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Message: <blockquote data-quote="The Crimson Binome" data-source="post: 7522584" data-attributes="member: 6775031">No, because it only applies when you're dual-wielding, which means you're still at a net penalty compared to using a shield. The feat helps you overcome part of the AC penalty from dual-wielding, but it's not good for characters who care about optimizing AC, which is where the fighting style really matters.Now you're into the realm of trade-offs, rather than benefits. Increasing your max HP allows you to survive more attacks, but even if it keeps you alive for an equivalent amount of time, that's still damage that you need to heal later. A bonus to AC is a pure benefit.Likewise, the Power Attack feats are situational, which reduces their overall contribution. You could argue that they're more powerful in enough situations to tip the balance, but you'd have to make the argument, and a lot of it is going to depend on circumstances. In any case, since everyone has equal access to feats and not everyone can take a fighting style, it would be better to take a fighting style if given the option, since you can just pick up the feat later.There are other ways to avoid making melee attacks, but even if you do find yourself in those situations, it's still a relatively rare roll. Static bonuses that apply in routine situations are almost always more valuable than situational bonuses, unless those situational bonuses are proportionally powerful.</blockquote>