17,263
edits
Changes
ADVERTISEMENT
From Diablo Wiki
→Dual Wielding
The [[Monk]] can also dual wield, but only with his class-specific [[fist]] weapons. He will supposedly have a few skills that can only be used while wielding fist weapons.
The [[Wizard]] and [[Witch Doctor]] can not dual wield any weapons. It's not yet known if the [[fifth character]] can, but as she's expected to be primarily an archer, it seems unlikely. Bashiok spoke about the theory behind dual-wielding, vs. using a sword/shield or a two-handed weapon, in early September, 2010.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blue-post-on-weapon-specific-skills/]
[[File:Barb-triptrych2.jpg|thumb|300px|Barbarians dual wielding.]]
::The general philosophy and intent for the differences between the three main melee types is to make them all viable, but with obvious trade offs. For dual-wield versus two-hander, it’s currently balanced so that it’s essentially an aesthetic choice. If you think it looks cool to run around with a big two-hander, do it, if you get two awesome one-handers, then use those. Obviously that comes down to tuning affixes and such as it’s one item versus two, but that’s the intent and how it is balanced and works in the game right now. Compared to using a shield it should be viable either way, but you’re obviously gaining some survivability with a shield. The drop in damage output should be accurately offset with a better chance to live, ability to take some greater risks, etc.
