Block strength doesn't do anything?

[Shajirr]

I was just playing on the 3rd map, as Shield Maiden, got 80 block strength, and despite that almost every hit still connects. I barely block anything, most hits pass through.

This is after getting every trait that increased block strength that I got, with plated mail and boots.

What's the point then?

I still died extremely quickly after a certain point. Died after 5 minutes, because every hit was for like 50 damage, and I don't block them, despite stacking as much block as possible.

[ZeppMan217]

Were you playing Agony? Enemy damage increases greatly at higher levels, and Block counts damage before Defense reduction, so it just ends up doing noting.

[Finvaara]

I did notice that even with full focus on block so I could do a shield bash focused run, and using my potions to double up the 10% block bonuses from bulwark, and picking up an extra bit of block from getting a better version of the gloves to drop during the level (Went from +10 block to +20 block) I still only blocked about a third of things by the end of the level. There doesn't seem to be enough support for block if you can spend literally every resource on it and not hit at least 50% effectiveness in a challenge run

[Red riding hood the third]

before the update block was still useful but now its pretty meh

[Shajirr]

So it becomes useless with Agony huh...

If playing Shield Maiden you should just ignore it and your shield bash entirely then?

[ZeppMan217]

Defense helps immensely still but I wouldn't bother Block stacking at all.

You could try a Thornfist build instead, stacking Defense, Crit Damage, and Regen, and face tanking the opposition. 80%+ damage reduction is easily attainable. As far as abilities go, Transfixion and maybe the light ball for increased damage debuff, and whatever you want besides those.

Could also try the different marks. Cleric has a lot of Regen and Debuff, Archer has a lot of Attack Speed/Multihit/Crit. Some people swear by the fire guy's mark being the best on any class if paired with fire abilities but I haven't had any luck with it myself.

[Enjoyluck]

Fire slash skill is kinda busted if you want to go fire you need that skil.

[Rhekt]

Block seems pointless on the last 2 maps since even with 200+ block, you will still be guaranteed hit by certain mobs. It's frustrating because all the tanky heroes Agony 3 achievements are on these maps, yet they have to build glass cannon essentially.