Overview
The spear is ranked S-tier across multiple community tier lists, and for good reason. It is one of the fastest weapons in Crimson Desert while still offering meaningful reach, and its knockdown moves give it genuine crowd control value. The spear build for Kliff revolves around Counter Stance, a defensive ability so forgiving and powerful that many players consider it the strongest single skill in the game. Once you unlock it at Armed Combat level 3, the spear transforms from a solid poke weapon into a defensive powerhouse that automatically punishes incoming attacks.
The Rhinard Cannon spear build adds a ranged component to this setup. The Rhinard Cannon's projectile attack lets you fire a shot mid-combo, giving you options at range without switching to a bow. The result is a build that excels at both reactive defense through Counter Stance and aggressive pressure through stab combos and ranged shots.
Recommended Weapons
Spears are classified as two-handed weapons. The table below covers the key spears available throughout the game.
Weapon | ATK | How to Obtain | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13 | CRIT Lv. 1 | Found during early story progression | Primary choice for the spear build. Refineable to Tier 4. has a ranged projectile attack via the Stab button combination. Comes with Destruction I and Swift I Abyss Gears. | |
14 | 5 Abyss Gear Slots | Craft at Blacksmith (Iron Ore x7, Copper Ore x3) or find as world loot | Slightly higher ATK than Rhinard. Requires the crafting manual "Two Handed Weapons of the World Vol. 1" to unlock the recipe. Five Abyss Gear slots allow heavy customization. | |
Varies | Varies | Found during exploration | Alternative option found as world loot. | |
Varies | Varies | Found during exploration | Late-game alternative with unique visual design. | |
Varies | Varies | Found during exploration | Named spear variant found through world exploration. |
The Warspike Spear is the stronger option for endgame scaling because of its five Abyss Gear slots, while the Rhinard Cannon is the easier setup for early and mid-game play with its built-in ranged attack.
Counter Stance (Evasive Slash)
Counter Stance is the defining ability of the spear build and the main reason spears are ranked S-tier. It is unlocked through the Armed Combat skill at level 3 as the Evasive Slash ability. While other weapon types get a simple backstep-slash when using Evasive Slash, the spear transforms it into a defensive stance that lasts as long as your Stamina holds.
How It Works
Input: R1 + Circle (PlayStation) or RB + B (Xbox)
Activation: Kliff enters a defensive stance. While in this stance, he automatically counterattacks any incoming strike without requiring precise timing.
First counter: A wide horizontal swing that pushes enemies backward and creates space.
Second counter: A powerful repeated thrust that staggers enemies, opening them to follow-up combos.
Duration: The stance lasts as long as you have Stamina. Higher Stamina stat investment directly extends how long you can maintain it.
Why It Is So Strong
Far more forgiving than standard parries (L1/LB). You do not need to time the button press; the stance auto-counters.
Negates damage that a regular block cannot handle, particularly from larger enemies and heavy boss attacks.
The wide area-of-effect on the counter swing hits multiple enemies simultaneously.
Works against most bosses in the game, making it a reliable fallback when you are struggling with a fight.
Essential Skills
Stamina Tree (Primary)
Skill | Priority | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Essential | Level 3 unlocks Evasive Slash, which becomes Counter Stance with the spear. This is the single most important unlock for the entire build. | |
Essential | Quick thrust with bleed. When chained after the basic R1 triple thrust, it unleashes a rapid six-thrust assault that is nearly guaranteed to break any standard enemy's guard. | |
Tactical Stab | High | Enhanced version of Stab. Enables the projectile attack input for Rhinard Cannon. |
High | Gap-closing power slash. Chains naturally from stab combos for continuous pressure. | |
High | The Blinding Flash Finisher provides high burst damage as a combo opener. Consumes Spirit. | |
Moderate | Spinning overhead strike that sends enemies flying. Triggers almost instantly when chained from other abilities. Provides crowd control and pushback. | |
Moderate | Area-of-effect ground slam. Use when surrounded by multiple enemies for crowd control. |
Spirit Tree
Skill | Priority | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Essential | Unlocks Parry, Dodge, and Counter. While Counter Stance handles most defensive needs, Keen Senses gives you additional options for attacks that Counter Stance cannot cover. | |
Moderate | Defense-reducing unarmed strikes. The three-hit combo at level 3 knocks enemies down, creating an opening for spear follow-ups. |
Health Tree
Skill | Priority | Effect |
|---|---|---|
Moderate | Traversal skill. Grants Aerial Maneuver for long-distance movement. |
Recommended Armor
The Canta Plate Set is recommended for its accessibility upon reaching Hernand and its combination of defense and attack stats.
Slot | Piece | |
|---|---|---|
DEF 3 | ||
DEF 6, Abyss Gear: Vitality I | ||
DEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd 1 | ||
Boots | DEF 3, ATK 13, ATK Spd 1 | |
Cloak | DEF 3, Ice Res 3 | |
Necklace | ATK 1 |
Abyss Cores
The spear build benefits from a mix of offensive and defensive Abyss Cores. Since Counter Stance handles much of your defense automatically, you can lean more toward damage.
Core Type | Effect | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Increases attack power | Directly increases the damage of your stab combos and counter swings. Top priority for the offensive side of the build. | |
Increases attack speed | Faster stab chains mean more hits per opening. Comes pre-loaded on the Rhinard Cannon. | |
Increases defense | Provides a safety net for moments when Counter Stance drops. Slot this on armor. | |
Creates lava eruptions beneath enemies | Area damage that pairs well with the spear's crowd control. Obtained from Myurdin in Chapter 7. |
Stat Allocation
Stamina (5+ points): Directly controls Counter Stance duration. Higher Stamina means you can hold the stance longer, which translates to more automatic counters before needing to recharge. This is the most important stat for the spear build.
Health (4+ points): Survivability against bosses. Even with Counter Stance, some attacks will get through.
Spirit (3+ points): Powers Blinding Flash Finisher and Nature's Echo. Lower priority because Counter Stance does not consume Spirit.
Combat Rotation
Defensive (Counter-Focused)
Enter Counter Stance (R1 + Circle / RB + B) and wait for enemies to attack.
Let the auto-counter trigger: first a horizontal swing, then a stagger thrust.
Once enemies are staggered, follow up with Stab chains for maximum damage.
Re-enter Counter Stance when enemies recover and begin attacking again.
Aggressive (Combo-Focused)
Open with Blinding Flash Finisher for burst damage and stun.
Chain the basic R1 triple thrust into Stab for a six-thrust assault that breaks guards.
Follow up with Forward Slash to chase retreating enemies.
Use Turning Slash when enemies cluster together for knockback crowd control.
Fire the Rhinard Cannon projectile (Stab button combo) at range when you need distance.
Mounted Combat
The spear's reach makes it one of the strongest weapons for mounted combat. When fighting from horseback, the spear's thrust attacks have excellent forward coverage and the long weapon lets you hit enemies that shorter weapons would miss. The lance-style charges available on horseback deal high impact damage against enemy groups.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
Counter Stance is the most forgiving defensive tool in the game | Counter Stance drains Stamina continuously while active |
One of the fastest weapon types with meaningful reach | Lower burst damage per individual hit compared to greatswords |
Strong crowd control through knockdown moves | Rhinard Cannon projectile is useful but not a substitute for a dedicated ranged weapon |
Excellent mounted combat performance | Two-handed weapon means no shield equipped simultaneously |
Stab combo breaks enemy guards reliably | Requires Armed Combat level 3 before the build truly comes online |
Tips
Level Stamina first. Counter Stance duration scales directly with your Stamina pool, making it the most impactful stat investment for this build.
The R1 triple thrust into Stab combo is nearly guaranteed to break any standard enemy's guard. Practice this chain until it becomes second nature.
Counter Stance works against most bosses. If you are struggling with a boss fight, try entering Counter Stance and letting the auto-counters do the work.
Keep a secondary one-handed sword and shield for situations where you need sustained blocking rather than counter timing.
The Warspike Spear's five Abyss Gear slots make it the better endgame choice despite the Rhinard Cannon's built-in ranged attack. Craft it once you have the materials and manual.