Talk:Black Knight Greatsword/@comment-125.165.82.226-20150212123423/@comment-4511886-20150212164551

From personal experience, you'll want either a small or medium shield to counteract the weight. Which to take when depends on your ability to parry, and need to block. You may also want to consider lower weight shields to conserve weight for faster rolls, though a roll isn't always favorable, especially for a beginner.

You don't need to one-hand a weapon of this size, with as much damage as you get from the strength bonus, you'll probably find yourself two-handing the weapon more often than not. However, it's still be wise to open up your options, if you find yourself taking hits because you can't get your shield out quick enough.

For armor, you should do well in PvE with around 20-30 poise (with Wolf Ring, so 60-70 total) while allowing a mid roll, or fast roll if possible, as this will allow you to get in and out of attack range quickly, while denying most common enemies the chance to stop you mid-attack. That said, the Wolf Ring can suffice if you absolutely can't sacrifice your roll speed for poise. (Armor with good poise generally weigh a fair bit.)

As already stated, increasing endurance is a must, to help with both the weight and stamina drain. Fatrolling (using 50% equip load and up) will take a huge chunk out of your stamina regeneration, and this game will punish you if you don't manage stamina well. For an easier time, never fatroll if you don't have to, and level up endurance to use heavier armor. You can also use Havel's Ring when needed, although it's easy to get stuck with it, which makes it eat up a ring slot for the rest of the game.