Let's cut to the chase: in the brutal, shadow-drenched world of Elden Ring Nightreign, you either become the bullet sponge or become bullet decoration. And holy moly, after 200+ hours of getting my feathers ruffled, I can confidently say Guardian isn't just a tank – he's the whole damn armory with wings. This majestic bird-brained warrior became my main faster than you can say "Why is everything trying to kill me?" If you enjoy laughing in the face of death while occasionally playing hero, Guardian’s your spirit animal. Or spirit bird. Whatever. 🦅

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Abilities: Where Bird Meets Battle

Guardian’s kit is like a three-course meal of “I ain’t going down easy” – simple but oh-so-satisfying when you’re mashing buttons like a caffeine-crazed raccoon.

  • Passive: Steel Guard

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This bad boy turns Guardian into a walking fortress. Sure, you trade sprinting for “please-hit-me-harder” energy, but man, does it feel good to shrug off boss swings like they're mosquito bites. Personally? I’m a two-handed weapon junkie (who needs defense when you have DPS?), but for shield enthusiasts, this passive is chef’s kiss. It’s like giving a tank… more tank. Revolutionary stuff, folks.

  • Character Skill: Whirlwind

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Honestly, Whirlwind is the middle child of skills – not as flashy as others, but hey, it gets the job done. Toss grunts into the stratosphere and bonk 'em when they land? Hilarious. Deflecting arrows like a medieval Jedi? Even better. But against big baddies? It’s like throwing confetti at a dragon. Cute, but kinda sad. Still, nothing beats the schadenfreude of watching imps fly.

  • Ultimate Art: Wings of Salvation

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This is where Guardian ascends from “good” to “OMG why isn’t everyone playing him?” Slam down for AOE carnage, then morph into a glowing safe zone for allies? Genius. But the real MVP move? Insta-reviving downed teammates. I’ve clutched so many near-wipes with this, I should charge for therapy. Pro tip: Hold R2 post-slam to flex your protective aura. Nothing says “I got you, bro” like a bird-man force field.

Best Weapons: Poke, Poke, Poke!

Guardian’s weapon philosophy is simple: find the pointiest stick and shove it where it hurts. Halberds are his soulmates, but variety is the spice of life (or death, in this case).

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Weapon Type Top Picks Why It Slaps
Halberds 🪓 - Gargoyle's Halberd

  • Nightrider Glaive

  • Loretta's War Sickle | Range for days, stagger city, and they just feel right. Upgrade whenever you find a shiny new one. |

| Wildcard ⚔️ | Godskin Stitcher | Faster pokes! It’s like a halberd on espresso. Perfect for impatient birds. |

Seriously, if you’re not using a halberd, are you even Guardian-ing? Though that Godskin Stitcher? Chef’s kiss for speed demons.

Relics: Because Even Birds Need Accessories

Relics are your build’s secret sauce, and Guardian’s starter slots (1 red, 2 yellow) are… fine. But let’s be real – his real power unlocks when you buy his goblet at Roundtable Hold for 2 blue + 1 green slots. Game. Changer.

  • Must-Have Relic: Night of the Baron (from the Gaping Jaw expedition). Boosts critical hits, charges your ultimate faster, and refills stamina post-crits. It’s like giving your bird steroids and an energy drink.

  • General Tips: Hunt for relics that:

  • ⚡ Charge Wings of Salvation faster (revives = wins).

  • 💥 Boost melee damage (grease synergies = chef’s kiss).

  • 🪙 Increase rune drops (more bling for your bird).

Without Night of the Baron, you’re basically flying economy class. With it? First-class feather suite.

Expedition Strategies: Tanking 101

Guardian’s expedition playbook is straightforward, but here’s how to avoid becoming fancy roadkill:

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  1. Be the Wall 🛡️: Highest HP in the game? Use it! Taunt bosses like it’s your job (it is). Your teammates will love you for eating hits meant for their squishy faces.

  2. Ultimate = Lifesaver, Not Nuke ✨: Wings of Salvation revives > damage. Save it for when Billy the Mage faceplants into lava. Trust me – they’ll owe you beers.

  3. Grease Up! 🔥: Hoard weapon grease like a dragon with gold. Match it to boss weaknesses and watch health bars melt.

  4. Charge Your R2! ⚡: That spinning halberd slash? It’s a stagger machine. Spam R1 all you want, but R2 is your “shut up and die” button.

Best Team Comps: Birds of a Feather

Guardian plays nice with others, but these two are match-made in the Lands Between:

  • Ironeye: The Eagle-Eyed Buddy

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Ironeye’s bow spam covers Guardian’s biggest weakness: flying enemies (ironic, I know). His Marking skill makes your halberd pokes hit like trucks, and Eagle Eye passive? Free loot radar! Together, you’re Batman and Robin if Batman were a bird and Robin had infinite arrows.

  • Executor: The High-Risk, High-Reward Maniac

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Executor deals bonkers bleed damage but dies if you sneeze near him. Enter Guardian: Wings of Salvation revives him faster than he can yell "LEEROOOOOY JENKINS!". It’s a beautiful symbiosis – he goes ham, you resurrect him. Rinse, repeat, profit. 🤝

Final Thoughts

Guardian isn’t just a character; he’s a lifestyle. Survive absurd damage? Check. Deal solid pain? Check. Revive allies like a feathery Jesus? Check. And let’s not forget – he’s a BIRD WITH A HALBERD. If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.

So what are you waiting for, Tarnished? Stop reading and start tanking! Grab Guardian, channel your inner avian overlord, and show Nightreign who’s boss. Your squad needs a hero – or at least a really big bird with a shield. Go clutch some wins! 🏆