What is better, dual weapons or a weapon and a shield?

[Lord Garon]

I found the Block tree too OP. Dual wield was fun for awhile, but on high difficulties I needed some blocking. So, my warrior types are usually 2-handers now. Good attacks, some blocking. For a sneaky Assassin type, dual wield is simply devastating, especially with daggers.

[colonel4]

I like one handed weapon and shield style but every time i equip something else by hotkey the shield is not coming back unless you go to the menu and equip it again, its annoying so i play with no shield lol

[pastafrola]

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Edited September 14, 2013 by pastafrola

[diyeath]

the power attacks of dual wield are scary good but your survivability drops massively.

So ask yourself this:

 

Do you want more survivability or more damage?

harder difficulties (including mods which make the enemies not suck) will pretty much force you to use a shield or your dual wielding will involve a whole lot more running around trying not to die, landing a op power attack, run some more...rinse, lather, repeat. Personally though, I prefer the two handers, allows me to block and provides some insane damage (albeit slower damage). Its a great medium between the two.

Edited September 13, 2013 by diyeath