Two-handed Sword Magicka DK Viable?

Utherix

I just came back to the game after leaving since shortly after launch and am still upset that to maximise my Dunmer Fire DK, I still am forced to use a Magicka build. I hate waving that damn stick around as Dunmer Spellswords are supposed to use blades and destruction magick.

I've attempted to circumvent this by utilizing the 5% damage bonus from two-handed swords. MY question foir people here, is what do I lose out by using 2-Handed swords? What do I gain?

Here's what I've gathered

Two-handed Sword Pros:
-Don't have to use a magic stick
-5% increased damage on all abilities

Cons
-Dramatically decreased fast/heavy attack damage (like 50%)
-No magicka regain on heavy attack.
-Short range regular attacks


Is there something else I'm missing?

Draxys

2 huge perks you miss out on if you go with 2H on magicka DK:

-having two 5 piece set bonuses plus a monster set
-having the defensive passives of a shield

Your other option could be dual wielding swords. You get the damage bonus and the benefit of another set item. Not sure if it really has a con when compared to 2H. But seriously, you really should consider a sword/shield set up on both bars. Or at least front bar.

EldritchPenguin

The bad news is that in PvE, you're almost always best off using Destro. It's just the best option, and it's really hard to justify not using it.

However, you can still use Dual Wield. It provides the same 5% damage boost as the 2H passive, and it also gives you additional Spell Damage and an extra set piece. If you're going to use melee weapons, go Dual Wield.

In PvP, just about every single Dragonknight runs sword and board for the extra defense. But what little synergy 2-Handers have with Magicka builds is eclipsed immensely by Dual Wield and Destro. In the case of the Dragonknight, Destro reigns supreme in PvE.

Chirru

Sword and Shield are definitely an option. BUT!

I use a two-handed Axe (quicker hit than Sword).
I enchant the Axe with Magic damage and Magic-steal. Each hit gives me something like 360 magic return
Apart from that; I use only class-skills that heal the Character. There are three such skills and the return BIG heals.
As long as i hit something it is almost impossible to kill the Character.
Also, go alchemist and carry a the potion that returns Magica and Health at the same time.
In addition, level up Provision quickly and get food or drink that buffs Magica and health.
Honestly, as long as my Char hits something it is almost invincible.
the problem of course is with Spell-casters and Archers that run away; for those i use a resto staff from level 15 on, or one can equip one of the jump-rush skills and rush after them. but i am too lazy to do that:

I hope the above things help.
well, one really must like a D.K. to play one for the other classes are much easier to play.
have fun.

Cronopoly

Not to be mean...Please tell me this is serious. There's nothing that 2hand weapons synergise with magicka skill wise.

I'll say it, as subtlety might be lost here. You'd be gimping your potential in every way using a 2handed weapon for a magicka build.

And you'd be laughed/kicked out of any dungeon group. Just saving you some pain later on.

Again was this serious? If so I really think more new persons need to view some of the new player guides such as AlcastHQ on youtube for example for all facets of the game. I see so many new persons lately while being great for the game, many have no idea how armor,weapon, skills scale with stats on Armor or weapons. I wont even go into cp sigh.

Utherix

EldritchPenguin wrote: »

The bad news is that in PvE, you're almost always best off using Destro. It's just the best option, and it's really hard to justify not using it.

However, you can still use Dual Wield. It provides the same 5% damage boost as the 2H passive, and it also gives you additional Spell Damage and an extra set piece. If you're going to use melee weapons, go Dual Wield.

In PvP, just about every single Dragonknight runs sword and board for the extra defense. But what little synergy 2-Handers have with Magicka builds is eclipsed immensely by Dual Wield and Destro. In the case of the Dragonknight, Destro reigns supreme in PvE.

What is the current max dps rotation with Desto staff? I want to do a DPS comparison, but I don't know the current meta.

I switched to dual wield as you suggested. Need to level it up now.

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Utherix

Well I think this thread is a little moot with the new patch bugginf Fire Staff up to +8% increased single target damage, beating out any gains from swords.

Sharee

Utherix wrote: »

Well I think this thread is a little moot with the new patch bugginf Fire Staff up to +8% increased single target damage, beating out any gains from swords.

Yep - basically the only reason for not using fire staff is if you absolutely need to have the second 5-piece bonus. And as a dunmer DK, even your AOE(fire) will be stronger with a fire staff than with a lightning staff.

WikileaksEU

It depends on what you're trying to accomplish with your build. Is any of the skills in the two-handed skill-line that is a key in your build? If the answer is yes, then you will need two-handed. If none of the skills in two-handed is important then you don't need it. You don't have to copy everyone else when you create a character and build. Do your own thing..
But it is sad that Zenimax limit our creativity when it comes to build diversity. I hope they do what is necessary.