History Main / ShieldBash

* ''LightNovel/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero'': It takes a while, but Naofumi soon gets a skill explicitly called Shield Bash. It doesn't do much damage because of his inherently low strength, but it still allows him to stun enemies.

* ''Videogame/GrimDawn:'' While the Soldier's Force Wave skill can be used with a shield, the Oathkeeper class is especially focused on bludgeoning their enemies to death with their heavy shield, and keeping it blessed the whole time for extra protection and extra pummeling; it's just proper for a Paladin-esque class in a ''Diablo''-inspired game. More amusingly there's a LethalJokeItem family in the form of the Totally Normal Shields, which are fairly powerful ''weapons'' rather than actual shields used like maces. As the description says, "Southpaws will understand."

* Fiona of ''VideoGame/{{Vindictus}}'' is this trope ''UpToEleven'', incorporating slamming her shield in half of all her attacks.

* ''VideoGame/MortalKombat11'': When Past Johnny Cage's face gets grazed by a bullet, he picks up a riot shield and rams the gunmen.

* In ''VideoGame/GenshinImpact'', shield-carrying Mitachurls primarily attack by charging into you with their shields, but will also bludgeon you with them if you come into melee range. If their shields are destroyed, their attacks don't really change, they just start attacking with [[UseYourHead their heads]] and fists instead.

** Riot shield mooks are among the most annoying enemies. They are immune to standard attacks (so accidentally punching one breaks a combo), their attacks can't be countered, and when you finally take one down, the shield remains for another mook to pick up.

[[quoteright:330:[[ComicBook/CaptainAmerica https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/klong.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:330:''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Thrust your shield against the defenses of your enemy]], causing the fiend to [[PunchedAcrossTheRoom recoil]].'']]

[[quoteright:330:[[ComicBook/CaptainAmerica https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/klong_834.jpg]]]]

* ''TabletopGame/{{Necromunda}}'': House [[GeniusBruiser Van Saar’s]] unique ‘Hystrar’ pattern energy shields[[note]]introduced during the 3rd Edition of the game[[/note]], can be used to batter an enemy as well as protect the wielder and, while its stats only make it as powerful as a knife, it can be used to [[{{Knockback}}push an enemy back]] from the wielder or [[RailingKill off high scenery]].

* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'': The suppression shield wielded by some Imperial warriors such as the [[StateSec Adeptus Arbites]] and, in some editions, the [[PraetorianGuard Crusaders]] of the [[ChurchMilitant Ecclesiarchy]], incorporates an [[StaticStunGun electro-shock generator]] designed to stun any enemy that is struck by, or strikes, the shield. How this is represented depends on the edition with 2nd Edition giving the wielder a DashAttack, while 3rd Edition counts them as both an additional close combat weapon (similarly to a knife held in the model’s off-hand) as well as giving them a special invulnerable save.

* Kratos has a collapsible shield in ''VideoGame/GodOfWarPS4'. Sometimes he bashes people with the broad side, others he punches them with the edge of it.

* In ''Film/MortalKombat'', Johnny Cage uses a shield picked up from a dead warrior in Scorpion's lair to not only withstand the undead Scorpion's fiery BreathWeapon (which is a [[FinishingMove Fatality]] in the games the movie is based upon), but also as a melee weapon, using the saw-bladed edge of the shield to nasty effect against him.

* In the ''Videogame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, shields can be used as bashing weapons, either by two-handing standard shields, bashing with spiked shields or slamming with greatshields. Then there are the shields that are primarily intended for parrying; of all weapons, they tend to keep opponents stunned longer, leaving them open for a riposte.

* In ''Videogame/DragonsDogma'' the standard bash-to-stun skill is one of the basic and best skills a fighter class can learn, on top of that the assassin class which also has access to the shield can use it even more creative ways.

** Muneshige Tachibana from VideoGame/SamuraiWarriors does this in several of his attacks.
** Link from VideoGame/HyruleWarriors has a move where he charges forward with his shield, bulldozing any enemies in his way.

* ''Videogame/{{Hades}}'' has the Shield of Chaos as one of the weapons you can use. Aside from just swiping with it, Zagreus can toss it like a boomerang as well as a perform a shield charge as a ChargedAttack, where you're protected from all frontal damage while charging.

* ''Videogame/SpiralKnights'' gives us two variations: a "shield bump" done by simply bringing up the shield next to enemies that'll push them away, and a special Shield Bash ability that causes the user to charge forward with his shield and stun anything he comes in contact with. However, neither move does any real damage.

* Fiona of ''Videogame/{{Vindictus}}'' is this trope ''UpToEleven'', incorporating slamming her shield in half of all her attacks.

* ''VideoGame/ForHonor'': Warlord and Conqueror very like to do this. The former even got a FanNickname "Ledgelord" because of his ability to push enemies an extremely long distance with guard breaks and shield charges. But Conqueror's bash seems to be more memetic because it is unblockable which leads to spam of this attack.

* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'', being a branch-off of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragonsThirdEdition'', takes this and runs with it. The feat, Shield Mastery, removes all penalties incurred by Shields when used as a weapon for the purposes [[DualWielding Two-Weapon Fighting]]. This lead to several players using ''two'' shields, thus suffering no penalties ''at all'' and proving the most-effective means of [[{{Gamebreaker}} two-weapon fighting in the game]], which appropriately seemed absolutely absurd... [[TruthInTelevision until it was pointed out by several players on Paizo's forums that not only was this tactic very real and very effective, it was actually employed by several different cultures and schools of martial arts]].

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* In ''Webcomic/{{Goblins}}'', [[http://www.goblinscomic.com/01312006/ Complains hits Big Ears with a shield]]. To be fair, his purpose was not to attack, but to get him out of the way.

* In ''VideoGame/DragonProject'', the Burst Sword and Shield allows the player to parry Behemoth attacks with a shield before landing a powerful dash stab called Sonic Thrust. The Burst Sword and Shield is also so tanky that it nullifies every StatusEffect in the game, even [[NoSell death itself.]]

As shields are perceived as less suitable for straight attacking than traditional weapons, they do less damage but have a decent chance to cause effects like KnockBack or [[StandardStatusEffects stunning]]. Using shields that way is a staple characteristic of shield-wielding type of StoneWall. Also, shields can have spikes on them (often a single one in the center).

* In ''VideoGame/DragonProject'', the Burst Sword and Shield allows the player to parry Behemoth attacks with a shield before landing a powerful dash stab called Sonic Thrust. The Burst Sword and Shield is also so tanky that it nullifies every StandardStatusEffect in the game, even [[NoSell death itself.]]

* The Bash skill in ''VideoGame/DragonsCrown'' allows the Fighter to do this as a counter-attack after blocking, dealing damage with a chance to [[StandardStatusEffects stun]]. He also performs charging tackles with his shield for his dash attacks.

** The Raptor class in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsA2'' can do this in the typical way, which can also inflict [[StandardStatusEffects Disable]]. Hilariously, the weapon that teaches them this move is a ''two-handed'' [[{{BFS}} sword]]. You can't actually ''use'' the move when wielding it, unless you took the time to learn Monkey Grip, to wield two-handed swords with one hand, leaving the other free for shields.

* In ''VideoGame/XenobladeChroniclesX'', the Shield weapon used by the Shield Trooper and Bastion Warrior classes do this for all of their physical arts, they ever have an art where they hit the ''air so hard they can hit multiple enemies and [[StandardStatusEffects slow]] them''.

* ''VideoGame/{{Xenoblade}}'':
** [[DumbMuscle Reyn]], the resident MightyGlacier party member, specializes in a shield/lance hybrid weapon [[CallASmeerpARabbit counter-intuitively called a gunlance]], and can use it to stun toppled enemies with his Shield Bash art, notable for having the lowest cooldown of all moves capable of causing the effect and it also executes the fastest out of other Daze arts which is useful for the fact that most enemies don't stay toppled for long.
** In ''VideoGame/XenobladeChroniclesX'', the Shield weapon used by the Shield Trooper and Bastion Warrior classes do this for all of their physical arts, they ever have an art where they hit the ''air so hard they can hit multiple enemies and [[StandardStatusEffects slow]] them''.
** [[GadgeteerGenius Tora]] from ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'' only really uses his shield to bash during [[GameplayAutomation auto-attacks]], instead relying on gadgets inside the Shield to use his arts.

[[folder:Anime]]

* In ''[[LightNovel/BOFURIIDontWantToGetHurtSoIllMaxOutMyDefense BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense]]'', the main character Maple uses her large shield to defeat enemies by...falling with the shield above these. She does have a short sword too, but she prefers to use her shield as her primary "weapon".
* ''LightNovel/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero'': It takes a while, but Naofumi soon gets a skill explicitly called Shield Bash. It doesn't do much damage because of his inherently low strength, but it still allows him to stun enemies.
* ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing'' also features this technique, specifically, that used by the TV series' Wing Zero, which owns a shield ''purpose built'' for the job, featuring a hydraulic piledriver mounted behind the sharp end.
* In ''LightNovel/SwordArtOnline'', it's part of Heathcliff's Unique Ability "Holy Sword", and he puts it to use against Kirito in their first battle. For bonus points, Kirito himself is surprised by this tactic, expecting that Heathcliff would only attack with his sword.

* LightNovel/GoblinSlayer is fully adept at using his small shield as a deadly weapon against Goblins, especially when its shown that he has the edges serrated to make certain they're just as lethal as his actual weapons. His very first kill in the main series involves him smashing a goblin into the wall with it before burning its face off with his torch.

* ComicBook/CaptainAmerica uses his shield as a melee weapon in addition to throwing it. It's also a staple of his video game incarnations (''VideoGame/MarvelUltimateAlliance'', ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'', etc.).
** Captain America's expies, ComicBook/USAgent and his replacement during UsefulNotes/TheVietnamWar obviously fit in as well.
* The ComicBook/{{Taskmaster}} uses his shield in a similar fashion, which is not surprising insomuch as he learned the skill from Captain America. In ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'', he even shouts "Just like Cap!" when attacking with his shield.
* ComicBook/{{Guardian}} and related character the Manhattan Guardian use an "indestructible" shield for both defense and attack. The clone version of Guardian also throws his shield for attacks, but unlike the rest of those who carry the legacy he is a SuperSoldier rather than a BadassNormal.

[[folder:FanWorks]]
* In ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' fic ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5598298/1/Il-se-passait-au-nuit-du-P%C3%A8re-Porcher It Happened On Hogswatch Eve]]'', the Assassins' Guild instructor in swordcraft, Madame Deux-Epées, practically demonstrates how a large heavy shield can get the better of a sword - specifically that it is a large item with a lot of mass and a big metal boss in the middle, with what might well be an unexpected offensive shock to the over-confident.

[[folder:Film]]
* In ''Film/MortalKombat'', Johnny Cage uses a shield picked up from a dead warrior in Scorpion's lair to not only withstand the undead Scorpion's fiery BreathWeapon (which is a [[FinishingMove Fatality]] in the games the movie is based upon), but also as a melee weapon, using the saw-bladed edge of the shield to nasty effect against him.
* The Spartans do this in ''[[Film/ThreeHundred 300]]'', during the roughly thirty seconds of film time they spend actually fighting in a Phalanx like they claim to. They follow the bash up with a quick spear thrust before bashing again.

* Achilles uses his shield this way in ''Film/{{Troy}}'', in his duel with Hector, as does Paris against Menelaus.

* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'':
** Captain America's signature combat style, of course.
*** In ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger'', he sends Hydra soldiers sailing ten feet into the air.
*** In ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'', the directors took the opportunity to explore all the combat possibilities with an indestructible shield that is also a returning thrown weapon.
*** And they did it again in ''Film/CaptainAmericaCivilWar'', with Spider-Man commenting on the shield's improbable physics while fighting Cap. [[spoiler:In the final fight, Cap delivers the coup de grâce to Iron Man by destroying his chest Arc reactor with his shield, disabling his powered armor.]]
** In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Lady Sif uses her shield to hit at least one opponent in the battle of Vanaheim.
* ''Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse'': Wonder Woman wields a shield and one-handed swords, and can use the former to attack.

* ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings''

* In ''Film/KickAss2'', Battle Guy wields a riot shield and hits a few bad guys with it.

* In ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'', Tika Waylan, a barmaid who joins the heroes after her home is destroyed in the war, panics in her first fight and bashes a foe to death with her shield after dropping her sword. Later novels note that she never truly mastered the sword, but had turned shield-bashing into an art.

* Used in some ''Franchise/SuperSentai''/''Franchise/PowerRangers'' weapons, notably by the Blue Ranger in ''Series/BakuryuuSentaiAbaranger''/''Series/PowerRangersDinoThunder''.
* ''Series/DeadliestWarrior'': Used frequently: William Wallace's spiked Targe shield was made for this purpose, and the (lone) Spartan Hoplite uses it against his Ninja opponent.
** Also, they measured it, getting a Shield Bash from a Spartan means the same amount of force as a ''car crash''. Usually directed at the chest or neck. Ouch.

* James Olsen in ''Series/Supergirl2015'' once he becomes Guardian to fight crime and protect people has a retractable shield he uses as his main weapon.

* In ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'', the shield bash was also referred to as a "shield punch" in earlier editions. It's more effective if a spiked shield (a shield with a spike sticking out the front) is used. From second edition onward, characters could choose to specialize in shield-bashing (though it generally wasn't a popular option). Third edition introduced the idea of shields being specially enchanted to make them better for bashing (though Dungeon Masters in earlier editions would sometimes allow the defensive bonus of a magical shield to be used offensively as well as a [[HouseRules house rule]]). Fourth edition had several powers available to Fighters that could allow a character to create an entire fighting style around shield-bashing and with the reintroduction of the spiked shield in Adventures Vault even rangers and other classes who could fight with two weapons could join the list of shield bashers.
** The early ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' boxed sets (which got amalgamated into the D & D Cyclopedia) actually made heavy use of the shield weapons - there was the horned shield, knife shield, sword shield and the tusk shield (this one was a massive shield with a pair of tusk-like blades that allowed a user to attack twice). As with other weapons, one can get weapon grandmastery in these.

* TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}} Being a branch-off of TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons' 3rd Edition, takes this and runs with it. The feat, Shield Mastery, removes all penalties incurred by Shields when used as a weapon for the purposes [[DualWielding Two-Weapon Fighting]]. This lead to several players using ''two'' shields, thus suffering no penalties ''at all'' and proving the most-effective means of [[{{Gamebreaker}} two-weapon fighting in the game]], which appropriately seemed absolutely absurd... [[TruthInTelevision until it was pointed out by several players on Paizo's forums that not only was this tactic very real and very effective, it was actually employed by several different cultures and schools of martial arts]].
* This is the gimmick of the "Superheavy Samurai" monsters in ''Franchise/YuGiOh''. Though they generally have a low ATK stat, their DEF stat makes up for it. And the monster "Superheavy Samurai Big Benkei" allows them all to attack while they are in Defense Position, by using their DEF as their ATK.
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Stormbringer}}'', shields weren't treated as pieces of armor. They are actually weapons with a high parrying rate and surprisingly good damage - for example, the tower shield hits about as hard as a broadsword.
* Creator/GamesWorkshop games:
** ''TabletopGame/{{Necromunda}}'': House [[GeniusBruiser Van Saar’s]] unique ‘Hystrar’ pattern energy shields[[note]]introduced during the 3rd Edition of the game[[/note]], can be used to batter an enemy as well as protect the wielder and, while its stats only make it as powerful as a knife, it can be used to [[{{Knockback}}push an enemy back]] from the wielder or [[RailingKill off high scenery]].
** ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'': The suppression shield wielded by some Imperial warriors such as the [[StateSec Adeptus Arbites]] and, in some editions, the [[PraetorianGuard Crusaders]] of the [[ChurchMilitant Ecclesiarchy]], incorporates an [[StaticStunGun electro-shock generator]] designed to stun any enemy that is struck by, or strikes, the shield. How this is represented depends on the edition with 2nd Edition giving the wielder a DashAttack, while 3rd Edition counts them as both an additional close combat weapon (similarly to a knife held in the model’s off-hand) as well as giving them a special invulnerable save.

* ''VideoGame/LostPlanet 2'' features a special folding shield that is virtually impenetrable from the front and covers an area about 3 riot shields wide. It also alows for a powerful ramming attack, complete with a taser function, zapping anyone unlucky enough to get rammed.
* Riot shield mooks in ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity'' are among the most annoying enemies. They are immune to standard attacks (so accidentally punching one breaks a combo), their attacks can't be countered, and when you finally take one down, the shield remains for another mook to pick up.

* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' Paladin's Shield of The Righteous (Avenger's Shield [[ThrowingYourShieldAlwaysWorks is another thing]]) and Warrior's Shield Slam and (former) Shield Bash abilities. The shield slam is a simple damaging attack, while the shield bash (when it existed in the game) interrupted spellcasting. In its last days, Shield Bash did no damage, despite working by smacking someone with a shield. Shield Slam on the other hand hits like a truck and can easily be the most damaging attack low level warriors have.

* Crusaders/Paladins in ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'' have a move with this name that knocks back the target a considerable distance and can stun them. The latter also has Rapid Smiting, which is a multi-hitting variant purely for causing damage.
* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'':
** Goofy and Vexen. Goofy typically uses bashing attacks with the broad side of his shield. Vexen, on the other hand, uses the sharp edges of his shield when he attacks, making his shield almost like a sword at times.
** In the first game, [[TheHero Sora]] can dabble in this by selecting the Dream Shield in the tutorial. Goofy can also wield said shield in the same game and in ''358/2 Days''.
** The Counter Shield formchange in ''III'' is designed for, well, {{counterattack}}ing, but Sora can smack enemies around with it just fine as well.
* The Vanguard bloodline of ''VideoGame/BloodlineChampions'' has an ability called Shield Slam, dashing a bit to swing with their shield, knocking back hit enemies and reducing their ability to damage or heal. This is also the logical conclusion as to why hitting them in melee when they are using their [[AttackReflector Reflect]] ability (in which they duck behind their shield for the duration) stuns the attacker.
* ''VideoGame/HearthstoneHeroesOfWarcraft'' has this as an Epic spell for the Warrior class. It deals 1 damage to a minion for every point of armor your hero has (10 damage for 10 armor, for example).
* A key skill of the human knight and defender in ''VideoGame/RohanOnline'', which has the ability to stun an enemy (either a mob in PVE or a human opponent in PVP), costing him several seconds worth of attacks.
* In ''[[VideoGame/ModernWarfare Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2]]'', you can ram with the shield as an attack.
* In ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'', the Demoman can do this with the unlockable Chargin' Targe. Right clicking will send the Demoman into a high-speed charge, and attacking with a melee weapon at least halfway through the charge will result in a CriticalHit. The shield itself has a spike on it that will do damage if the Demoman himself collides with an enemy during the last quarter of the charge. Another shield, the Splendid Screen, trades most of the fire/explosive resistance for a more damaging Shield Bash and no minimum distance required to hit the enemy from to do it, and yet another one, the Tide Turner, is even better, allowing very sharp turning and recharging with a successful kill, allowing for rapid-fire rammings. Even if it ''is'' [[ImprobableWeaponUser a ship's steering wheel rather than a shield]].
* ''VideoGame/VandalHearts'' (2, at least) has shields as a weapon category. It does what it's supposed to do: attacks coming from the side of the shield has a significantly higher chance to be blocked. Of course, its attack power sucks. Two shields however, have spikes to increase damage. One of them gives you a movement handicap since it's too heavy, while the other is practically an [[InfinityPlusOneSword Infinity Plus One Shield]].
* In the campaign mode of ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'', Ajax's special attack is a shield whack [[PunchedAcrossTheRoom that sends enemy soldiers flying]].
* ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' has the Shield Defence powerset. As the name implies, the set is almost entirely defensive; however, it includes the Shield Charge power, a cone attack which deals some hefty damage and has a high chance of KnockBack.
** In addition using the base attack 'Brawl' with a shield in hand will sometimes cause the player to backhand a foe with his shield.

* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', Link can learn it as one of the Hidden Skill techniques, and involves slamming your shield into an opponent, stunning them. It can later be used in combination with another devastating move, the Helm Splitter, that allows you to jump up over your opponent and cleave their skull in half.
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', Link has to shield bash just when an enemy attacks him, negating damage to his shield and opening up an opportunity for a sword combo. In the latter case, it can even reflect [[DemonicSpiders Guardian]][[EnergyWeapon beams.]]
* ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarZero'' features a class of Shield weapons that can be used for specifically guarding with the L button or otherwise your standard melee attacking.
* ''VideoGame/TheLordOfTheRingsOnline'': As the game's main [[AnAdventurerIsYou tank classes]], it comes as no real surprise that both the Guardian and Warden make extensive use of Shield Bash type moves.
* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy''
** In ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'', one of [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyII Firion's]] HP attacks is called "Shield Bash", though it's actually not an example of this trope: it's a BeehiveBarrier that, if it blocks an opponent's attack, triggers a counterattack (consisting of a flurry of thrown knives if the attacked blocked was physical, or a barrage of spells if magical). On the other hand, many of [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI Warrior of Light's]] attacks play this straight, with the shield being thrown around and, apparently, controlled telekinetically to slam into enemies edge-first while charging or similar attacks. And then there's Shield of Light, his main HP attack, where he puts the shield in front of him, and it explodes in the opponent's face in [[LightEmUp a blast of holy magic]]. The prequel ''Dissidia 012: Duodecim'' gives him a new HP attack in 'Ultimate Shield', which, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well]], consists solely of a series of bludgeonings with his shield.
** The Raptor class in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsA2'' can do this in the typical way, which can also inflict [[StandardStatusEffects Disable]]. Hilariously, the weapon that teaches them this move is a ''two-handed'' [[{{BFS}} sword]]. You can't actually ''use'' the move when wielding it, unless you took the time to learn Monkey Grip, to wield two-handed swords with one hand, leaving the other free for shields.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' has shields classed as weapons, useable by Noctis and Gladiolus. Noctis plays the trope the straightest by having his combos almost exclusively use the shield; Gladio primarily uses them for defending, but has a few moves to strike with the edge.
* ''VideoGame/BravelyDefault'' and ''VideoGame/BravelySecond''[='=]s Knight class possess a Shield Strike attack. It doesn't do as much damage (and still uses your Attack stat, which means not having a weapon in your other hand makes it ineffective), but raises the user's defense in the process.
* Sophitia and Cassandra of the ''VideoGame/SoulSeries'' have a few attacks using their shields. They can also equip spiked shields.
* Players wearing shields in ''VideoGame/ZAngband'' have a chance of getting in a shield bash.
* The Turtle Tamer class in ''VideoGame/KingdomOfLoathing'' has Shieldbutt as one of its skills, a never-miss attack based on the power of the player's shield.
* In ''VideoGame/UrbanChaosRiotResponse'', the riot shield was useful for knocking out enemies.
* Pantheon from ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' jumps to an enemy and bashes him with his shield, stunning him in the process. Singed holds his shield in right hand and autoattacks with it. Leona's "Shield of Daybreak" ability turns her next autoattack into a stunning shield attack. Taric, who usually uses his shield to send out a ranged Stun, bashes enemies with it in some autoattacks (when he's not [[DropTheHammer Dropping the Hammer]]). And Braum, who explicitly says "My shield is my sword!", attacks turrets by swinging his massive shield in both hands like a battering ram.
* [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Kanji]] from ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'' uses shields, and is the physically strongest and bulkiest party member. He starts off with a [[ChairmanOfTheBrawl foldaway metal chair]], though. Ironically, he never uses it to defend: [[ViolationOfCommonSense when using the Guard command, he blocks incoming attacks with his ''bare hands'']]. However, he does actually use the said chair to block during his guarding animations in ''VideoGame/Persona4Arena'' though.
* Shields are awesome in ''VideoGame/FrontMission3'' anyway, and the Shield Bash ability is one of the most damaging melee attacks in the game. Of course, the bashing is being done by a GiantMecha the size of a building.
** ''VideoGame/FrontMission4'' keeps it, as an extremely damaging counterattack skill.
%%* Perseus in ''VideoGame/GodOfWarII''.

* ''[[VideoGame/PuzzleQuest Puzzle Quest 2]]'': Shield Bash is the first [[MagikarpPower (and eventually most powerful)]] of the Templar class' offensive spells. It also has the bonus effect of removing all status effects from the player.

* Sprinting with the Shield Power active will effectively make Alex a battering ram in ''VideoGame/{{Prototype}}''.
* The VideoGame/DynastyWarriors franchise has several shield-toting characters, most of whom have this technique as part of their moveset somewhere.
** In the main series, Xingcai wields a traditional sword and shield moveset. Several of her attacks have her whacking the enemy units with her shield. In the 9th main iteration, Lu Linqi joins her in doing this, with a sword and shield moveset of her own.
** Muneshige Tachibana from VideoGame/SamuraiWarriors does this in several of his attacks.
** Link from VideoGame/HyruleWarriors has a move where he charges forward with his shield, bulldozing any enemies in his way.
** GM series mobile suits can ram enemies with their large shields in ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriorsGundam''. A few other units also use their shields to attack.
* In ''VideoGame/DragonNest'', the one of the Cleric's first two skills are this.
* ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic V'' has this as a creature ability.
* In VideoGame/ProjectM, Pit gained an upward shield attack for extra K.O. power.
* [[DumbMuscle Reyn]], the resident MightyGlacier party member of ''VideoGame/{{Xenoblade}}'' specializes in a shield/lance hybrid weapon [[CallASmeerpARabbit counter-intuitively called a gunlance]], and can use it to stun toppled enemies with his Shield Bash art, notable for having the lowest cooldown of all moves capable of causing the effect and it also executes the fastest out of other Daze arts which is useful for the fact that most enemies don't stay toppled for long.
** In ''[[VideoGame/XenobladeChroniclesX X]]'', the Shield weapon used by the Shield Trooper and Bastion Warrior classes do this for all of their physical arts, they ever have an art where they hit the ''air so hard they can hit multiple enemies and [[StandardStatusEffects slow]] them''.
** [[GadgeteerGenius Tora]] from ''[[VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2 2]]'' only really uses his shield to bash during [[GameplayAutomation auto-attacks]], instead relying on gadgets inside the Shield to use his arts.
* Estelle and Flynn from ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia'' both utilize shield bashes in some of their artes.
* The final boss of ''VideoGame/DeadToRights'' wields an electrified riot shield as a weapon.

* In ''Videogame/DragonsDogma'' the standard bash-to-stun skill is one of the basic and best skills a fighter class can learn, on top of that the assassin class which also has access to the shield can use it even more creative ways.
* ''VideoGame/ChivalryMedievalWarfare'' allows players to perform a stunning shield bash when their shields are equipped (otherwise, they kick). Shield bashing (or kicking) allows a player to stun an enemy out of a block and leave them vulnerable for a second. Flails and Javelins require the player to use the small Buckler shield, which can used in a blunt overhead attack, which does not stun but strikes very quickly and is hard to predict.

* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'':
** Hunters will do this if you get too close, and since these shields are massive and composed of warship-grade material, this can and '''will''' more often than not result in a one-hit kill, especially on Heroic/Legendary difficulty.
** ''VideoGame/Halo5Guardians'' gives the relatively frail Jackals the ability to do this with their energy shields.

* In the ''Videogame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, shields can be used as bashing weapons, either by two-handing standard shields, bashing with spiked shields or slamming with greatshields. Then there are the shields that are primarily intended for parrying; of all weapons, they tend to keep opponents stunned longer, leaving them open for a riposte.
** In [[VideoGame/DarkSoulsI the first game]], the damage isn't that spectacular, turning shield bashes into a form of CherryTapping, though if the shield impacts it knocks an opponent back, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXp8Th41rBs making it startlingly effective on ledges]].
** In [[VideoGame/DarkSoulsII the second game]], shields do substantial damage, especially when upgraded or infused, making a shield-bashing build difficult but viable. There's even a pair of shields specifically designed for DualWielding together; the enemies that wield them, the Imperious Knights, tend to set up blocking corridors and doorways in the Undead Crypt, where they resemble nothing so much as bad-tempered walls that try to crush you as you try to get past.
** ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsIII'' makes the bash even better by letting you hit with the shield ''without'' lowering your guard--you can even wield it in the right hand to getting a ramming DashAttack. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQOUNx387aM results]] in player-versus-player [[LethalJokeWeapon are rather astounding]]. The ''Ashes of Ariandel'' DLC takes this trope even further with the Valorheart, a paired set of a gladius and a shield. It incorporates shield bashing into its moveset, such as the spinning bash in the standard attack, and the weapon skill "Lion's Roar", which knocks down enemies by a strong bash with a lion's roar. The ''Ringed City'' DLC also brings back the paired greatshields designed for DualWielding.
* ''Videogame/SpiralKnights'' gives us two variations: a "shield bump" done by simply bringing up the shield next to enemies that'll push them away, and a special Shield Bash ability that causes the user to charge forward with his shield and stun anything he comes in contact with. However, neither move does any real damage.
* ''VideoGame/GoldenEyeRogueAgent'' has the high-tech variant in the "Magnetic Shield Bash," which overloads Goldeneye's force-field into the bad-guy right in front of him. It's also ''pretty'' useful for neutralizing enemy forcefields...Just be sure they're not also carrying the [[DisintegratorRay OMEN X-R]].

* The Bash skill in ''VideoGame/DragonsCrown'' allows the Fighter to do this as a counter-attack after blocking, dealing damage with a chance to [[StandardStatusEffects stun]]. He also performs charging tackles with his shield for his dash attacks.
* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIX'': The Shield Bash doesn't do huge damage, but it leaves the user in a defensive stance for a few turns. Unfortunately, it can be cancelled out by the dreaded Disruptive Wave.
* Averted in ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'': Footmen can switch to a defensive stance where they take reduced damage from piercing attacks, but move slower. The switching animation looks like this trope, however, so some custom maps give them the move.
* In ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'', the Bone Defender enemy and the Man-at-Arms hero have shields that they can bash enemies with, for both knockback and stun effects.
* In ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' Knights of the Fallen Empire [[spoiler:you defeat Emperor Arcann through a powered-up version of this]]
* Warriors, Guardians and Engineers in ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'' are used for protective purposes, but each one also has some form of attack that either physically attacks opponents, or generates magic to bump them back. With the Heart of Thorns expansion, the Mesmer's Chronomancer specialization can also use a shield to do damage. Only the Revenant's Herald specialization uses shields purely for defense.
* ''VideoGame/TalesOfMajEyal'' has the Shield Offense skill group, shared by the [[BadassNormal Bulwark]], [[DragonKnight Wyrmic]], [[PowerOfTheSun Sun Paladin]], and [[BlackMagic Demonologist]] classes. The basic shield bash skill stuns an enemy, while the capstone Assault skill uses a shield-bash to knock the enemy off-balance and follows up with two guaranteed CriticalHit attacks from the mainhand weapon. Sun Paladins and Demonologists also have access to the Guardian and Doom Shield skill groups, which combine shield-bashing with their respective magics. Lastly, the Dwarf-only Stone Warden class specializes in dual-wielding shields along with arcane magic and wild-gifts.
* ''VideoGame/FateGrandOrder'': Mash Kyrielight, as a unique "Shielder"-class Servant, carries around a massive cross-shaped shield as her only armament. Naturally, when she has to attack, she does so by smashing things with said shield. This leads to some amusing lines in the Orleans chapter of the story, where the protagonists decide to practice NonLethalWarfare against innocents who attack them due to a misunderstanding, and Mash replies "Got it, I'll use the back of the blade." The other characters ask how exactly that phrase can be applied to a shield. Other Servants who use shields are also not above using it to bash enemies as part of their attack animations.
* Xeno Guardians in ''VideoGame/{{Prismata}}'' have shields with buzzsaw blades embedded in them. This lets them attack and block at the same time.
* Brigitte of ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'' carries a shield which she can use to protect herself and stun enemies by smashing them with it.
* Kratos has a collapsible shield in ''VideoGame/GodOfWarPS4'' - sometimes he bashes people with the broad side, others he punches them with the edge of it.
* Reflecting his status as a BarrierWarrior, Steven in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse: VideoGame/SaveTheLight'' uses a shield bash as his staple move. It does the least damage of any basic move in the game, but Steven is unharmed by incoming attacks and pointy things as he's charging forward, and it knocks enemies back the furthest.
* ''VideoGame/ForHonor'' - Warlord and Conqueror very like to do this. The former even got a FanNickname "Ledgelord" because of his ability to push enemies an extremely long distance with guard breaks and shield charges. But Conqueror's bash seems to be more memetic because it is unblockable which leads to spam of this attack.
* ''VideoGame/Destiny2'' has the Sentinel Shield for Titan players, which the player can either use to block enemy attacks or as a weapon, the third attack of which is a charge forwards (or the player can throw it, causing it to ricochet between enemies).
* ''VideoGame/MortalKombat11'': When Past Johnny Cage's face gets grazed by a bullet, he picks up a riot shield and rams the gunmen.
* In ''VideoGame/EtrianOdyssey'', shields are normally used for their defensive stats and for defense-based skills, but some shield skills are attack skills that inflict bash-type damage. They are notable in ''Etrian Odyssey Nexus'' for using the shield's defense stat with a rather large multiplier to calculate damage, allowing the otherwise-StoneWall Protector class to inflict massive damage with the correct build.
* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
** [[MightyGlacier Shieldon and Bastiodon]] from ''VideoGame/PokemonDiamondAndPearl'' have shields for heads and can learn the head-bashing moves Iron Head and Headbutt.
** The legendary mascot Zamazenta from ''VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield'' has Iron Head become Behemoth Bash while in its Crowned form, where it enlarges its shield armor and strikes the opponent while it's holding the Rusted Shield.
** In ''VideoGame/PokkenTournament'', Aegislash has several moves where it hits the opponent with its shield, such as its Up-X in Duel Phase.
* ''Videogame/{{Hades}}'' has the Shield of Chaos as one of the weapons you can use. Aside from just swiping with it, Zagreus can toss it like a boomerang as well as a perform a shield charge as a ChargedAttack, where you're protected from all frontal damage while charging.
-->'''Chaos:''' You come to my domain bearing an all-seeing artifact that sprang from me after the dawn of time. It is considered a defensive instrument, I do believe. Though, I suspect you have discovered, or soon shall discover, it is ''nothing'' of the sort.
* ''VideoGame/DarkDevotion'': You can obtain a spiked shield called the Rose Targe, which damages any enemy that attacks you while you block. There are also enemies in the Alabaster Citadel who can use their shields to attack you: one will shove you back after blocking an attack, while the other fires a laser from the face of its shield.

[[folder:Webcomics]]
* [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0359.html The final blow]] landed by Durkon from Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick against Leeky the druid is a smack with his shield.
** "It's a multipurpose lead sheet." "What possible other purpose could a big lead -" [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0281.html *WANG*]]

[[folder:WesternAnimation]]

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheDragonPrince'' General Amaya distinguishes herself among her troops by not only having a massive tower shield on her back, but she also tends to favor it over her regular sword, unleashing devastating bash strikes that can destroy a building's support beam in one hit.