Dexterity question

[Metropolis Man]

At the beginning of the game I'm assuming almost all characters have a 95% chance to hit the monsters in the Blood Moor (I only play Barbs and this is always the case).

I understand that dexterity points directly impact chance to hit as well as chance to block, but since I'm playing a double swing Barb and chance to block is a non-issue I wonder if Dexterity at the beginning is a waste? Should I just wait until my chance to hit a particular monster drops below 95%

Also — I forgot if Dexterity affects Defense numbers. Or is defense pretty much determined by what you wear? Thanks.

[Humphrey]

Noooo, don't put points in dex to raise AR, there are much better ways! If you aren't using a shield, only put enough in dex for your equip.

[Metropolis Man]

Thanks, Humphrey. But what about Dexterity and Defense? Are they related?

[NightBurst]

Thanks, Humphrey. But what about Dexterity and Defense? Are they related?

They are but you'll be getting most of your DEF from your equip no matter how much DEX you put it.

[Mankey]

Just to clarify

Attack Rating

Attack Rating (due to dexterity) = (Dex × 4) - 28.

% Chance to Hit (Melee Attacks) = 100 × AR / (AR + DR) × 2 × alvl / (alvl + dlvl)
Caps: 5% =< Chance to Hit (Melee Attacks) >= 95%
Defense Rating

DR (due to dexterity) = Dex / 4 (rounding down)

In any event, straight AR does more for your final AR than dex, although Dex can help... Like strength it shouldn't be boosted more than neccesary.

[Shagsbeard]

Lots of people combine the angelic amy + rings to get a whole mess of AR. You can use steel grand charms to get 120-ish as well, and lots of weapons have huge bonuses to AR. Dex is one way to get it and probably the worst.