How realistic are Goblin Slayer's weapons, armor and tactics?

[@GIJOE573]

"That sword is too long to use in a cave" 3 mins later... *picks up a spear*

[@jaxonlyman7445]

swords are slashy and spears are stabby

[@shadiversity]

@@onionring1531 The thing is, if you miss a thrust with a spear and the enemy closes the distance the shaft can do nothing but with a sword, even if you miss the thrust you can convert it into a sideways cut and you can also attack when pulling the blade back with a reverse draw cut. Swords don't need to be swung to cut, draw cuts are devastating. If room becomes an issue you can then half-sword and use the sword like a small double ended pole arm. He could do this while still having his targe strapped to his left arm. Also Goblin Slayer doesn't need to carry a torch in his other hand as he uses lanterns hung on his belt in later episodes to use a bow.

[@krishall9225]

Also, he sheaths the dead adventurer's blade and takes it with him.

[@ViolosD2I]

Yep I can see the reasoning with a big club and other things you need to swing, but ambushes aside, being in a long corridor where the enemy can only approach from the front makes a spear *very* effective.

[@Become-Eggplant]

That's why he threw it, also its a goblin spear, probably short. As for the sword from the dead adventurer, he uses a club instead of using it, saving it for later.

[@dragonmaster1500]

"Imagination is a weapon, those without it are the first to die" - Goblin Slayer Episode 2

[@vladtepes2667]

Lovely quote

[@Someone_Somewhere7]

Yeah

[@landlockedcroat1554]

*laughs in education system*

[@Chrono2254]

strategies always beat weapons

[@fakename2926]

B3ΛN more like, dies in education.

[@dogcesyng3210]

He seemed to be forgetting about cost. There is an ongoing thing that goblin quests are very poor paying, basically making him the only experienced adventurer who would take them. Another thing is that goblins take the gear n equipment of fallen victims n he is fearful if he uses enchanted gear n dies, he would just create over powerful goblins as the light novel has shown.

[@dogcesyng3210]

@manifestation of Gudako's insanity other than the fear that goblins may use his equipment, he also has multiple sets of gear 3 I believe the blacksmith mentioned. it also could just be a habit. Or he could be well off exactly because he is so cheap on himself

[@PCmor]

First thing I considered when he mentioned wearing one full breastplate. Could Goblin Slayer afford that? With the money he's paying for rent, for weapons, for potions and scrolls on what he's being paid, the more cost-efficient option might be several small plates layered over your mail rather than a full chest plate. I also think mobility when typically being outnumbered would be a factor.

[@nyalan8385]

There's the whole thing about not wanting to use high level gear because he could die and make strong goblins, but he's not poor. Goblin quests are quick and, even though they don't pay a lot, he does as many as possible and makes bank from it. He has multiple sets of his armor that are all exactly the same because iirc he wants his armor to feel familiar so it wont interfere with his muscle memory

[@_ftreiv5129]

It was also shown when the goblin lord got the broad axe from an adventurer and the goblin paladin stole the aluminum sword the noble adventurer had

[@steeljawX]

@@nyalan8385 Yep. He's a slayer satisfied with "good enough" and has sentimental attachment to equipment like the world audience had to characters in "Game of Thrones". When he's buying just good enough equipment (at least second hand and refurbished stuff) in bulk, he's got to be getting discounts, which is shown in the manga. I think there's a key point made in the show/story about how the grandiose heroes go out to slay the demon lord and fight dragons and are paid a ton per completed request, but there's still villages and settlements being erased by common "pawns" that other adventurers won't take seriously. I'm sure if you took his entire career history, Goblin Slayer has probably saved more individual villages and lives in his conquest against goblins than the entire populace of the main castle city the guild's at.

[@genovaz]

In world reasons why goblin slayer doesn't use bigger / magic weapons; 1 - killing dozens of goblins at a time slicks the weapon making it harder to handle 2- just because there MIGHT be room to swing a big weapon doesn't mean there always is. The adventurer in ep1 dies because he didn't account for the space. Smaller primary weapon means your muscle memory can't betray you. 3. Goblins are surprisingly capable of learning and adapting. He doesn't use a magic weapon in case they get their hands on it. This plays into the fact that he often discards his weapon if it is more opportunistic to pick one up. 4. They're heavy. Fighting dozens of goblins swinging a heavy weapon causes fatigue faster. He's used to fighting entire groups by himself - and he does so PRIMARILY with speed and intelligence by baiting them into traps and using tactics to nullify their numbers advantage. Bigger weapons take more energy to use, limit his mobility, and his ability to employ stealth. 5. They're goblins- he doesn't need a magic sword or an especially expensive weapon to kill them quickly. And killing goblins in a melee more effectively isn't worth limiting himself to having to mind his weapon. 6. They're expensive. the reward for goblin quests is low/ sometimes non existent. His priority is keeping his armor maintained, he can't afford to also maintain an expensive weapon that he's constantly using on dozens of bodies at a time.

[@michaelbesser5348]

Also, I'd be afraid of being ambushed from behind, given I'd basically be diving head first into the goblin's home. I'd want a smaller weapon to be able to adapt to goblins from pretty much any given direction without fear of hitting a cave wall or something.

[@fabio4817]

He also bring a small shield because its unexpected on what you will find in a adventure on goblins because in a cave with only goblins a big shield is... you know really heavy and takes more energy then a small one... Edit: i mean small goblins

[@noobmango2573]

I guess I late to writting a comment like that

[@BloodyNightmare1991]

@shadiversity THIS *points up* Everything I wanted to say in rebuttal to your argument, articulated perfectly.

[@dyingearth]

Goblin Slayer also FULLY expects to die to Goblins eventually. He has no intention of giving them anything that can give them an advantage over other adventurers.

[@weaponizedpizza8825]

I think I just realised why goblin slayer doesn't learn magic. Sure, the world is plagued by vancian magic which makes it unreliable on long campaigns, but healing magic seems like it'd still be extremely useful on the side. The real reason: Casting spells would require concentration. Concentration on something other than killing GAAAWBLINS. Of course he'd never pick up magic.

[@coreypatterson5827]

It's also something he has no talent for, by his own admission. Magic requires not just training, but an innate "knack" that determines your spells-per-day limit, among other things. Note that anything more than 2 spells in a day is considered exceptional in that world.

[@weaponizedpizza8825]

@@coreypatterson5827 Huh, I didn't know that was explained.

[@PK_Scratch]

@@weaponizedpizza8825 one of the best part of Goblin Slayer is it's strong internal consistency. Everything Goblin Slayer does is usually always due to a very well thought out reason. And of course the magic system is very consistent and hard limited, so "just use magic" is a very limited option.

[@redlord8438]

if he takes the time to cast a spell, that brief lapse in concentration could get him killed, unless he had his party members with him

[@bigmalalls6637]

Abridged anyone?

[@66Roses]

"That's almost overkill." Which would be completely in-character for him.

[@Jotunn96]

When it comes to goblins there is no such thing as overkill to him

[@typowynieogar]

Please, he even dropped the ceiling in order to kill goblins, so in terms of overkill, he can easily rival witcher in their way of killing monsters

[@Jotunn96]

@@typowynieogar I'll believe that when he drinks poison to do it

[@typowynieogar]

@@Jotunn96 well, goblins dont eat adventures, at the very least not that fast for the poison to work, also witcher dont drink poison but potions so potent that they are getting poisoned

[@Jotunn96]

@@typowynieogar Technically it is poison, it's just that the mutations cause witchers to have a higher tolerance for it than humans.

[@dynamo6439]

Remember: Goblin Slayer doesn’t use one reliable sword or weapon because he doesn’t want the goblins to get it. He plans ahead that he will die fighting goblins, so he doesn’t want them to take a strong weapon from his corpse and use it.

[@dyingearth]

The Goblin Lord at the end of the first novel got his great axe from a party that wiped. And it posed a genuine threat against Goblin Slayer.

[@straypaper]

Another reason is because goblins attack in hordes. Having one blunt weapon means huge wind up time to gain the momentum, so it's basically suicide when you're outnumbered. So small, edged weapons are the go to, but due to their sheer numbers, there's the liability of edges being coated with blood or being stuck in bones. So you'd need multiple swords, but realistically you won't lug around a bag of swords, which is where GS's looting style comes in.

[@poggers4392]

@@straypaper its not that heavy and moving backwards is a thing.

[@poggers4392]

So does he want to kill goblins or not? His whole character trope just feels like some overcomplex suicide.

[@lornilula4213]

@@poggers4392 if he find a nest, he makes sure to kill all the goblin because if he retreat and meanwhile a goblin escapes, sooner or later it will multiply (it's implied that goblins multiply really fast). He has unhealthy obsession in killing goblins, yet has enough calm to make strategy to eradicate them.

[@philiphockenbury6563]

I’m going to bet that the reason he wants his helmet visor to be impossible to move is so that a goblin can’t move it off of his face in a struggle. The only magic item he has is a ring of water breathing because it doesn’t fit on a goblin finger. Dude is ultra paranoid.

[@musketsrule5541]

Philip Hockenbury he’s the ultimate tinfoil hat

[@philiphockenbury6563]

@@musketsrule5541 This is true. any who try to dispute the fact that Goblin Slayer is a "high" functioning mad man are wrong and should feel bad.

[@kanzi8466]

makes sense but i think he wears that helmet just because it's part of the armor set that he could afford right at the beginning of his adventuring career

[@GrinchAxel]

@@kanzi8466 Don't forget that part of the reason his reputation sucks (at series start anyway) is because he doesn't look the part of a silver rank adventure. Everyone at his rank has much better and expensive gear. Which is the point, because it's not a matter of if GS died, it was when. And dying with a full set of very flashy and durable gear? it would only benefit his enemies when they inevitably took him down. So his gear is shit looking and "just good enough." for his purposes. Killing goblins.

[@tristanmagni9883]

While they may have changed the design for the manga and/or anime in one of the later novels it says that he moves his visor

[@naterivers6107]

8:10 It's explained in the prequal manga, Year One. On his first job, he has to buy cheap weapons to use and he finds that after after only a few swings they break and the swings quickly grow less effective as they get caked in blood, meat and hit bone. So he starts picking up weapons from the enemies out of just practicality. His unwillingness to now buy nicer weapons is just a reflection of this. Also, on the comment about the horns on his helmet. In Year One, he gets the helment brandnew with horns. They end up breaking off and he figures since they were useless to the functionality of the helmet, he wouldn't bother getting them repaired.

[@AimlessWandererSano]

Don't know if it was brought up yet but in the prequel manga, Goblin Slayer: Year One, they show his gear when it was pristine and it had the horns on the helmet. He almost got slaughtered when the Goblins grabbed the horns and used it to slam his head into the ground during his first solo fight against a small horde, breaking one off. Later on in another fight after surviving that one, he straight up breaks off the other horn and uses it to shank two of them I think. I think it's shown that if he ever needs to buy a new one, he gets the exact same one from the merchant and then cuts and files down the horns so as to not have a repeat.

[@andrewpenn1145]

That's awesome.

[@vaughnjohnson8767]

@@andrewpenn1145 that’s awesome

[@vaughnjohnson8767]

@Just a normal guy Hello there that’s awesome

[@vaughnjohnson8767]

@Just a normal guy Hello there You underestimate my power

[@vaughnjohnson8767]

@Just a normal guy Hello there well I can’t beat the crap out of you if I don’t

[@gregm4768]

"He never raises it and you never see his face." Goblin Slayer: This is the way.

[@germandragoon6p108]

This is the way

[@batmenbeyont7775]

This is the way

[@kylerivera3470]

No, not that way.

[@ChillBro.1]

He does raise it,and remove the helmet. So it's inaccurate on that.

[@BX--nq6gf]

The mandalorians lost to the republic, the separatists could never sink to such a low.

[@林家崴]

just one thing you got wrong, that the goblin slayer never uses a good, well forged weapon, nor the magic ones. the reason of this is he's afraid once he dies, goblin may take advantage of the weapon. this is the same reason why he don't keep notes, cuz if goblin gets the note, they learn from it. the least thing you want is a bunch of goblin with knowledge.

[@kev910]

This too. Remember the Goblin King’s battle axe?

[@林家崴]

@@kev910 yap, the battle axe used to belongs to adventurer too

[@Mutio86]

Yes, the adventurer was a Berserker and the Goblin Lord had his wife(?) or at least a woman he knew from what I can say and used her to get into his back and kill him and claim his powerful axe for himself. Isn't shown in the anime but in the manga.

[@Kimcirac]

also new and shiny weapons are more easy to detect by the goblins, they have excellent smell (new weapons) and are in dark caves, so any kind of shiny magic weapon is like asking to get swarmed.

[@CallieKou]

As well as the fact that a blade would become dull within 5 kills without taking proper care, and he doesn’t have time for that when he could be killing goblins

[@instantbeansoup]

"Goblin slayer's armor is a bit too fancy" Lol his armor is considered "poor man's armor, pathetic gears" in the anime

[@ryebread1736]

Very late message lmao. But yeah, his armor is considered a beginner's armor. And he doesn't change it because brand new armor would alert the goblins since the smell of freshly forged metal would make them follow you

[@instantbeansoup]

@@ryebread1736 he keeps the blood stain and all to blend in with the goblin nest atmosphere. And he's also kinda poor

[@booo8042]

@@instantbeansoup i mean he always fight goblins so that make sense

[@tommycat1993]

@@instantbeansoup he started poor, but slowly accumulated to be quite loaded. Remember those portal scrolls he asked to buy if available, even pay in advance, those aren’t cheap and the fee for the Witch to pre-connect it to the deep sea. It’s just his style to use cheap, dispoable equipment to fight goblins. He also didn’t take the Goblin lord’s axe (originally from the Barbarian), so i believe he never loot and use rare items, more like destroy those so the goblins can’t make use of them

[@nevermore7285]

That seems to come more from it not being magical and such and using no special materials, which makes it something not a fresh noob would be wearing but also not something a Silver ranked person would normally be wearing either.

[@brandondavidson4085]

Shadiversity: "How realistic are Goblin Slayer's weapons, armor, and tactics?" Me: "I don't know, I've never fought a goblin before."

[@justsomeguywithaplan971]

Well by height alone realistically if one rushed at you you could easily kick it into a wall if you aren’t in an enclosed space

[@shushimax8847]

Imagine if you fought a small child or miget

[@justsomeguywithaplan971]

Shushi Max KICK DA CHILD

[@landlockedcroat1554]

*green nekkers

[@matthewyang2543]

XD Though don't kick kids in real life, you look like a douchebag doing that 😅

[@korstmahler]

Goblin Slayer is that one player who remembers all the rulebooks verbatim but can't roleplay at all. Like his Character sheet is filled out perfectly but everything to do with his personality is just KILL GOBLINS in untidy all-caps.

[@gundam2600]

I'm sorry sir but I believe you misspelled the word: "GAAAWWBLINS" Sorry for the inconvenience.

[@VladTygr]

Anybody else think he could be played by Clint Eastwood?

[@edstringer1138]

@@VladTygr Clint son looks alot like old Clint

[@Frendh]

I am that one guy. Luckily there are people who do not mind.

[@andyknightwarden9746]

@@gundam2600 Here is some burnt money from my pocket. Buy... something nice.

[@fredward3410]

Goblin Slayer doesn't oil his swords, due to the fact that goblins have a heightened sense of smell.

[@lytuy7952]

And it IS a tech that goblins can use later on to attack humans. Their weapons are currently crude overall, but with oiling applied, it's going to be more effetive and the man just doesn't want to risk that chance.

[@RedSunUnderParadise]

I mean, you could provs synthesize oil from goblin parts, retaining the coated scent whilst keeping the blade useful.

[@RedSunUnderParadise]

@@H.M.Ot4ku But would they not lose out on their corrosive properties yet retain their scent if diluted?

[@justinhurwanto3566]

​@H.M.Ot4ku One thing you do need to consider is that oil, when exposed to oxygen for long enough, will start to oxidise, and sometimes even ACIDIFY. Both would be DETRIMENTAL to a sword.

[@joshuawells7415]

@@H.M.Ot4ku If he is willing to shell out for gasoline in episode one he can probably get his hands on unscented coatings like parafin wax.

[@genfox1g913]

I love goblin slayer as the MC is very unique and not overpowered and used skill, knowledge and experience to defeated goblins and not overwhelming force. We also see him get fatally injured multiple times and he uses dirty/cheap tactics which adds to the realism and not plot armour heavy protagonist we see in fantasy settings.

[@dudebro2638]

Also one of the few animes where he isn't the one to have to kill the demon lord. God that troupe is tiring.

[@arandomcrusader8822]

No no, he has plot armour Because if he dies, who will kill the goblins?

[@scpfilechildrenbarrow2212]

I love his tactics.

[@sixjhontongalamar979]

@@arandomcrusader8822 every character has plot armor in a sense that they can't "die" until their character fulfills certain acts. I mean, would an MC really die for the first scene of the first episode for no reason with no way to proceed the story? Might exist somewhere tho. (Even if they do there's a purpose to it for the story) As long as their "plot armor" is reasonable within that universe and not just some talk no jutsu or power of friendship bs or ex machina then I'm fine with it.

[@botdeveloper5194]

@@dudebro2638 do you know other similar anime?

[@zrytun6019]

Doom slayer: who the hell are you? Goblin slayer: I'm you but medieval.

[@KenithLemley]

Don't you mean *I'm you, But more Badass*

[@andermedievil]

@@KenithLemley no no no,goblin slayer is badass of course,but he cant compare to doom guy. after all,doom guy is a demigod if i remenber and goblin slayer is just a human.

[@andermedievil]

but if they for some otherworldly where to know each other,they would surely be good buddies.

[@jocosesonata]

Not to mention made Hell piss itself scared, and the only thing they can do is to force him into nap time and seal him away, and have their best demons to guard his sarcophagus so that no one can wake him.

[@andermedievil]

@@jocosesonata yeah but still those guard failed at their job and the humans awake him.

[@Raidenze]

If I remember correctly, the reason he never wants to carry good weapons/equipment into a goblin lair is because he always assumes that he's going to lose that weapon eventually. Bringing a powerful enchanted weapon down there, losing due to whatever circumstances and even having it turned against him would be one of the worst ways to die, and he doesn't leave things to chance. Hence, he'd rather use a piss poor sword that might break after a couple of uses and just switch weapons along the way.

[@piemaster831]

That's actually a big thing about his character. It's implied that it's almost a DnD game with the gods as players (a-la the color of magic). He doesn't let them roll the dice.

[@emanueltorres894]

Goblin Slayer: I don't let the Gods roll the dice. DnD player: f#*/ you! Goblin Slayer: Loser.

[@Ocean_Lord_derpfish]

he's also anticipating that if he die fighting goblin he doesn't want his magic enchanted gear stolen by the goblin from his body....

[@izharihermawan2763]

You can see king goblin for example, is worst to bring powerfull weapon at goblin cave

[@chaddusmaximus643]

Why did he not give it curse of vanishing

[@wamengxiong0409]

"Just don't be outnumbered" Goblin Slayer: "...impossible"

[@MrDibara]

"Just don't be outnumbered." Young lone adventurer: ".... (gulp)" Goblins: _"WHERE THE HOOD, where the hood, where the hood AT~?"_

[@emanueltorres894]

"...And if you are out numbered, DO NOT GET SUROUNDED!"

[@camaradearthur3531]

I'm one goblin slayer, and you are 10 goblins. Which mean you are outnumbered by me filthy GAAAABLIIINS

[@babybrown7953]

I feel thrusting a long sword in close space with ya know 15 goblins would be ineffective

[@maximumdon7637]

That’s why GS doesn’t like to fight pitched battles on open plains. Unless he has to hunt wanderers who haven’t found a nest. But they’re typically weak and few in number. In a cave, he’s got a bottleneck that he can take on even hundreds of goblins with. One kill at a time, and he will be done eventually, no matter the numbers.

[@gamegeekage]

The shield is for being able to hold a torch and have his hand free if necessary. Also better to have a shield when fighting multiple opponents, especially since they DO use blunt weapons like clubs etc.

[@Ildskalli]

Not to mention that a targe is relatively slim and unobtrusive. I wouldn't like to be in a tight corridor wielding a heater shield, with that obnoxious pointy bit ready to get caught in the first obstruction.

[@gamegeekage]

@@Ildskalli Yeah, and he also sharpened his targe, so it acts as an off-hand weapon and shield

[@LuisRamirez-ed1gt]

I AM FOR THE SHIELD, HOWEVER THE CLUBS WOULD NEVER DAMAGE THE ARMOR ENOUGH, EVEN WITH HUMAN STRENGTH. THE OGRES ARE TOO STRONG TO HAVE THE SHIELD HELP YOU.

[@gamegeekage]

@@LuisRamirez-ed1gt That's why he doesn't block when ogres attack and rather dodges when he can. The club would dent your armor eventually causing it to c4ack and be useless. His shield is small so it's easier to parry, rather than defend

[@Ildskalli]

​@@LuisRamirez-ed1gt I'm up for bashing your head in a helmet with a club, any day. Except, whoops, you'll probably get an awful concussion, and I'd be responsible for it. Helmets aren't made of magic. A strong enough blow to the head with a blunt object will cause a concussion, no matter the level of protection. And this goes for all body parts too, not just the head. It's one of the reasons why even knights clad in full plate carried shields.

[@24YOA]

Reason he uses lame weapons is so the goblins can't use them if he was to die at their hand. Goboins use improvised weapons or stolen equipment from the people they rob or murder. Likewise his armor is "cheap" (author's words) and too big for a goblin to use practically. Goblin Slayer approaches every quest as if it's a suicide mission and considers how his equipment, should he be killed, would be used by goblins.

[@deivynestrada7641]

I am glad you typed this down since it was the same thought I had. Gave you a like

[@albertonishiyama1980]

Actualy, goblin slayer's armor is pretty easy to a goblin to use. Its bigger, but its also easy to just "cut off" some scales and make it fit a smaller person. If the point was to "be impossible to a goblin to use" they should be in fullplate. Its nearly impossible to change its sizes without reforging, its tailor made (so neither the small goblins nor the really fat and almost monstruous hobigoblins would fit in a 1.80+ fit person's plate) and it requests a special undercloth to string all the parts togheter. A fullplate is MUCH harder to a goblin to use than the mail + scales of goblin slayer.

[@crowx5818]

@@albertonishiyama1980 Its not that GS wants it to be impossible for them to use, but instead that if he gets killed, the goblins would only be gaining shitty equipment insteas of a high quality one. Not to mention goblins come in different sizes, full plate may not fit most, but a hob is a different case.

[@ashchisalleh1454]

Same thing happened to tank in world war. They rather destroy it than give it to enemy to research. China vs Russia is prove.

[@Tamburo52]

Exactly what I was about to write. Nice job.

[@MrLamorso]

Since every character is named only by their Race and Class I'm really fond of the interpretation that the story is just a group of D&D players. The DM made a one-off bizarre character for them to interact with in a tavern: An adventurer who exclusively hunts goblins because seriously how funny is that. Unfortunately for said DM, the party got super attached to this character to the point where he feels the need to kill him off so that the story can continue but he can't because he keeps rolling D20s leading the DM to put the party in increasingly unwinnable situations all for the sake of killing the poor bastard.

[@SoftisNelaris]

Heard from someone else that the author based Goblin Slayer on a real D&D campaign.

[@dyingearth]

There are 2 canonical Gods of Goblin Slayer's world, and yes, they are indeed D&D players. The male God Truth who is a jerk who frequently sets up elaborate dungeons and set pieces and his co-player Illusion (female) who is sort of a noob. Priestess is supposed to be Illusion's avatar player, and in the initial party wipe, she's supposed to die due to how Truth sets the game. Goblin Slayer is just a unremarkable NPC that refuse to let anyone roll the dice, the tagline of the light novel (that extends to the Gods of the world, the players) and somehow managed to save Priestess. Illusion eventually went onto create her real avatar player The Chosen Heroine, whose adventure we kinda get a glimpse here and there).

[@ruyman90]

Goblin Slayer is the kind of that advanced player that knows how the games plays. Instead of rolling the dice he set traps and makes his enemies roll the dice in a disadvantage. (Group of Goblins) lets kill their leader so they become cowardly and make mistakes. (Dark cave in a straight line on a steep incline) lets run and make the trip on a trap we put earlier (big group attacking us) make them into a bottle neck and lets take them one by one.

[@Kodaiva]

well yeah the creator based it off one of his d&d campaigns

[@AirahsELL]

The thing is that the DnD campaign is happening, but it's about the chosen hero and the demon king. Goblin Slayer actually saved Hero from goblins when she was younger. Basically he is literally a flavor NPC in someone's backstory that is off doing his own thing apart from the campaign and gets mentioned a lot by everyone else out of character. In universe he actually is an anomaly. The gods throw dice to determine the fate of their world, which to them is a game, but Goblin Slayer is an entity that they literally can do nothing about and just watch him to see what he does. "He doesn't let anyone roll the dice" is both a boast about how he goes in prepared to completely minimize risk and also how the gods of fate literally cannot roll dice to decide his since he just goes against bad rolls anyway.

[@battlebeastsking3487]

Shadiversity: There are lots of flaws in Goblin Slayers Armor. Goblin Slayer: Ah. I see.

[@TheLilram2100]

Is that so?

[@tiberian141]

Battle Beasts King *priestess has left the chat*

[@sylo6234]

Yes.

[@ArcaneMaiden]

For a moment, I thought I was reading the light novel. :D

[@issackaiser]

Soka.

[@Matthew_BKG]

If you read the 'Year One' manga for Goblin Slayer, you would see that both his horns were broken off by Goblin's, and he even mentions that they got in his way

[@Y00bi]

It was only one of them, iirc. He broke the other one off (and then stabbed a Goblin with it).

[@tk0192]

@@Y00bi that rocks

[@grimsladeleviathan3958]

@@tk0192 No they're bones

[@dailydrawings506]

I forgot where but Goblin Slayers armor was designed that he can discard any bits of armor at any time if it is damaged or none functional hence the plate over chain mail.

[@duylai2224]

like lorica segmentata?

[@DJ-Rose]

And also IF goblins were to kill him, his armor and weapons would be close to useless to them. He literally cares almost as much about not having goblins steal his equipment in death as he does about killing them. That's a really brave move

[@Catubrannos]

The strap on plate isn't medieval but it is similar to the torso armour used in bronze age Europe and the early iron age. Some of those armours were a simple disc of bronze or later on perhaps iron strapped over the chest. The early Roman army used rectangular chest protectors, back when they were still fighting with long spears like the Greeks.

[@LecherousLizard]

Actually the reason he has mail is to account for gaps, because he was almost done in by a backstab on his very first goblin hunt. The same "adventure" is also the reason he has a belt pouch instead of, say, an over-the-shoulder bag.

[@fuckmedude8167]

@@LecherousLizard is this mentioned in the manga?

[@imaran1303]

The reason why he uses the Targe is not for defence really, but mainly to keep Goblins away, cause the danger of them is that they swarm you and pull you down and to use the shield as a second weapon for bashing with the edge and the flat,. So the shield is actually his standardized weapon that he uses all the time and never changes.

[@VladTygr]

He could have just used a second weapon...I'd say the shield would be to ward off the occasional arrow, which would have the best chance at penetrating his grillwork. Shields may protect but also create blind spots. The larger the shield, the larger the blind spot. To alleviate the blind spot, you have to keep the shield moving and the targe uses less energy to accomplish that.

[@imaran1303]

@@VladTygr Yeah, the targe is small though and thusly doesn't really create much of a blind-spot. Goblin Slayer is a dude who always thinks in eccentric manners. I mean he used a portal scroll to open a portal to the bottom of the ocean to create a powerful torrent of pressurized water when he opens it.

[@TheWoodenshark]

Shield is better than sword against random goblin pounce attacks. It's good for swatting them and pushing them away quickly. Goblins seem really a bit like beasts and they attack viciously and recklessly unlike standard human opponent that will try clever moves and be more cautious rather than just blindly charge to his doom. Unfortunately that makes even small groups of them dangerous and unpredictable. In the end they don't even need to land a good hit or slip through armor. All they need to do is jump at their target, throw them off balance and waste enough of their time to let their comrades swarm and overwhelm. Also helps vs random projectiles, stones, slings, whatever. So in reality second weapon isn't nearly as useful as small shield even if it's redundant with armor and it's bad for your offense. You don't really need good offense vs goblins, they're weak. Short sword is better than big one for this reason too. It's easier to move and swing and stab even while you're being ganged up. With larger sword you get your reach which is cool but if they push through your reach, even if you slay half of the group in one swing, and get close enough for you to smell their breath...well, have fun drawing your secondary weapon, you won't have time for that.

[@Storyfrombolvar]

@@VladTygr He should have used smth like glove or arm-sword instead. Cause grip is something that exhaust your hand and after a while you won't have power for a grip. So, as a constant weapon, it would be good to have smth that is light, can't be grabbed by goblins and can be used for zoning. Some spicked gauntlet or "assassins creed's hidden blade", more like Barakas blades would do the work much better. Maybe even Batman razor-blades (good explained in Batman:Origin or smth like that, can't remember)

[@VladTygr]

@@Storyfrombolvar Training prevents grip fatigue and a real sword is better than gimmicks like spiked gauntlets or Wolverine toys. A real sword does real damage, not cartoon damage.

[@princessvergiter4103]

Goblin slayer: *sees video* Goblin slayer: “I see”

[@pulseless5968]

I see

[@foureightyplays5791]

I see

[@wobble9407]

imgur.com/a/ITtzYLg

[@cristophernavarro1819]

"Souka"

[@itwasmewasntit2448]

Innacurate. No goblins in 20 seconds, he just leaves.

[@DavidGoad86]

In regards to tactics, I love when they execute a plan, the Elf cursing him and he says, "it wasn't fire, water, smoke, poison, explosives, or ect... I followed your wish." And the Elf's face just has the scared expression of "I really don't know how I'm going to die with this guy"

[@frankwest5388]

Well, next time she will probably remember to include “feeding them to a giant sewer monster” in her list of demands.

[@maximumdon7637]

Well it was an explosive wasn’t it? It was powder in an enclosed room that was lit. But yeah, he pretty much followed her wishes made at that time.

[@siriusgray3579]

She didn't say anything about cooking stuff :P

[@kaelkirkby9191]

@@maximumdon7637 it was that or disintegration

[@haggus71]

Musashi Miyamoto, considered the patron saint of the sword in Japan, fought this way a lot, using weapons he took from his enemy in battle. It was because it was better to use weapons you didn't care about, as if they broke, you weren't losing your Buzen sword, but some raider's cheap katana or spear. It was very practical in combat with multiple opponents. Being an anime, that's probably where they got it from.

[@SundownTE]

Musashi did not invent that concept

[@cctz_1]

SundownTE OP didnt say he invented the concept, just that he did it. And Musashi being such a well known figure.. well, fill in the gaps

[@OscarGomez-hg8cb]

@KuroKami 2.0 benkei collected swords, but as trophies, not to use them

[@OscarGomez-hg8cb]

@HellDawg where dd you get this from? There is no hard evidence becaus he was never pally part of any army but he was stared to had been part of many large scale battes, most famously the one at sekigahara.

[@edgecrow5492]

It was benkei not miyamoto. Miyamoto was the one who beat people to death with sticks, most feared, and have that dual wield technique he'd use to kill his enemies.

[@sum0panduhhh118]

"Your shield isn't needed if you're fully armored." Goblin slayer: "is that so?" *decapitates goblins with shield*

[@benmck0321]

*Captin america style throws the sheild*

[@goblin5749]

Melon

[@davidmacko6309]

I mean he should have told that to the goblin king and goblin champion they can snash you in an instant XD

[@jabezmanch1323]

Sum0 Panduhhh yeah tbh honest I think that's the main thing he does with shields

[@blackthrone6976]

The way i see it, shield when fully armored is basically shock absorbsion, avoiding the danger of blunt force trauma. Yeah you usually have padding, but still...

[@doomskull7549]

on the shield point, i argue that the targe is actually the most logical pick. we see later the much larger enemies, especially the non-goblin ones, smashing his shield with such force it actually splits, thus if such a blow had struck him, it probably would've killed him. he rarely uses the shield against the small goblins, and actually uses it as a weapon if at all. he essentially needs a small, light shield which wont affect his combat at all against the majority of his opponents, but is still just strong enough to take a strike from more devastating opponents, just enough to save his life. just enough is all he needs, that's sort of his whole philosophy

[@stormaurora3027]

Doomskull I’m pretty sure I saw a few goblins with clubs

[@gabrielcardoso8732]

But he needs to hold a torch

[@ShinKyuubi]

My thing is I've looked and the Japanese Wikipedia page for the series lists him as using "A small round shield"..it's never really clear what he uses, I've seen some people call it a buckler due to it's small size, and most people don't really know shields other than a classic heater shield, basic round shield, or maybe and I do mean MAYBE a tower shield.

[@ScottKenny1978]

He needs to hold a torch in one hand, the blade in the other. So his shield needs to be light enough to be strapped to his arm.

[@camehere1228]

He isn't a rich guy as well so he can't have good quality armor that's lightweight or something.

[@suspiciouscheese4518]

I haven’t watched the show, but I imagine the purpose of the small shield and sword is to allow him to move through crawl spaces without getting stuck. I wouldn’t be surprised if the goblins purposefully dug smaller sections with curves and crawl spaces to grant them an advantage against bigger human adventurers.

[@arifpiriyev8610]

Also if you are swarmed by multiple enemies (which basically every goblin raid is) then it is more reliable to use smaller weapons so that you use less stamina and time because while you would be stabbing 1 goblin with a spear 2 more would have time to ambush you

[@hypermaeonyx4969]

The small sword and shield are also intended to be crappy so in case GS dies then the Goblins wont be able to steal powerful stuff from his corpse other than basic equipment except for the armor for obvious reasons, GS also wears a ring of water breathing that goblins cant wear

[@imp4ktth]

More like he uses small shield so he can hold torch while using the shield and has more mobility. But yea, still the same.

[@kakerake6018]

i wouldnt even go in the cave i'd straight up barricade the entrance and fumigate the whole thing

[@brrrrrr]

​@@hypermaeonyx4969the ring isn't for just water breathing, it's for breathing in any situation.

[@shepard267]

goblin slayer doesn't care about critics regarding his fashion sense goblin slayer only cares about goblins and there are no goblins in this video

[@defaultcamo4288]

I see one goblin lol

[@baconlovingvampire4523]

Correct

[@vinifalleroliveira]

There's plenty of goblins there.

[@goku21youtub]

thats our orcbolg !

[@kinaj6972]

Nani?!

[@0XFallen]

1. You already have more reach than goblins, and always less than the big ones. 2. Shield doubles as a weapon with blunt damage, or with the sharpened edge. 3. Shortsword way better than warhammer or longsword: They always outnumber you so you have to be able to swing continuesly, stabbing is also harder as the target is smaller especially to hit vital organs and the body might get stuck on the blade. Also able to react faster as the shadows are sharp and its generally dark, they are also known to ambush advanturers 4. He doesnt use anything magical because he doesnt want the goblins to have it, if he loses the weapon or dies. Edit: 5. He also likes to throw his swords

[@srikrishnabhat6793]

This comment needs to be at the top. They are valid counter-arguments.

[@S1RLANC3]

This really does need to be on the top, please like and make it happen.

[@jedyzichterman358]

Xedvin Where do people get the misconception from that fighting with longer swords is endlessly slower. Especially with trained swordsmen who work out regurarly you'd be surprised how fast one can move. If anything, the shorter range means that you're moving yourself more within the reach of the goblins anyway

[@0XFallen]

@@jedyzichterman358 More like why do you interpret that I think long swords are endlessly slower, I aint surprised by their speed. Short swords have clear advantages and only need one hand,as he also likes to use torches. They also cant be thrown as efficiently. You dont need that much to kill a single goblin. And as said you still have more reach than goblins, and a fair fight never seems to be an issue just like ambushes and stealth tactics. Longswords are also more expensive and time consuming on maintenance for a weapon that will be thrown away after killing some

[@jedyzichterman358]

Xedvin I thought you talking about continuously swinging a weapon was an indication of stamina usage, if not then I was mistaken in assuming that. Doesn't change what I said. Also, shortsword is a very undefined term. If you mean smallswords, I'm going to be the bearer of bad news and say that those are primarily used for thrusting. I'm gonna go out on a limp again and assume you literally mean a sword with a smaller blade. I guess arming swords would come to mind here. I feel like we're not going to agree on the reach thing here, though I will say that it's weird how no one considers actual HEMA techniques and martial arts other than the anime overswing and the High Guard. What about the Fool's Guard or plow guard? Or the series of Kamae stances, when looking at traditional kendo? I think that in the context of the cave in chapter 1 and the many other natural formations, the wildly swinging hobgoblins kind of prove that one can get away even with swinging wildly and not paying attention to their form. With your "longswords are used with two hands statement", this may be true, but you're ignoring the longer family of one handed cutting blades, which are very defensive in use, again, because of the reach. If we're truly going to make the argument that a horde if goblins will mob you, then realistically Goblin Slayer would never stand a chance. It is extremely difficult to fight off even more than 2 opponents. 20 of them? Yeah. No chance. Youknow, if we're really rolling with the shorter blades. I for one would love to love to see a roman gladius style weapon, specifically created for cutting and quick use and great agains the often unarmored goblins too.

[@anonymous_person8280]

I can give several reasons GS uses a short sword as his starting gear. A short sword is fully functional even in small places. While long weapons can still be used to stab enemies in a narrow area, there can be difficulty turning the weapon to attack enemies coming from the other side. Episode 1 shows goblins use tricks to hide pathways so they can ambush them from behind, and while GS is probably wise to most tricks, there's still chances of Goblins returning from outside. A double edged spear could function, but it has small killing area. A long sword would be difficult to turn the other way. A secondary weapon could help, but you'd be wasting time drawing the weapon anew. A short sword could reliably function in most environments, without him needing to worry about space very much. Another reason GS uses a short sword is because it's cheap. It takes less steel to make a short sword, so it's cheaper, and considering weapons become unusable pretty quickly against goblins, it's great to have a cheap weapon. He also throws his weapons a lot, so having a magical durable sword would be expensive, since they might get lost. While GS is a silver ranked adventurer, goblin slaying doesn't earn him much, and he prefers to use his gold on methods that ensure he kills lots of goblins at once (such as gate scroll to under sea), rather than a magical sword that might be enchanted with anti-corrosion and returning function. He doesn't use daggers, which would be cheaper than short swords, because it has too little reach. Short swords provide GS with more reach, so he retains the reach advantage against goblins, who are at disadvantage because of their short height and smaller limbs. TLDR: 1. Usable in any direction in anywhere GS might be in 2. Cheap, throwable, saves gold for Magic of Mass Destruction 3. Provides more reach than regular goblins with their weapons, while retaining above traits.

[@Vandalieu]

He also makes bombs carries scrolls linked to the bottom of the sea to drown them and Carrie's a breath ring so he can go underwater to kill any that might be holding their breath.

[@BobT36]

"He also throws his weapons a lot, so having a magical durable sword would be expensive, since they might get lost." < This is one of the main points, as people would just say "Why not use an enchanted short sword then?". 1. So it doesn't get used against him/others if he gets beaten, and 2. So he's not "attached" to the weapon, and will be willing to use it in various tactical ways (such as throwing, as mentioned) whenever necessary.

[@S_047]

Dont forget , he gets about 5 kills before the weapon loses its initial edge from blood , fat , and whatever buts of armour they have.

[@goblinslayer5517]

Thanks for saving me the time to explain.

[@comatose1818]

He does have daggers, 4 of them in fact

[@sol-leksthewolf5854]

I've been in caves before. Most of them are extremely hard to move around in. There's a smaller group of caves called caverns that are what most people think of as proper caves, and those tend to be larger.

[@thatwastakenagain]

there are dark cave

[@M-nonn]

@@thatwastakenagain no shit sherlock

[@Red-mg4ro]

To be fair, he learned this over time, his only "teacher" being some insane hobbit in a cave. And considering he was a farm boy before (and all the education that entails), I'd say his tactics are pretty impressive.

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

You could say life was also his teacher, since he had his fair share of troubles during the 5 years before the start of the manga.

[@pandepascuasinpasas]

Actually, his "teacher" is a goblin (I dunno if this was confirmed in the manga or the anime, but when they show them two in the scene that he throw stones to child goblin slayer, he looks like a goblin lord, ¿maybe he is a inteligent goblin?)

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

@@pandepascuasinpasas Not a goblin. Halfling. A very ugly one, but a halfling.

[@dragonking7248]

@@pandepascuasinpasas I thought it was some kind of rat thing

[@marsfridge]

@@dragonking7248 master splinter is that you?

[@cairocopper3238]

Explanation for why he uses weaker weapons: He's mentioned that if he were to get killed in battle, the goblins would take his gear, so he takes relatively weak weapons so that if he were to die, he would not be giving the goblins that killed him better gear.

[@Shiftinggers]

Also another reason why he uses weapons that he picks up from the enemies is because his short sword tends to get less effective the more goblins he kills

[@Canadian_Zac]

I also think a fair reason that he doesn't need really good swords. Goblins don't seem to wear armour. So a shitty blunted sword would still do them in if you gave them a good smack with it since there's nothing to block the impact. So, might as well just grab whatever he can get that has a point.

[@tigershark8867]

So that's why he doesn't bring unscrewed pommels

[@night2501]

makes sense, and since he is taking some very cheap swords these are probably poorly made or not properly tempered so edge retention may be quite bad, is interesting also because I suspect in the following episodes we will see this situation coming into play

[@bryanmerel]

Budgeting might also be a factor why he never buy good quality weapons. Remember, goblin quest do not pay well. If he spend to much, he might never have anything for food or living space. Also, he never hold back on weapon usage options, that includes TROWING WEAPONS to stab in long range. He preffer weapons that can be used at ALL of his fighting options and situations. Also if you think about it, there is only just 2 instances that he bought weapons. His first quest and the Initial water town quest. Because on his first quest, his a newbee so he has no weapons. On water town, he must have trown all his weapons already. Because if you realy think about it, he never buy his weapons. All his weapons are just what he scavenge through his goblin quest. He always collect all the goblin's weapons after each of his wipeout. Then he uses or sell what he scavenge afterwards. That is why his weapons are always of low quality, its just re purpose goblin wielded weapons. XD

[@Oriansenshi]

Most high level individuals ignore goblins and dont consider them worth their time, so it kind of makes sense that higher end weapon production ignores the problems of goblin blood ruining weapons. He also is constantly helping the poorest of communities who are beset upon by goblins so he most likely cannot afford better weapons. And I think it was stated that he intentionally has the lowest quality weapons and armor necessary so that if he dies In battle, his enemies gain nothing by looting his body.

[@PJDAltamirus0425]

He is essentially the tutorial character for newbie adventurers.

[@Qopa]

I find it to be quite funny that he wanted there to be a "logical" solution to this with magic or something. I mean, that's not essentially a logical solution to the problem, that's just a convenient wishful solution lol.

[@pedroachinelli5431]

@Natasel the thing is that in the world of goblin slayer are way more powerfull beings so the adventures and militaries are allways busy (gargoyles, orks, Manticores, dragons, you name it) so your solution is correct but the people prepare to do that is simply not enough, if Goblin Slayer haven't live what he live through he probably wouldn't care about goblins either.

[@pedroachinelli5431]

I think that all weapons like all things have a useful life time, and when you use too much a sword or a knife not only lose edge but create inner fractures by the impacts and the blood make the oxidation way more quick. I don't think Goblin Slayer is wrong with throw a cheap or stolen sword/knife instead of risk the sword brokes in middle of Battle. Most of their knowledge comes from experiences after all and to fight a large number of opponents those things could happen.

[@mr.gardevoir3204]

@Natasel can a mere wannabe keyboard warrior like you kill a horde of goblins. Heck even 1 goblin will be hard for you. Considering in story setting the most thing a mere male villager can do against one goblin is hushing them away or by luck killed it.

[@ravenfoxtails7153]

8:12 he uses weapons he picks up from Goblins because 1 - blood stains the cloth used on the hilt, makes it slippery and harder to hold, and 2 - he throws his weapons a lot, so by picking up weapons from opponents, he never has to worry about losing HIS weapon, because their weapons are now his

[@macmcleod1188]

Also, it's stated in the manga that blood and fat of goblins clings to the blades dulling them and making the blades less usable. In D&D terms, it's probably something like "Weapons used to kill goblins gain a -1 damage until cleaned".

[@sarahmellinger3335]

ya fighting goblins must be like fighting pumpkins

[@Mister_Eiffel]

9:20 I always thought that the whole "him swapping weapons all the time" was more due to the blood and fat getting the handle slippery and therefore unwieldy from killing so many goblins.

[@alexhazel]

it is.

[@RandomL0s3r]

I think there was this thing he said in one of the manga where he always says "12 strikes, that's all it takes for a sword to go dull" talking about chipping and fat accumulation and whatnot, so I don't blame him. Also why he uses clubs most of the times that he can.

[@Lucas61616]

@@RandomL0s3r its actually even less lenient, at about 5 kills before the blade dulls, and not too many more before it chips and completely snaps. He learns that last bit the very hard way in the year one manga

[@Mysterious-Merchant]

that and goblins smell it cant oil the swords either goblins smell those too

[@Mugen0445]

He IS the weapon.

[@thefbi9581]

When fighting goblins don’t think of them as if you’re fighting adults, instead think on them as extra greasy children with knives

[@LordEnder86]

Dude I see u in the comments of almost every video I've watched..

[@greenstuff9361]

Think of them as an orphanage with knives

[@BX--nq6gf]

Or just shoot them with an E-5, or cut it in half with a vibrosword.

[@someasianguy2692]

extra greasy children with knives and no sense of a threshold. even the actual children can kill

[@duelistamirul6516]

Man, what you thought a lot...

[@archive4058]

I agree with your points on weapons, but there was one point you did not explicitly cover which they mention in the anime or novels or whatever. Denial of weapons in the case he dies. He has been going solo for years now with the expectation that he can die so he does not want to give the goblins anything he can do without or would still have after dying. I do agree with you on the targe. A Year One Side Story got released in English recently which contains stories when he first starts out as an adventurer and he picked up that targe while he was still only equipped with mail armour and the helmet. It seems more of a habit and not finding it completely useless that he keeps it rather than going for a full optimization and leaving it.

[@lokiorin5520]

Correct me if I am wrong - Doesn't he also use his shield as a weapon, and something in my memory is saying he even has the edge sharpened to help with that, bashing and smashing goblins as often as he cuts them?

[@archive4058]

@@lokiorin5520 Yes, he has sharpened it in the Side Story which means he still sharpens it years later to his present day.

[@kolbywilliams6288]

HakureiAi Perhaps throwing axes, like Franciscans, might be better? Their primary purpose is throwing, but you can use them like a normal axe too. You can carry a fransiscan for throwing at shamans, and draw your sword for everything else. That way you aren’t disarmed. They would also do more damage than a knife, and are better weighted for throwing than a sword.

[@AICW]

@@lokiorin5520 Yes, in Episode 7 he killed a goblin with the shield by slamming the sharpened edge against its throat. It was literally the only weapon he had on him after he got almost killed by the goblin champion.

[@TeaBurn]

HakureiAi He does carry and use throwing knives though--they have dark blue handles. He carries them on his waist. But since they're smaller, they don't fly as far or do as much damage than throwing his sword. You usually see him use throwing knives for shorter distances aimed at vital areas like the neck, and throwing his sword to get the goblin shamen leader further in the back of the cave. Also, in the supplementary illustrations from the novels, he has a wider selection of weapons and tools: bow and arrows, hatchet, short hand axe, tomahawk, several different knives and daggers, 2 spare short swords optimized for throwing.

[@GrandSupremeDaddyo]

Season finale spoiler: His use of a protection barrier to force a broken blade into the goblin leader's chest was the most metal use of holy magic I've ever seen. Getting an innocent priestess to use her healing magic to kill was one of my favourite parts of that whole story.

[@theshreddedone8322]

Technically didn’t he get the final blow?

[@lakshaykochhar6799]

@manifestation of Gudako's insanity What?

[@nevermore7285]

@@lakshaykochhar6799 Priestess’ Goddess doesn’t really care if you use her magic to help kill, despite what her priesthood says, but directly killing someone with it is forbidden. She flat out reverses on of Priestess miracles when Priestess purifies a Goblin’s blood directly into water.

[@lakshaykochhar6799]

@@nevermore7285 oh, thanks for the explanation.

[@maximumdon7637]

Um… I’m pretty sure “protection” is a barrier spell. And not a healing spell. Interesting usage of the spell though. (Or miracle or whatever).

[@canisvulpus2675]

Love the video!! BTW, the other reason he doesn't have "fancy" weapons because if goblins defeat a person or party, they reuse the equipment against other adventurers, learn, repeat. They are very adaptable as a race.

[@randomstranger_3]

*_spoilers_* Oh how I loved that this reasoning was justified in few volumes later. Basically, a newbie party takes on a gobo slaying quest and their leader was like a noble bitch with her family heirloom as her weapon, which is an enchanted sword of legendary status. Obviously, they got fucked and the sword in question was now used by the head honcho of the gobo party. Because of this, it gave GS a hard time fighting the boss.

[@manguy01]

Very cool point! Should be top comment!

[@benjaminaltube8731]

Shad: Sir what are your thoughts about the practicality of your armor and weapons in terms of fighting large number of goblins? Goblin Slayer: *Goblin*

[@lukatomas9465]

GWAAABLIINS

[@greywalker505]

…Which, if you think about the goblins’ tactics, is a pretty self-explanatory response.

[@neo_child]

In Goblin Slayer's defense about swapping weapons, 1. If he needs to abandon his current weapon, a simple effective shortsword is replacable. 2. He kills a LOT of goblins and it dulls the blade. This ties in with Point 1 since he can dispose of it instead of carrying around a useless sword. 3. If he falls in battle, he doesn't wish for Goblins to use any strong weaponry. He even comments about this in the manga/anime when asked about using stronger weapons/armor or even spells. His reasoning is that Goblins aren't dumb and they can figure out how to use spell scrolls or even magic weaponry given time. In the sense of stabbing weaponry, 1. Goblins are not gonna come at you 1 by 1, they will swarm you. If you stab something, and the weapon gets lodged in there, you're fucked. A goblin will not care or be afraid of his dead companion and will still go at you. This ties in again with Goblin Slayer swapping and not having too many weapons. In terms of backup weapons, it ties again with his "I don't wanna give Goblins more firepower should I die" See also, Goblin Slayer Anime - Episode 5 around the 3 minute mark - An adventurer stabs a giant rat with his sword which gets stuck and is forced to abandon it after swarms of other rats attack the group.

[@bosco7391]

Goblins doesn't care about his dead companion.... unless it's a dead Goblin Champion.

[@Axle3000]

@@bosco7391 that's different that is your leader dying. If a human being kills the biggest badass you got they run away simply because they don't want to die. If there was any shaman or hob goblins who had balls and were a little smarter to realize this guy is injured they would've died.

[@Poenix21]

In one of the episodes the elve-girl is stabbing goblins and she complains that her weapon is incredible slippery. If you ever had a deep cut and you tried to grab something you know how slippery blood is.

[@kly8105]

yes, good job, someone actually pays atention :D

[@JackTheR3aper]

I get the feeling the Goblin Slayer would like those WW2 style trench knives with the knuckle duster grips all the same.

[@TD-ug4mg]

The visor being on the inside the helmet is a perfect design for him since goblins would try and lift or rip off the visor and stab him in the face but with it being underneath the helmet that is impossible

[@shadfacts6465]

Shad Fact: Shad killed 20 Titans without the aid of the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear.

[@darthfenrir4892]

What size where they, where they abnormals. come on, we need more then that.

[@Luis519RS]

You just drop a pommel on their heads.

[@TheCompleteMental]

Ewok log traps

[@TPixelAdventures]

@@Luis519RS END THEM RIGHTLY.

[@TheLiamis]

He did use a dragon though.

[@milesleska2164]

"Only a munchkin would wave around a legendary magic sword at some goblins" - the guild blacksmith? maybe it was someone else

[@konstellashon1364]

Yes, Guild Blacksmith says that to Blacksmith Apprentice when the kid questions why GS always buys/repairs the same simple gear.

[@crazyscotsman9327]

And again, don't give Goblins the chance to acquire fine weapons they become far more dangerous. Just imagine how dangerous Goblin King would have been if his ax had been enchanted! It was just a ax of a bit higher quality that when wielded by a strong enough warrior it was enough.

[@massy9437]

@@crazyscotsman9327 also having that axe probably makes it easier for them to become a higher tier of goblin

[@crazyscotsman9327]

@@massy9437 I don't think it was the axe itself, any high quality weapon a goblin can get it's hands on seems to work well for them and helps them level up. So to speak.

[@misspelled3677]

@@crazyscotsman9327 in fact, goblin slayer was struggling with the goblin king, even though GS only hunts goblin he's still a silver ranked adventurer

[@justindo8840]

12:53 I'd say you're right on point with this one. The light novel basically hints that this world is basically a huge dnd game that the gods are playing

[@alexanderthealright]

i almost didn't scroll down far enough and would have repeated this statement. and the anime actually depicts the theoretical dice being rolled, if i remember correctly.

[@anthonyrowan3987]

Not even just the light novel, if I recall correctly the anime opening has scenes of dice being cast, and the opening narration of the first episode talks about the gods playing games.

[@EternalVirgin]

I think I heard that the writer was actually inspired to write this series after a certain DnD game he played with friends, where there was this one NPC who is strangely obsessed with massacring goblins and is somehow invulnerable to dice rolls.

[@liampronetwork9666]

@@EternalVirgin goblin slayer is a resilient NPC that’s why even the players are already tired

[@iwatchstuffs7933]

@@EternalVirgin i think its pathfinder iirc

[@solar_savior4118]

What's really cool as well Shad is that, Goblin slayer is "I believe" based on the writers own dnd campaign where his party would go on adventures and there was an NPC that just never died and happened to show up whenever there where Goblins. So that adds to the dnd inspiration.

[@valhir5008]

If I remember right there's a goblin slayer ttrpg or something like that

[@dreamwolf7302]

In the light novel, if i recall, he explains his shield to another adventurer who asks why he uses it 'when its more of a battle field device'. Goblin Slayers shield has a sharpened rim, it is actually, essentially, an axe head with 360 degrees of cutting edge, he also states he can use it as a bludgeon in a pinch, and he has (if i remember right) a different shield which has enchantments on which is 'make it hit like its heavier'. You cannot really consider Goblin Slayer's shield as simply a shield, because in the light novel, nearly every item he has, from his armor, to his shield, and even his sword, has more than functional use. Even his sword, has, at at least one point, been used to pummel a goblin to death with the pommel. He also has a myriad of knives hidden in secret little places in his armor, and when he picks up his fresh set in the anime, his chainmail does in fact have cloth padding in several ares that would be covered with his plate portions. Also his chest piece, while it looks like three pieces, is actually a three pieces 'forged together' which i think means forge welded, and the ridging pattern serves the purpose of making it harder for a thrust to pierce, as it is angled to deflect a pointed object.

[@judesantos8120]

"used to pummel a goblin to death with the pommel" END THEM RIGHTLY

[@AvalancheZ250]

Ravioli Ravioli Why'd You Lewd the Dragon Loli INCREDIBILIS

[@DarkThunderism]

In one of the fights, the cap of his shield actually comes off, as well, showing that the shield has a core part, which I assume is permanent, and the cap with the cutting edge can be replaced after it's caked and worn by goblin blood.

[@ddqfpluskick]

Pommel strike a prefect my fine and taught way to stike an opponent.

[@Kamui633]

Yes someone that has read the LN also in year 1 he is first given a katana to use instead of a short sword. He also says he wants to use cheap weapons because if goblins pick them up it is less likely adventures will die to those weapons rather then something more grand

[@watcherzero5256]

The interesting thing about his helmet is while at first glance it would offer reduced vision its actually pretty thought through, the main thing the user is worried about is blunt attacks from the rear, the vision slits as opposed to historical horizontal ones which are for looking forward are designed to offer maximum vision downwards because of the lower stature of his opponents.

[@theabyss33]

In the series it states at one point that he reuses weapons he finds. There's no reason to think that he's attached to his armor as well. It's likely he'll just replace anything that breaks or upgrades pieces of armor with anything he finds. Granted that's not good for character design to constantly be changing the look every 5 seconds, so it's plot armor as well.

[@watcherzero5256]

He does regularly get his armour repaired, he appears to have two identical suits that he swaps between while the others under repair.

[@hayazi96able]

@@watcherzero5256 3. at least three from what I've just finished watvhing.... up to episode 11 or 12 if you go by some other same episodes with different numbers in their name.

[@Jiac.]

Another interesting thing is the horns on his helmet. If you read the side story manga, his helmet used to have horns, but it got broken off due to a Goblin tugging on the horns of the helmet when he got ambushed. Shows how helmets with horns aren't practical.

[@SaintSarcasm]

I want to be that guy that states the obvious. The helmet was never meant to have a visor that could be raised. Goblin Slayer emphasizes this in the Light Novel greatly.

[@Nick-st4hb]

He's fighting Goblins, not humans, every single piece of his set is meant to kill Goblins and only goblins... that's why he has to use a spell against the Orc... He wear the shield to absorb damage from hero goblins or strong goblins in general, also, it work to stop and hold a tiny goblin while with the other hand you can use it to use the sword, if he didn't use shield against the king goblins, he'd probably dead... About why he use cheap sword, it's simple... Blood and bones ruin the weapon, also, goblins can smell the blood so, that's why he need to change it... As I said, everything about this guy is meant to destroy goblins.

[@luisgregoriopadilla9553]

The name goblin slayer say a lot

[@MrDibara]

@@luisgregoriopadilla9553 It is not there just for show.

[@TotalNoob86]

So, crippling overspecialization. I mean, when he's forced to fight non-goblins.

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

​@@TotalNoob86 Turns out overspecializing in goblins often means "how can I kill this many bastards as quick/efficiently as possible?" Which makes him really good at adapting against some unusual opponents. Of course, he specializes in "guerilla warfare", sneak and small kills, meaning big opponents, big spells and specially smart opponents are hard for him, but then again, that applies to every regular silver adventurer. Not really crippling as much as constrained.

[@TotalNoob86]

​@@gustavowadaslopes2479 I see. Well, I just borrowed the word from TV Tropes, so now I guess it didn't really apply to Goblin Slayer.

[@digitalhammer4373]

I love how you did this but I think you missed that every thing about him is solely based on fighting a fast short weak enemy

[@chrishubbard64]

That only comes in large numbers and prefers ambush tactics.

[@eirei0789]

*cue GS picking up spears =P*

[@hypermaeonyx4969]

And lots of them!

[@arandomcrusader8822]

@@eirei0789 you mean throwable arrows?

[@Marnige]

And can abush through rocks so they may appear at the side of you. If you're surrounded by front, back and side, stabby stabby is not gonna do anything.

[@AzureShin4]

Him - "thats overkill" Me - "what part of him isnt?"

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

I would say the sex appeal, but I would be a liar.

[@davevd9944]

@@gustavowadaslopes2479 *Thinks of him without the Helmet* Uffff total lie it's his most dangerous asset.

[@fishtail2616]

@@gustavowadaslopes2479 Guild Girl, Cow Girl and Sword Maiden would like to disagree

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

@@fishtail2616 I mean, I'd disagree too.

[@alexhazel]

@@fishtail2616 also high elf and priestess.

[@Deathwings500]

:Yeah, a magical blade would in fact take care of the durability issue. It's even pointed out in the canon itself. The problem is that Goblin Slayer categorically refuse to use equipment above basic/shit tier, because in the event he ever died to a goblin nest, he doesn't want to provide his killers with any high tier or, god forbid, magical gears. Hell, we even see something like that happen in the manga with the Goblin King. Through a flashback, we show, that earlier in his life the Goblin King managed to kill a high level barbarian (a blatant Conan expies no less) by using his lover as a human shield. He was then able to salvage the barbarian's magical axe which then played a major role in his ascension to the position of Goblin King, so Goblin Slayer is in fact perfectly justified in his philosophy. As for his shield, in the prequel manga that chronicle Goblin Slayer's advancement from a complete noob to how he is in the present, we see him change his shield to a smaller fixed one because he couldn't effectively hold his sword, torch and shield all at the same time when tunnel fighting.

[@oneofthechosen874]

Goblin Lord but I might be mistaken. These little kiddies havent read the manga so spoiler alert 😂😂😂

[@Azulking33]

Shhh don't tell anyone things they should read before speaking on...

[@trishaspencer]

Yes, this. People forget that all his gear is based on his vulnerabilty. He doesn't use expensive weapons, even magical dagger of sorts, because he knows one mistake could be fatal and in turn arm the goblins instead. His armor pieces are segmented for easy fixes and replacements. The leather armor inside his chain mail is for heat, to make sure his blood keep pumping. They all have their purposes. Also, he mainly kills goblins. Creatures of weaker constitions, said to be similar to that of a child, easily killed with anything. That's why he could just use any of the goblins' weapons as well against them. Doesn't need anything fancy. People tend to forget this point.

[@pravus9769]

In the later episodes of the anime it is shown that he is pretty much a minimalist. He will only use things that have a practical and utilitarian use to him. Also, I imagine he doesn't make a ton of money only doing goblin missions, which are one of the lowest tier missions you can get, so he probably wants something he can afford to keep and maintain. Why use high tier weapons for low tier enemies when low tier weapons will kill them all the same? These aren't counter points btw. Just additions.

[@BlueShellshock]

Actually, Goblin Slayer is not doing too badly for himself in terms of money. Yes, while goblin missions don't typically pay enough to justify a team of experienced adventurers, he does earn quite a bit by being able to take on the missions solo and not having to split. He's also pushing himself much further than most others would dare, doing multiple missions a day, whereas a normal team might only do one objective. I think it was covered in the Year One manga/LN, but he surprised Guild Girl by coming in from a goblin quest, then immediately asking for a new one.

[@ecurps1]

a really funny moment is when he suggests using a club or mace to another adventurer who lost his heirloom sword; it's posed as if just using a beating stick is alien because "-scoff- blades are just so superior! how could a STICK be any better?" and the guy's goofy revelation after caving in skulls is all "wow... this is way more effective than I thought." XD

[@snipermagoo]

Well, we can estimate what a blade will do. You don't really know how well a club is going to work until you try it.

[@ecurps1]

@@snipermagoo true. another caveat is the adventurer is fighting RoUS' and giant roaches.

[@ridwana4037]

But the club has one weakness though. It doesn't have a pommel to end your opponent rightly.

[@thesupersonicstig]

@@ridwana4037 The club IS A POMMEL.

[@jjrobledo]

he didn't have money

[@TheBDLS23]

admits only watched 1st episode =/ really should have watched more, he explains it more in depth and makes sense.

[@eldritchgod4308]

he read the rest online

[@n1kk10ch1r]

He read the manga

[@truenightmare6665]

Goblin Slayer: Kills Goblins and takes random swords. Doom Slayer: Kills Demons and takes random guns. I think there's a similarity. 🤔

[@andrewivanov678]

The Unhole Trinity: Goblin Slayer, Doom Slayer, and Black Swordsman.

[@Tox1cAshes]

He’s voiced by the same guy that motion captures Doom Guy

[@Cleverhandle357]

Goblin Slayer is more like the Punisher

[@ls200076]

Doom Slayer: Out of ammo but not out of guns. *Uses his feet to stomp a demon in half*

[@jooot_6850]

both of them can just pick up and use whatever piece of shit weapons are lying on the ground

[@mordet2]

hmm, yes of course, using a two handed weapon or a heater shield in a dark cave. he'll just have to hold his torch with his third hand...

[@theoneeyedone4786]

Don't forget the narrowness and unpredictablity of a cave means you can only thrust your two-hander... Against an enemy who's tactic is Zerg Rushing... and after 5 kills that's it good bye weapon.

[@zachgullerman3183]

@@theoneeyedone4786 As you mentioned with the unpredictability, we've seen Goblins ambush from multiple angles in these tight spaces as well. A big shield or sword = swarmed. It's fun to hear Shad's thoughts but it's a shame he didn't take more time to understand the faults in his criticisms.

[@theoneeyedone4786]

@@zachgullerman3183 exactly. I feel these tactics are better suited for small groups of goblins outside their lair or a village raid. Although without a small army for the latter it's almost suicide regardless of how armoured you are. Don't get me wrong I love this analysis and Shad's observations but I feel he hasn't fully taken into account the environment Goblin Slayer fights in and Goblin tactics. For example, when goblins swarm you, if they can't stab you they will attempt to tear off your armour wearing chain under the armour means that if this happens it gives a much higher chance of survival. Or whilst a 3-piece front plate isn't as effective as a 1-piece front plate. It does allow him to crouch down or bend his spine either to fight the child size goblins or if the cave ceiling requires him to crouch walk.

[@landlockedcroat1554]

shield goes on forearm not in hand

[@zachgullerman3183]

@@landlockedcroat1554 A normal shield still renders the hand functionally inoperable for most purposes and even if it weren't for the bulkiness, the weight would make any action you *could* do less efficient and more fatiguing. The small shield is the best suited for Goblin Slayer.

[@Amantducafe]

You did a great job analizing the armor but you have one fatal flaw. He is not fighting humans, he is fighting goblins which are the height of a 12 year old. With a breast plate he would not be able to bend over to hit smaller enemies. Seeing it as 3 plates that overlap each other allowing them to slide in a way that if you flex your abdomen there will be little to no limitation while having great protection. So actually the author of that armor did in fact being a brilliant solution on how armor would need to be when fighting smaller enemies such as goblins and even gnomes or dwarves.

[@bakad8422]

yout right what the funk....

[@jacksonfett3808]

But if they are shorter wouldn't it be easier for them to slide their blades up under his overlapping plates, but idk never watched this show before.

[@Katsos44]

As a 12 yr old I’m probably taller than goblin slayer Edit: fuck he’s like .75 inches shorter than me Edit edit: *taller

[@dark3rthanshadows]

not all goblins are like that there are hobgoblins

[@bootyman20]

As a twelve year old I can confirm that goblin slayer is 15-20 feet tall

[@Necroes]

So, probably a little late to this, but I just found the video and finished watching the series; One of the things I think is very appropriate to the character is as present in his armor as it is in his choice of weapons. GS is nothing if not practical, and I feel like the 'vulnerabilities' in his armor reflect that as much as his choice in weapons and tactics do. A solid sheet of plate Would be more protective than layers of plate. However, it would also be much harder to repair major damage. With layered plate, when a single layer is damaged it can be removed and repaired individually, in smaller pieces. If you puncture a standard, single-piece breastplate then the result would normally be death. In a world of magical healing, though, that's not always the case. So, after your breastplate gets punched through by a hobgoblin with a spiked club, you can chug a potion and be fine. Your armor, though, is completely ruined. That means going out and buying an entirely new breastplate, which will cost more than having a skilled smith replace a single, smaller plate. We even see evidence of this in the anime, as whenever he takes his armor in, regardless of the damage it has taken, he only asks to get it repaired. GS never has the smith just tell him the item is beyond salvage, and tells him to get a new one. We know that smiths in the GS universe will suggest that kind of thing, too, as when the priestess had her mail almost destroyed she was told it would be better to just replace it than have it repaired. So, like his weapons, his armor is designed for the life of an adventurer fighting goblins. Not a high-end warrior. Edit for completeness: It's interesting that the video mentions how swords are especially good weapons when fighting un-armed opponents because you can slash and swing with them, after pointing out that a longsword in a confined space would be used for thrusting. Practically speaking, while he Can make use of a longsword (and several times does) the short sword makes more sense because it will still allow him to make those devastating chopping motions even when his reach is restricted. While a longer weapon does allow for greater reach, the thing about reach is that you either have the greater reach, or you don't. The average short sword is only about a foot shorter than a standard long sword, if that. Beings as he is fighting creatures roughly half his height, he's going to have greater reach than they will, even giving up that small amount of blade. The only time a goblin is going to beat his reach is with a spear, or if it's a hobgoblin. In either case, the extra foot of blade won't make up the difference, as a spear would still have greater reach than a longsword, and a hobgoblin is nearly twice GS's size. Likewise, there is also mention of the use of a two-handed blade. Not only would that be overkill, it also wouldn't work. Those kinds of wide swinging weapons don't follow the same physics when you're forced to swing in a low angled arc to strike your opponents. Striking multiple enemies all at chest-level is easy enough, but goblins stand well below that, so the swing against them would be much more awkward. Also, short swords have plenty of their own virtues over longsword in general. A shorter blade is just easier to control and maneuver, a major advantage when fighting a great deal of enemies that like to attack by jumping all over their target. It's a great deal easier to turn a shorter blade to stab things clinging to your back than a longer blade. Equally, GS often needs to kill goblins stacked on top of various captives that they like to use as meat shields. It's much harder to accidently shove a sword through both the goblin and its captive when the blade isn't physically long enough to accomplish that task. In conclusion: GS's armor, weaponry, and general tactics all make plenty of sense for his character. None of the choices he makes actively hinder him, and many could be chalked up to personal preference from over a decade of experience. This video, much like the RPG tropes it talks about, assumes that bigger and more powerful is always better. More protection, harder hitting weapon, etc. However, as seems to be a part of the point the anime is making, min-maxing isn't always best. Sometimes a more versatile tool is the best for the job.

[@FallenAngelHiroko]

Even later to the party, you're right. In fact, they've also made fun of the D&D tropes WHILE being D&D-esque manga/anime. For the very reasons you've said. Bigger and powerful isn't always better. It's better to adapt to the task at hand than be "stuck" with one kind of "class". Longswords are designed for open fields/areas and horseback. Smaller ones are designed for close quarters. I'm rather dismayed that Shad--who's so well versed on these things (far far more than me that's for sure)---completely misses that.

[@kakerake6018]

my tool would be a flamethrower. that's all i want for a goblin massacre

[@brrrrrr]

iirc he replaces his leather armor in volume 2 of the ln

[@mikewhatever5659]

You talked about why Goblin slayer doesn't use fancy magic swords that can help keep the blood and fat off his sword but they explain it as: If he dies fighting or for some reason loses his weapon it is just a normal weapon and armour he is not given the goblins high quality gear.

[@SkyNinja759]

Goblins adapt in this world quickly so he tries to leave no survivors and no evidence to learn from. So he sticks to the most basic forms of combat to limit the learning capabilities of the goblins in the future.

[@lnce_real8533]

who the hell has time for magic, there are goblins to slay

[@MoxxyFromSweden]

but at the same time, he brings a gate spell and lots of potions, mm.

[@notoriousbig3k]

@@MoxxyFromSweden they cant learn elf shit :) they dumb

[@boichicken9764]

@@MoxxyFromSweden i think he said the scroll was for his last stand (correct me if im wrong)

[@lawrizli8672]

well he fears if the Goblin kills him they will steal his armour and weapons that's why he doesn't use enchants on his weapons

[@avocadoman5936]

Flashback to me playing Minecraft and a zombie killing me stealing all my enchanted diamond armor.

[@hystericallover5989]

A bit of Spandex how do you die to a zombie yet have enchanted diamond gear

[@frankestor9947]

@@hystericallover5989 it could be fighting nultiple enemies and the zombie got the final blow

[@hystericallover5989]

Frankestor99 if they have full diamond gear, they most likely have a shield. with a shield, diamond gear, and a decent sword with sweeping edge, you’re fine

[@frankestor9947]

@@hystericallover5989 Then poison a zombie killed me when i had diamond gear because of poison

[@Melnorjr]

I could see him favoring the shortsword because the goblins are small, numerous, and tend to swarm and climb on you, so you want to have a weapon that is effective at extremely close range.

[@praise_kek340]

That is probably why he uses goblin weapons because they are built for their size

[@janeleonard985]

And fast

[@gregoreder8205]

Not to forget, that he tend to throw his weapon and a shortsword is a lot easier to throw than a longsword.

[@francistein8409]

the no long sword in cave rule is like more of a warning to amateurs/rookie adventurers

[@probablywrong3816]

"I meant shields, obviously" But what is a shield, if not just an anti-sword sword?

[@ace0719]

That's actually a thing

[@gustavowadaslopes2479]

A shield is just a really fat sword.

[@EternalVirgin]

Everything is a sword if you're smart enough

[@thatoneguynamedpatrick]

@@EternalVirgin tried to do pro swordfighting with my thing, lets just say im no longer capable of intercourse

[@dragonking7248]

@@thatoneguynamedpatrick lol

[@Ilyas-ty6cy]

Finally!! The kind of analysis that I really want about Goblin Slayer...

[@timtsai9285]

One of my favorite thing from a novel I recently read (not goblin slayer) is that the most common enchantment is not some fancy elemental effect or the like but actually cleanliness to keep the blood and stuff off the blade. Sharpness and durability are the next most common ones.

[@xyon9090]

*Lots of discussion about the practicality of Goblin Slayer* specially among the Anime Community. Good to hear your thoughts on this topic.

[@beastygamer7718]

Goblin Slayer 'could" and 'would' use the 'fancy' weapons, it's just that he doesn't want the Goblins getting the better gear. For instance a mithril sword can barely go blunt from fat and blood, it's just to good of a material which goblins must NOT have. C:

[@Asko83]

He specifically says that he knows that sooner or later a goblin will kill him and he doesn't want them looting good gear off of him. The armour is good but would not fit well on a goblin (and they'll likely have broken it in order to kill him first.) Weapons are a different matter. In fact, in one chapter of the manga he buys a strange weapon (looks like one of those African throwing weapons with a bunch of blades sticking in many directions) precisely because he doesn't think that a goblin would know how to use it.

[@predator5775]

I thought he would stop using weapons after using them due to a code. Like once it has killed a goblin, it's considered "unclean" and he disposes it.

[@Asko83]

@@predator5775 His only code appears to be "kill as many goblins as possible." All the tactics he use are as pragmatic as possible, with the intention of trying to ensure his own survival, only when his friends complain about him using flooding and cave ins and other dirty tricks does he do something more dangerous for himself. He would not dispose of weapons merely because a goblin used them because a) that would limit his weaponry and therefore make things harder b) He already loots weapons from goblins and uses them until they break or get lost.

[@bloodangel1745]

Beasty Gamer well if the goblin couldn’t wield the sword the goblin can’t use it

[@KuroiHoshiV]

We all know what happened with the Goblin Priest, stupid adventurers

[@tsunamiunicorn5125]

In the anime the elf archer does what goblin slayer when he switches weapons because she realizes that there is too much blood on the handle and she couldn’t get a good grip on it.

[@thien-vietnguyen3571]

I was looking for this exact comment.

[@rosshaikenleonen1416]

8:49. He can't use a warhammer because goblins live in small dungeons, usually just big enough for them and warhammers are most useful on wide swings. blades on the other hand can kill with a slice and stab which doesn't require that much space to fully utilize.

[@RedSunUnderParadise]

Dude, most warhammers are kinda small and not the MonHunt/Smough Pancaker you are thinking of.

[@rosshaikenleonen1416]

@@RedSunUnderParadise I think you missed the part where I talk about wide swings while the other just stab and slash.

[@RedSunUnderParadise]

@@rosshaikenleonen1416 I got that but since many warhammers are about the length of most decetly sized maces or perhaps slightly longer than the clubs GS uses, I think he'll be fine.

[@SilusValeriusVT]

@@RedSunUnderParadise Well you can stab with a sword, which requires much less windup and it has more potential if you're mobbed because the dangerous part is always pointed forwards, but a blunt weapon can't be thrusted and if you're caught mid swing you have the slight chance of being overwhelmed, and mobbing enemies is the goblins' strength- Goblin Slayer fights goblins so often, literally every day for years on end, that things that should happen rarely are probably reasonable to prepare for, if he meets too many goblins in too WIDE of a space he's better off with something that has less potential for interruption so not a blunt weapon, but not a spear, because goblins can grab that, it is much harder to grab a sword than a spear, and much easier to deny area with a small sword than a small blunt weapon, or at least that's how I see it

[@DALKurumiTokisaki]

If I remember correctly Goblin Slayer doesn't use higher quality weapons due to the risk of him dying and a Goblin getting some really strong weapon off his body. He'd rather go in using standard equipment since it get's the job done good enough and deprives Goblins of using him as a potential treasure trove of valuables.

[@MagicalMaster]

It's flat out mentioned that he's also very aware that a goblin could easily swipe something off his pouch in confusion so he's not going to let them anywhere near a +50 sword of omni killing or whatever is in this setting.

[@Sage_6reen]

Glad someone brought this point up

[@winatwarlord]

True, also one of the main reasons is thaat GS is rather poor for a Silver ranked adventurer since killing goblins doesn`t pay that much. GS already has to buy some food, pay for armor and gear repair, restock expensive consumables like potions, antidotes, scrolls and so on.

[@gedeyogam9096]

Thank you..finally..i like shad..but sometimes i do feel he didnt do much research bout the lore and just using his logic without looking at the lore or story or char

[@Arclight06]

I was looking for this comment, i was going to point this until i saw your comment :D

[@lackusshock]

Interestingly enough, back when the helmet had its horns, a goblin actually managed to climb onto Goblin Slayer thanks to them.

[@maellemoine-s5727]

ho that's a great idea ! never thought of it, is it shown in the manga ?

[@lackusshock]

@@maellemoine-s5727 In the Year 1 manga. I can't remember which chapter, but it was during Goblin Slayer's first adventure.

[@maellemoine-s5727]

@@lackusshock okay thanks, i'll definitely take a look a it !

[@jaylin3321]

@@maellemoine-s5727 Didnt the horn break off and he stabbed it with the broken horn?

[@AnimaMik]

Yeah, he didn't take it off on purpose, though, they just broke because of goblins grabbing onto it.

[@Crowe0920]

As dark as this anime can be at times i do appreciate how it actually gives an accurate portrayal of goblin that has been used in many other sources, sadistic, crafty, merciless cretins. I may not like EVERYTHING shown in the anime, but i do have a heatlthy respect for that portrayal

[@ricardoramos1059]

Not to mention from a folklore standpoint goblins been in short bloody parasites that if left alone become quite a problem is perfect since in real life and in dark fantasy goblin are quite deadly an nothing to take likely

[@dragonking7248]

I used to think that goblins were just low level monsters that I could easily grind for loot and experience points. but after seeing Goblin Slayer, I have never looked at them the same way again.

[@ZeroBeat1]

Pretty sure the armor is really to protect his virginity from Cowgirl, at least until he's over whatever trauma causes him to exterminate every goblin.

[@sakuseihuoshen]

You should really read the manga about what happened before the cleric met him

[@ZeroBeat1]

@@sakuseihuoshen Souka.

[@sakuseihuoshen]

@@ZeroBeat1 naruhodo

[@ZeroBeat1]

@@sakuseihuoshen Ah.

[@sakuseihuoshen]

@@ZeroBeat1 soudesuka

[@Talon323]

A Goblin Slayer video WITHOUT dislikes? What sorcery is this!

[@shadiversity]

I'm sure it won't last for long, lol

[@devilsadvocate2442]

ShadoSnakeGames about that

[@joetadlas9375]

You just had to jinx it, did you?

[@puffer_frog]

Well, the horde of sensitive snowflakes pretty much died down and went back to their stinking safe places.

[@Game...007]

Now there are allready 30...

[@antoinemonks4187]

Nice address of the cave thing. One time a character of mine was carrying a true greatsword and had to go through a tunnel; so he simply went in half-swording.

[@danielantony1882]

Yeah, good luck doing that against an Organized Mob of Goblins in a Cave. I'd watch that with a Popcorn.

[@jedyzichterman358]

Daniel Antony Nobody said he had to solo the cave though.

[@podedead]

@@jedyzichterman358 sadly GS was , and is fighting goblins solo :D

[@brandonogden3498]

@@danielantony1882 the gobbos have to line up too, unless they're standing on each other's shoulders (which sounds hilarious). The great sword is pretty much a better spear if you use it that way, and a spear should do just fine when your opponent can't really move sideways.

[@immanuel6233]

But what if he want throw the sword to kill a goblin leader, short swords are just bigger dagger

[@MCNinjaDJ]

Based on his use of the shield in the anime and the behavior of the goblins in the show I get the impression he uses the shield as a means stopping goblins from swarming him. The goblins seem to grab on to their prey and tear away their armor. Essentially they often use their own bodies as weapons and thus having a shield which he can use to throw/shield-bash goblins is very helpful. As he is in tight spaces often times, anything larger would be impractical. That's my perspective though I'm sure there are likely aspects I'm missing.

[@K3NatCSS]

How would grappling in any way be aided by a shield? It's just a manga/anime anyway, there's a good chance not everything is reasoned through.

[@charlesgeringer8489]

Think less of grapling as humans wrstling and mroe as being attacked by dangerous but not too large animal like a feracious but dog. Goblins tend to be straigthforward enemies, and frequently leap and taller prey, goblin slayer is shown using the shield to hinder that kind fo attack. A simple forearm block would still allow the gobling to grab that arm, The shield is sharp, and makes the arm harder to be grabbed, besides serving as a backup weapon.

[@chaoticroad]

A couple of times in the series it also shows him sharpening one edge of his shield and using the shield itself to kill some of the goblins.

[@dicktsui1818]

I bet there is a tag on the shield that reads "Shield: stay sturdy on your wrist , allows you to shield bash enemies smaller than you"

[@therandomcrazygamer]

@@K3NatCSS they have claws and usually somesort of weapons soba way to shove them away without endangering yourself would be good

[@maximumdon7637]

Shad should really make a follow up video about Goblin Slayer’s weapons armour and tactics, using the information gleaned from this video’s comments section. Big fans of the series can have more insight on why GS uses such poor weapons and armour, never cleaning them, not using oils, and his “questionable” tactics. All because he is not arrogant, and believes his end will someday come via goblin, and he doesn’t want to give them anything powerful that could give the one that kills him an edge. I like to compare GL to a big boss, and the Goblins to be the challengers. In any RPG, normally when you kill a big bad boss (BBB), you gain access to that boss’s weapon which can give you awesome power, and an edge in defeating other BBB’s. If GS was carrying a powerful weapon at the time when he is killed, then that goblin could use that weapon to kill others. Hell, he doesn’t even write down notes because he is worried that there could be a goblin smart enough to read that could use that information in their own tactics.

[@yellowfellow7246]

"There's no weapon that is universally better than all other weapons." *Sad Palpatine death-star noises intensify.*

[@akuakkk1908]

Sad SAT noice

[@ADMICKEY]

Sad greataxe noises

[@barrylyndon5552]

Small rebel fighter disagrees

[@talgazit2224]

Plot armor is the ultimate weapon

[@x3dwany371]

@@talgazit2224 wrong the plot shovel is

[@tyrianjomane]

the shield goblin slayer uses also doubles as a weapon the edges are polished and sharp he uses a burning torch instead of a latern for the same reason

[@SpGeekinator]

It's easier to burn things with a torch.

[@Hackimaster]

@@SpGeekinator That's not the main point though. In Goblin Slayer, Priestess often uses her Light spell in caves to blind the goblins. The same effect can be created with a polished shield and a light source (he can't use magic so something inflammable it is).

[@devildavin]

Goblin slayer is creative, he tries to make anything he can get ahold of as a weapon,

[@stazvlad2937]

+Hacki gs been on goblin slaying for 5 years before priestess came so he just so what he always does bring torch its easier and dont forget that spells are only limited that light thingy can only use 3 times was it ye and when in long run it drains you get it

[@FrostGiant91]

Im with vlad Imagine slaying goblins for 5 years then one day you get into a dark cave expecting there is a priest who can cast light spell i mean what the fuck? Also the one hero one weapon trend in anime is shit and it need to be stop, cant call urself a warrior if you dont know how to use any other weapon beside a fucking five seven, one or two one handed sword *COUGH*

[@lowkeyarki7091]

17:50 actually Shad that is correct for one reason and it's not the traumatic experience. It's because a captured female will be used to produced more goblins while males just become meals.

[@charlesjoelespinosa3249]

only males SHOULD do goblin quests females can, but being incapacitated will result into, you know, fate worse than death

[@konstellashon1364]

@nightmare Shadow I haven't read that they reproduce without captured women, but yeah they enjoy it. It is not simply for the sake of their species.

[@lowkeyarki7091]

@nightmare Shadow pretty sure they can use human and elf women to produce goblins, it's even part of his training to acknoledge that a goblin inside a human womb is still a goblin

[@Mazapan404]

@nightmare Shadow If im correct the girl that gets rapped in chapter one eventually offs herself cause she was pregnant with a goblin child

[@hithere2741]

MazapanDatabase Untrue, Priestess knelt in front of the mages grave, Female Fighter was never confirmed to kill herself.

[@codyopperman5930]

As for the magic sword, I think you kind I'd cover this in a more recent video. The crowbar. It will defeat enemies, but it's overkill. You want a weapon that is merely sufficient for the task at hand. And if Orcbolg gets overwhelmed in a hallway, I doubt he will want to think "I guess I can stab forward, but there's one to my left I can't reach" as he dies.

[@jaylin3321]

The horns were broken off by a goblin... and then he stabbed the goblin to death with said horn Edit: He also used the sheild as a weapon by the way.

[@LecherousLizard]

The first horn, yes, the other horn was smashed by GS with a club... along with a goblin that was grabbing onto it.

[@sethleoric2598]

I don't think im there in the manga, so i always thought he cut them off himself because he knew they'd get stuck in the caves

[@LecherousLizard]

@@sethleoric2598 It's not in the "main" manga, but it's right at the beginning of the "Year One" manga.

[@sethleoric2598]

@@LecherousLizard ah.. so its a spinoff?

[@LecherousLizard]

@@sethleoric2598 In the main story Goblin Slayer been slayin' for 5 years already. That is a prequel, showing his very early days, including his first ever goblin hunt.

[@raphaelmt1706]

Love your analysis but I have to disagree on the choice of weapons, I actually thought that the choice of a short, choppy sword is perfect to quickly dispatch a group of small opponents in a tight space, having to carry a two-handed blade on you while fighting in close quarters would put you at a disadvantage. Also, in tunnels, you would not want a long stabby weapon if you expect a group of small opponents because they will easily bypass the tip or grab the weapon. The shield seems to also be used as a blunt weapon a lot which seems to make a lot of sense. All in all, I think the author's choice of weapons for the character is very fitting..

[@chimeraelite]

Not to mention how often he finds himself flanked or swarmed he needs to be able to get that sword angled.

[@raphaelmt1706]

@@chimeraelite Indeed!

[@IsaSaien]

In a realistic world, and on my humle opinion, a spear, a dagger and a buckler would do the trick, but there is no realistic way to do it solo, so whatever the show wants to show makes as much sense as the next thing

[@kenetmendoza2157]

Oh, people always underestimate the ability to use long range weapons in close quarters. Nevermind the fact the he mentions that reach is one of top priorities.

[@cabellones]

@@kenetmendoza2157 is not that is no effective... but there is a reason Roman soldiers uses gladius in a packed fight instead of a longsword. maneuverability, quickness in swing and recover will be more effective than a weapon with wider reach..

[@tedferkin]

Regarding the magic, of X spells per day. This actually came from the Dying Earth books by Jack Vance. So it's kind of going full circle or back to it's original form. The concept was that the wizards only had so much space inside of them (or their brain, I'm struggling to remember), to store the spells, and once cast they had to learn it all over again.

[@ShinKyuubi]

The way it's explained in GS is that each time a spell is used you must commune with the god or goddess directly with your spirit to request the spell or in Priestess' case miracle..as that's what all her spells are called due to being a follower of the Earth Mother.

[@alicebrown6215]

ShinKyuubi DnD borrowed the Vancian magic system and applied it to all magic casters, in some form.

[@Kissamiess]

Got to remember that even though the popular D&D famously uses the Vancian system, there are many tabletop RPGs that don't. It is easy to understand and follow in a story, so much is true.

[@WRJara]

I'm surprised that you never took into account the fact of stamina comsumtion of the whole ordeal of invading a goblin's lair, wich is mostly portrayed as a natural cave and a tunnel-like fortress that deepens down to earth. In that scenario it's imposible to consider using the same tactics or carrying the same amount of weight you would for a fight in the plains.

[@rarehatmd2120]

Time to talk about his shield. The main reason I see for carrying a shield is stopping things, be they clubs or other weapons wielded by hobgoblins, or smaller goblins that lunge at him. You even showed a clip of a goblin lunging at goblin slayer that got stopped by the shield then killed. The cave setting is pretty significant here again. If you're being grappled by a goblin while wearing layers of plate in a place with restricted area for movements, you're kinda in trouble. GSlayer keeps a shield to stop exactly this from happening. This isnt some wildly small chance scenario either, goblins have a tendency to be grappling-type fighters. About the hobgoblins, yeah he could wear a better shield to stop them, but his smaller one is usually sufficient, and isn't too big to be used in a cave for the above scenario. Also, as I saw someone else in this comments section mention, he has used the shield as a weapon. Idk the historical accuracy of that, but he does it

[@FastForwardPlans]

Yes, I don't know about in the anime, but he does use the shield as a stabbing weapon on occasion, as a backup if he does not have a working weapon. I think he mentions sharpening it, and yes some swords were designed to function as a blunt weapon, some had spikes, and a few had sharp edges, as a sort of last resort.

[@misspelled3677]

in the manga/LN we see him sharpening the shield and most of the time he use it as a weapon but we should also remember that usually he doesn't fight hobgoblins or shamans and etc. head on and if we think about it he is very versatile in any situation even though he wears a ton of armor and a shield they are very light because he also needs maneuverability

[@AD-en5dq]

Everything is a sword... even shields

[@sandrajohansson1516]

was thinking about it a bit..and ye you are right

[@AD-en5dq]

@@sandrajohansson1516 Roll Safe meme you know it

[@ArgentumFox]

Especially in Goblin Slayer, where the character even sharpens the edge of his shild to better use it as a weapon!

[@ItsGamein]

I never noticed the broken horns before this, it makes sense though, he probably bought someone's used helmet and broke the horns off to make it more practical

[@RandomL0s3r]

Year one, a prequel manga of sorts, he bought the helmet with horns in them and it fucks him over. A goblin grabs it, which forced him to snap that one of, then snap off the other to kill the goblin It's in the second chapter

[@katier9725]

You might be delighted to know that Lodoss is not just DnD inspired, it actually IS based on the writer's DnD campaigns. Same for Overlord btw.

[@tricktictrip2192]

OVERLORD!!!!

[@finnheisenheim8274]

Wait so goblins really are murderous raping monsters in dungeons and dragons? I was used to the lawful evil banker goblins.

[@alexisguillen8400]

Wait what, Overlord? The author played a campaign whit EPIC thier PC in a heroic thier world? What's even the point? I want to know.

@Vandole i would not call him "the evil" but he aint good

[@FyebriesRolandia]

@@alexisguillen8400 nah, his experience of playing dnd is the "When i was with my guild" times. The various Ainz Ooal Gown members are probably the numerous PCs they play

[@Alexander59059]

I'd like to point out that he almost never uses the shield to protect from smaller goblins, more often he uses it as a weapon against them.

[@jonwassing]

I actually really love his use of the targe, despite my disdain for the story and setting, mostly cause he actually uses some highland fighting techniques. He even hides a dagger behind it at one point and slashes a unsuspecting goblin with it when the creature parries his primary weapon. His tactics are also pretty sound, I love his pragmatic (if somewhat dark) view on combat.

[@somerandomsatanist597]

What do you have against the story and setting?

[@jonwassing]

Eh, it’s just my opinion on the general tone, treatment of characters and the plot isn’t very high, but that’s not important. What is important is I thought the combat was pretty damn cool, as is the focus of this video really. Cause SWORDS! And HIGHLANDERS! And DRAGONS! Wait, is there dragons?

[@TeaBurn]

jonwassing The universe does have dragons...and demons, giant worm monsters, and many other sorts of nasty creatures of various sizes, but the main characters don't fight them...because this is Goblin Slayer, after all. I can't quite remember, but I think Lizard Priest also mentioned that his goal was becoming a dragon, as he says he comes from dragons. That, and those dragon-tooth warriors would have needed those fangs from somewhere.

[@ashchisalleh1454]

Lol... Goblin slayer world is bad. He got worm size of resident evil 3 game and slime who walking acid.... Yeah.

[@diegokaqui60]

@@ashchisalleh1454 that seems pretty standar...i don t get it.

[@friendlyneighborhoodshinigami]

4:53 berserk actually mentions this when guts gets captured by the enemy forces and made to fight the son of some lord and shit, he says something like "normally against full plate armor you'd target the gaps but spoilt rich noble kids like these have chainmail to cover the openings" then goes straight for the eyes

[@Shoyro]

From the light novels, it's explained that his armor is mostly leather. He does this for better maneuverability it tight spots, and the same logic is applied with his "default" weapon, being a unusual length Shortsword, (It's longer than standard but still short enough to be one handed.) His shield wasn't really meant for taking on heavy weapons like a great axe, in fact that very arm got injured on occasion due to the shield failing, though sometimes on purpose to gain an advantage. Goblin Slayer favors mobility and adaptability on the spot for unexpected developments than wearing full body protection. And considering Goblins can ambush adventurers from anywhere in a cave as they're excellent diggers, a shorter weapon will allow more options for such a possibility, especially in caves or corridors goblins have dug themselves, which would naturally be small and narrow for a human. Goblin Slayer focuses on those possibilities with his gear and logic. While some things I agree with like the layered chestplate with polearms, there actually is more logical reasoning for his choices if you consider the various factors.

[@Ralathar44]

This comment needs to be way further up.

[@louisvictor3473]

Full plate and mail don't actually restrict your movement all that much, much less mail, so using leather mostly is just less protection. Not that I buy it is mostly lather, just look at all that metal.

[@Shoyro]

@@louisvictor3473 true, but like I said, he prefers the agility. Full plate and chainmail might be too heavy for Goblin Slayer's liking.

[@Ralathar44]

@@louisvictor3473 Full plate and mail is still less mobility and while pretty good at traditional ranges of motion it's based around expected situations and DOES tend to limit non-traditional actions more. It's also very loud, oil and cloth can only do so much. GS relies on improvisation, agility, stealth, tactics, etc. Anything heavy enough to defeat the stray blow by a small goblin is enough, more than that only limits his chances as it won't save him from the big stuff like the Plat ranked Champions. This is part of why he has a small shield, it suites the situations he fights in alot more than a larger shield. It WAS mostly leather in the LN. The armor was changed for the Manga and Anime, prolly to appeal to a visual medium more by giving him a more defined look.

[@thatonecunningskaven7154]

Shoyro body mobility is not really reduced with plate or mail armor. The only real thing that suffers is your own endurance. Now, I can see the reason. If few goblins hang on you you will need less muscle power to spend to release from them. Add to that the caves must be lacking the fresh supply of air to breathe and the crumped surroundings are possible - you take less space. So essentially the adventure in the caves turns into endurance challenge. Not much rest, constant danger, foreign for a human environment. You can certainly train enough to wear armor the whole day but it doesnt mean its not easier to do stuff is easier without it.