Quote (Blockinlick @ Jun 12 2012 09:33am)
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2857/screenshot000qc.jpg
Note: Yes I am Dual Wielding. I tried to use a Shield, but my DPS suffered down to 1250 and I honestly didn't see the effectiveness I wanted to out of a shield.
Why?: 20% Block really isn't that much, especially when instead of actually blocking like in D2, it reduces damage taken by a rather low amount. In this case, about 800-900. When you've got over 25k Life [My barb has 28k], blocking 850 damage from every 5 hits is pretty insignificant if you ask me. Yeah, you could also consider the extra 500 defense I'd get too, but that only translates to about 4% more damage reduction based on level... which is also very insignificant. Put it together, the 20% block for 850 and 4% dmg reduction and it's okay, but it's just not more effective than killing them faster with 400 more DPS.
I tried them both and I survived much easier on higher DPS than I did with a shield. I'm not saying this is the case in Inferno as I haven't reached that point yet, but as of now, in Act 1 Hell, I am making much better progress Dual Wielding.
Skill layout & strategy
I use Cleave with Broad sweep on Left to hit multiple enemies. Up until now I've used Fury, but I find that Cleave seems to be more efficient in Hell Difficulty. Fury is good, but I find it's initial slow attack speed to be a detriment.
I use Whirlwind on Right [A no brainer imo]. I love using Whirlwind in conjunction with Relentless. When I am close to dying, it almost always pulls me out of a tight spot when I can twirl until I either drop or get a health globe and 90% of the time I end up getting a globe unless I am facing some pretty nasty champs.
1Key is Ground Stomp. It's pretty straightforward. When I am surrounded by a group of 5 or more monsters [Or some Champs], I hit this, then Whirlwind their faces off.
2Key is Revenge. I recently discovered this gem and it's key to surviving hell it seems. This combined with Pounds of Flesh & Relentless means my barb can never be counted out even when he's on his last one life.
3Key is Battle Rage. I find this useful, but I've considered maybe finding a more useful or tactical option.
4Key is Wrath of the Berserker. Statistically this skill doesn't seem to do much, but after testing it out, I find it's very effective. It must be that 25% ias that I underestimate. However, I am still considering a switch to Call of the Anc. because it seems more tactically useful.
Passive 1: Pounds of Flesh
Passive 2: Nerves of Steel
Passive 3: Relentless
Bro u are on hell......