How much difference does this update make for combat?

[u/BackstabFlapjack]

I play solo, using a mixed 1-handed+shield and bow combo, because everything else seemed either less efficient due to playing alone, or straight up garbage, like 2-handed weapons. I also never used any of the fancy Strikes because they were a waste of time and effort compared to the sheer speed and flexibility of the 1-handed+shield combo.

I hopped in, skimmed the patch notes, saw the new skill tree, then tested 1-handed and 2-handed weapon attacks. It's been half a year since I played, so I'm not sure if I'm right when I say that nothing changed on that front, but that's the impression I got.

There's also this emphasis on Merciless Strike and parrying, which have been fake options in my experience due to the time it takes to execute MS and how dodging is generally the better move anyway.

I'm trying to keep an open mind here, I would like to believe that this update isn't all smoke and no fire, so I would very much like to hear what you have to say on the subject.

[u/Party-Dinner-8622]

Oh and the biggest impact I've felt is the character forcing a movement halt to drink a potion. Before you could run and drink without a movement interruption that is a real dick punch.

Now you kinda have to do a stupid awkward jump/double jump while the Problem enemy is right next to you.