Sword vs Axe

[ElPlayerdeDiablo]

Sword vs Axe

Hi,
Ive always been a fan of barbarians, although I haven't played on in a while, it looks like Axe pretty much beats out Sword in almost every category. Zerk tops the CB for most runewords also. Is there a point in using swords much anymore? Aside from a PB for certain runewords because of speed?

 

[Sass]

Re: Sword vs Axe

It's pretty much PB in terms of practicality. Some use swords since they look great.

 

[Domonkazu]

Re: Sword vs Axe

if you use sword you cant make beast for your left hand, sadly even though I like blue swords, for pvp I will still use zerker axe.

remind you, my barb is for pvp fun exclusively, because repairing ba every cs run sucks

 

[Croup]

Re: Sword vs Axe

There are some reasons to use swords, even though you're right that statwise the axes really are better. A Magic Find Frenzy Barb, for example, would want to use dual Ali Babas on the switch to sliver bosses. So, swords in the way to go. Or if you're planning on using Lawbringer (on the switch for a Frenzy Uber Runner, for example) then you'll need to go with swords.

Besides, simply from a style perspective, sword look so much cooler. Zerkers look terrible whereas colossus blades look badass. Yes, this isn't really a gameplay thing, but it's true.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Re: Sword vs Axe

I'm not sure that axes are "better" stats wise. Dexterity is not wasted on a barb; extra AR never hurts, and with BO and 4 life per Vita point, you can afford lower Vitality.

 

[minuses]

Re: Sword vs Axe

I like berserker axes even in pvm because of the rangeadder it gives.

 

[mattinm]

Re: Sword vs Axe

Axes give an inherit "150% Damage to Demons" as well as costing lower dex, meaning higher strength, adding to even more ED% (each point in strength is worth 1% ED). For those reasons alone, Axes have the potential to do more damage than Swords, especially to Demons, which make a good majority of popular D2 areas (Trav/Bosses).

The only circumstances I'd really consider making a Runeword in a sword instead of an axe would be Grief: simply because of the repair costs, I'd make it in a Phase Blade for the Indestructible mod. Another circumstance might be a shield using Barb, who will have the dexterity required for swords anyway. You could go for the "cool-looking" factor of swords at that point.

I generally dislike dexterity for AR as well. I think charms and items (as well as Battle Cry, if you really, really need it) do enough for AR without the need to pump Dex.

 

[hubb]

Re: Sword vs Axe

Axes give an inherit "150% Damage to Demons"

Nope there's no such bonus. I think this was true in D1 (not sure though)

Axes in general aren't any better than swords, it's just tough to beat a BA. It can have any number of sockets, has fairly low requirements, a good rangeadder and high damage for its speed. And also a wider damage range which people seem to like.

Pumping dexterity for AR may not be the most efficient solution but I feel people bash the idea too hard. With some setups the space for +AR gear is limited so it does help at times. I don't mind a little less life if it saves me some space to pick stuff up.

 

[mattinm]

Re: Sword vs Axe

Nope there's no such bonus. I think this was true in D1 (not sure though)

Yep, confusing D1/D2 there. Plus the wiki gave me misleading information :/. Deleting said information now.

I still maintain my preference for higher strength / lower dex, but the damage difference is much lower than I assumed, so I'd say it's more of a preference thing than anything.

 

[zrk]

Re: Sword vs Axe

Yes dex for AR is definitely not bad, and at least in the old school patches(with ~900 def monsters), was better than pumping STR(with 450 ar from itemes)

 

[Imbecile]

Re: Sword vs Axe

Hi,
Ive always been a fan of barbarians, although I haven't played on in a while, it looks like Axe pretty much beats out Sword in almost every category. Zerk tops the CB for most runewords also. Is there a point in using swords much anymore? Aside from a PB for certain runewords because of speed?

If you really dislike the look of Grief PB a pair of Grief Zweihander wouldn't be a bad alternative, the only downside is the zerking speed. Even the worst IAS roll on a grief pb allows you to zerk at max fpa with 20 IAS from either LoH or Highlord's.