For PvE group content you will generally want a phantasm build, so 4-6 points in Inspiration.
Put the rest in Domination and Dueling for a reasonably easy to play, high damage phantasm build. Domination III and Dueling II are the key traits here.
Some people put 4 points in Illusions instead of dumping the rest in Dom/Dueling, but this is mostly for special encounters that require high reflect uptime.
Focus offhand is great for PvE because it can be traited for projectile reflect and dumb PvE mobs don’t move away from the massive stationary damage of the phantasm (iWarden). Kind of like how you faceroll PvE with a warrior with 100blades because the mobs just stand there and eat it.
Mantras are good for group support (Aoe Cleanse, AoE stability, can be traited to AoE heal on charge).
Swords, both main and offhand offer great power damage. For ranged power damage, the Greatsword is the go-to weapon (observe how the skills are weird mirror versions of the warrior’s GS, it’s quite fun)
Dueling X (Deceptive Evasion) is a great trait for many builds, but in a PvE group context it’s not important unless you’re playing shatter.
For exploring, map completion etc. honestly anything works. Condi PU is very easy/forgiving to play and can solo most things, but the damage is kind of slow in PvE.
I think power PU is more fun, but you need to keep on your toes against champion mobs.
As for gear, most people will tell you to go full zerker. Since you are moving from a beefy soldier class to a semi-squishy scholar class (decent health pool though), I would recommend you start by borrowing your warrior’s ascended zerker trinkets (assuming you have ascended) and fool around with some rare knight/cavalier/zerker armor until you find a good balance.
for pure Pve there is some wery competent ppl to help you in this forum, pyro might give some tips, think he walked some in the dark side ( Pve) carvel’s tips seem solid 2.