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The Fuse Ability is one of several incredible new abilities introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The ability gives Link the power to fuse his weapons and shields with other items around Hyrule to create brand-new weapons with unique and exciting effects, sometimes even creating new weapons entirely. Fusion allows players to get creative with their play - but there are some combinations that just stand out among the crowd. Here are the best shield fusion combinations in Tears of the Kingdom.
Best Shield Fusions for Utility
There are tons of shield fusions that can help Link navigate Hyrule more efficiently.
Shield + Rocket
Fusing a shield to a Rocket Zonai Device serves as an excellent replacement for the much-missed Revali's Gale. It can even get Link higher than Revali's Gale did. The catch is that it only works once before the Rocket is destroyed, but it's a reliable and efficient way to scale cliffs or even get to the Sky Islands.
Shield + Star Fragment
Fusing a shield to a Star Fragment is a great way to light up the Depths. It adds an extra glow when traversing the Darkness, so that players can equip defensive armor rather than the glowing Miner's Armor. It doesn't add much in terms of defense, but it is a constant source of light that can come in handy. Players that don't want to sacrifice a Star Fragment when it's time to unfuse can head to Tarrey Town and speak to Pelison who will separate them without destroying anything.
Shield + Sled/Cart
A shield fused with a Sled or Cart Zonai Device can provide incredible durability for shield surfing. A Cart creates more of a skateboard, which breaks more easily, but a Sled on the right terrain can be used to shield surf indefinitely.
Best Shield Fusions for Durability
Players looking to increase the durability of their shields in combat should look no further.
Shield + Shield
Shieldception. With this combination, Link can combine the durability of two shields to create what the game called a Shield-Shield. For durability, this combination can't be beat.
Shield + Gem
Gems, as well as providing unique effects depending on the effect, also seem to have a pretty high impact on durability. The higher the value of the gem, the more defense it provides when fused with a shield.
Best Shield Fusions for Combat
In a pinch, shields can be used offensively in combat for huge damage to enemies.
Shield + Emitter (Flame, Beam, Frost)
A shield fused with a Zonai Emitter can be a great way to add offense to a players defense. Taking out a shield with a flame, beam, or frost emitter can cause massive damage to enemies as well as providing defense against any strikes that sneak through. These fusions, however, destroy shields quite quickly.
Shield + Puffshroom
Fusing a shield with a Puffshroom creates a cloud of dust when struck by an enemy. This lowers the enemy's visibility and confuses them out of attacking for a moment, just as it does when fusing an arrow with a Puffshroom. It also creates this effect when thrown, but the benefit of this fusion is that it also provides defense.
Shield + Muddle Bud
Muddle Buds are essentially upgraded Puffshrooms - they release a cloud of dust when struck that confuses large groups of enemies when struck. Better yet, it can make them start to attack each other. For the duration of the effect, enemies will not bother Link, making it the perfect way to get some strikes in.
Shield + Zonai Cannon
Zonai Cannons are Zonai Devices that shoot cannonballs. These can be used to create incredible contraptions, but it's most simple and effective use is to be fused with a shield. Drawing a shield fused with a Zonai Cannon will blast enemies with massive damage while protecting Link.
Shield + Spiked Iron Ball
Spiked Iron Balls are rare items that can be found scattered around Hyrule. While they're almost twice the size of Link, they shrink down when fused with a weapon or shield - but that doesn't make them any less deadly. These giant Spiked Iron Balls will deal huge amounts of damage to enemies struck with them.
Shield + Bomb Barrel
Fusing a shield with a Bomb Barrel is a surefire way to destroy that shield - but what a way to go. The deadly fusion of shield and bomb barrel explodes when struck by an enemy, and it doesn't do any damage to Link in the process. Finally, a way to get revenge for all of those tossed Bomb Barrel deaths.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for the Nintendo Switch.