one or two handed weapons, which is better?

[Japanesuss]

I'm a level 16 imperial, i started skyrim about a week ago. I'm currently training with two-handed weapons, but i was wondering if one handed weapons are also good. i'm not sure if i want to carry 2 two handed and 2 one handed weapons for weight reasons, so what do you guys think, should i start carrying one handed, are they equally good, or is one better than the other?

[Uncle64]

I always go for one handed and use one shield.
It is always better since you can actually defend your self, but you dont have the strong attack that you have in 2 handed.
You need to set the perks right for the type you want to play.

And always have one bow.
Since you cant make your own arrows in the game there are some small mods that give you the possibility to make your own.
One tip is when you loot someone. always take the arrows.

[Japanesuss]

Originally posted by Uncle64Swe:

And always have one bow.
Since you cant make your own arrows in the game there are some small mods that give you the possibility to make your own.
One tip is when you loot someone. always take the arrows.

got a dwarven bow with me, very powerful with enchantment-with hundreds of arrows :)

[Fervaxis]

I prefer to go with one handed because I am a forgetful person that doesnt bring healing potions into the final boss for dragonborn (shame shame). I like to put a sword in my right and a healing spell in the other...

[antrahk36]

I've got an Imperial character going at the moment and he uses one-handed as he's a spellsword. I always like to have one hand free to utilise something else like a spell or a shield. I'd only use two-handed if I was playing a Nord or an Orc who don't have much in the way of magical capabilities so might as well use both hands for their weapon. For an Imperial I think you're best served with having a one-handed weapon. More opportunities to use other abilities and items.

[Ghost_Face_121]

I'm more of a duel wield guy simply because the amount of DPS you can dish out at the later levels is ridiculous

[BrowneHawk]

I noticed no mater what you end up being able to kiill the things. I go for what looks better. I prefer the 2handers. I just like the kills better and it make me feel beast. ALso with 2 hands you can stagger people, and eventually have a chance to decapiate. I mean chopping off heads is a win win.

[Uncle64]

You can chopp heads whit one handed to.
All about your perks.

[Petrus Magnus]

Originally posted by destroyerwilly:

I'm a level 16 imperial, i started skyrim about a week ago. I'm currently training with two-handed weapons, but i was wondering if one handed weapons are also good. i'm not sure if i want to carry 2 two handed and 2 one handed weapons for weight reasons, so what do you guys think, should i start carrying one handed, are they equally good, or is one better than the other?

It is not a question of what is better but what you want your character to be.

Two-handed weapons are fine for pure warrior type builds while having a free hand with one-handed weapons makes it equally good for either a warrior or any other type of build.

One-handed weapon pros:

faster attack
free hand (for another weapon, spell or shield)
stealth perks apply for daggers
weapons generally weight less

Two-handed weapon pros:

higher damage
longer reach

You do not need to carry around tons of weapons. Just have one (or two if you dual wield) for close melee combat, one for ranged combat and a dagger for close stealth kills.

Originally posted by Uncle64Swe:

Since you cant make your own arrows in the game there are some small mods that give you the possibility to make your own.

You can make arrows without mods just use fire wood from a wood chopping block, the right type of metal ingot and smithing perks for right armor type.

Originally posted by Maebus:

ALso with 2 hands you can stagger people, and eventually have a chance to decapiate.

With the right perks staggering and decapitation are possible with one-handed weapons also.

[Ragenti]

heavy armor and one handed weapon in every hand, its just the best in this game. For max dmg output also upgrade stealth and use two daggers, u can become invisble during fights and one hit everything

[Dragonmate]

I love to use one hand an shield. That's the best :D You're fast and you can defense yourself

[Exquisite]

It all depends on your playing preference, really. I like one handed weapons and usually equip a healing spell in the second hand slot. Hit/Block, run and heal as needed, rinse and repeat.

[SpeedFreak1972]

Well I play on RP atm I'm a tiny Breton (richard anyone) named Gavin so atm 1 handed shield however with pumping Iron installed I gain body weight so probably in the later stages 2 handed.

[Matthew]

1 hand is probably better. Too many bonuses without many negatives. Extra armor, extra enchant slot with shield, faster attack speed = less interupt and faster applied enchant damage.

Basically the only thing 2 hand has going for it is higher chance to stagger, slightly more damage, and an AoE swing attack. The last point isn't that relevant IMO, because most times you are fighting multiple enemies they are weak anyway like wolves.

[whitecrow]

I prefer two-handed for greater damage, especially with the axe I am using now which steals health. But I carry a couple one-handed weapons as alternates.

[MaximumEffort]

Dual wield - Alduin dies in 3 hits, same with Miraak