I'm kind of confused with this matter. I heard a lot of people say that Dual Wield is the way to go because it has the highest damage, on the other hand, I heard a lot of people saying that that Shield Bash just kills everything in seconds. I really like both, and I've used them in the same character and in different characters with pretty much the same results.

Right now I can't decide! Basically, I really like the speed from dual wielding but I also enjoy being more protective. Considering that my main weapon is the Bow/Crossbow what do you guys think?

Take a look at the first 5 posts in this thread:

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1342463-complete-character-design-freedom-damage-resist-caps-and-ridiculous-damage-thread-10/

It will give you the real numbers and you can make an informed choice from that.

Shield bashing doesn't do massive damage. It's great because you can completely nullify the damage (if your skill is high) and counterattack.

Also, the sprinting perk that allows you to knock enemies over, and disarming them sometimes as well.

Then should I pick Fighting Stance and Savage Strike? I guess that I should? I love decapitation kill cams.. But do they work while Dual Wielding?

I don't really like Legolas TBH ahah but good comparison! I love dual wield because of Gannicus, my favourite character from Spartacus

Thanks a lot, it really helped

Thank you for the answer, I chose Dual wield though

Of course, there's a third option...

One-hand weapon + magic.

My guy doesn't dual-wield and never carries a shield.

I have been trying some magic and I had a Spellsword once but it's not really my style. Besides, I can't enjoy the awesome effects of Impact as I'm not dual wielding..

I'd rather not get hit at all, which is why i usually take a shield. However, duel wielding is great if you can move about quickly.

This is a good way. I'm building a character like this right now. All you need is 60 Destruction (easy) and 100 enchant (a bit of a pain). With this, you make a dagger dual enchanted with 138 damage and as close to zero cost as you want for Destruction and Restoration. This doesn't require any points or perks in either 1H or Restoration and you can keep up a Steadfast Ward indefinitely and put out a minimum of 145 damage per hit, which with a dagger means almost 200 DPS.

I'll just ask here 'cause people will whine if I create a new thread. I don't really like the looks of Light Armor, or at least most of them. I only like Fur, Scaled (kinda... it's kinda weird when running), Forsworn (only on women) and Stormcloack officer. On the other hand, I like the look of many Heavy Armors. Will I get punished for using Heavy Armor with my build (Archery, One-handed, the ocasional Sneak, Conjuration, Alchemy, Enchanting, Smithing)?

It sounds like you hold back when it comes to perks. You won't get anywhere that way. Do get those.

And yes, there is a decapitation kill cam for dual wielding.

True archers don't need a back up weapon,if an enemy does happen to get close enough to hurt you, you can always bash them with your bow to by you enough time to knock another arrow.

If that isn't enough there are always shouts like become ethereal or unrelenting force.

Once you get the power shot and quick shot perks very few things will ever get close enough to draw your sword,wich will be severely lacking in damage compared to your bow anyhow.

Another good last resort back up if you need it are rune traps you can cast before a battle.

If you good at alchemy those rune spells can do a lot of damage when you drink a fortify destruction potion before hand.

I really don't get why people think an archer always needs a sword as a back up weapon when there are so many better ways for an archer to go with.

I prefer shields over dual wielding. It feels more meaty and its a blood boiling thrill to see enemies stunned and or killed when bashing them into senseless states of regret that they ever messed with me I also like the protective feel of wearing a ton of armor and then a shield which acts as defense and attack.

I didn't said I needed it, I said I WANTED it and I last time I checked, I could do whatever I wanted?