Tadamalley

Double post

Is single weapon style, (most likely sabre) a valid option? Mainly for the hit to crits? Or do you just lose out too much vs a 2hander or dual wield?

About to start up my first playthrough, and although I played PoE1 and am familiar with the game to a point, the classes and abilities are a bit overwhelming. I am looking to make a melee main, I am fond of greatsword, however dual wielding is not a deal breaker if its significantly better. Prefer a bit of tankiness, but a little heavier on damage than tank, somewhat of an offtank/striker. If aoe capability can be there, great. Had thought brute (devoted/base barb) or brawler (devoted/helwalker) Main concerns, as a greatsword user can you pump perception at the cost of might and use the modal for a net gain in damage? Or is the 30% bonus restricted to just weapon swings and not abilities? If you go Morningstar with brute, is the modal to do fort damage worth the 25% damage loss? Do the stacking wounds and incoming damage increase not an issue for the helwalker? Or is it something that is manageable as you level? I do want to avoid total gimmick builds that only work with a certain weapon, however I realize that there will be certain weapons that will be bread and butter for certain builds. Any advice or feedback is welcomed, thanks!

So, i'm looking at starting a new game for the first time post 2.0. With the new changes to AI and tanking, it seems that the tank needs to serve a significant dual purpose. I like the idea of a tanky paladin leader, or a tanky chanter leader... (i really like chanters personally). Can a chanter serve as a primary tank defensive wise? was thinking a more offensively focused fighter as second tank. priest for support, cipher with maybe warbow in back. for last two, thinking either barb or rogue with tall grass. i would like to fit a paladin in here as well, but im not really sure what i would build towards. If i went with a pally tank how do they hold the aggro ? do enemies draw to them based on the healing they do as well? i was feeling chanter with all the buffs/debuffs might keep a target on him, but im not sure if it will actually work that way. is the damage difference single target between a barb rogue significant enough to be a rogue with a pike instead of barb? As for final slot, i generally like more melee/archers than pure casters. maybe ranger? or would a ranged rogue pull similar damage? or pull the chanter back from main tank to be mid range with pally and offensive warrior as tanks?