In Grounded 2, surviving Brookhollow Park isn’t just about landing powerful hits—it’s also about knowing when to block. Bugs hit hard, and without a shield, one mistimed encounter can send you straight back to your respawn point. Shields allow you to block incoming attacks, perform perfect parries to avoid all damage, and keep your health intact during prolonged battles.
If you’re planning to explore dangerous zones or take on larger threats like Bombardier Beetles and aggressive ant colonies, crafting a strong shield early will make a huge difference. This guide covers the best shields in Grounded 2, their crafting recipes, and combat perks, so you can defend yourself like a pro.
Why Shields Are Essential in Grounded 2
Before jumping into the best options, here’s why shields are an essential part of your gear:
- Block Incoming Attacks: Reduces or completely negates damage depending on shield type and block timing.
- Perfect Blocks (Parries): Time your block perfectly, and you can avoid all damage, often applying special effects like stun or elemental damage.
- Solo & Frontline Friendly: Shields are especially helpful for one-handed weapon builds or solo players, allowing safer exploration and more forgiving combat.
Tip: Pair shields with stamina-reducing armor like the Ladybug Set to block longer without running out of stamina.
See also: Grounded 2 Brittle Whetstone Guide: How to Farm and Upgrade Weapons
1. Weevil Shield – Beginner’s Shield Choice
Before crafting high-tier shields, the Weevil Shield is your first line of defense. It provides basic light shield functionality, helping new players survive early encounters.
Crafting Recipe:
- 2x Weevil Nose
- 2x Crude Rope
- 1x Sap
Shield Mod: Light Shield – Perfect blocks deal high stun, but normal blocks offer less protection.
Block Rating: 8.0
This shield is the best early-game defender, craftable with easily found materials, and lets you practice perfect blocks before moving on to stronger shields.
See also: Grounded 2 Red Soldier Ant Eggs: Locations, Retrieval & Buggy Guide
2. Ladyguard Shield – Best for Blocking Heavy Hits
The Ladyguard Shield is the best defensive shield in the game thanks to its high block rating (9/9) and Heavy Shield mod, which reduces stamina drain while fully blocking incoming hits. It’s also accessible early since Ladybugs roam the starting areas.
Crafting Recipe:
- 4x Ladybug Part
- 2x Crude Rope
- 3x Sap
Shield Mods:
- Heavy Shield: Fully blocks incoming damage and uses less stamina when holding block.
Block Rating: 9.0
If you prefer a defensive playstyle or frequently face heavy-hitting bugs, the Ladyguard is your best choice. Pairing it with stamina-reducing armor like the Ladybug Set makes you a near-immovable wall.
See also: Grounded 2 Cold Resistance Guide: How to Resist the Chill and Survive
3. Crimson Buckler – High-Risk, High-Reward Shield
If you want a shield that rewards offensive timing, the Crimson Buckler is your go-to. It features light shield properties and comes with the Aggressively Perfect Block mod, letting you deal damage and stun enemies with perfect parries.
Crafting Recipe:
- 2x Grub Hide
- 4x Mite Fang
- 4x Red Ant Part
Shield Mods:
- Light Shield: Perfect blocks deal high stun, but normal blocks are weaker.
- Aggressively Perfect Block: Perfect blocks apply stun and light damage to attackers.
Block Rating: 8.05
This shield is ideal for players who like a high-risk, high-reward style. When timed well, you can interrupt enemies and set up counterattacks without relying on slow heavy weapons.
4. Bombuckler – The Late-Game Fire Shield
For players who want utility and damage in one, the Bombuckler adds a fiery twist to your defense. Crafted from Bombardier Beetle parts, it can inflict sizzle damage on enemies when you land a perfect parry.
Crafting Recipe:
- 4x Bombardier Part
- 2x Silk Rope
- 3x Spine Nub
Shield Mods:
- Light Shield: Offers high stun on perfect blocks, but less protection on normal blocks.
- Spicy Parry: Perfect blocks apply spicy elemental damage and sizzle effect.
Block Rating: 8.1
Though harder to craft due to dangerous Bombardier Beetles, the Bombuckler shines in extended fights where applying damage-over-time makes enemies easier to handle. Perfect for players who like parry-focused gameplay with extra payoff.
See also: Grounded 2 Early Access Roadmap: New Bosses, Aquatic Bases, and More Coming
Quick View: Shield Stats and Crafting Materials
Here’s a quick comparison for all shields, including their block ratings and unique mods for easy reference.
| Shield | Block | Mods | Crafting Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladyguard | 9.0 | Heavy Shield | 4x Ladybug Part, 2x Crude Rope, 3x Sap |
| Crimson Buckler | 8.05 | Light Shield, Aggressive Parry | 2x Grub Hide, 4x Mite Fang, 4x Red Ant Part |
| Bombuckler | 8.1 | Light Shield, Spicy Parry | 4x Bombardier Part, 2x Silk Rope, 3x Spine Nub |
| Weevil Shield | 8.0 | Light Shield | 2x Weevil Nose, 2x Crude Rope, 1x Sap |
Shield Progression Path
Not sure which shield to craft first? Follow this natural progression as you explore Brookhollow Park:
- Weevil Shield – First hours of the game, basic protection.
- Crimson Buckler – Early-mid game for aggressive parry builds.
- Ladyguard Shield – Mid-game tanking option with maximum block.
- Bombuckler – Late-game elemental shield for skilled parriers.
Pro Tips for Shield Combat and Perfect Blocks
- Master Perfect Blocks: Learn enemy attack patterns to take full advantage of parry-based shields like the Crimson Buckler and Bombuckler.
- Pair Shields with One-Handed Weapons: Using a spear, sword, or needle lets you block without sacrificing offensive pressure.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Combine your shield with stamina-friendly armor like Ladybug or Snail Shell sets for longer survivability.
- Prepare for Material Farming: Ladybugs and Red Ants are early targets, but Bombardier Beetles require better weapons and caution.
The Ladyguard Shield is the ultimate choice for beginners and defensive players, Crimson Buckler rewards skilled parry timing, and Bombuckler adds elemental flair for advanced combat. Whichever you choose, mastering your shield use will make Brookhollow’s deadliest critters far less intimidating.
If you’re ready to block, parry, and survive longer, grab one of these top shields and take control of the battlefield in Grounded 2. Play Now!
