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Okay I JUST started playing DSII and realized the need to have main character be melee. So my question is simple.

Is sword/shield a viable option? It doesn't seem like that +2% per point does much.

Or should I go Dual Weild or Overbear/2H?

When I played, I used dual wield, and it worked fine. I think people who used a shield made the comment that their character was almost impossible to kill, and that can be useful in some of the boss fights.

SWC

I have done all three, and here is what I have found. The Sword and Shield route is very very hard to kill, their Armor class could easily be three times that of your other characters. But, it can be done. I read somewhere that he would also take more agro then anyone. (I don't know if that is true, because I had VIX in my party, and that man must have really ticked off the whole DS world because everyone goes for him first.) But I found two problems with the sword and shield route. One: They do so well in not taking any damage that you forget about healing them and a "death blow" sneaks in on you. That is a minor problem though...mainly my problem. TWO: As defensivly powerful as that class is...it is the exact oppisite in the damage dealing department. It takes them forever to do any real damage. But, I did find that class EXTREMELY USEFUL to keep my party alive so I didn't have to make a death recovery run. Especially against the mimic chests. Just make sure to throw several resurrection scrolls in the spell book.

Now...Dual Weapons. What they lack in AC they more then made up for in dealing out damage. In the end, with all the powerups, buffs, and powerful weapons. They will make short work of most critters. I found the waves of force power to be quite nice. Especially when everyone is trying to funnel through a doorway. Also, use the waves of force in conjunction with the gravity stone makes a nice combo. The gravity stone will hold the mob in place for the waves of force. SWEET!!!

Two handed Weapons: I think of all the routes, this was the one I found least impressive. I never could find a weapon powerful enough to warrant the two handed weapon route. He always seemed to be lagging behind in what my two handed fighter could do. However, this route did seem to have some pretty impressive powers. The Staggering Blow was quite nice, and it did seem like his brutal attack was more impressive. But in the long haul, I tended to like the dual weapon route a little better.

Hoped that helped you. Again...this was just my findings and my opions...

Best of luck!!!

I started with a Dual Wield Half-Giant...while I made Sartos a 1H Weapon/ Shield Fighter...and the other Half Giant 2H Weapon Fighter. I got to say Dual Wielding puts up more damaging quickly. DW gets more +XX% damage per skill point into its skill than Overbear's skill. Putting points into alcrity (+XX%attack speed skill), plus having critical hit at about 45%, plus devastating hit (boost crit hits damage by a %)...means lots of heavy damage coming out fast.

1H Weapon/ Shield Fighter is just toooo inconvient. Maybe it starts to get better when you can get the level 36 skill (Rebuke). But, it just bores me to death to kill so slowly.


(sorry if I didn't use correct terms for the skills...I didn't get a manual with the game).

Yup - Mother Gunn sums it up nicely. Just a couple of extra pointers:

For your shield and sword "tank" use the provoke power to draw the hordes onto him, then use your other characters to safely deal out the damage. In a 5-person team a dual-wield + tank is a neat combination

Duel Wielders

My duel wielding main character is like a tank. I just put a skill point in Barricade and that allows you access to some nice weapons in the beginning of the game (the maces which require 1 in Barricade) but more importantly allows you to build defense up later, by giving you access to Reinforced Armour.

Do people do this, or are Shields really that good? I never liked Shields. I prefer Dodging and duel wielding than using a bulky shield. I even think the Dryads of Eiralen should use two light weapons or a bow, instead of a sword and shield. Never did understand what a nature lover would see in a bulky, horrible looking shield.

Ranting over, do people use Reinforced Armour in there Duel Wield setups? Only costs 1 SP in Barricade. Or have i wasted many skill points, in a skill that only affects Shields?


:'(

I beat the game with a single character, and he dual wielded, so it's very possible. I'd say it's the fastest way to kill, especially when you find rare or unique weapons. It deals the most damage in the quickest amount of time. Plus, if you go hunting for items long enough, you can armor yourself up with rings, boots, helmets, you name it. My character was close to invincible at the end of the game, just keep potions handy......best way to go for melee.