2-handed vs. 1-handed weapons

[Rodi]

I am not far into the game and it would be great to have some opinions on this, but it seems to me that 2-handed weapons are MUCH better than 1-handed ones.
Shields seem to be really weak and the big attack difference between 2h and 1h weapons seems much better than the small (barely noticable) defenses from shields...

[Conan The Librarian]

RodrigoRJ-

From what I would guess, I'm assuming you're likely quite early in the game. As you progress, not only will shields look more attractive, but consider that their main bonus is evasion as opposed to a ton of stats.

Second, in regards to weapons, Dual Wielding is quite popular and effective. Your gut feelings are not far off, mind you, as Scythes are a good weapon type--but my general bottom line advice is: don't judge game balance so soon--things change as you progress...

[Crazy Ivan]

I’m early in the game and have one shield wielding merc who is dropping behind in level and doesn’t do much damage. I kind of agree the shield hasn’t been worth it at this point. Great game BTW. I’m doing patrols after leveling and experimenting with class changes/abilities just to see how things play out. Having no problems thus far on veteran and experimenting is quite enjoyable.

[Mechalibur]

There are some very strong shields late game, and as you increase in level, the attack gap becomes a bit less notable. Early on, I agree that 2 handers are generally the way to go when available.

Later in, Dual wielding in most cases will outdamage a two handed weapon with regular attacks. Skills on the other hand (with a few exception), don't account for the offhand weapon, so skill-heavy builds remain useful with 2 handers equipped.

[BenSt88]

No one seems to have mentioned an easy skill to acquire which allows you to use a 2-h. weapon in 1 hand, and keep a nice shield in the other...

That wasn't really a spoiler. Just check out the Mercenary skill tree.

[Conan The Librarian]

Originally posted by BenSt88:

No one seems to have mentioned an easy skill to acquire which allows you to use a 2-h. weapon in 1 hand, and keep a nice shield in the other...

That wasn't really a spoiler. Just check out the Mercenary skill tree.

Indeed, [Sturdy Grip] has its uses, when used in good ways.

[Crazy Ivan]

Originally posted by Conan The Librarian:

Originally posted by BenSt88:

No one seems to have mentioned an easy skill to acquire which allows you to use a 2-h. weapon in 1 hand, and keep a nice shield in the other...

That wasn't really a spoiler. Just check out the Mercenary skill tree.

Indeed, [Sturdy Grip] has its uses, when used in good ways.

Yes I have that on all my mercs I just couldn’t remember the name. And it’s my fault I suppose that I continued to use a sword instead of a hammer. There’s alot to absorb in this game early on.

[ezechiel357]

Early, the use of shield is better combined with Sturdy grip. At higher level, when you can craft some shields giving you elemental resistance, you can start looking at having combo of AoE damage from a Wizard and your character gets healed in the process (when his resistance is above 100).

Currently, I have two characters with shield: the main character Marked/Warrior mage, with a Scythe, a magic shield and Sturdy grip + HP skills (forgot the name). Since there are several scripted fight where she should not die, it makes her a decent tank still able to make a fair amount of damage.

The second character with shield is a Templar/Knight (or Crusader - I play in French, so I am not sure about the exact translation - it is the two CaC Class that are side by side after Merc). I gave him all the skills related to damage mitigation/avoidance. It is a pure tank, with the role of controlling/debuffing opponent with ability to purge buffs, syphon mana, provoke, etc. From time to time, he gets enough mana for the Righteous Strike, but most of the time he just takes 2 digits damages at level 45 from most opponent and delay/control one or two opponents on its own.

[Sinsear]

Originally posted by ezechiel357:

Early, the use of shield is better combined with Sturdy grip. At higher level, when you can craft some shields giving you elemental resistance, you can start looking at having combo of AoE damage from a Wizard and your character gets healed in the process (when his resistance is above 100).

Currently, I have two characters with shield: the main character Marked/Warrior mage, with a Scythe, a magic shield and Sturdy grip + HP skills (forgot the name). Since there are several scripted fight where she should not die, it makes her a decent tank still able to make a fair amount of damage.

The second character with shield is a Templar/Knight (or Crusader - I play in French, so I am not sure about the exact translation - it is the two CaC Class that are side by side after Merc). I gave him all the skills related to damage mitigation/avoidance. It is a pure tank, with the role of controlling/debuffing opponent with ability to purge buffs, syphon mana, provoke, etc. From time to time, he gets enough mana for the Righteous Strike, but most of the time he just takes 2 digits damages at level 45 from most opponent and delay/control one or two opponents on its own.

Yes you can get a passive to let you equip 2handed weapons on one hand and lets you equip a shield no matter what class you are as the person said above. Also there are shields that can boost your mnd and attack as well if you need a slighter higher attack value to dispatch your enemies in less turns.

[Dabor]

It's also worth pointing out there's classes who can use shields alongside the always-one-handed rods/staffs. Makes those casters a lot harder to break than their shieldless counterparts in the long run.