Overview
This video provides an in-depth guide to playing the Guardian class in Elden Ring Night Reign, covering stats, recommended equipment, shield mechanics, skills, passive abilities, and party synergy to optimize Guardian builds for both new and experienced players.
Guardian Attributes and Role
- Guardian has the highest HP and high stamina, making him an effective tank.
- Main defensive strategy centers around blocking, taking aggro, and protecting teammates.
- Primary stat is Strength (B), decent Dexterity (C), and some Faith (C) scaling, favoring strength-based or strength/faith weapons.
- Low FP and average magic/arcane stats mean spellcasting is limited, but utility buffs can be beneficial.
Shield Mechanics and Recommendations
- Guard boost stat on shields reduces stamina lost when blocking; higher is better.
- All shields block 100% of physical damage, but non-physical damage negation varies; check shield stats for best properties.
- Larger shields (“great shields”) provide more damage negation and higher “hardness”, interrupting enemy combos more effectively.
- No equipment weight in Night Reign, so always opt for great shields when available.
- Some shields have unique skills; to use weapon skills instead, two-hand your weapon or choose a shield without an interfering skill.
Skills and Abilities
- Passive skill “Steel Guard” enhances guard boost but prevents running; use when expecting heavy attacks, but watch for mobility limits.
- Guardian’s dodge is a sidestep, making it hard to avoid large AoEs; mitigation relies heavily on shields.
- Character skill “Whirlwind” deals AoE damage, knocks enemies up, and is more effective when charged.
- Ultimate skill revives downed allies in a wide area and grants brief invulnerability if charged; best saved for emergencies or large groups.
Weapon and Relic Suggestions
- Prioritize strength-based weapons, but spears/thrusting swords allow attack while blocking.
- Look for weapons with passive buffs that boost defense, stamina, or heal on attack/crit.
- Damage on block/guard counter boosting buffs are also valuable.
- Select relics that increase health, stamina, or threat while guarding to maintain aggro.
- Status effect inflicting weapons or relics (poison, bleed) add damage over time and can synergize with healing effects.
Party Composition and Playstyle
- Guardian fits into almost any group but may conflict with other tanks or Exeutors competing for aggro.
- Functions best as the sole aggro-holder with ranged or melee DPS support.
- Guardian’s strength is maximizing team survivability and reviving allies efficiently.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always upgrade to a great shield for better protection and combo interruption.
- Focus build choices on survivability, stamina, and reliable threat management.
- Use AoE and utility skills strategically to support team and control the battlefield.
- Avoid overlapping tank roles in party to maximize effectiveness.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- For further Guardian tips or specific build questions, viewers are invited to comment for direct responses.