For an updated version of this Shield Build for the Shadow of Erdtree DLC, please check: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s_2H1Tg7afE.html
You're very welcome! I like doing it to really try my best at showing how to get to the places considering how big the map can be and sometimes there's also cliffs and mountains blocking the way.
Good video, going to use parts of this in my Paladin build. As a heads up: If you go to the twins in the Roundtable, they have a set of armor for sale called the Knight's Armor. The gauntlets and greaves are *very* comparable to the Mausoleum set, but weigh 1+ less each. While this might not seem a lot, at a certain point of Endurance, it'll get you into the mid-roll, which opens up your chances of dodging grapples. Also, Guard-Counters count as critical hits, so if you get the Assassin's Cerulean Dagger talisman (which is from the boss in the dungeon you farm the Mausoleum set in front of), your Guard-Counters will restore FP which will *vastly* improve the sustain of this build.
Thank you for these tips! It can certainly be useful while you still have lower Endurance to reduce Equip Load. I tend to get by with the FP Flask (usualy 1 or 2) but I can see the use in the FP restoring Talisman. A Paladin character can certainly work wonderfully for this build, since some of the great Spears also require Faith to use.
@@cRPGBro I did some quick math on shields with STR reqs ranging 30-34 with 60+ Guard Boost, adding up their total resistances: Dragon Towershield: 247 Crossed Tree Towershield: 242 Golden Greatshield 242 Inverted Hawk Towershield: 242 Manor Towershield: 239 Eclipse Crest Greatshield: 239 Cuckoo Greatshield: 238 Redmane Greatshield: 229 So yeah, the Eclipse is probably the best/easiest option in the early-mid game. It'll last you for a very long time, probably the entire game if you want to keep your Str lower. Also, if you choose a different starting class that doesn't already begin with close to 20 Dex, the Partisan is probably the better spear option to go for: Dex is only 12 and Str 15, which you'll surpass for the shield, and its physical attack is pretty much the same, though you don't get the bleed build up. Much lower investment early game for a weapon, until you get that dex pumped.
Im locked with using treespear and erdtree greatshield due to roleplaying a certain character, is there a set of talismans/incantation buffs that would outdamage malenia healing from me blocking? Kinda made it a point for myself to beat her using these weapons and only rolling waterfowl dance' 2nd flurry, grab and dash+thrust attack while block+poking/guard countering everything else
This is a terrific guide! I’ve got some nerve damage in my left hand so I been wanting to do a build like this since all the dodging is hard for me. This is everything I need all in one guide to get me started. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for the support! I'm really glad I was able to help you have a good time with the build and the game. Shield + Spear really is a very comfortable, laidback and very effective playstyle too. Please be sure to check my Mid & Late game update for the Build here if you need it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html It can actually become even better to play due to less micromanagement, since eventually with Fingerprint Shield you can get 100% Guard Boost even without Barricade. Not having to activate Barricade Shield as much should make for a more comfortable time playing too. Before that, you can also go for Greatshield Talisman + Scholar's Shield buff, which lasts for 1 minute.
Yep, Shield/Shield Turtling Builds in Elden Ring probably make for the easiest to play, especially for beginners! And very, very fun too considering you get to capitalize on both high defenses & high offenses.
Yes I am al.ost a complete noob to Fromsoft games so this build is gonna help me a lot! I just love the idea of Spears in games. Not enough game ket you wield them, was disappointed when Elder scrolls removes them from their games. But for real, thank you for creating this video!
Same here i'm a noob , but what make me want to do this build is : I really love big shield and armor in Game but when it mean something , in most game you ask yourself : Why do i lose dps for no reason with this shield , but with this i think i will love my first playthrough
The only additional thing I might add is getting early access to the lift and grabbing the great shield talisman that’s nearby. Might be a slight overkill on the extra guard power, but that would make it even more difficult to be knocked over. Otherwise, this was a great video. I’m trying to do a “Braum” run (where you can only use a shield and your fist), so this can be a great way to work on ironing out how you would first approach the game when starting off.
I've been using a similar high-STR build, but also high-INT and more magic-focused. Instead of Cross Naginata, Clayman's Harpoon-Standard affinity AoW-buffed with the sorcery Scholar's Armament.
You can also just farm the godrick knight at Gatefront for his full set, the Partisan spear and his Gilded great shield (36 Star req). Great place to farm since the Godrick soldiers drop Brass shield which is one of the best medium shields on the game early on, not to mention Godrick knight set is a pure upgrade in terms of looks and all of your defensive stats.
Yeah, Gilded Shield is also great and easy to farm, I was going to include it but decided to just go for the Mausoleum set + Eclipse Shield instead due to the lower STR requirement and the boost to resistances.
I'm not exactly a beginner (have beaten all three souls, and have 120 hours into Elden Ring, albeit across multiple characters). But being a massive great shield fan, I'm gonna start a new character and follow this build. Very well put together video.
Thank you for the support! I think shields and poke builds are even better in Elden Ring since we can at least get no stamina cost on blocks, which is massive!
Yeah, it's still a very solid and fun build! I also have an updated version for mid & late game here showing its full potential even vs the superboss of the game: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Thanks for the video! I'm rocking a faith-hybrid shield build with the Treespear, loving it! You can teleport in dungeons if you access map from the Grace menu.
Really glad it was helpful to you, and thank you for the support, man! I also have an updated version more focused on Mid & Late Game here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
the manor towershield that you find in stormveil castle is my go-to; you don't have to farm it cause its just on a corpse + it has more guard boost and slightly less strength requirement than the eclipse crest, plus available as soon as you kill margit. unfortunately you give up the bonuses to immunity, robustness etc. but it really depends how long you're gonna use it for since eventually you'll probably replace it with the fingerprint stone shield, which has 90 guard boost at +24, so add the greatshield talisman and its like a permanent barricade shield tho it is ridiculously heavy (nearly 2x the weight of the eclipse crest)
Yeah, the Gilded Shield from the golden knight close to the Castle can also help. I guess I just like the Mausoleum Set that the headless knight drops too so I'm fine with the farming considering how close it is to a Grace.
The resists on that shield are great. I'd also recommend the Great Epee for a weapon. Even easier to get, suitable for strength or quality builds. Pike has excellent reach too.
Yeah, it's a very solid shield overall. Gilded Shield is also another nice choice for the beginning. I recorded sections for the Pike & Lance, but ended up just going with the Cross Naginata for the video, they are nice weapons too.
@@afrofusiondaily8278 I think the Cross Naginata is the one with best damage/speed overall. The Pike is special in that it has the highest reach/range of any weapon in the game, and similar speed, but somewhat lower damage than Naginata.
yo this guide is legit amazing bro, I subbed n made a str shield/poke char after watching this and have been having a blast! What other weapons would you recommend after the naginta? Is there any other bleed/status poking spears? Or should I just invest fully into naginta n upgrade it to max? I just dont wanna waste mats to upgrade if ima replace naginata after awhile.
Thank you for the support, bro! Cross Naginata is actually very solid and can last you through the whole game. Another good spear to have is the Treespear if you want to get some Faith for support/buff incantations. You can get it early but it does have 22 DEX & 18 Faith requirement. Faith buffs can help the build such as stronger stagger on shield block & also higher elemental resistances for even less damage on blocking non physical hits.
I am a rather casual gamer, but I love everything (difficulty aside) about the game so much that I bought it anyway. Beat that grafted creep on my first try with your build! Thanks!
@@cRPGBro Yeah, just killed the night cav for the ice spear first try. And normally i suck in melee in this game. Played a mage and priest before this one.
Thank you for the support! I also have other build guides done in the same style for STR, DEX and Faith that you can check here: ru-vid.com/group/PL8adH-ifQHcAT_QO5-NzMRXcZ1-3a7R6y
Great guide! Easy and informative and I am loving the different playstyle! Started with halberd and then to spears and damn they are fun! Thank you and happy to subscribe. Look forward to more vids from you sir!!!
Not quite on topic, but while your dropping down the ledges (the 2nd or 3rd one) theres an alcove with a body you can get a lvl 2 somber smithing stone incase you need it.
@@cRPGBro I it helps, theres also about a dozen of those headless knights around the walking mausoleum in Weeping Peninsula. They're in groups of 3, and 2 more at the fourth church of Marika (bonus sacred tear too) Just have to be careful about keeping them in front of you so they don't teleport up behind. Just move in and out, smacking them when there's an opening. Note: theres one grp near a wooded area that has one of those kaiden armor guys patrolling along with a couple of wolves. So you wanna keep an eye out for them.
Thanks for the guide, I was looking into a shield build but messed up on my stats early on (Im level 29) and placed a lot of points into endurance already... wish i saw this video earlier..
Glad I was able to help! Also please be sure to check out my updated Guide for this Build for Mid & Late Game: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Hi there, I'm really glad my build helped you! It's certainly a super fun and very easy & smooth to play, certainly great for beginners as well as you get the hand of the game and its mechanics.
I have played the game so far with all the tricks and buids that „get OP! Early!!!“. After taking break for half a year I felt like experiencing the game at a slower pace, probably the way it is meant to be played. This guide was absolutely great to do this. Very informative, perfect guide, thank you very much 😊😊 Always liked your videos, keep it up!
Thank you so much 😁 Note that post Patch 1.03, Barricade Shield has lower duration, but the effect is still the same. I explain on the pinned comment the changes and offer some alternatives if you don't want to micromanage, so please give it a read if it interests you. I also talk about it in my Patch 1.03 video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FxJ1-9pE5p0.html
For people that might struggle with the dude in towers wind spam bs and jumps. Pull him up the stairs, and in the little archway hug the wall. Helped me A lot!! Or after the first set of stairs, where there is a little patch, his wind thing misses a lot. and he cant jump as much.
Thank you! I gotta say this is no doubt my favorite build at the moment, because of how utterly amazing zero cost stamina blocks + poking from behind your shield with spears is! You basically have a super easy and smooth time even against hard bosses!
Hope you would make a walkthrough from A-Z for the SHIELD + POKE build. This build along with all trophies, all secrets, all endings would be great too.
I think it has returned even stronger, since we can now get ZERO Stamina cost when blocking with ease! I also have an updated Mid & Late Game Guide for this Shield Build here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
I'm Mike. From your video (and thank you) and got the spear and the spear Talisman. I upgraded my Dexterity to 20. I'm still looking for a shield that I like (the look). I hate the way the turtle shield looks, but I have been using it, but I want something better looking. Hey it is about style as much as game place. I need to look good. Thanks again.
Hi there and thanks for the comment! Turtle Shield is just for the very beginning because it has Barricade Shield, but as of Patch 1.03 it doesn't have 100% Phys Negate anymore, it's really only here so you can get the Barricade Shield skill from the Night Cavalry, and also farm for the other shields. You can still get the Gilded Greatshield or the Eclipse Crest Greatshield which I go for at the beginning for this build at 09:15 Both look pretty cool to me as well!
@@cRPGBro - Thanks. I'm close to quitting the game. I can't find a shield that blocks all damage - I just die with one or two hits all the time - so killing bosses is impossible. I killed that guy on the horse and got the ashes of war shield, but can't find a shield that blocks full swings, so I can fight bosses. Any ideas?
And thank you for the support as always! I like having everything detailed and timed not only for easier viewing but also so I manage to properly explain the reasoning behind the choices.
Great vid, this is almost my build but had been using Treespear and high faith. Haven't heard of the Cross Naginata spear so I going to check it out when I get home. In the same catacombs you farm the shield and armor (Black Knife Catacombs) is a secret boss from which you can get the Assassin's Cerulean Dagger talisman. This talisman restores FP everytime you do a critic hit, and because this build is a guard counter machine, you can use this to recoup your FP from using Barricade.
Treespear is certainly a very powerful spear too, the main difference is Cross Naginata lets you apply Frost/Cold to it from an Ash of War. Nice note about the Talisman, it can certainly be useful now that Barricade costs more FP!
Just tried the cross naginata, it works great with my build! The range is shorter but I really like the moveset, and the damage of just physical is nothing to scoff at too, its inherent blood buildup works so well with Bloodflame Blade. And yeah the FP return during critical hits is really good.
@@the0s0ph1st Glad to hear! It really is one of my favorite spears in the game. If you want the spear with highest range, you can also go with the Pike, but it has lower scaling/damage than Naginata.
ive done this but with poison infinity and have a spear maxed out with heavy infinity and have the lance throw ash of war for ranged fighting, just switch between.
Thank you! I also have an updated version for Mid & Late game here showing the build has an easy time even vs the superboss of Elden Ring: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html And yeah, Cross Naginata is definitely worth the DEX investment, I also recommend using Godrick's Great Rune for +5 to all stats as I show here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B0kaYYo4VRg.html
You're welcome, Shield Builds are indeed great fun in Elden Ring 😁 Also please be sure to check my updated Mid & Late Game version of this Shield Build here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Thank you! For mid & late game, you can go with Fingerprint Stone Shield for maximum Guard Boost, and then equip the Greatshield Talisman: this will give you enough guard boost for zero stamina on block even WITHOUT Barricade Shield. If you find Barricade Shield too low in duration, then another great choice is going for the Scholar's Shield spell + Greatshield Talisman, so your blocks cost minimal stamina. I also recommend the Equip Load Tear as I show here so you can still have fast rolling even with the heaviest of armors/shields: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aHhzPa62qEU.html
I really like this. I found that the reason you die is often not enough defense. It doesn't matter if you can hit super hard. This is almost totally opposite to Dark Souls 3 where you just spin your twinblades to victory.
@@cRPGBro Man this game feels so different from dark souls lol...Leveling up is kind of a slog too. Can you perhaps post a guide for leveling up fast in the early game? (The cheesy strategies have all been posted, but I'm sure you'll be able to find something unique :D )
Gotta try that. I've tried doing shield runs and it never goes well. Never thought to do this kind of a build. Didn't know you could block and attack with poking weapons. Elden Ring doesn't like to tell you things directly and if you haven't played every other souls game you wouldn't know about certain mechanics.
Glad to hear, friend! Hopefully they prove just as useful in your Elden Ring journey. I also have an updated version of this Shield Build here for Mid & Late game: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html Also please be sure to check the pinned comment here for post Barricade Shield nerf alternatives!
@@cRPGBro Spent the night assembling this build, and it is really fun! The great shield took longer than I expected to farm, but it was easy to do using the starter halberd to stagger the knight. The whole set looks really cool. I'd love to see a follow up for mid-late game gear in this style if possible!
This has been patched, but if you want a similar experience, the next best thing is fingerprint shield+great spears combined with the green turtle talisman and the tear that boosts stamina recovery, having lots of stamina is also helpful
Nice indeed! Don't forget to equip the Greatshield Talisman too so you can get zero stamina on blocking even without Barricade Shield. Also please see my other guide here for MAX Tanking: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iLCIFe9h6zc.html
I’m having so much fun with this build! I made a Spartan (a Sparta Greek god with shield & spear lol) and the build fits it perfectly! Thanks 🙏 THIS IS SPARTA!!!
@@kayman4828 By Greek god I mean he looked so good that it’s Greek god level, now stop whining and leave me alone with your nonsense. Btw you just assumed it’s Leonidas but I never even mentioned he’s name, I’m just saying it’s about Sparta…you know the Greeks!?? . You completely missed the point.
Glad to help and have fun! Samurai can also work, actually, it doesn't matter that much outside of starting stats. Uchigatana is a great starter weapon but we need thrusting ones to attack with shield, so spear or rapier. Thank you for the support.
@@cRPGBro Aye Start Samurai for DW Katana, But didn't find it fun at all. I use the Rapier I got after complete Storm Veil Castle. Have to go get the poison ash of war and see if I can put it on it. (that my plan any way) Even before upgrade it, It hit like a truck... I am building for 48 strength for "Ghiza Wheel Fingerprint Stone Shield with Shield Barrier" i hope to get late game, Look so cool i think !!! All so looking for "Godskin Stitcher with Chilling Mist (Cold)" and Antspur Rapier with Poison Moth Flight(Poison) i see a video from someone using this set up and look crazy fun :-) Kinddly.
Thank you so much! I have never beaten any souls boss before this. But with this starting build I have beaten several optional bosses! Edited: even with the nerf to barricade, I'm still loving the build
Nice work and glad I could help! Even post Barricade Nerf, it's still a perfectly viable build indeed. I also talk about some alternatives in my pinned comment or also my Patch 1.03 video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FxJ1-9pE5p0.html
@@cRPGBro does the rune farming from the sleeping dragon still work? That's next in my to do list. Might have to get magic shield from sellena. Also any advice to advance to mid-end game? Or is this build viable till end game?
Thank you! The Headless Knight doesn't have the best drop chances indeed, which is why I went with one super close to a Grace. I recommend you use Silver Pickled Fowl Foot consumables which are craftable, for a big increase to drop chances. You can also get the Gilded Greatshield from the shield & spear Knight at the Gatefront Ruins if you prefer, although it has higher STR requirement.
@@nagginsnuggets9424 Glad to hear it! I also have an updated version of this build for Mid & Late Game here, you definitely want to get Fingerprint Shield later on: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Glad I was able to help! I also have an updated Mid & Late Game version of this Shield Build here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Thank you, and really glad I could help! This is more for shield turtling/poking, but the infamous machinegun can work too with that OP Erdtree Shield, though you cannot get Barricade Shield on it.
Starting a brand new character. What do you think is the optimal starting class for this build. I want to take this build then progress it into your big dmg mitigation build.
Vagabond is the most solid in my opinion. You have great stats all around, nothing is wasted! Golden Seed is a very good Keepsake too for the beginning.
Shield + Spear really makes for a very fun and effective playstyle! I also have an update for this Build more focused on Mid & Late game here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
Glad to help! Shields are really fun in Elden Ring. I also have a more up to date Shield Build here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3CN852mQY2Q.html
The knight at 7:18, I had to cheese him. Fought him several 5imes. Down to just one hit left to finish him and he'd get me. So I thought, if I can get above him, shoot down with arrows and the 3 rock spell, I might beat him. There's a structure on it's side next to the road. I climbed up there and started throwing the stone spell at him. It was fun. Sometimes he'd come up at me only to go over the edge. Took me 3 tries this way, but I got him. I swear they put these things in the game for this purpose. LoL!
Yeah, the Knight can be troublesome at the start, since we don't have no stamina cost Barricade Shield yet, but with Turtle Shield it's certainly doable.
I didn't know that raising the Eclipse shield to 6 would increase its guard boost. thanks so much for this! does the shield poke mechanic work on halberds that have thrust animations on their L1? I'm currently using Dragon Halberd on my END build
Eclipse also has the "hidden" +50 to resistances, pretty good too when it comes to avoiding most status ailments! I don't believe Halberds will work with Shield Pokes, the ones I tested at least did not work, but I could be wrong. They have to be Thrusting Weapons, so either Rapiers or Spears for example.
@@cRPGBro great video but I have a question, it looks like my barricade shield runs out too quickly is this normal and I just have to pay attention and constantly re apply it?
@@Squitwort448 It does not have very high duration, so you do indeed need to reapply it often. But the cast is almost instant, FP cost is low, and you raise your shield to block whenever you cast it anyways. Also, you can notice it's working either from your shield glow effect, or an icon beneath your character HP/FP bars.
Night Cavalry can be somewhat tough so early, sometimes it's better to walk alway a bit while holding shield as to avoid the horse stomp + overhead attacks! Thankfully we have the Cross Naginata for range. I also have an updated Mid & Late game of this Guide here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
@@cRPGBro I been trying without the Spear because I'm 5 off from the str I need to use it. I don't may grab Radagon Soreseal to equip it though not fond of the thought of taking more dmg from him when he already rekts me in a few and sometimes two good heavy hits. I was trying to use the mace from the carriage south of him for the bleed but it doesn't do much. And I actually do well against mostly on horseback cause on the ground dude so hard to hit (I guess without a spear). And he is in and out and the parry alot of times don't reach him fast enough. And most his attacks break my guard to easily...all but the light attack he does when he does a regular little swing from side of horse which isn't as common as I would hope. He much rather do heavy hits or running in out and doing over head heavy hits his a pain lol. I'm to used to casters I guess, haven't played a melee class yet. Horseback can sat I honestly if I had more levels and gear would beat him easily. Just now I have to be perfect and hit him a hundred times vs him hitting me like 2-4x for kill. I will get him eventually 😆
Got this build running, shield still loses stamina on block even with barricade and plus 7 but I'm still having fun as a heavy playthrough never got this build to work. Big part of your playstyle is positioning and stamina management.
Hi there! Glad to hear you're having fun. It's just that there's been a LOT of Shield Nerfs ever since this build was released. I'm just waiting for the Shadow of Erdtree DLC coming very soon to finally update it!
No problem, glad to be of help! Do note that the duration has been decreased as of Patch 1.03, so for the longer battles like against bosses, you have to take a bit more care when it comes to activating your skill.
I love this style of fighting, I'm currently using it and I love it, I just wanted to ask you about the Ash of War, did you use ice when climbing? because it is the only one that gives the ice passive but it no longer scales in STR
I did use Ice indeed. Because the Frost effect is very powerful, due to the bleed like effect of reducing enemy's HP based on their total, and also the super useful debuff to their defenses!
@cRPG Bro thx bro, 🤟🏻 if you can show how to continue assign your points, I mean Str or Dex for more dmg, I ask be because when you use Ice the weapon scale better on Dex
You're welcome, and thank you for the support! I also have an updated Mid & Late Game Guide for this build here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html That shows you can easily defeat even the superboss of the game with it!
So as someone who came to this build cause I'm pretty dumb and was having zero fun with what I was doing previously, what's gonna wind up being my long-term stat priority? Just more vigor and endurance? What's the priority for damage then, since the naginata's scaling gets too complicated for a dumb like me to keep track of?
You'll be pumping up STR quite a bit, for me it was to first get to 36 for the Gilded Greatshield in early game. From there, I used an ash of war to give my lance the heavy scaling. From there, You want to go Vig and End. Nothing too fancy, you have a lot of equip load so late game becomes more about finding sets of armor you really like since you can equip anything. Might try investing some points into faith just for some buffs.
All i can say is wow! This is amazing. I finally fully commited to it and now im having so much fun. Battles can still be hard, which is fine, but suddenly im taking down bosses like a boss!
Glad to help 😁 Also please check out my Updated version of this guide for Mid & Late Game here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AYAK4DUE68.html
This is a cool guide, the only addition i wouldve loved is late game prospects / new game+ I want to play like this for my New game+ but you always say the naginata + crest shield is insane early game. But i have a character that can go anywhere on the map and beat any enemy in my non NG+ save still so is there a better speer / shield i can get before heading into NG+ ? Also stat distribution would be nice to know once u hit threshholds for wielding your equipment ? guess some endurance, 40/60 vigor and full strength / dex depending on the weapon ?