How can non-melee armour be worth it?

[Adre]

Like, it has so much less defence! I can't see how a slight offensive boost to a different weapon class could be worth taking 50% more damage, I'm struggling to stay alive as is! Am I missing something?

[Snek]

If ur new at the game and get hit a lot then melee could be better. But for advanced players going damage over defence is usually the best option

[Folgum]

The offensive boosts are fairly significant, and the set bonuses provided by class specific-armour sets are often tailored to that class' playstyle.
Whether you decide to use class-specific armour sets for this reason is entirely up to you. If you think you need the extra defence, then go ahead and use melee armour. When you get better at staying alive, however, you'll likely find more use from class-specific armour sets.

[Alucard †]

Also on higher difficulties like Expert or Master. Chosing high defense over higher damage output may not be the best option.

Since everything hits way harder and has more health. High defense vs higher tier bosses or event enemies may only grant you protection for 1-2 more hits before you drop dead while your overall dps against said enemies will suffer making the fight last longer thus increasing the risk of fumbling and getting killed.

[Celator]

You're missing that defense is the worst stat. Because of the way the game mechanics work, it makes the least difference overall, especially as enemies start doing more damage.

[prpl_mage]

I would advice melee armor as you're learning the game. You are bound to encounter things that will damage you in ways you didn't predict.

But as mentioned, later on the best way to survive isn't to facetank things, it's to avoid them altogether.
And also as mentioned, the 50% more damage isn't a lot for a dmg 18 weapon, but for a dmg 80 weapon it's going to be more significant. The faster something dies, the fewer attacks have a chance to hit you.

Honorable mentions:
The ninja gear which dodges attacks,
worm scarf that gives a damage reduction instead,
alchemist stone that and decreases potion cooldown.
cross necklace gives you a few miliseconds of more invulnerabiltiy

[Alucard †]

Originally posted by prpl_mage:

I would advice melee armor as you're learning the game. You are bound to encounter things that will damage you in ways you didn't predict.

But as mentioned, later on the best way to survive isn't to facetank things, it's to avoid them altogether.
And also as mentioned, the 50% more damage isn't a lot for a dmg 18 weapon, but for a dmg 80 weapon it's going to be more significant. The faster something dies, the fewer attacks have a chance to hit you.

Honorable mentions:
The ninja gear which dodges attacks,
worm scarf that gives a damage reduction instead,
alchemist stone that and decreases potion cooldown.
cross necklace gives you a few miliseconds of more invulnerabiltiy

To avoid confusion it's called Philosopher's Stone not Alchemist stone.

[pig rig]

to avoid confusion melee is ♥♥♥♥

[Goofdogg627]

to avoid confusion you are bad at dodging

[JHG]

to avoid confusion, Equip a Trifold Map

[pig rig]

Originally posted by JHG:

to avoid confusion, Equip a Trifold Map

good one

[Neorro]

Originally posted by ILSM:

Originally posted by JHG:

to avoid confusion, Equip a Trifold Map

good one

I'll do you one better to avoid confusion, Equip an Ankh shield

[Luke99M]

Fast fight> long fight so more dps= better

[Adre]

does this mean melee weapons are generally totally outclassed by the others, too?

[M0D]

Originally posted by Adre:

does this mean melee weapons are generally totally outclassed by the others, too?

not really, its just that Melee is a safer path.

[Alucard †]

Early melees suck , later you get a lot more ranged melee weapons that are actually decent.

And then there's Zenith