Does Dual-Wielding actually work???

BigNewt · Post by **BigNewt** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 5:19 pm

Quick question for everyone out there...

Seems like no matter which character I play, fighter or otherwise...I can never make a "hit" with the weapon in my off-hand.

For instance - right now I'm playing a Half-Orc Barb with 3 slots in two-weapon style and 2 slots in each Katana and Flail.

He ONLY makes hits with the Katana...so every time I come across a dorky clay golem, I have to switch the weapons around so the flail is in my main hand to get the crushing damage. Awfully annoying.

Help!

BigNewt · Post by **BigNewt** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 5:29 pm

I guess I should mention that I'm using Celestial Fury and the Flail of the Ages...and right now, my THACO is something like 5 & 7

You'd think once in a blue moon I'd whack something with the flail.

UserUnfriendly · Post by **UserUnfriendly** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 5:41 pm

its like one out of every 3-5 hits with main hand you get off hand hits...this is why many people recommend using a weapon that you DON'T have proficiency in, as your off hand weapon, but has some benefit or advantage granted to it...

for example, equalizer in the offhand will make you immune to charm spells...

belm, kundane and scarlet ninja 2 will give you an extra attack per round...

etc...

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 6:24 pm

AFAIK, the weapon in the off-hand is only used once per round, regardless of proficiency, level, etc. But it *is* used.

I've been using a two-handed F/C for a while, now - slightly disappointed with the above fact, but have more attacks than a shield-user & UU's comments about benefits accrued are accurate.

Typically, I use Crom F. in the left hand, with the most appropriate enemy-striker in the right. At least the ruling means that one can use a single-Proficiency weapon in the off-hand without feeling one is missing out...

B.

P.S. (Full) Flail of Ages is *class*!

Sir Redweed · Post by **Sir Redweed** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:26 pm

I've always used the long sword/short sword combo. You can usually get it down to 2/2 base penality. One thing to remember is that your offhand weapon needs to be lighter than your main hand to take advantage of all bonuses.

Try this combo with Greater Whirlwind to do some massive damage.

What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

Luis Antonio · Post by **Luis Antonio** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 4:40 am

Sir Redweed is right.

My dmg levels have increased by changing the lighter weapon to the offhand and the Crom to the main hand. Offhand: Equalizer.

I don't know bout the shortsword, but perhaps shall be my next try.

unrelated · Post by **unrelated** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 1:51 am

I don't seem to remember that weight was implemented for dual-wielding in BG2. Isn't that an IWD2 or NWN thing?
I think the only way to get the bonuses to level out is by using Montolio's cloak and having 3 stars in 2-weapon fighting.
Could be my memory though.

Xyx · Post by **Xyx** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 7:18 am

Originally posted by Luis Antonio
My dmg levels have increased by changing the lighter weapon to the offhand and the Crom to the main hand. Offhand: Equalizer.

That doesn't have a thing to do with weapons being lighter (I've never seen BG2 care about that), but with the fact that Crom does 2d4+8 damage and Equalizer only 1d8+6 (versus Chaotic Evil).

Sir Redweed · Post by **Sir Redweed** » Wed Dec 24, 2003 10:33 am

I picked up the light offhand weapon theory from somewhere: Icewind Dale or maybe just playing D&D since the time when it was just AD&D. Regardless it will make a difference.

What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

nephtu · Post by **nephtu** » Thu Dec 25, 2003 1:58 am

Hmmm...

Weapon weight is ABSOLUTELY irrelevant in BG2 for which hand you should swing it in, whatever may apply in other games. You are simply mistaken about this.

The weapon criterion should normally be this:
Use the best weapon - max.damage and/or wicked effect(s) in your main hand, and obviously you will wish to stay with weapons you're skilled with.

As UU says, the offhand should largely be used for beneficial weapon effects like save & stat bonuses, since that weapon will normally only add one attack per round. Indeed, it's perfectly vaild to use weapons you have no skill with in the offhand just for the effects, especially with weapons like Sanchuudoku, Dragonslayer, etc.

Good gaming & Merry Christmas!

Sir Redweed · Post by **Sir Redweed** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:37 am

Nephtu, thanks for clearing up the issue. One quick question though. How do you go from member to exaulted member? Time since joining? Number of posts.

Thanks

What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

Baldursgate Fan · Post by **Baldursgate Fan** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 11:24 am

You need to make 50 posts.

Sir Redweed · Post by **Sir Redweed** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 11:29 am

Thanks

What doesn't kill you will make you stronger.

Elemental ZOOT · Post by **Elemental ZOOT** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 3:54 am

Yep it works well.
I have Minsc and Korgan dual wield and they do 20-30 dmg 7/10 of the time. Sarevok i make him stick to 2 handed weapons.

Luis Antonio · Post by **Luis Antonio** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 8:41 am

Originally posted by Xyx
That doesn't have a thing to do with weapons being lighter (I've never seen BG2 care about that), but with the fact that Crom does 2d4+8 damage and Equalizer only 1d8+6 (versus Chaotic Evil).

Sorry, changed weapons also... That's the difference (hehehe) My bad

Bruce Lee · Post by **Bruce Lee** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 4:17 pm

The problem with the off-hand weapon not making any hits is probably related to boots of speed. Download the baldurdash fix for the boots or change the effect to normal haste and problem solved!

Monolith · Post by **Monolith** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:29 pm

Originally posted by Bruce Lee
The problem with the off-hand weapon not making any hits is probably related to boots of speed. Download the baldurdash fix for the boots or change the effect to normal haste and problem solved!

I've never heard of such a bug, or whatever. You couldn't tell me more, could you?

Bruce Lee · Post by **Bruce Lee** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:20 am

Don't know what else there is to tell. There is a problem with haste really. Boots of speed are the most buggy since they only gives you speed and no extra attacks(unless you have a half attack, 2½ becomes 3), offensive spin is also buggy it makes the off hand never attack, maybe normal haste does this to. Improved haste works just fine however.