So, wait. Do HLD and HCI essentially do the same thing? If so, which one is more important for a melee PvM character?

Thx for the explanations... and - same question as Jakar: do HLD and HCI have essentially the same effect? Also, does archery count as "hitting" with a weapon? (ie. would HLD apply even though archery isn't melee?)

HLD and HCI are entirely different

HLD effects the defense of what you hit (after a hit you should hear a noise that let's you know the effect is in place) while HCI is your chance to hit.

May sound like the same thing, but it is not. HLD requires you to hit someone/something before it is place (I beliece it's -25% to defense) and HCI goes up against your targets defense.

Example:

Opponent has 120 Weapon Skill + 45% DCI

You have 120 Weapon Skill + 45% HCI

Giving a 50/50 chance to hit or miss, but if you hit with HLD, then it turns out to be...

Opponent has 120 Weapon Skill + 20% DCI

You 120 Weapon Skill + 45% HCI

giving you a better advantage. You could look at it as HLD stacks with HCI once in effect.

Yes they are basically the same. BUT you can have a weapon with both properties. So that really stacks in your favor.

btw HLA (Hit Lower Attack) and DCI work the same way.

Vepl

There is no officially stated HLD cap inplace. If you wanted, you could stack insane amounts of HLD. The more you have though, doesnt mean the more they lower, it is a set amount regardless, but the higher you have, the better % chance you have of hitting it.

Very helpful, thanks guys!