The Fighter is one of the most popular and effective starter vocations in Dragon’s Dogma 2, offering a mix of offense and defense while excelling as the group’s frontline tank. This guide will break down everything you need to know about playing a Fighter efficiently, from mastering your shield and managing stamina to selecting the best skills, augments, and equipment. Whether you’re new to the game or refining your playstyle, these insights will help you maximize your effectiveness in combat.

---

The Role of the Fighter

The Fighter’s primary role is to tank enemies, draw aggro, and protect allies. By positioning yourself between threats and your team’s squishier members (such as Archers and Mages), you ensure they can attack uninterrupted. While Fighters can deal decent damage, their main job is to stay alive and control enemy movement.

If you’re creating a Fighter character from scratch, consider making them larger and taller for two reasons:

1. Higher Carry Capacity – Allows you to wear heavier armor while maintaining mobility.
2. Increased Knockback Resistance – Reduces the chances of being thrown around by enemy attacks.

Best Pawn Pairings:

• Mage (Healing and support buffs)
• Archer (Provides ranged assistance while staying safe behind you)
• Another Fighter or Warrior (If you want a frontline-heavy team)

---

Weapon Choices: Sword vs. Mace

Fighters wield swords or maces alongside a shield:

• Swords deal slashing damage, effective against unarmored enemies.
• Maces deal strike damage, useful against skeletons and heavily armored foes.
• Shields can also deal strike damage when used for bashing.

A sword + shield setup provides versatility—allowing you to slash enemies while using shield bashes for strike damage.

---

Mastering Your Shield and Blocking Techniques

Blocking is a fundamental skill for Fighters. However, simply holding block isn’t enough—you must also position yourself correctly. If an attack hits your back or side, you will take full damage.

Key Blocking Tips:

• Manually Adjust Your Shield Direction – While holding block, press B (or Circle) and move the left stick to reposition your shield without dropping your guard.
• Be Aware of Stamina Consumption – Each blocked hit drains stamina, with powerful attacks consuming more. Running out of stamina results in guard break, leaving you exposed.
• Do Not Hold Block Indefinitely – Fighters do not recover stamina while blocking. Find safe moments to release your shield and regain stamina.
• Parrying Exists – With core Fighter skills, perfectly timing your block just before an attack connects can parryenemies, stunning them and opening counterattacks.

---

Stamina Management: Avoiding Guard Break

Stamina is crucial for blocking, sprinting, and skill usage. Here’s how to manage it properly:

• Avoid Sprinting Before Combat – Running into battle with low stamina makes you vulnerable.
• Don’t Overuse Skills – Regular attacks don’t consume stamina, so mix in normal and heavy attacks to recover stamina.
• Take Advantage of Stamina-Augmenting Gear – Use Rings of Accrual or stamina-enhancing augments to improve efficiency.
• Equip Only Necessary Armor – Heavier armor increases stamina drain. If you block effectively, you don’t need the heaviest armor.

---

Best Fighter Skills

A Fighter can equip four active skills at a time. Below are the most effective ones:

1. Blink Strike / Burst Strike (Upgraded)
   • Your go-to gap-closing skill. Quickly gets you into melee range or helps you dodge AoEs like dragon breath.
   • Must-have for positioning and offense.
2. Shield Bash / Shield Pummel (Upgraded)
   • Delivers strike damage, perfect against skeletons.
   • Knocks down enemies, setting them up for finishing blows.
   • Great for crowd control.
3. Airward Slash / Cloudward Slash (Upgraded)
   • Helps Fighters attack flying enemies.
   • Useful against harpies and wyverns when no ranged allies are present.
   • Can also hit enemy weak points on large foes (like a Cyclops’ head) without climbing.
4. Flawless Guard (Upgraded)
   • A lifesaver in tough fights—breaks you out of stagger lock if multiple enemies are pummeling you.
   • Deals minor AoE damage while spinning your shield.
   • Excellent for staying in control.

Situational Skills:

• Shield Summon – Essential for Fighter pawns to hold aggro.
• Springboard – Launches allies onto enemies or ledges for strategic positioning.

---

Augments: What to Prioritize

Augments enhance passive abilities and can be carried over when changing vocations. For Fighters, these are the best options:

• Exaltation (Mage) – Increases stamina recovery speed.
• Endurance (Archer) – Increases maximum stamina.
• Fortitude (Fighter) – Boosts defensive stats.
• Tenacity (Warrior) – Reduces stamina consumption.
• Mettle (Fighter) – Increases knockback resistance.

To acquire these augments, temporarily play other vocations until they are unlocked, then apply them to your Fighter.

---

Equipment and Gear Tips

Unlike Dark Souls, gear in Dragon’s Dogma 2 has clear quality tiers—upgrading armor and weapons makes a significant difference.

• Shields and Weapons Matter Most – Prioritize investing gold into them.
• Heavier Armor Isn’t Always Better – If you block effectively, prioritize stamina-friendly gear over maximum defense.
• Upgrade Equipment Regularly – Use blacksmiths to enhance weapons and armor. Initial upgrades only cost gold, but later ones require monster materials.
• Manage Carry Weight – Avoid equipping items that push you into Heavy or Overburdened status.

Best Rings:

• Ring of Accrual (+10kg Carry Weight)
• Ring of Stamina Recovery (Faster Stamina Regen)
• Ring of Health Boost (Increases Max HP)

---

Final Tips for Fighter Mastery

• Practice Perfect Blocking – This reduces stamina consumption while stunning enemies.
• Time Your Shield Skills – Avoid spamming them; use them strategically.
• Be Aggressive, But Not Reckless – Balance offense, defense, and stamina usage.
• Use Party Commands – Direct your pawns with Go, Wait, To Me, or Help to maintain battlefield control.
• Be Aware of the Environment – Use ledges, walls, and objects to your advantage in fights.

By following these guidelines, your Fighter will not only survive in Dragon’s Dogma 2 but thrive as the backbone of your party. Whether leading the charge against hordes of enemies or standing firm against powerful foes, mastering the Fighter will make you an indispensable asset in battle!