Shieldbearer

Shieldbearers are one of the first enemies the player encounters. They are mostly present on lower difficulties only.

Behavior
Shieldbearers carry a physical shield that renders them immune to most attacks hitting its front, and briefly stuns the player when attacked with a melee weapon. The shield can be bypassed via certain methods, such as stun effects, being struck from behind, fire pools or certain weapons such as Firebrands.

Their only attack is a ram attempt with their shield.

They will briefly back step if the player is too close.

Strategy
Shieldbearers are vulnerable from behind, so simply rolling behind them will leave them vulnerable. They are slow to turn around, giving you time to attack right after even with slower weapons. Parrying their shield charge also leaves them vulnerable.

Some skills that can go through shields like Fire Grenade, Lightspeed and Cleavers can be quite effective. Electric Whip, Valmont's Whip and Wrenching Whip also bypass shields, which requires no repositioning.

Shieldbearers are more dangerous when in a group of multiple enemies. They protect ranged enemies and make it harder for the player to get close, and the bump from hitting their shields can leave the player vulnerable to other enemies.

Shieldbearers are a high priority target in groups and should be isolated from other enemies whenever possible.