QUOTE(BlueWaterSplash @ Apr 26 2018, 07:18)

Prefix is crucial in a melee weapon, especially at lower levels. But it's still a good weapon at that level, not sure how much worth.
Prefix is important (some of them, not all equals), but crucial ... is a bit of an exageration imho.
An elemental prefix gives you a boost to magical attacks (spell damage) in that element, and it's a rare case that you use it in a melee.
QUOTE
Elemental StrikeCan be obtained on weapons though Equipment Prefixes, achieving level 10 potency in Item World, or by infusions through The Forge.
Deals additional damage in that element
Average damage done is equal to 50% of your physical damage (before mitigation by monsters) - this has a separate damage roll independent from the main hit. Counts as physical damage
Unaffected by elemental EDB
Triggered by both main-hand and offhand melee hits
Only affects the primary target
How many times gets procs'd ? And only on primary target. So, important yes, but crucial ? I wonder ...
Ethereal ... it's more complicated, sure it gives Void attack which is good, but takes away Interference & Burden wich
may be a good thing or
may not be a good thing.
If you play 1H many experts say there is a range of "desirable" burden to maximize effects, and having an Ethereal weapon
may bring your burden too low.
Other styles have different considerations, and I'm not knowledgeable enough to say more than this.
Edit: added Wiki ref.
This post has been edited by mundomuñeca: Apr 26 2018, 19:40