Are 2H weapons bad?

[Disco Lizard]

It feels like they're really slow and clunky and the potential raw damage they offer isn't that big for such weapons. Not sure it's just my bad luck and I've got only trash ones but that what it is. Does it get any better late game or it's a balance issue? I'm lvl 17 nearly full str build

[Baron01]

Well, I have a lvl30 character with 42 STR that uses Claymore, which is actually the first weapon I got when I entered The Shallows. I stuck with the weapon as I liked its move set and reach even if its attack speed is a bit slow. The only content I have not cleared is Echo Knight in the Crucible where the weapon is not ideal as its slow speed makes it rather dangerous. The main problem is low damage output that drags the fight and put pressure on your healing/sustain. Anything that I can kill in 2 or 3 hits is absolutely no problem.

Are there better builds/weapons to use? Yeah, in fact probably most weapons are better than 2H swords. One of few benefits for heavy and slow weapons should be stagger on hit but it is very unreliable-some enemies get staggered and remain in it for a reasonable time, some enemies get staggered but immediately get out of the stun and a lot of end-game enemies do not get staggered at all.

[Dan]

2 handers are literal trash when compared to every other weapon, the only weapon that is worse to start playing with early game are bows and staves, however those 2 will become 1 shot killers mid and end game (with current content) so take that into consideration. Speaking of end game, 2 handers do descent damage per swing, but the stam cost, animation locks, and leaving you wide open for attacks make them doodoo as other weapons allow you to hit ,dodge, and hit again without trapping you.

I personally am a 2 hander build and enjoyed it, as it was challenging but you 110% have to learn your attack patterns and enemies as well so you don't get caught with pants down, that and slotting in a killer 1 hit skill like flame/plague throw will make you a god as the damage is based off of your primary stat. Also having 1 Calm Ring witch gives you +100 focus and +25% focus gain will make everything trivial as you're constantly throwing out 2 handed damage range flame throws that double hit, and ignite your targets. Can kill the Echo Knight just standing in front of him and he's dead in 6 seconds.

Also stacking +focus gain on hit, focus regen, reflect damage, 14% chance to refill stam, 11% chance to heal on being hit, health regen, healing increased by %, all resistances % should be your primary goals as it'll not only make you limitless focus, but also near unkillable. This applies to not just melee but everyone honestly, but if you're melee you usually have a ton of armor as well so that helps mitigate as well.

So 2 handers are bad, but amazing if cheesed like every other weapon with a crazy focus skill. If you're talking solely on regular swings? Yeah, 2 handers are not ideal, probably low or lowest on totem pole.

[SK-HYJINX]

I didn't like the 2H Axe, wind up is quite slow, but the Claymore is great, well... I love it's move set and I've never looked back.

[Baron01]

Originally posted by SK-HYJINX:

I didn't like the 2H Axe, wind up is quite slow, but the Claymore is great, well... I love it's move set and I've never looked back.

Same for me, I like the move set and I like the potential for stagger. I assume the numbers will get tweaked during EA as it is not feasible to have some weapons so much better than other ones.

[Dan]

Originally posted by SK-HYJINX:

I didn't like the 2H Axe, wind up is quite slow, but the Claymore is great, well... I love it's move set and I've never looked back.

I preferred using the crafted 2 hander axe myself, the dash leap attack was amazing reach and staggered almost everyone, allowing me for my 2nd wind up attack which would then either kill them outright or fully stagger them for me to finish them. The Claymore isn't bad, but definitely better than the unique "Corpse Smear" versions attack patterns, but still I loved the crafted 2 handed axes attacks.

[bruh]

check out these bozos above me thinking that 2 handed weapons are bad

[Slayer]

Nope. They are great. My Summer Sting and Brutish Cudgel absolutely wreck the Crucible.

[Palicai]

Tested a 2h weapon first try, ended up going 1h and shield, 2h was just too slow for alittlebit xtra damage,not worth it.

Im sure its fine later, but the playstyle doesnt suit me, i prefer a more responsive fight, like i do in most games. The mobs here are just too fast and unreliable for me to enjoy a slow heavy style.

[djeegy]

get a white claymore or a powerful 2h ,put a throwing rune on it ( mine is fire ) upgrade to level 3
get gear that give you focus on damage and heal on damage
Melt everything ,wreck bosses... game changer

[Dan]

Originally posted by djeegy:

get a white claymore or a powerful 2h ,put a throwing rune on it ( mine is fire ) upgrade to level 3
get gear that give you focus on damage and heal on damage
Melt everything ,wreck bosses... game changer

There in lies the issue, 2 handers are otherwise useless without a throwing skill like fire/plague throw when compared to other weapons. That aside, they need to tone down the damage on a lot of focus skills such as flame throw, as no skill should be 1 shotting everything in the game. With that though, 2 handers will just be relegated to be slow tedious weapons.