Claw Them Into Shape Quest Guide

Dragon’s Dogma 2 immerses players in a vast open world filled with challenging quests that test combat prowess, exploration skills, and decision-making. Among the early side quests, ‘Claw Them Into Shape’ stands out as a rewarding endeavor tied to the Borderwatch Outpost region. This mission revolves around assisting a skilled Beastren warrior named Beren in revitalizing his training regimen. By helping him acquire essential gear and a willing recruit, players unlock substantial experience points, gold, and progression in the game’s narrative. This comprehensive guide breaks down every step, from initiation to completion, ensuring you navigate the quest seamlessly without spoilers for the main storyline.

Quest Prerequisites and Activation

Before diving into the action, confirm you’ve met the basic requirements. This quest becomes available after progressing through the main storyline quest ‘In Dragon’s Wake.’ It’s wise to visit the Borderwatch Outpost early, as interactions there can trigger related events. Head southwest from the outpost along the winding path, veering right at key junctions until you reach Moonglow Garden—a serene hillside encampment marked on your map west of the outpost.

At Moonglow Garden, locate Beren, the burly Beastren trainer perched on the hill. He might not appear immediately; if absent, rest at the nearby campfire until morning. Speak to him to learn about his struggles: despite his expertise, potential recruits shy away from his intimidating presence. Beren tasks you with two initial objectives—sourcing three swords and finding an eager soldier to train. Accepting these sets the quest in motion, adding markers to your map for efficiency.

Locating the Perfect Recruit: Humphrey’s Story

Your first major task is recruiting a motivated soldier. Venture to Vernworth, the bustling city you’ll naturally reach post-Melve in the main quest. As you traverse the streets southeast of Clovis’s Barberie—a notable landmark near the central market—watch for an approaching NPC named Humphrey. He’s a determined young man seeking purpose, often initiating conversation automatically.

During the dialogue, select the option to mention Beren and his training needs. This choice convinces Humphrey to join the cause, directing him toward the Borderwatch Outpost. No combat or persuasion checks are required; it’s a straightforward interaction. If Humphrey doesn’t appear, explore the area thoroughly or rest to reset NPC spawns. Once recruited, he heads to meet Beren independently, freeing you to tackle the weapon procurement.

• Tip: Carry healing items and ensure your pawns are equipped for urban encounters, as Vernworth paths can host minor foes.
• Alternative Paths: While Humphrey is the intended recruit, quest progression hinges on any ‘motivated soldier,’ but sticking to him yields optimal results.

Acquiring Three Swords: Purchase or Plunder?

Beren requires three standard swords to equip his trainees—nothing fancy, just functional one-handed blades. You have flexible options: buy them outright or loot from the world, catering to different playstyles and inventory management.

For purchasing, negotiate at the outpost smithy to lower costs. Adventurers often recommend this for speed, especially if gold flows from prior quests. Looting suits scavenger builds: scour goblin-infested trails southwest of the outpost, where swords drop frequently from defeated foes. Verify sword types in your inventory—any basic one-hander qualifies, excluding exotic or two-handed variants.

With swords in hand and Humphrey enlisted, return to Beren at Moonglow Garden or the outpost training grounds. Hand over the blades to fulfill the procurement objective, triggering the next phase.

The Sparring Challenge: Facing Beren in Combat

Beren, impressed by your efforts, proposes a friendly bout to test your mettle and inspire Humphrey. Accept the challenge for a non-lethal duel at the training grounds. This fight showcases Beren’s prowess as a Beastren fighter—expect powerful claw strikes, agile dodges, and combo attacks.

Combat Strategies:

• Archer/Mage Builds: Maintain distance, targeting legs to stagger. Use fire arrows or lightning spells for crowd control if pawns join.
• Warrior/Fighter: Parry his lunges (blue flash timing) and counter with charged heavies. His recovery frames leave openings.
• Pawn Synergy: Command pawns to flank; a Mystic Spearhand pawn excels here with lifting grabs.
• Weak Points: Aim for tail and head; dodging rolls counters his AOE swipes.

The duel ends upon depleting Beren’s stamina bar—he yields without fatality. Victory solidifies your reputation, prompting him to lead you onward.

Quest Climax: The Follow-Up and Rewards

Post-spar, trail Beren to a final destination for quest resolution. Stay alert for environmental hazards en route. Upon arrival, converse to wrap up loose ends, witnessing Humphrey’s enthusiasm bloom under Beren’s guidance.

Rewards include 1200 XP for leveling, 4500 Gold for gear upgrades, and intangible benefits like improved outpost relations. This quest enhances your combat toolkit and unlocks future Borderwatch opportunities.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Avoid these errors for smooth completion:

• Missing Beren’s spawn: Always rest till dawn.
• Overlooking Humphrey: Exhaust dialogue options.
• Wrong Weapons: Double-check inventory for swords only.
• Taking Spar Too Seriously: It’s a test, not permadeath.

Pro Tip: Pair with ‘Ordeals of a New Recruit’ nearby—synergistic XP gains and shared locations optimize your route.

FAQ

Where exactly is Moonglow Garden?

Directly west of Borderwatch Outpost; follow the southwestern path, hugging right turns up the hill.

Can I fail the quest?

No permanent failure, but delays might despawn NPCs—restart via rest or reload.

What’s the best vocation for Beren’s fight?

Fighter for melee parity; Archer for safe kiting.

Does order of objectives matter?

No—swords and recruit can be done interchangeably.

Any missable rewards?

All rewards post-completion; no hidden branches.