Can a weapon's length render it useless in close quarters combat, ex: Longsword?

[Warlord_Lawrence]

Can a weapon's length render it useless in close quarters combat, ex: Longsword? I noticed I fail a lot when I try to use it in close quarters vs shorter blunt weapons usually. I recently got the short and over-priced 0 slot katana because I assumed it's shorter range might help over the longer 0 slot european sword, and it seems to do great as a backup. ANY INFORMATION/TIPS/ETC WOULD BE APRRECIATED. Ty!

Basically: Is shorter better at point blank?

[Johammeth]

Yes, it is much easier to stab at close range with a shorter weapon.

Short version: Longer weapons have a harder time stabbing in close quarters, but there's is a way of compensating for their length.


Here's a recent discussion on stabbing and range, which should have the information that you're after:
http://forum.melee.org/beginner%27s-help-and-guides/stabbing-with-long-weapons/

[Daunt_Flockula]

Are you sure you aren't doing something wrong? I mean I haven't ever used a long two-hander so far, but players with 2h swords seem to easily hiltslash the hell out of me at point blank range all the time.

As for polearms -except for the stabbing spears, 2d poles and pikes-, having a long weapon truly screws you over when you are too close to your opponent.

[Shemaforash]

Longsword is great at close quarters

[Clockworkkiller]

Longsword is a OP weapon used solely by exploitive bundle of stickss who think they have "skill"

[HUtH]

All these super fast bastard swords are killers in close range, but maces(with that 2h one) are the ultimate dominator with their knockdown and because their blunt, so it's better for low ps/wpf builds.
In really close range with any weapon longer than long danger you need to aim beyond the enemy and while the hit is 'on the move' you point and the enemy to hit him.

[WITCHCRAFT]

Longsword isn't really "long" out of the whole list of weapons. It is long enough that you might bump your swing into walls or players at the start of the swing though. If you don't want to switch weapons in close quarters combat, overhead attacks are really easy to swing in a cramped spot. Shorter weapons can pull off side swings and stabs at closer range, but if you are basically hugging the target or rubbing against a wall you might whiff your attack even with a dagger.