Question about 2 handed axe expertise

PC General Discussion
1

In videos and guides when I read the benefit it says “when using any two handed weapon extra damage blah blah”

But in my game when I look it says “when using a 2 handed axe blah blah”

Is this some sort of Xbox bug or what’s going on here?

2

Just use 2h axe :axe:
Can train at test dummy

3

He is OP, he moves too fast I can’t hit him.

4

You can set it to groups too. Might get lucky

1 Like
5

There’s 2 parts to every weapons expertise. One part applies to any weapon the other specifically if you’re using that type of weapon.

The guides say to select 2h axe because the bit that applies to all weapons is 15[×] against vulnerable. The part that’s only for 2h axe is +10% crit chance against vulnerable.

If you have a reliable vulnerability mechanic this is a great option even if you don’t use 2h axe

6

Expertise:

  • Applies to the Arsenal Weapon bound to the Skill. This gives you both the LVL 10 proficiency bonus as well as the bonus per level.
  • Expertise does not apply to all weapons and does nothing to Skills that Arsenal Weapon is not bound to. For example: If you have a 2H Axe equipped but do not have it bound to any Skill, it does not give you any bonus.

Technique:

  • Technique on the other hand DOES apply to every single Skill you use that has a Arsenal Weapon assignable. Unlike Expertise, you ONLY get the bonus that levels up. In this case, x15% Damage to Vulnerable enemies.
  • What this does NOT do is stack with the same Arsenal Weapon. If you have a 2H Axe Equipped and use the 2H Axe Technique, it is wasted and has no effect on any Skill you have a 2H Axe assigned to. What this means is you really want to use a Technique that you do NOT have a Weapon Equipped for or at least have Assigned and use. This is very dumb and is a poor design decision. Techniques and Expertise are underwhelming to say the least.
  • This further does NOT apply to Skills that do not have Arsenal Weapons assignable but still deal Direct Damage. Steel Grasp, Ground Stomp, Kick, and CoTA absolutely do not benefit from your Technique. This has been a personal pet peeve of mine that they even have Skills that you cannot assign an Arsenal Weapon to.

So what does this mean? It doesn’t matter your build, you are probably going to be using a 2H Axe Technique. As you level, you might use 2H Sword for the Bleed conditional.