May I ask a question? What does shield skill do actually? I know it increases the coverage and reduce the damage taken. It's alsoa prerequisite for most of the shields too. But does it increase the shield speed? Maybe doing so, could be nice.
I started to play as a shielder as my main, I am around 23 level so I guess it is ok for me to got beaten by 2handers like Phyrex. But when I challenged phyrex in one on one I managed to hit him twice for at least every encounter, and died with a single swing which is pretty unavoidable with those crazy spams. Actually I find it harder to block with shield than normal blocking. It requires very careful timing, and when you try to face with a 2hander who is experienced at offense power and knows what he's doing you can not simply do much as him in 1vs1. Yeah it is agreed a shielder shouldn't have the same aggresive power as a two hander, but I wouldn't call the shielder has more defensive power than a 2hander too (faster movement and heavier armor). Also when something requires much more concentration than it's counterparts I wouldn't call it balanced.
At least that's my experiences now, and I don't call my thoughts completed yet. I don't want to be criticized harshly since you guys are the "game is balanced" idiom, but can you say that are these only because I'm level 23? To say what my stats are: 17 STR 15 AGI / and I was planning to pump STR from now on (just as in the zagibu's offensive shielder guide). Now I am doubtful, It seems like my movement speed is frustrating. Attack speed too.
First off, +1 for the Guybrush avatar.
Shield skill increases coverage, reduces damage to the shield and increases shield speed.
There's a big difference between manual blocking and blocking with a shield. Manual blocking is pretty much instantaneous, blocking with a shield IS NOT unless you are using a 100 speed shield. You can tap blocks with a 100 speed shield. This also accounts for some instances of getting hit through your shield. You shield looks up, but it actually isn't. With a 100 speed shield your shield is actually blocking before it is fully raised.
Blocking with a shield IS easier than blocking without. As long as you watch your facing, you are fine. That being said, I actually prefer 1-handers without the shield. You are hilariously fast and can easily dart in and out of the range of the 2-hander. You just have to watch for weapon stun. One thing that does put 1-handers at a disadvantage is hilt-slashing. It's possible with a 2-hander and impossible with a 1-hander. I've had many 2-handers try to facehug me for that reason.
As far as builds go, I still think that balanced builds are best for 1-handers. 15/21, 18/18, 21/15, 18/21
Strength builds are a waste for 1-handers unless you're level 33 or something. 1-handers and PS doesn't scale well due to the low initial damage of 1-handers. A 1-hander also needs good maneuverability and a decent shield.
Anyway, don't get discouraged when fighting 2-handers. Once you get your timing and footwork down you can wreck most of them pretty easily. They may have damage and reach, but you have speed, perfect blocking and a left-slash that almost always hits the head. Not too shabby if you ask me.