Guild Wars 2

I’ve read several “what set do you use” topics and never once have I heard this combo mentioned, but it’s like everything wrapped up in a bundle. Whirling Defense adds both great additional survivability, and with the swords general “chaser” feel, you’re guaranteed to hit with WD. Path of scars just makes for a great initial hit.

Anyone else use this combo?

i am trying LB SW/WH with majority of trait to increase the pet bonus damage/utility and my survivability, it doesn’t work…it should but it doesn’t because pet is dumb.
i will try your weapon combo, what about traits?

btw that’s the build, i should say it is very effective considering how pet is bugged and sword root u in places, as pet i use the dog and a spider because of the immobilize, it is really our only chance for the pet to attack.

http://www.gw2build.com/builds/simulator.php#1.6.3.9.21.0.0.0.0.0.131.140.141.300.152.3.3.28.381.379.386.391.396.0.0.0.0.422.430.0.0.0.0.30.20.0.20.0

I use sword/axe as main spec. Even though I keep falling off cliffs… LOL

One of the best things about the axe off-hand is that it doesn’t just block projectiles, it actually reflects them.

I used S/A for about 10 levels or so somewhere around level 30. It’s a great combo. The only reason I shy away is that I like to be able to dodge, and MH sword makes that tougher than it should be. But, yeah…OH axe is a great compliment to the sword.

Maybe if I could move while using Whirling Defense I’d give the offhand axe another look. Until then, I’ll stick with sword/torch. Bonfire (especially with the 20% cooldown redux + range trait) is just too awesome.

Though I run a weird build that’s relatively even on stats, except crit and crit damage. Your mileage may vary.

The problem is WD doesn’t hit many targets and doesn’t do good damage (except if you reflect, then yes). Axe is a great offhand, but cooldown on WD is high and it’s also very situational.

I’ve used it sometimes in dungeons for fun tho, for example to reflect AC spider’s poison when plenty of them attack you.

Whirling Defense hits the same amount of targets as any other AoE, which is five max. I totally agree that the CD is a little high (you can lower it with Off-Hand Training) and it’s definitely situational, but it can be a real life saver.

Used it against a champion golem in Orr last night and took a HUGE chunk of it’s life reflecting it’s chain attack. Was totally awesome.

Nope not overlooked. I love offhand axe in round 1 of tpvp matches because the sniper nests are plentiful and it works with either a power build or trap dropper on the node (Keep best and mine 2nd in particular).

Defensive works well with combo fields and damge reflection when under concentrated fire from multiple spawns charachters. And when your hard to get to people like to light you up with projectiles. batter up…

Until the main attack of the sword doesn’t root me in place, I’ll always be skeptical before taking it. However, I have found that axe+axe is a pretty underestimated combo for PvE.

I’m a big fan off Sword/Axe combo and it was my main weapon choice while leveling, its just now that I am in high level zones I can’t make room for it because I need Torch and Warhorn to be able to beat things effectively.

Lead-hand sword suffers from the bugged chain (blocking dodge).
Off-hand axe suffers from high cooldowns (+horn is much more flexible)

The biggest problem with this combo is the sword 1-chain. Also, dagger synergizes with sword better, since Whirling Defense will root you and sword doesn’t have a gap closer to get back in range after they back away from you.

Turn camera 180°.
Press 2.
Turn again.
Press 2 again.

WIth a little bit practise this is more than enough of a gap-closer.
If you master it it’s insanely good.

Sadly all sword skills are extremely clunky which makes it a pain to use them.

Sdric.8526:

Turn camera 180°.
Press 2.
Turn again.
Press 2 again.

WIth a little bit practise this is more than enough of a gap-closer.
If you master it it’s insanely good.

Sadly all sword skills are extremely clunky which makes it a pain to use them.

You can actually hotkey a 180 degree turn in the keyboard setup to make pulling this off a little easier.

turning off auto attack for sword 1 removes the root that prevents dodge.

Psychrome.9281:

turning off auto attack for sword 1 removes the root that prevents dodge.

It also completely cuts its DPS down making the weapon useless unless you are using it with Dagger as a defensive set.

I’ve been using sword dagger and while it is fun and mobile…holy hell the AA is god awful. You literally can’t hit the broad side of a trebuchet with it. Try and attack a gate and just watch how many “misses” show up. And that’s just a kittening wall. Using it against a foe is another story…It can be nice for chasing someone low on hp, but the hit detection is just garbage. I only use it as an evasive tool. Now, if the Sword dagger combo had hit detection and fluidity of the thief D/D it would be a lot more viable.

Hit detection on static objects (i.e., gates, siege equipment, supplies, etc.) is messed up for almost every weapon on every profession.