Noobie questions about skill stacking/defense.

[PsychoThruster]

Hey I'm trying to plan my build but I'm not sure which skill modifiers stack or how defensive stats work in conjunction.

If I did for example take fencing and rifle skills will the melee defense and range defense modifiers each skill tree provides stack with each other, or are they weapon specific?

Second, same question regarding the defense types; block, dodge, counterattack. Do these stack across skill trees?

Finally, assuming there is some cross-tree stacking of modifiers, is there any point in combining two different defenses? For instance would getting counterattack and block to 100 each provide any particular advantage over dodge 200?

Thanks!

 

[Axims]

Welcome!

To answer your question, there are differences between primary defences (melee and ranged defence) and the secondary defences (block, dodge, counterattack and defence acuity).

The primary defences always apply no-matter the weapon you have equipped.

The secondary defences apply only when you have the appropriate weapon-type equipped. So for example, your dodge defence will only trigger when holding pistol or 1h weapon. So in terms of defence stacking you don't generally think of a benefit for holding 100 of each. However, most skills are quite capable that it's not uncommon to see people with builds that use two different and not stacking skills/defences.

I'd say this is not a significant detriment. I know a fairly capable fencer (dodge secondary) and carbineer (counterattack secondary). However, stacking secondary defences can have its benefits. No easy answers in SWG.

You can read more in this EiF article about combat: https://www.empireinflames.com/?p=698

 

[Aithos]

I am new here so I could be wrong as I do not know what the code here looks on the backend like but, if we go off defensive ( secondary defenses ) hard caps...

Dodge only works if you have a 1H weapon or Pistol equipped ( Hard cap of 125)
Counterattack only works if you have carbines or 2h weapon equipped ( Hard cap of 125)
Block only works with Rifle and Polearm equipped. ( Hard cap of 125)
Dodge, Counterattack, and Block do not work on DOTS , scatter hits, unarmed combos, or bleeds.
The skill Center of Being boosts secondary defenses only.

Primary defenses are Melee and Ranged defenses I believe these too are hard capped at 125....unless this EMU changed the backend/code....


again....unless this EMU changed the backend/code.... to my knowledge, Defense vs. xxx ( dizzy, stun, intimidate,....) are capped at 95%

Defense vs. Knockdown - makes target fall over
Defense vs. Posture Down - makes target kneel, prone
Defense vs. Dizzy - makes any attempt to change posture ( when standing ) make the target fall to ground
Defense vs. Blind - lowers accuracy of target
Defense vs. Stun - halves targets damage and lowers targets primary defenses by -50
Defense vs. Intimidate - halves targets damage and lowers state defenses and removes all secondary defenses ( dodge, counterattack, block)

If I am wrong, please let me know. Hope this helps and does not further confuse how defenses stack