I know that this topic has probably been discussed to death, but after searching google and the forums forever, I am still confused on the mechanics of Dual-Wielding. I can't believe that a company would make a game and not explain important game mechanics either in game or in the manual. Hidden game mechanics only make for a frustrating gaming experience.

As far as I can tell from the information I have gathered on the internet, Dual Wielding works as follows:

1) When wielding two weapons, the speed of the weapons is increased by the Dual Flurry perks. This functions on single strikes, the dual strike and the power attacks.

2) The right hand is faster than the left hand.

3) The dual strike is 50% slower than swinging with just one weapon.

4) The speed of the dual strike is equal to the speed of the left handed weapon.

So, if you consider all of these things, it means that the only combo worth using when dual-wielding is a dagger in the left hand + a mace in the right hand for maximum speed and maximum damage output. Using a faster weapon with less damage in the right hand is pointless because all that you will do is lower your damage and your speed will not increase.

If this is truly how dual-wielding functions, then it is a very shallow and poorly designed fighting system. Whoever thought it up did so in a hurry, and had no clue as to what they were doing in favor of balance. As it stands now, this is the only combo worth using with dual wielding.

So much for variation. If anyone else has anymore information on how it works specifically, I would love to know! I mean, this can't REALLY be how it works?

dual wielding is stupid and useless. it was implemented improperly because the melee combat mechanic was nerfed.


"dual wielding potentially doubles melee output" is BS. it's pointless.

I use the Mace and Dagger...

If you where able to strife left or right and avoid the incoming blows then it would be worth it but as it stands only a " tank " build can and will make dual wield viable because you can withstand the incoming damage, other wise it's a big game of cat and mouse trying to get you strikes in without being hit yourself.

Such a shame, it looked so cool pre release.

My current current character dual wields enchanted dragonbone daggers and is not a tank. She is a mage/archer/sneak, and does quite well when she has to get into hand to hand.

The mechanics are what they are, but I don't worry about it, I just have fun playing.