He did say that blocking with a shield help more than blocking with a sword. He did not mention dual-wield blocking, but I believe that you can- though it won't be super-effective. Good question though.We'll have to wait and see what they do with it. It would be pretty cool to make an X with your swords :toughninja:

ok my mistake.


in the GI Mag, I specifically remember FOR DUAL WIELDING SWORDS , you hold RT-LT to block.

I have no idea about weilding spells and a sword.

Cant imagine them going:

Duel weild? go ahead, block.

sword shield? well of course. Block!

Two handed sword? Go forth into thee world brother and blocketh!!!

Sword and spell. Nope. None for you.

Hopefully, if we don't get blocking with every weapon combo, there will at least be a mod to add some new blocks. Longsword and dagger combo certainly should be able to block, thinkn of the main-gauche combat style using a parrying dagger to misdirect thrusts.

And I'd like for there to be sword and spell blocks as well, just use the sword to parry a strike but are unable to cast at that moment of blocking. If not, at least a hotkeyed shield spell that might save you from getting closed in on and slaughtered.

It was my understanding that the reason you can't block with anything but a shield and two handed weapon is that if duel wielding you have twice the attack power then using just one weapon so to be able to block and do 2x damage is unfair. Using a spell and a sword doesn't block either since you have a weapon in one and and an awesome spell in the other. I'm just going by what I think I remember so don't quote me.

I'm curious to see how they balance this.

A 1H weapon / Spell combo with no blocking capability makes sense, as there would be limited viability in anyone going 2 handed. Edit: (I'd still like to see a blocking animation regardless of the dmg % reduction. The block animation would help in both immersion and general flow of combat).

2 Handed weapon you do have the block capability, but lose an enchantment spot from dual wielding as well as no spell slot, and the slowest (unconfirmed) swing speeds.

Dual wielding you gain an enchantment spot over 2H, no spell slot, I'd imagine (speculate) the blocking won't be as effective as a 2HW.

Sword and Shield no spell slot, 2 enchantment spots, the (unconfirmed) best block capabilities, and an AC slot at the expense of damage.

I'm mostly curious how they will balance 2H weapons, and if they will be a truly viable and balanced option in comparison with the others.

I say don't get rid of blocking for non-block orientated load outs- give penalties. With a sheild, you should maybe take no damage. With two swords, you should just have REDUCED damage, and no bash maybe. Because frankly, not being able to block turns the combat into the same, "chopstick" fighting that Todd has said he's trying to get rid of.

I'm sure you'll still be able to block, but i think you'll have to attack in the direction of an incoming attack. You can't simply hold out your sword in front of you to block attack, only a shield works that way.

It's probably going to be LB/RB for 360, L2/R2 for PS3, and something else for PC.