Benny Build Guide
Benny, the stoic and incredibly durable retainer to Xander, is a defensive anchor in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. His personal skill, "Steadfast", grants him +4 Defense and +4 Resistance when he has 50% HP or lower. This makes him an exceptional tank, capable of weathering even the most punishing attacks when his HP is low. His starting class is Knight, which can promote to General or Great Knight. For a Benny focused on pure defensive utility and enemy phase dominance, a promotion to General is the optimal choice, granting access to the powerful "Pavise" skill and the highest defensive stats in the game. A Great Knight promotion offers more mobility and access to lances, but sacrifices some of the General's unparalleled tanking capabilities.
When developing Benny's stats, prioritize Defense and HP. His innate high Defense growth means he can quickly become an impenetrable wall. His HP ensures he can survive multiple hits, especially when his personal skill is active. While his Speed and Resistance are generally low, his high Defense and access to defensive skills often mitigate these weaknesses. If aiming for a more offensive presence, a reclass to Great Knight can provide him with better offensive stats and access to lances, allowing him to contribute more damage while still maintaining significant defensive presence. His personal skill, "Steadfast," encourages players to let him take hits, as his survivability increases when he is wounded. This can be a risky but rewarding strategy.
Weapon selection for Benny should focus on weapons that maximize his survivability and allow him to retaliate effectively. The Steel Lance is a reliable choice for its balanced stats. The Javelin offers ranged capabilities, allowing him to engage enemies from a distance without taking immediate damage. If he is reclassed to a class that uses axes, the Hand Axe can be a useful option. His access to the "Rally Defense" skill from the Knight class can be invaluable for bolstering the defenses of nearby allies. When facing powerful physical attackers, Benny excels. However, his low Resistance means he is vulnerable to magic. Pairing him with a unit that can absorb magic damage or providing him with defensive buffs against mages is crucial for his overall effectiveness. His ability to draw enemy aggro makes him an excellent unit for controlling the battlefield and protecting more fragile allies like Elise or Sakura.
A common mistake is trying to make Benny an offensive unit. While he can deal damage, his true strength lies in his unparalleled defensive capabilities. Skills like "Luna", if acquired through reclassing, can help him deal more damage by oring a portion of enemy defense, making his retaliatory attacks more impactful. also be aware of his low movement, which can be a hindrance on larger maps. Utilizing units with the "Shove" command or pairing him with a mobile unit can help him reach his desired position. Benny's quiet demeanor belies his immense strategic value as a frontline defender, capable of holding chokepoints against overwhelming odds.