Hodrick is the reliable backbone of the Liberation Army, a seasoned Hoplite who quickly evolves into a Legionnaire.
He’s introduced mid-prologue as Queen Ilenia’s trusted guard and returns to your side after the “Unicorn Ring” quest.
With rock-solid defense, protective abilities, and a keen sense of positional strategy, Hodrick is your go-to unit for holding chokepoints, defending vulnerable allies, and shoring up the frontlines.
He excels at soaking up ranged threats and preventing key targets from being overwhelmed, especially in stages with narrow pathways or ambush points.
If you’re designing a defensive playstyle or need a dependable anchor for your squad, Hodrick delivers.
How to Recruit Hodrick
Hodrick becomes a permanent member of your party following the “Unicorn Ring” main quest.
While you can temporarily control him during Ilenia’s early campaign, he officially joins your Liberation Army afterward.
No optional conditions or side quests are needed, just follow the main story to onboard him as a sturdy defensive specialist.
Class Overview: Hoplite → Legionnaire
Hodrick starts as a Hoplite, a shield-bearing infantry class known for exceptional physical defense and high guard rates.
Hoplites are built to block hits and protect squishier allies, making them ideal for frontline anchor roles.
Upon promotion (once Renown Rank B is reached) Hodrick becomes a Legionnaire, gaining extra AP/PP, improved defense, and access to advanced skills like Fortress and follow-up maneuvers.
His class excels in directional defense and crowd control but is weak against strong ranged assaults or magic if not supported.
As a Legionnaire, his utility and survivability increase, allowing him to maintain front-line presence deeper into the mid-game.
Stats and Growth
Hodrick’s starting stats and progression reflect his tanky, defensive role:
- AP / PP: 2 / 2 — Enough to use defensive and support skills reliably
- HP: B-rank — High durability
- Phys. ATK: C — Enough to hold his own
- Phys. DEF: S-rank — His defining stat
- Mag. ATK / Mag. DEF: E / D — Fragile against heavy magic unless supported
- Accuracy: D — Acceptable for a defensive role
- Evasion / Crit Rate: Both F — Expect to be hit
- Guard Rate: S-rank — Frequently blocks attacks
- Initiative: F — Moves later in the turn order
Hodrick thrives when built for defense, with his ability to soak up hits and use coverage skills effectively.
His growth is labeled as “Keen / Offensive,” meaning he gains solid stat increases over time, especially in mid- to late-game, when fully promoted.
Skills and Abilities
Hodrick starts with straightforward yet powerful protective and counterattack skills.
His early active ability Sting deals bonus damage to weakened enemies (below 50% HP). He also learns two passive but essential support skills:
Heavy Cover: Automatically protects a designated ally behind him whenever possible. Great for shielding healers or frail units.
Guardian: Each time Hodrick is attacked, he gains +20% physical attack and Guard Rate, stacking to improve effectiveness over the course of a battle.
As a Legionnaire, he gains Fortress, a valor skill that provides temporary invulnerability to one ally, ideal for clutch defensive moments.
Hodrick lacks flashy offensive skills, but his skillset ensures survivability and squad resilience under duress.
Best Equipment and Accessories
Spear & Greatshield: The ideal weapon setup for Hodrick is a spear paired with a sturdy greatshield.
Aim for gear like the Unwavering Spear (for true thrust attacks) and Azure Crest Greatshield (+30% guard rate, +10 physical defense, +1 PP toward Heavy Cover activation).
Armor: Opt for heavy infantry armor that reinforces Defense and HP without slowing him down.
Accessories:
Lapis Pendant gives +1 PP, valuable for more frequent supportive moves.
Gear that enhances Guard Rate, Defense, or PP regen aligns perfectly with his defensive role.
Overall, build Hodrick as an immovable wall who keeps key units safe and holds ground.
Ideal Unit Placement and Team Synergy
Hodrick belongs firmly on the front line, facing enemy threats head-on.
Station him at chokepoints, entry paths, or narrow bridge exits, anywhere he can block enemy advances with Heavy Cover and stack defensive bonuses.
He pairs well with healers like Scarlett or Josef, both of whom can keep him healthy; and with damage dealers like Lex or Chloe, whose output benefits from his protective presence.
His synergy with ranged units also makes him a perfect anchor in mixed squads that need a sturdy frontline.
For ultimate utility, craft squads centered around Hodrick’s defensive capabilities, two melee damage dealers, one support, and Hodrick himself form a balanced 4-person unit.
Tips and Strategy
Tactics Priority: Set Sting for low-HP targets which is great for finishing blows. Then assign Heavy Cover (targeting whoever is lowest-HP or back row) and keep Guardian active at all times to benefit from the stacking attack and guard boosts.
Chokepoint Deployment: Use Hodrick to plug narrow pathways or doorways where enemy archers or mages can’t funnel past him.
Use Fortress Reactively: Save it for when allies face lethal hits, timing matters and it can ruin enemy burst plays.
Pair With Magic-Defense Units: Aid from Josef or Scarlett helps protect Hodrick against enemy spells that bypass physical guard.
Mid-to-Late Game Transition: He may fall off offensively as stronger units appear, but he grows steadily and remains relevant as a defensive stalwart, especially when promoted.
Final Thoughts
Hodrick is the archetypal shield-bearer, unyielding, supportive, and dependable.
His defensive toolkit is unmatched in early to mid-game, making him an anchor for any well-rounded squad.
While he lacks flashy offense, his ability to protect and fortify your team gives him high value in objectives, siege defense, or protracted battles.
If you prefer a playstyle centered on controlled tactical defense and team safety, Hodrick is an essential addition.
With the right gear and positioning, he turns choke points into impregnable strongholds and backs up your offensive units with unshakable loyalty.
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Featured image is from the official Japanese Website and used under Fair Use