Is the longsword fighter a viable competitor against those wielding a falchion and shield? It seems that the majority of fighters opt for the traditional sword-and-shield combination, occasionally switching to a crossbow or halberd based on their objectives. The falchion used to be the favored choice, but its status may have shifted due to recent nerfs.
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in videos showcasing longsword parrying techniques, and it appears to be a winning strategy when executed flawlessly. However, the challenge lies in the execution, as it demands an in-depth understanding of every weapon’s moveset and the ability to consistently parry them. PvE encounters are more predictable, but when facing human opponents, their erratic movements make parrying a far more demanding task.
So, can the longsword hold its own against sword-and-shield fighters, or does the added protection from the shield, resulting in superior damage reduction, generally outperform it?
The longsword’s parry is often underestimated. When combined with Shield Mastery and Counter-Attack, the riposte is executed faster than most weapons can retreat behind their shields, making it a near-guaranteed hit if you’re within range. Even if you miss the parry, the blocking stance protects your head with your arms, significantly reducing damage from horizontal strikes like those of the falchion.
True, you remain vulnerable to leg attacks if your opponent actively denies your parries. However, in the worst-case scenario, while they are targeting your legs, you can still retaliate with a thrust to their face, which is an exchange that favors you. The main drawback of the longsword is its relatively slow attack speed, often causing you to lose in DPS races, and lost a lot of more Dark and Darker Gold in the end.
To compensate for its sluggishness, the longsword benefits greatly from Adrenaline Rush. While this can be effective, being caught without it can lead to dire consequences.
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