The Bastion of Sir Matthias is one of the most impactful Unique Ancestral shields added for the Paladin class in Diablo 4. Designed specifically around the Paladin's Shield Bash skill, this shield transforms defensive play into a powerful source of retaliation damage.

 

In this guide, we'll fully break down what the Bastion of Sir Matthias does, its stats and unique effects, and the best ways to farm it efficiently in Diablo 4's endgame.

 

Diablo 4: What Is the Bastion of Sir Matthias?

 

The Bastion of Sir Matthias is an Ancestral Unique shield exclusive to the Paladin. It heavily supports Shield Bash-focused gameplay by rewarding consistent blocking with automatic counterattacks.

 

This shield excels in builds that stack Block Chance, Damage Reduction, and Strength, allowing Paladins to remain in melee range while punishing enemies for every blocked hit.

 

Bastion of Sir Matthias Stats Breakdown

 

Implicit Modifiers

 

·+20% Block Chance

·45% Blocked Damage Reduction

·+100% Main-Hand Weapon Damage

 

These implicit stats provide a strong defensive foundation. Increased block chance and blocked damage reduction significantly improve survivability, while the flat 100% boost to main-hand weapon damage ensures your offensive output stays competitive even when focusing on defense.

 

Unique Modifiers

 

·+35.0% Chance for Shield Bash to Deal Double Damage

·+3 Ranks to Shield Bash

·15.7% Damage Reduction

·+15.7% Strength

 

The unique modifiers are where Bastion of Sir Matthias truly shines. Extra Shield Bash ranks directly scale damage and utility, while Strength increases both skill damage and overall effectiveness. The additional flat damage reduction makes the shield ideal for high-tier Nightmare Dungeons and Pit pushing.

 

A 35% chance to deal double damage significantly increases Shield Bash burst potential, especially when combined with attack speed and block-based synergies.

 

Unique Effect Explained

 

"Blocking has a 15% chance to retaliate with a Shield Bash. Your Shield Bash damage is increased by 60-100% [x]."

 

This unique effect fundamentally changes how blocking works for Paladins in Diablo 4. Every successful block has a chance to automatically trigger Shield Bash, turning defense into offense without consuming resources or interrupting your rotation.

 

The 60-100% multiplicative damage bonus scales exceptionally well in endgame content. In boss fights or dense mob scenarios, frequent blocking can result in a steady stream of powerful counterattacks, making this shield a top-tier option for Shield Bash and Thorns-style retaliation builds.

 

Best Paladin Builds for Bastion of Sir Matthias

 

·Shield Bash Paladin - Core synergy; maximizes block chance and bash damage.

·Thorns Paladin - Retaliation effects stack well with auto-procced Shield Bash

·Pit Pushing Tank Paladin - Excellent survivability with strong sustained DPS

 

Paladins designed to punish close-quarter attacks benefit most from this shield. For players who want to optimize their gameplay without heavy farming, you can also buy Diablo IV Items such as Bastion of Sir Matthias from trusted marketplaces, which can save time while still providing a competitive edge.

 

How to Get Bastion of Sir Matthias in Diablo 4

 

The Bastion of Sir Matthias can drop from several sources, but some are far more efficient than others.

 

1. Boss Farming (Best Method)

 

Currently, Grigoire, the Galvanic Sain, is the only boss confirmed to have Bastion of Sir Matthias in his loot pool.

 

·Location: Hall of the Penitent dungeon

·Region: Dindai Flats, Dry Steppes

 

After defeating Grigoire, you can open his hoard for a chance at the shield. However, you'll need 12x Living Steel to access the hoard.

 

How to Farm Living Steel

 

·Tortured Gifts of Mysteries during Helltide events

·Astaroth in Escalating Nightmares

·Kurast Undercity (Tribute of Titans required)

 

This method offers the highest targeted drop chance and is strongly recommended if you're farming specifically for Bastion of Sir Matthias.

 

2. Nightmare Dungeons

 

Nightmare Dungeons are another reliable source. High enemy density and elite packs increase the odds of Unique drops, and completion rewards can also roll Unique Diablo 4 Items. While less targeted than boss farming, Nightmare Dungeons are efficient for overall gearing and leveling.

 

3. World Bosses and Events

 

World Bosses, Helltide events, and Gathering Legions all have elevated Unique drop rates.

 

Helltides are particularly effective:

 

·Farm Aberrant Cinders

·Open Tortured Gift of Light Weaponry (125 Cinders)

·Open Greater Tortured Gifts (250 Cinders)

 

These chests have a higher chance to drop Ancestral Uniques, including shields.

 

4. Gambling with Obols

 

You can also gamble for shields at the Purveyor of Curiosities using Obols.

 

·Cost: 50 Obols per shield

·Drop Rate: Very low for Uniques

 

While not the most efficient method, Obol gambling can occasionally pay off and is useful when you're capped on currency.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Bastion of Sir Matthias is one of the strongest defensive-offensive hybrid items available to Paladins in Diablo 4. Its ability to trigger high-damage Shield Bash attacks from blocks makes it invaluable for endgame builds focused on survivability, retaliation, and sustained melee pressure.