best dual wielding class?

[Bloodyguardian]

hi,

i'm new and i'd like to start a dual wielding character.
but, there are 3 kinds of dual wielding classes: storm of kargon (barb), whirlwind fighter (fighter), tempest (ranger)
so what would be the best? mainly soloing, questing in dugeons,...
and if there isn't a 'best' one, please explain the main differences between them.
thanks.

[Symar-FangofLloth]

Tempest Ranger gets all the main TWF feats for free, and actually gets one more attack and faster attack speed than most other TWFers.

I don't know any details on the paths, because Tempest is also a Prestige line for Ranger, and that's where you get the most TWF bonuses in the game.

Plus, as a ranger you can pull out a bow when needed (and do half-decent with Manyshot), have Evasion, and have some SP to do some buffs.

[Skull_49]

the best would have to depend on you if you want insane dps go 18barb 2 rogue just 15dex and rest into str/con or if you want survivability for soloing go 19ranger 1monk or some variant of that thats a dex based elf

[r3dl4nce]

If you want a good character don't choose the pre-made paths
Higher DPS TWFers are Tempest Ranger and Kensai Fighter, but 2wf paladins, rogues, warchanter bards, melee fvs/cleric and so on are all good 2wfers

[Bloodyguardian]

well i'm very new and the whole customisation and classmaking stuff, so it's is very overwhelming. that's why i was looking to pre-made paths.
i did think ranger was best for solo (evasion + pet), but the fighter and barb get a skill for medium weapons as off-hand weapons and have better armor. isn't a big difference?

[Symar-FangofLloth]

but the fighter and barb get a skill for medium weapons as off-hand weapons and have better armor. isn't a big difference?

No such thing as 'medium weapons', there are two-handed, one-handed, and one-handed light.
And nothing is stopping you from using a one-handed in your offhand as opposed to a light weapon. You do suffer a to-hit penalty, but at higher levels that won't matter so much. Tempest actually will reduce the penalty, which any other class would have to take a Feat to get.

And armor doesn't matter, unless you're trying to be a tank. It's a very long process to get all the gear and everything; I wouldn't recommend it for a new player.

Give the Tempest Ranger pre-made a try, and once you learn the game, start over with a custom one.

[Bloodyguardian]

ok, thx

[tihocan]

If you're going to solo, tempest is best. You can check out a revised version of the original tempest path in this thread (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=232660).

[GrandpaMunster]

Disclaimer: This build isn't mine and I've only taken it to level 4 so far but to this point its really good.

Bloody,

The build is called a whirling dervish and it dual scimitars. As it stands even with only one +2 scimitar and a +1 hand axe in my offhand its lights out.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 3.34
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

Rosylynn Stone
Level 20 True Neutral Elf Female
(20 Fighter)
Hit Points: 332
Spell Points: 0
BAB: 20\20\25\30\30
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 9
Will: 8

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(28 Point) (Level 1) (Level 20)
Strength 16 24
Dexterity 17 17
Constitution 14 14
Intelligence 8 8
Wisdom 8 8
Charisma 8 8

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 20)
Balance 5 13
Bluff -1 2
Concentration 2 5
Diplomacy -1 2
Disable Device n/a n/a
Haggle -1 -1
Heal -1 -1
Hide 3 3
Intimidate -1 5
Jump 3 7
Listen -1 1
Move Silently 3 3
Open Lock n/a n/a
Perform n/a n/a
Repair -1 -1
Search -1 1
Spot -1 1
Swim 3 7
Tumble n/a 4
Use Magic Device n/a n/a

Level 1 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Toughness
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost I
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy I
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness I


Level 2 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage I
Enhancement: Fighter Strength I


Level 3 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Iron Will
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness I


Level 4 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness II


Level 5 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost II
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy II


Level 6 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Bullheaded
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery I
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei I


Level 7 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery II


Level 8 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization I
Enhancement: Racial Toughness II


Level 9 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Power Attack
Enhancement: Fighter Strength II


Level 10 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Valenar Elf Melee Damage II


Level 11 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Attack Boost III


Level 12 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Greater Two Weapon Fighting
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Greater Weapon Specialization: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost III
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery II
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei II


Level 13 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Toughness III


Level 14 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Oversized Two Weapon Fighting
Enhancement: Fighter Critical Accuracy III


Level 15 (Fighter)
Feat: (Selected) Two Weapon Defense
Enhancement: Fighter Armor Mastery III


Level 16 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Superior Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons
Enhancement: Fighter Scimitar Specialization II


Level 17 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Strength III


Level 18 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Dodge
Feat: (Selected) Quick Draw
Enhancement: Kensei Scimitar Mastery III
Enhancement: Fighter Kensei III


Level 19 (Fighter)
Enhancement: Fighter Haste Boost IV


Level 20 (Fighter)
Feat: (Fighter Bonus) Stunning Blow
Enhancement: Fighter Weapon Alacrity
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) I
Enhancement: Fighter Strategy (Stunning Blow) II

[Magusrex777]

For a new player I would say a Drow(easy to get) KotC TWF Paladin is your best option http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=218542 because of the fact that at lvl 14 for the cost of a spell you will get great boss beaters the equivalent of weapons worth millions of gold.

[Shishizaru]

For a new player I would say a Drow(easy to get) KotC TWF Paladin is your best option http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=218542 because of the fact that at lvl 14 for the cost of a spell you will get great boss beaters the equivalent of weapons worth millions of gold.

Paladin is also one of the few classes that actually benefits from all of the Drow's racial benefits.

[GeneralDiomedes]

No such thing as 'medium weapons', there are two-handed, one-handed, and one-handed light.

I swear that Rapiers used to be considered 'medium' weapons since they don't qualify as an off-hand weapon yet can be finessed. Or are they now just one-handed finessable weapons?

[clanqui]

I swear that Rapiers used to be considered 'medium' weapons since they don't qualify as an off-hand weapon yet can be finessed. Or are they now just one-handed finessable weapons?

Medium used to be one of the categories in 3.0 when it was medium/large instead of 1h/2h.

[theb]

well i'm very new and the whole customisation and classmaking stuff, so it's is very overwhelming. that's why i was looking to pre-made paths.
i did think ranger was best for solo (evasion + pet), but the fighter and barb get a skill for medium weapons as off-hand weapons and have better armor. isn't a big difference?

Allow me to suggest a new approach.

Step one: define your goals.
Step two: ask people who know the best way to meet those goals.

Do not do the following:

Step one: define your goals.
Step two: convince yourself you know the best means of achieving those goals.
Step three: ask people the best way to achieve those means.

Your goal is to avoid messing up a character by making uninformed decisions, which is commendable. ASK how to do that: the way is by following a template exactly, NOT using a premade path.

Your goal is to solo: fine. ASK how to best do that (caster if you want to do it at high levels, was that your goal, or did you mostly want to do it mid level?).

If your goal is to have a pet because you like the idea, fine. If your goal is to pick a good class, DO NOT do so on the basis of who has pets. In ddo, they are bad. But if your goal itself is the pet and it is not a means, then go for it.

If your goal is to be a melee who can solo, again, ask how to do that (maybe a high ac monk), but Ranger might not be the best.

If your goal is get introduced the game with a good to play starting character, ask how to do that, and don't assume it is one who can solo. A paladin who can make his own weapons and solo the beginning of the game, a healer who is always welcome in parties and doesn't need to overcome enemy resistances and saves with fancy gear, or a bard who can buy things for less/sell stuff for more are the most ideal starting characters in my opinion.

If your goal was simply to be a twf ranger because that's how you will have the most fun, go for it and ignore people who tell you to be a "better" class or build.

Basically: clarify your goals.

[Timjc86]

hi,

i'm new and i'd like to start a dual wielding character.
but, there are 3 kinds of dual wielding classes: storm of kargon (barb), whirlwind fighter (fighter), tempest (ranger)
so what would be the best? mainly soloing, questing in dugeons,...
and if there isn't a 'best' one, please explain the main differences between them.
thanks.

PLEASE do NOT go with any of the pre-made paths. You can easily find all the help you need here on these forums for putting together a build you'll like.

[PopeJual]

Tempest Ranger gets all the main TWF feats for free, and actually gets one more attack and faster attack speed than most other TWFers.

Tempest Rangers do not get the TWF feats for free. They have to pay for the feats by taking the Dodge/Mobility/Spring Attack feats in order to qualify for their free feats. They do get the TWF feats as bonus feats that appear free, but don't be fooled into thinking that there is no cost involved.

If you're going to be playing a non-human, that's all three of your feats chosen for you until after 6th level.


...that said, Tempest Ranger is the classic Two Weapon Fighting class and it's tough to beat them at fighting with two weapons. I also like Paladins for TWF, however. Because Divine Sacrifice and Exalted Smite trigger on both weapons when you are dual wielding, you get a very nice DPS boost from using two weapons instead of just one.

[r3dl4nce]

Tempest Rangers do not get the TWF feats for free. They have to pay for the feats by taking the Dodge/Mobility/Spring Attack feats in order to qualify for their free feats. They do get the TWF feats as bonus feats that appear free, but don't be fooled into thinking that there is no cost involved.Wrong. Rangers get their Two Weaponf Fighting feats (all the 3) FOR FREE. The need dodge/mobility/spring attack to take the PrE TEMPEST, But that in NOW WAY has to do with getting the TWF feats

[PopeJual]

Wrong. Rangers get their Two Weaponf Fighting feats (all the 3) FOR FREE. The need dodge/mobility/spring attack to take the PrE TEMPEST, But that in NOW WAY has to do with getting the TWF feats

And if you're not taking Tempest, then why did you become a melee specialised Ranger in the first place?

[Bacab]

And if you're not taking Tempest, then why did you become a melee specialised Ranger in the first place?


that was not the question...you were incorrect. Leave it at that. Besides it allows AA to dual-wield. Maybe this new player picks RNG and decides "Hey I wish I was a AA, but then I would have to change my feats since I have all these worthless 2WF feats...

All Rangers can 2 Weapon fight.

But Tempest make it look good.

[Mithran]

I swear that Rapiers used to be considered 'medium' weapons since they don't qualify as an off-hand weapon yet can be finessed. Or are they now just one-handed finessable weapons?

Rapiers are Light weapons, but to use them in the offhand, I believe they're Oversized/Light.

[tihocan]

Rapiers are Light weapons, but to use them in the offhand, I believe they're Oversized/Light.
This is a common mistake, rapiers are not light weapons (they are the only non-light weapons that are finesseable, which is why many people believe they are light). So you get the additional -2 penalty if wielding a rapier in off-hand unless you have the OTWF feat. Just like with any other non-light weapon.

[GrandpaMunster]

This is a common mistake, rapiers are not light weapons (they are the only non-light weapons that are finesseable, which is why many people believe they are light). So you get the additional -2 penalty if wielding a rapier in off-hand unless you have the OTWF feat. Just like with any other non-light weapon.

I didn't know that. I just thought that rapiers were light weapons. I wondered why I didn't get an additional attack penalty when I switched from a +1 rapier in my offhand to a +2 dwarven axe. Thats very useful information Tihocan.