Dual wielding worth it?

[RTBear]

From what I can tell you can't parry while dual wielding so I'm wondering if it's worth it. Maybe Dual wielders just dodge all the time instead of parry? Is the damage output worth it?

[Miro Fox]

not really. with dangers maybe, cuz of the combo, but two swords, no really.

and with wands, you should have a grimoire in your offhand.

Shield Offhand for parrying, Or a Grimoire is almost mandatory.

[Halcyform]

I would assume something like dual wielding would require significant equipment synergy to support a skill that would be undoubtedly very stamina hungry.

Dual wielding is a style that stays on the attack and doesn't allow your opponent a moment's rest.

From what I've seen so far, this game heavily favors a playstyle that loads up your opponents with status effects (either through spells or enchanted weapons) and then systematically takes them apart with a more balanced approach such as sword and board (shield bash) or 2hd greatsword power attacks/parry counters which stack up even more status effects.

[BlazingVoid]

There is a level 10 Ranger skill, Arrow Deflection. "Melee weapons block arrows or similar projectiles when parrying."

Is that only referring to 2H? Odd for a ranger skill. Searching how do to this led me to this thread.

[Coldhands]

I'm using sword in one hand and a grimoire in the other, and it's worked out pretty well so far. I use defensive spells and a lot of dodging around to stay out of trouble. There's a lot of spell casting and using Kai's taunt, then try to run in and finish off enemies with my sword (which also heals me, which helps).

[Diomed]

I'm about to finish my first playthrough and I can say for certain that dual-wielding is a big upgrade from just using one weapon. No, cannot parry so you have to dodge; but you don't need to parry what is dead.

https://youtu.be/PMVOQxaoBfc

[Quacksalber]

I never parry or block in games, so I'm using an arquebus and pistol/spellbook, and yes I always dodge.

[LS95]

I like using a dagger off-hand for that quick spammy stab chain with high crit on a guard-broken/frozen/power-attack staggered enemy. You don't get a dedicated "dual wield" ability set like one-handed or two-handed or ranged or spells, but you can pick and choose what benefits you what buffed up in your pairing (axe for power attack bleed, sword/dagger/spear for power attack damage, wands for power attack bouncing off enemies and/or AoE explosion damage, maces for power attack stun). Spear+dagger is my favorite so far, lunging in from out of range with the spear's power attack(even better with the Spirit Lance spell active) and stab-spamming with the dagger.

Could I just run with a two-hand and stun enemies to land the big damage opportunity attack? Sure, but that feels less engaging than actually using footwork and weaving in and out of range and around any little obstacles in the arena to leverage the range of my main-hand.