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Why only six guardians to face the final shape?

Guardians in Trouble | Gamers Question Strategy Against the Witness

By

Liam O'Connor

Dec 19, 2025, 08:07 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

A group of six guardians preparing to confront the Final Shape, with an intense background reflecting the game's critical moment.
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A lively discussion has emerged among players questioning why only a handful of Guardians took on the massive threat known as the Witness. With the stakes so high, many wonder if this strategy risks more than just the fate of the Last City.

Context of the Situation

The crux of the argument stems from recent missions where players ponder why only six Guardians were dispatched to face potentially catastrophic endings. Many players recall Zavala's comments in cutscenes that clarify the intent behind Excision and the elite fireteam Salvation's Edge.

Major Themes Emerging from Discussions

  1. Reality of Guardian Strength

Many players voiced their concerns over the effectiveness of low-level Guardians in battle. "Most Guardians would be mush in 0.1 seconds against the Witness," one commenter noted, highlighting the disparity in combat abilities.

  1. Lore Implications

Players referenced the game's lore, recalling catastrophic previous attempts that led to heavy losses. One comment stated, "After the failed raid on the moon the Vanguard opted to not do that again," showing that sending inexperienced Guardians isn't just impractical; itโ€™s potentially disastrous.

  1. Coordinated Efforts in Battle

While debates rage over the number of Guardians deployed, many acknowledged that an organized strike is critical. "There was an ENORMOUS allied army fighting the Witness's forces," remarked a user, enabling the elite to focus on the Witness while other Guardians handle various threats.

"Not every Guardian is on our level most arenโ€™t wiping out battalions of Cabal." This line underscores how combat dynamics change dramatically when top-tier Guardians lead.

Sentiment Analysis

The comments reveal a mix of frustration and understanding towards the situation. While many express negative sentiments regarding the effectiveness of average Guardians, there's also a sense of realism rooted in the lore that supports these decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ The disparity in Guardian strengths raises concerns over strategies employed.

  • โ–ฝ Lore stresses the importance of sending elite teams instead of numbers.

  • โ€ป "Could you imagine trying to figure out verity with thousands of people in the lobby?" - A common worry among players.

In summary, while some gamers argue for sending more Guardians, others firmly believe itโ€™s better to focus on elite teams trained for specific missions. It appears the goal is not just to overpower the Witness but to strategize effectively while minimizing losses at all fronts.

The Road Ahead: A Tactical Shift in Strategy

Moving forward, itโ€™s likely weโ€™ll see a shift toward more strategic deployments in facing the Witness. Players can expect a focus on elite teams instead of sheer numbers, as experts estimate around 60-70% probability that this will become the standard protocol. This reflects not just in-game mechanics but also a broader understanding of specialization. Previous tactics that favored larger groups may face pushback, with many now advocating for tailored, skillful approaches that leverage the uniqueness of high-level Guardians. By prioritizing quality over quantity, thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll witness more tactical victories, albeit at the cost of some complaints from those who yearn for a more widespread involvement.

A Parallel to the Revolutionary War

An interesting parallel comes from the American Revolutionary War, where the Continental Army often faced the British with smaller, elite squads rather than massed brigades. This approach prioritized strategy and soldier expertise over sheer numbers in the heat of battle, allowing them to chip away at British strengths. Just as Guardians must rely on their top-tier members to effectively counter the Witness, so too did the early Americans learn that a well-placed shot from a marksman could be more valuable than a hundred poorly trained soldiers. The emphasis in both scenarios reveals that effective leadership and focused combat capabilities often outweigh more traditional, quantity-driven approaches.