I have recently taken to using shield bash to its full extent with my 1 handed non shield using iron sword fighter. (hilt of sword bash in this case) and it really gives combat in Skyrim the extra depth it needs. Most attacks from human opponents can be countered with the bash just before they hit, giving you enough time to hit and evade. It also works for trolls, sabre cats, bears... with the right timed shield bash you can divert most attacks from a non magic enemy.

It's actually pretty damn awesome and well worth using if you dont already. It gives a tecnique and strategic element to combat rather than the usual hack n slashfest. I actually look forward to combat now so I can work on my shield bash.

I've been saying this for ages. I had a blast with my mace and shield character and totally agree with you that using a shield enhances the feel of combat. From bashing wolves to death with one hit to getting out of a tight spot by using strategic blocking and then fleeing out the door: I haven't had that much fun in ages. My other characters just don't seem to be as much fun.

Im not saying a shield is neccessary, but the shield bash. (which you dont need a shield for) I never use a shield.

I can't block with my sword character as I always have a flame spell in the other hand, if there weak enemies my magic finishes them before they even reach me, medium enemies are finished off with my sword and stronger enemies are taken out with the greatsword.

Been meaning to try shield/blocking but I can just never seem to implement it into any of my plays, even when I started this Nord specifically to try out blocking.

Yeah I should have mentioned Im a no magic user. My usual setup is L-empty R-iron sword.

You can perform shield bash without a shield? I hate shields but never levelled block as my last fighter was dual wield katanas, I never knew this!

Works as long as your weapon isn't heavy. I try doing this with my warhammer, but by the time my weapon hits, some enemies will already have gotten another hit in which I can't block. (That is, unless I block a power attack thingy. In that case, due to weird perks, time slows down, giving me an actual advantage)

The only two combat styles in this game that I enjoy is sword 'n board (first and foremost) and archery. Magic is "hold down this button." 2H is "tap this button" (although you could make the argument that bashing still works with 2h, but with the slow swings it just feels like a waste of time).

I mix it up a little, a self-imposed rule I have is that if I get jumped at all, I have to use whatever is in my hands at that moment, no hotkeying a shield from my ass mid-combat.

Just makes me prepare for battle before it happens by carrying my shield.

It's a nothing rule really, but it makes more sense to me that if I get jumped with only a dagger, I use that.

You should try Deadly Combat if you are on PC, gives melee fighting another depth.

I'm exactly the same. I know the shield bashing isn't doing more damage than my sword is, but with a few perks (especially the slow-down perk) the bashing is just too much fun to miss out on. I love the slow-mo when someone (or something) is trying to clober me and I bash them mid swing. Saved my life many times actually.

I also use whatever is in my means at the time of battle. I will use a potion or poison if I run a bit, but I try to avoid pausing mid battle right as an enemy warhammer is swinging towards my face. Hectic life/death battles FTW.

I like this rule!

This is my I prefer sword and board to two handed.

Anyone kinda wish there was more...."force" in the anim of the shield bash?

Hold down the bash trigger longer.

My own preferred method is to use frostbite and keep the opponent slowed, then move just close enough to lure them into power attacking which I can just stepside out of range and then counter attack.

This is a viable technique against opponents who use two-handers and are still very painful even when blocked because my Character's blocking skill is extremely low. My blocking is terrible because I am playing no level master difficulty.

This is also an important technique against falmars who have poisoned weapons that will destory a level 1 with no poison resistance even when blocked.

I do, I don't care about the "result" of the bash, I've modded that to send folks a few steps back. what I'm talking about is the relative... "quickness" of the Anim and how far it reaches as opposed to some films...and since this is a game