Vanguard

The Vanguard is a frontline bruiser of the Frozen Highlands, appearing in six regions. With 72 health — high for a standard enemy — and a poise of 100, it soaks up punishment that would flatten lesser mobs. Its single melee attack deals 10 physical damage, modest for its bulk, and its movement speed of 385 is sluggish, so it lumbers toward you rather than charging.

Like several of its neighbors, it resists melee damage by 20% while taking +50% from lightning. Meeting it head-on with a sword is the slowest possible kill; lightning-charged weapons, shock artifacts, or any lightning enchanting turn its bulk against it. Ranged lightning builds are ideal, since its slow advance gives you plenty of time to work.

Each vanguard drops 8 souls. You will meet them around Archie's Ruins, Fortress Backgate, the Frozen Fortress, Frozen Shipyard, Highland Cliffs, and the Ice Caves. Treat them as the wall of any mixed pack: shock them down from range while faster threats like the Vindicator get your attention first. Even with the lightning bonus, their 72-health pool takes a while to chew through, so keep your distance and let the shocks accumulate.