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Tank builds in Elden Ring are designed to endure heavy damage while controlling the battlefield and protecting weaker allies. These builds rely on maximizing defense, increasing survivability, and mitigating damage from enemies. As a tank, you’ll need a solid collection of defensive Elden Ring items to stay strong against the various threats in the Lands Between. Whether you're facing powerful bosses, relentless mobs, or challenging PvP opponents, these defensive items are crucial for staying alive and fighting effectively.

In this article, we’ll cover the 10 best defensive Elden Ring items for tank builds, providing a detailed look at how each one can enhance your tanking capabilities. We’ll also point out the best places to buy Elden Ring items to ensure you're well-equipped for every battle.

1. Bull-Goat Set

The Bull-Goat Set is arguably the best armor set for tank builds in Elden Ring. Known for its incredibly high poise and physical defense, the Bull-Goat Set allows you to take massive amounts of damage without staggering. While it significantly increases your weight and reduces mobility, the trade-off is worth it for players who want to be able to tank through hits without flinching. This set is perfect for players focused on becoming an immovable force on the battlefield.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: The Bull-Goat Set can be found in the game world, but if you're looking to purchase pieces, certain NPCs or merchants may offer them for sale.

2. Greatshield of Glory

The Greatshield of Glory is a massive shield that offers outstanding defense against both physical and magical damage. It is one of the best shields to use for tanking, providing the highest level of defense in Elden Ring. This shield also has a high stability rating, meaning it can block incoming damage more effectively without breaking your guard. It's perfect for players who prefer to hold their ground and absorb damage instead of dodging.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: You can acquire the Greatshield of Glory from various locations as you explore, especially in areas with tough enemies and hidden treasures.

3. Radahn's Scarseal

The Radahn's Scarseal is a talisman that increases your strength while boosting your defense against status effects. It significantly improves your poise, making it harder for enemies to stagger you. While it does increase your vulnerability to certain debuffs like scarlet rot, it provides an overall increase in survivability for tank builds. This talisman is particularly useful for players who want to enhance their defensive abilities without compromising too much on offense.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: The Radahn's Scarseal can be obtained after defeating Radahn in the Radahn Festival, and it can be found as a reward for your victory.

4. Elden Ring’s Stone Shield

The Stone Shield is one of the most balanced shields in Elden Ring, offering a solid mix of physical defense and magic resistance. While it’s not as heavy as the Greatshield of Glory, it provides decent protection with much less weight. This shield is ideal for players who want reliable defense without being overburdened by weight. Additionally, it has a unique ability that boosts your resistance against magic and fire-based attacks, making it an excellent choice for fighting mages and sorcerers.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: You can find the Stone Shield in various dungeons or buy it from some of the game’s specialized vendors.

5. Radagon’s Scales

For tank builds that need to increase their overall defense and resist damage, Radagon’s Scales talisman is a fantastic option. This talisman increases your defense against physical damage and helps reduce the amount of damage you take from attacks. When equipped, it works well in tandem with other defensive items, making it one of the best items to buy in Elden Ring for any tank build.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: The Radagon’s Scales can be found in later-game areas, especially after you defeat key bosses.

6. Hoarfrost Stomp

The Hoarfrost Stomp is a powerful Ash of War that can be applied to certain weapons. It creates an ice burst that affects nearby enemies, slowing them down and dealing frostbite damage. While primarily an offensive tool, it can be used defensively to control crowds, freeze enemies in place, and give you a breathing window. For tank builds, it's excellent for disrupting enemies trying to swarm you while maintaining a defensive stance.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: Hoarfrost Stomp can be acquired through various drops or purchased from vendors that sell Ashes of War.

7. Dragon Slayer Armor Set

The Dragon Slayer Armor Set is another incredible option for tank builds, especially those who want to bulk up their defenses while maintaining a decent balance of mobility. This set provides excellent resistance to fire, physical attacks, and magic, and is suited for tanking a variety of enemy types. It’s one of the best options for players who prefer to take on both magic and physical threats while remaining a formidable force.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: The Dragon Slayer Armor Set can be found in specific late-game locations or through special vendor exchanges.

8. Tears of the Dragon

For tank builds that need additional buffs, Tears of the Dragon is an excellent item that grants temporary boosts to your defense and resistance to elemental damage. When consumed, this item grants significant protection against damage from fire, magic, and even lightning. It’s perfect for players who want to survive powerful elemental attacks while still tanking through enemies.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: These items are generally found in treasure chests or from NPC merchants who specialize in elemental defense items.

9. Talisman of the Conqueror’s Spirit

The Talisman of the Conqueror’s Spirit is an essential talisman for tank builds that require a boost in defense. This talisman grants improved protection against a wide range of physical damage types, which is invaluable for tanks who need to absorb incoming hits without compromising their fighting potential. It also boosts your resistance to status effects, further enhancing your tanking capabilities.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: Talisman of the Conqueror’s Spirit can be obtained as a rare drop from specific bosses or NPC vendors.

10. The Dragon Slayer Greatsword

The Dragon Slayer Greatsword is a massive weapon that provides a strong offensive option while still functioning as a tanking tool. Its large size allows you to block incoming attacks and retaliate with powerful slashes. The weapon also provides a level of stability, letting you absorb damage and deal with multiple enemies at once without losing your stance. While not a traditional "defensive item," the Dragon Slayer Greatsword can be used to tank effectively, especially when paired with shields and talismans.

Best place to buy Elden Ring items: The Dragon Slayer Greatsword can be found as a boss drop or obtained from specific dungeons.