Hello guys, with my current build (Bosmer Archer w/ 1h as backup) I've been trying dual wield and also S&S, thing is, while I love the idea of dual wielding it's a bit clumsy in this game for some reason and it gets boring spamming R1+L1 all the time, even if it is that good.

On the other hand, S&S doesn't really suit an archer much and although I think it's good and fun, I don't like the idea of having the shield in my hand at all times.

So, my question is, how handicapped would I be by using only 1 sword and an empty hand? I know I would have less speed and power than dual wielding and also less blocking ability by far, (even though the Daedric shield only protects 63% and a weapon can protect 60%, but I lose the perks anyway) but I think it can be overcomed with the (better) power bash of swords and it may be fun. What do you guys think?

(I wish I had SkyRe :'()

Honest opinions please and no, I'm not interested in magic as it would not make sense in my RP as it is now, maybe later, thanks anyway

Blocking with a weapon is less effective than shield. that is all.... I think.

You don't really lose anything. My Ranger only uses a single sword, and he kicks ass! The Block perks work with single weapons as well (except for Elemental Shield and Deflect Arrows), as do blocking enchantments, allowing you to negate nearly all incoming damage, if you're good. It's a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.

Just make sure you take the Quick Reflexes perk in the Block tree. It will save your life so many times.

As I thought.

Great! Thanks

Yeah, I was gonna do that, I'm gonna take pretty much all perks in the block tree, at least the ones compatible with just 1 weapon.

You use both your hands on your weapon, i can respect that,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

For a while I used only a single dagger, although I switched to dual wield when I got some perks.

But it was fine

That was really funny man xD

Hum, ok thanks. I don't like daggers tho, not my style

BTW, is crossbow much different from bow? I prefer the crossbow actually but I don't have DG yet so I can't really compare them..

It's really just preference. The Crossbow is stronger but the reload is slow. So either power or speed.

Well, I do prefer speed over power, but I also prefer Crossbow over Bow..

It's good as long as you don't use anything on your left hand. I set the hotkeys to bow on 1 and sword on 2. If I switch from bow to sword and have a spell on the left hand I won't be able to block, making me go into the menu and unequip whatever is on the left, therefore losing the purpose of the hotkey. I hope they make better the dual wielding in the future and bring hotkeys back.

I have the same problem. Too bad that you don't get any advantage while using only one handed weapon and nothing in left. So even a dedicated thief would be better of dual wielding or equipping a spell/shield in the other hand.

On my Bosmer I use a shield with a handaxe. A simple hide shield fits well anyways. Or, you can go two-handed, Aragorn style.

Considering Skyrim is pretty easy anyway.

Yes dual wielding is clumsy op. I personally do axe and shield, then keep a spare axe with me in case the situation permits it. For instance, if I knock an opponent down or if his back is turned, if they're paralyzed or frozen, etc. I also use slow time in combination with it. Especially on dragons, Ebony warrior and Karstaag.

Oh god that is sooo annoying.

My main character likes to use block without a shield, but still likes to cast spells in the offhand, so whenever I want to switch to no spells in the offhand i have to use favorites menu instead of hotkeys >.< I hate pausing the game mid combat.

One handed is great and delivers more damage due to a faster hit rate. With a shield you can have a similar stun and stagger effect you would get from 2 handed attacks.