I started an Orc character last week in Skyrim and decided to make him a two-handed weapon bruiser. Just doing Bleak-Falls, wearing full Imperial armor, I needed lots of potions… My attack speed was so slow that while doing a standard attack with a Greatsword, I'd get hit one or two times before I even swing.
I have since switched to a sword and shield tank build, I still think it would be fun to play a two-handed weapon specialist. So to make this build viable (meaning to me: not requiring 10,000 potions while fighting mudcrabs 😉 ), do I need to supplement with Alteration pre-combat buffs? Do I need to level/wait it out til I have more health? Do I need to play differently?
Best Answer
Two-handed weapons have greater range than one-handed weapons, you have to take advantage of that: going backwards while swinging is a good way to minimize hits received, bash the enemy by blocking and attacking if they are in your face, then hit them while they stagger.
Blocking is less effective without a shield, so bashing should be your preferred mode of defense. Might want to enchant your weapon with drain stamina so you can always keep on swinging and bashing.
Overall, I feel two-handed weapons are less effective than one-handed weapons, because they offer less versatility and your DPS doesn't benefit as much from smithing. You're also missing out on shield enchants and blocking effectiveness, as well as the ability to cast with your left hand.