I'm currently using a 2-H Nord character. I have to admit it's fun but I am looking to try out other things. Is a Sword/Shield combo in Skyrim like Oblivion? I remember in Oblivion how there was a process in every fight. Shield Block + attack + attack and you repeat until it is finished. Has Skyrim brought more diversity to this combo? If so, I think I'll make one.

Thanks.

Shield bashing makes it a little better. I haven't gotten it yet, but that last perk in the Bock Tree, Shield Charge, looks really fun also.

Sword and Board is, I would guess, the most balanced of all Elder Scrolls Archtypes (Sword/Board, 2h, DaggerThief, Witchhunter, Battlemage, Puremage) and, as long as you invest fully in the Blocking Tree, really versatile and always challenging, always rewarding.

Yea, that's what I've been thinking for one of the reasons to create one.

I use 1hand with heal in the other and rely on stutterstepping to avoid damage when possible

I've really only played with this style, and I've got to say, it's much more exciting than in Oblivion...but then again, all combat is.
Shield bashing is very effecting against most all enemies and as previously mentioned, the perks are great.
I'd definitely recommend trying it out, and if you don't like it, well you don't like it.

It's an excellent combo, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed with it. I am having a great tine combining it with Restoration on my Paladin.

need help, off topic a bit. I just made my first build that uses one handed with nothing in the off hand. How do I block or parry like this? All it is doing is swinging with the off hand when I hit the nonweapon mouse button.

And to above poster, I was going to be making a crusader soon, particularly for those awesome master level restoration spells, but what armor are you using. No armor in game is very paladin or crusader like to me.

Yes it's boring, and wasting time blocking seriously lowers your damage output meaning fights just last longer and you're more likely to get killed. I had previously assumed that dual-wielding was just style over substance for a new generation of gamer but, since trying it out myself, it seems to me that Bethesda have opted to make this configuration completely over-powered.

Alright, I guess I'll make the character once I finish some more of my essay. Thanks for the input guys.

The best defense is good offense. Go with duel wield!

Because finding the most optimal damage per second combination is the reason we play RPGs.

Its fine, its a bit more tactical, and feels more like a fight than chopping wood with a 2h. Haven't tried dual wielding yet.

That's not what I said, or even implied, so no cookie for you.

So does anybody know how to block with just one onehanded weapon, and the other hand free?

Right-click if it's in your right hand. Same as if you were blocking with a shield.

right clicking swings the sword. left clicking (open hand) punches. I'm not seeing a way to block.

I've only played sword-and-board so far and I'm having a blast!

Nothing quite like the feeling of shield bashing someone before they can get a spell or a shout off on you.

It sounds like you have your sword in the wrong hand, put it in your right hand.

That really makes a difference? lol, wow so you cant block when you have a sword in your left hand? Thats...strange. Oh well, thanks.

Hell no!

Nope. No blocking with left hand unless you have a shield in it, as far as I am aware.

Sword and Board can be FUN and STRONG! The Disarming Bash rocks. The Quick Reflexs is fun, really lets you get out of the way of power attacks or bash it! And shield charge, man I love Shield Charge. Like playing bowling with Bandits and Bandit Chiefs! Charge - knock down. Power Attack, power attack. Charge - knock down. As long as you have the stamina there is no way anyone that can be knocked down will live!

Plus it takes *3* perks to go full duel weld. So have fun using both Sword & Board and Duel Weld! Lets see - Disarm bash, quick switch to Dual for a Dual Power Attack! Or switch to a spell.

Really, one hand has SO many more options then two hand. Kind of bums me out.

Edit: and you can block with 2 hand or a single weapon. Not dual weld. But it is 50% less effective. And no shield charge/elemental protection/deflect arrows without a shield!

By the way OP, you should probably make your thread title match your poll. I read the thread title and voted no, not realizing the poll asks the opposite question.