If block didn't use Focus, then ya, you could block while you think of what you do next. But other than that, I don't understand when to block. I mean you're just sitting there, losing Focus, why? Run away or dodge, right?

If block didn't use Focus, then ya, you could block while you think of what you do next. But other than that, I don't understand when to block. I mean you're just sitting there, losing Focus, why? Run away or dodge, right?

 

Technically, if you get block and Stamina/Armor high enough, you won't even lose Focus when blocking. But yeah, that's a formula that probably won't work long.

 

I find blocking to be most useful against some of the nastiest long-range attacks from bosses and mini-bosses, like the homing missiles of Rajani or the damned electrical bolts of that Enhanced Automaton in the Crypts of the Sacred Blood. In fact, when I first met him, playing with a Lucas that was badly built up (first thing I do with that new DLC is respec him) I died constantly and I never tried blocking because of a bad experience with Mara Yatum (his green missiles are unblockable). When I finally tried, I discovered that blocking worked against those bolts and from then on, I simply when into the Defense stance whenever I heard the robot charge the bolts, and pouf, a much easier fight!

Because I just had to find something to do with it, what I do, is lay down an Immolation Aura, take 1 step back, and just stand there blocking while everything burns. I totally could be attacking, but the problem is my attacks will sometimes bring me too far away from the flames. I find in general that Immolation Aura is way too small (it's hard to keep enemies in there), but I invested 5 points in it, so I gotta use it.