Eater Shield is a double-edged sword that increasesNaofumi’s soul powerwhile attacking and decreasing the enemy’s soul power. However, this move is lethal since it attacks the target’s life force and vitality. As soon as the life force is depleted, only death remains.
4Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is a higher upgrade of the Prison Shield; however, it is a larger and much stronger form than its predecessor. The shieldchanges into a female warriorwith an iron crown and a body similar to a large metal cupboard. The insides are filled with spikes and jagged edges. Those features crush the bones of whoever is confined in the middle, tearing through flesh and breaking through hard bones.
The strength of the Iron Maiden can be seen in season 1, episode 11, during the main protagonist’s fight with the soul eater.
3Wrath Shield
The Wrath Shield is a shield bornthrough betrayal and suffering. It is one of the shields in the cursed line – a variation that spreads pain and endless suffering to the enemy.
The strength of the Wrath Shield debuted in season 1, episode 8, during Naofumi’s fight in a village ravaged by mutated monsters spewing poisons with high potency. But it was only the beginning of the danger yet to come. Later, Naofumi Iwatani and his companions realized that there is a much greater force at the top of the mountain - a slain dragon killed by one of the four heroes.
2Rage Shield
The Rage Shield is one of the shields from the cursed line, born from pure hatred and anger. It grants the main protagonist immense strength, infused with violent and uncontrolled tendencies. When in use, a red fog clouds Naofumi’s eyes, blocking all rational thoughts and erasing parts of his consciousness.
Although the shield is consideredone of the most dangerousto be unleashed, its high attack rate and potency certainly make its usage worth the unleash. Moreover, the destruction at the end of its awakening makes it a plus for the protagonist toward stronger foes.
1Blood Sacrifice
Blood Sacrifice is the highest level of the cursed shields. The shield unlocks immense strength and hatred, tainted by the zombie dragon’s curse. It is the most dangerous and strongest shield inthe entire franchise. Although the shield deals life-threatening damages to the protagonist, the output is even greater.
The strength of the blood sacrifice was evident in season one, during the battle between good and evil. The episode showcases the shield’s strength as Naofumi defends against the attacks of the pope. As the fight reaches its climax, the newly unlocked shield devours the pope, leaving nothing behind.
