Phalanx Build
rating: +7+–x
Build summary A Dextrous tank who wields the fabled Tower Shield(sL 125)
Recommended starting class(es) Temple Knight
Recommended Soul Level

Recommended stats (Leave at default (**) if not raised)
Vitality 40
Will/Intelligence 18
Endurance 48
Strength 30
Dexterity 40
Magic **
Faith 16
Luck **
Recommended equipment

Armor

  • Assassin’s mask
  • Black Leather Armor
  • Black Leather Gloves
  • Black Leather Boots

Unfortunately, this build requires that every unit of weight be spared such that your character can properly roll. Therefore, heavier armor cannot be used. While the Black Leather Set does not have much protection, it carries no penalty to stamina regeneration.

Weapons and Such

  • R1- Quality Winged Spear+5
  • R2- Quality Estoc+5
  • L1- Tower Shield+5
  • L2- Talisman of Beasts

This is my preferred set because the two right-handed weapons exploit the protection of the Tower Shield. The winged spear has great range and solid damage. The estoc has less range than the spear, however it is quicker, consumes less stamina per attack, and has greater backstab damage. All quality weapons work with these attributes.

Rings (when in soul form)

  • Eternal Warrior’s Ring
  • Cling Ring

Rings (when in body form)

  • Eternal Warrior’s Ring
  • Clever Rat's Ring: Hyper-Mode phalanx can be a very effective strategy
Recommended spells/miracles

Spells and Miracles

  • Curse weapon
  • Second Chance
Gameplay tips and progression

Gameplay Tips

  • Player versus Environment

Pros
This build works great in PvE, especially for newer players who are trying to scope out unexplored and dangerous terrain. The high hit resistence of the Tower Shield provides a feeling of comfort in the hecteck world of Boletaria and its surrounding areas. Being able to roll properly, and also tuck behind a large iron door while stabbing any foe's you might come across is a good feeling.

Cons
There are two things I must stress.
1. If you see an enemy using magic, dodge. The Tower Shield will only block 60% of magic damage.

2. Keep an eye out for your stamina bar. If you run out stamina, the entire foundation of your defense (Blocking) is in jepardy. I had this problem alot when I started playing DS. I would say,"What the hell! Why can't I block?…Oh, out stamina -_- " And then proceed to get mauled by a demon. If you are running out of stamina while engaged with an opponent, roll away and regenerate your energy!

  • Player versus Player

Ok folks, the moment you have all been waiting for! In PvP, this build set-up is difficult to dial in without some practice.

Pros
The build matches up well against Uber weapon users. The typical method of dealing with the Great Axe and DBS is to dodge and attack. However, this build offers the ability to actually BLOCK rather than dodge uber weapon attacks without being knocked down or having next to nothing left in the stamina bar.

Firestorm Jumpers…Yep, they exist. Don't know how there is any excitement from that kinda of playstyle but whatever. The reason I bring them up is because this builds kicks their butt ^_^ If you invade and immediately see a firestorm loading up, hold up the shield and you will not get knocked down and will only take poultry amount of damage. If you do encounter jumpers (which you will) take out the estoc and fish for a backstab.

Not neccessarily PvP, but when helping out somebody as a blue phantom to take down a boss, you can be called upon to take all the attacks while other players use ranged attacks. Using the Ring of the Accursed will allow other player's to play very aggressively while you serve as the main "battletank" and let the Tower Shield absorb all incoming damage. This is especially useful in 1-4.

Cons
I have three rules for PvP with the phalanx
One, don't give up a back stab.
Two, don't let your opponent backstab you.
Three,don't not not let your opponent backstab you!

In my experience, backstabs are the achilles' heel of this set-up. Proper spacing and well timed attacks will take care of this problem.

Well there ya have it! Have fun <(^_^)>

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