Did blocking change?

[Sam the Alien]

Did the mechanics to level up blocking change? It seems to take much longer. I go through about 12 torches for 1 level of blocking now, if I'm lucky. Did it change? What's the best way to level blocking now?

[LadstonFelisGaming]

Blocking used to go up randomly whenever you took physical damage with a shield equipped, blocking or not. It was very boring to multi-level since your best bet was to corner a rat and just stand there while it pointlessly nibbled on you.

How it works now is that it goes up randomly only while actively blocking. Performing the “Rhythm of the Knight” achievement motions increases the chance to around 80%, however you can only gain 1 Blocking level per enemy.

Torches, lanterns, and tinkering kits can be used to the level the skill up to 40. After that, you need a proper shield. Ranged attacks can also level the skill now if you block them.

[mistersneak]

Ladston did a great job describing the new mechanics for block leveling. The other thing to mention is that if you block within a short window before being hit by an attack, that also has an increased chance to block. So timing your blocks also is a good way to get your 1 block level per enemy, in addition to performing the block / attack / block rhythm.

The other thing I'll mention is that shields have been made dramatically more durable, particularly when blessed.

So while ultimately cheese-based blocking techniques are less viable, actual gameplay usage of blocking to avoid damage will result in a much more natural progression for blocking.

[Sam the Alien]

Good info! Thank you!