Did you know that if you block RIGHT before the enemy is about to hit you, they recoil? I always thought it was random when they recoiled from a block.

Blocking is just so much smoother for me now. No more fumbling around.

Despite having played sword'n'board with previous characters, at level 50+ on this one I think I am finally getting the hang of it. In the past I mostly used my shield for bashing and relied on armor (or running away) for protection when the blows were coming on fast and things were getting too dicey.

But I started playing more in 3rd person with my previous character, especially in "open field" melee situations. I've found it helps a lot, and I really resolved with this character to take more time in a fight and pay attention and try to block incoming strikes instead of just standing there slashing away with my own weapon. It is SO satisfying to hear the distinct *clang* of the enemy's weapon hitting my shield instead of me. With previous characters about the only time I ever gained a level in blocking was by paying for training, with this character I'm actually getting "Block Increased to " messages right in the middle of combat, so I must be doing something right.

Quick reflexes is all you need, between that, dodging, and some block skill to soak damage youll never go down.

I do it with just a blade, shield users have a piece of cake.

Is block worth training/investing in?

I'm playing a Nord warrior type build and I'm enjoying 2handed weapons but have been toying with shield/sword combo but it seems like a lot of effort.

THe one blocking perk where you can knock people down with a sprint block is 1000000000% better than Fus Ro Dah. It's good to have.

It's been a lot of effort for me because my initial tendency in melee is just to hack away until the other person is dead. But having reached a decent level with some slightly OPed gear I'm finding it makes things a lot more interesting when I take my time in a fight and blocking instead of remaining constantly on the offensive is part of that for me. I like carrying a shield because it gives me one more item I can enchant for things that my character wants or needs, and if I'm going to carry it I figure there's no sense in not learning how to use it for something besides bashing people with it. Altho that's a lot of fun too.

ive done the same. when i get into a fight i ALWAYS switch to third person. the only time i dont is when im sneaking (or if its just a wolf/ skeever).

it makes combat feel so much better. first person view is kinda weird, especial the weapon models in first person.

Define, as best as you can, what you mean by "RIGHT before the enemy is about to hit you". Mid-way through the swing? Start of the swing? 0.1 seconds to contact?

I would guess 0.1 seconds to contact

yes i knew this already, i think they say this in one of the loading screens... not sure, but i did read it somewhere in the game shortly after i got it.

and the time you have... it is like 0,5 sec before they attack. not sure, but they made it very easy to use.

Ah, it's good to see another connoisseur in the fine art of blocking. Have you read The Mirror?

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:The_Mirror

Quick Reflexes is so good, I consider it cheating. My blocking character does not use it for that reason. Slow time effect makes the battle too slow for me.

This thread has reminded me of why I keep getting smoked in dragon fights...no shield!

Same here. It really makes combat satisfying once you get a rhythm. Of course, when I switch to my character that uses a 2-handed axe, my rhythm is off and I have to adjust my timing. But still, it's lots of fun. Plus, if you take the Block perks that don't have "shield" in the description, I believe they work with a weapon.

Quick reflexes is so good - i finally feel like my light armored light weaponed 130lb loadout character should.

I cant tell you the size of the problem i have when full plate is as nimble as leather.

Thanks didden't knew this!

I too thought it was random, thanks for the tip lol.

My main character is sword and shield atm, and it's starting to become OP. I'm using Spellbreaker; with the perk that makes you move faster with a shield, I'm unstoppable against mages and dragons I know, I could use a different shield, but being immune to magic is just too convenient.

Block is also extremely easy to power level. Key word "Giants".