Should I bother with Shield Smash?

[deception5]

With the new patch, I noticed it gives something like -100'ish defensive ability 16% of the time for 6 points. I've put points into it and taken them out a few times as I respec often. I don't really notice a huge difference in my killing speed (small sample size though)... anyone know if this is likely to help a lot (significantly more high damage crits?) or is a waste?

Thanks!

[Mad_Bombardier]

If you don't notice much of a difference, then don't bother. Since its not an area attack and has no benefits other than -armor (which is semi-useless if you 1 or 2 hit kill anyway) you may be ok with just Pulverize and Disable. I wasn't using Disable before because of the bug (spear warden), but with v1.20 have spec-ed out of Shield Smash into Disable.

[KAuss]

Well, the thing is, even though you get no added bonus dmg, don't the shield still fire anyways? This is with the added bonus of the weapon dmg...

I kinda see it as another 16% proc to use your weapon + shield dmg... Not to mention my player has +3 to all skills and everything procs IIRC 19%... So I'm always doing dmg more than a regular swing...

[apocalypse80]

It still does weapon+shield damage.

The new shields hit almost as hard as maces.
So , if your weapon isn't a mace , the shield will do more damage = shield smash will do over double the damage per hit listed in your character sheet.

The above is a lot more complicated if you are using a pierce-based char (since the shield doesn't do piercing damage).

16% chance to do double damage.
Somehow that doesn't sound useless.

[ZombieBunny]

I kinda notice a difference, sometimes my screen just fills up with yellow numbers after my character smashes a mob. And as indicated in above posts, its free damage from the shield.

[Frostbane]

It's priceless for a spear user. For times when you need some good old regular damage against pierce resistant enemies.

[deception5]

Ahh, thanks for the feedback - I am a spear user, I'll have to try it again.

Thanks!

[Ion Silverbolt]

I think it's worth it. Especially if you have a high dexterity or have good offensive ability boosters like found in the warfare tree. A Conqueror would be silly to not max it. Battle Rage + Shield smash = Constant yellow numbers.