How to Get the Best Shield in Enshrouded Early (Pikemead’s Bulwark)

There’s a certain shield just sitting somewhere in Enshrouded, called the Pikemead’s Bulwark… and it’s the best shield to get in the early game!

It has good defense, solid durability, and it even improves your Health by a decent amount. It’s a fantastic aid for your survival early in the game.

In this guide, we’ll tell you where to go and what to do to get the Pikemead’s Bulwark shield early.

How to Get the Best Shield Early – (Pikemead’s Bulwark)

You can find the Pikemead’s Bulwark at the Mistbury Catacombs, which are far to the north of where you first set your base.

Before you go, though, make sure to prepare accordingly! You should bring an Axe, a Glider, and a Grappling Hook.

Also make sure to have strong weapons, as you’ll have to deal with many enemies. Ranged weapons, like Bows, are also a huge help for solving the puzzle for the shield.

Now, the easiest way to reach it early is to complete the Springlands Ancient Spire and then Fast Travel to it.

Glide down from the top of the tower towards the far northeast and you should reach the Hill of Scavengers. It’s a large scavenger camp, noticeable due to its spiky wooden walls.

Go northwest from the Hill of Scavengers and circle the nearby mountain until you find the Mistbury Catacombs entrance, as shown above.

You can use a Lockpick to open it, or just chop down the entrance with your trusty Axe!

Exploring the Mistbury Catacombs

As soon as you head inside the catacombs you will be on some sort of bridge. It leads to a locked door which has 4 emblems above it.

Similar to other puzzles, like the one for the Legendary Ghost Glider, you simply have to look for 4 emblems inside the catacombs and interact with them.

There are also many treasures inside the Mistbury Catacombs, but our guide will sorely focus on reaching the Pikemead’s Bulwark. Exploration is up to you!

Anyway, let’s begin! Face the door and go to the closest exit to your left.

You will take some stairs down to a level with Shroud fog and a wooden door right in front of you. Take out your Axe and destroy the door as quickly as you can.

Once you break down the door, run straight ahead and follow the stairs all the way up to a broken segment.

Jump across the gap, then go to the right and check the corner.

You should spot a metallic mesh on the wall. Jump onto it and climb it all the way up to the next floor.

Once you climb the mesh, look to your left to spot a wide gap with a grappling point. Use your Grappling Hook to cross the gap.

You will land right in front of the 1st emblem, so interact with it but be careful of the nearby enemies.

Now, retrace your footsteps back to the bridge at the start of the catacombs.

Second and Third Emblems

For the second emblem, face the locked emblem door again. This time, turn around to your right and look downwards. Jump into the Shroud-covered bottom floor, using your Glider to land safely.

As soon as you land, face toward the northern corridor to spot the second emblem on the wall opposite you. Shoot it with a ranged weapon and that’s two out of 4 down!

Turn around and go back south, then take the stairs up and you should be back at the bridge in the center of the catacombs. As before, position yourself by facing the locked door at the end.

Now, this time you want to take the path to the right, as shown above.

Go up the stairs and then turn to your left to spot a large gap with a grappling point. As always, use your Grappling Hook to jump across!

Now, follow the path to the right and you’ll go up some stairs. It leads to a vantage point overlooking the third emblem, so shoot it with a ranged weapon.

Only one more emblem to go before the Pikemead’s Bulwark is yours!

Return to the central bridge and face the door, then read the next section of this guide to get your reward.

Final Emblem and Obtaining the Pikemead’s Bulwark

Back at the central bridge, this time you want to go forward and approach the locked door. You should notice one path forking out to your left and one to your right. Take the rightmost path.

Take the stairs down into the Enshrouded area and chop down the wooden door right in front of you.

Go past the door and keep going forward. Some bug enemies will appear and attack you, so take care of them with your blade!

Once the bugs are dead, chop down their nest with your Axe to reveal a path.

Go down the path and then go to your right.

You’ll now notice a section of metallic mesh hanging from a wall, with some lava below. Climb it carefully to cross the gap without falling into the lava.

There’s a middle point where you can land to recover Stamina, should you need it!

After you’re done with the mesh climbing, go forward and to your right. You should be facing southeast.

Shoot the sneaky explosive barrel next to the wall to break it and reveal yet another hidden path.

Go into the hidden path and then take the stairs directly to your right. Some enemies will be waiting for you at the end of the stairs, so be ready for them!

Once you kill the enemies, look for the pillar overlooking the stairs you took to find the final emblem.

Now you just have to make your way to the central bridge of the catacombs and the previously-locked door will be open.

Cross the doorway and head straight ahead to reach a lootable tomb. Open it up and you’ll get the Pikemead’s Bulwark, which is the best early-game shield!

ALSO READ: Enshrouded: How to Get The Best Lightning Wand