Is Combat Expertise worth getting?

[Lampros]

Unlike Fighting Defensively, you are losing like 5 to-hit chance without any way to compensate the lost to-hit chance (unless I am wrong). Is this really a worthwhile trade? I mean, my Sword Saint has like 48 AC without any buffs applied currently, and I am not sure whether I need more AC via Combat Expertise. I can already get like 66 AC with just Shield, Magical Vestment, Fighting Defensively, Wings, and Haste, and I am nowhere near end-game and don't have stuff like +8 belt or +8 hat.

Edit: I ask, because I see Combat Expertise in a lot of tank builds online. But I will easily hit 70 AC even without it by end-game, and this should be enough for Challenging?

[Uzkin]

No, you won't need Combat Expertise. It's quite bad; it unlocks some feats but if you're not after those you should take Crane Style/Wing instead (if you need extra AC). For challenging, 66 AC is quite enough.

[InEffect]

Saint is the last guy in the world to ever need extra AC past like level 5. And even there CE won't fit the bill.

[wendigo211]

Originally posted by Lampros:

Unlike Fighting Defensively, you are losing like 5 to-hit chance without any way to compensate the lost to-hit chance (unless I am wrong).

Aldori Swordlord gets an ability that lets them reduce the hit penalty from CE. But it also works with Fighting Defensively, so even they are better off going for Defensive Fighting with Crane Style. I suppose CE is a bit cheaper feat wise, so maybe it's worth it for a feat started Swordlord.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by wendigo211:

Originally posted by Lampros:

Unlike Fighting Defensively, you are losing like 5 to-hit chance without any way to compensate the lost to-hit chance (unless I am wrong).

Aldori Swordlord gets an ability that lets them reduce the hit penalty from CE. But it also works with Fighting Defensively, so even they are better off going for Defensive Fighting with Crane Style. I suppose CE is a bit cheaper feat wise, so maybe it's worth it for a feat started Swordlord.

Ah, ok. I may check out that class. What is the highest attack carried by monsters at challenging? I saw Adamantium Golems with 43 attack fairly early, so I am wondering if I do need to hit 70 AC after all by end-game.

[Edstyles]

I would say it's an ok feat but only on the right class/character . Saint not being 1 of em imo.

I use it on Jaethal myself and quite pleased with the result . She is quite tanky -1 to attack +3 to class armor. With only 1 feat and no dipping needed I think it's a bargain at least for me.