Guild Wars 2

I just recently started playing Guild Wars 2 and I was just wondering what is considered the “best” leveling weapon and why. I’ve heard a lot of people say “go greatsword!” but nothing to back that up. I’m looking for something that won’t be hitting enemies like you’re hitting them with a pillow, but I’m also not looking for something that turns me into a ‘glass cannon.’ If you guys could help me pick on a good weapon and the reasoning why, it’d be greatly appreciated

greatsword is a solid leveling and soloing weapon.

you have
1- attack up to three people and gain might on third hit
2- high DPS whirl AOE -> whirl finisher
3- mobility skill (gap closer) with blind -> leap finisher
4- retaliation symbol-> light field
5- AOE CC (pull back), with dot, interrupt and another whirl finisher.

i believe it is one of the only weapon that have field and three finishers on the same weapon.

4 then 2 or 5 gives cleansing bolts to remove conditions
4 then 3 gives another retaliation duration.

overall the most versatile weapon with high DPS.
(hammer is mostly CC and staff is mostly support)

for offhand take scepter/focus.

Appreciate the help I will be sticking with the Greatsword then for leveling

Greatsword.
Gives you mobility, might, aoe damage.
And the symbol.
The Honor trait line gives vitality and healing, and has a 20% CD reduction for 2h weapons. Helps with the “glass cannon” thing.
I would recommend using a staff for your second weapon, if only for swiftness.

ive found also if you trait correctly for hammer, you can end fights very quickly. I switched from sword/shield + sword/torch to hammer only and i wont be turning back.

Lalangamena.3694:

greatsword is a solid leveling and soloing weapon.

you have
1- attack up to three people and gain might on third hit
2- high DPS whirl AOE -> whirl finisher
3- mobility skill (gap closer) with blind -> leap finisher
4- retaliation symbol-> light field
5- AOE CC (pull back), with dot, interrupt and another whirl finisher.

i believe it is one of the only weapon that have field and three finishers on the same weapon.

4 then 2 or 5 gives cleansing bolts to remove conditions
4 then 3 gives another retaliation duration.

overall the most versatile weapon with high DPS.
(hammer is mostly CC and staff is mostly support)

for offhand take scepter/focus.

I would agree with everything that you said about the GS. However I would disagree with your dismissal of the staff. For leveling/farming the staff offers more than just support. Keep in mind that you don’t need to get first hit on a mob nor land the killing blow in order to receive xp and loot. In other words the more targets you help kill the more xp and loot you get. The first staff skill is a mid-ranged fast (relatively) firing aoe attack that can hit targets through barriers. I have actually killed players in WvW through keep doors with this tactic. Completing events will also help you level faster. The staff’s third skill grants the swiftness boon which helps you reach those events before they finish. It’s very handy for general map exploration or escape as well. Don’t forget the third skill also creates a light field and deals damage. The staff’s second skill can pass through multiple mobs damaging them in the process. The only issue is that the orb has bug causing it to get stuck in terrain. You may need to detonate the orb increasing the cool down from three seconds to eleven.

I would recommend a greatsword/staff combination for leveling and farming tasks.
Oh and my credentials for giving advice are having played a Guardian since the beta weekend events, storyline completion, and 100% world map completion.