Guild Wars 2

I leveled up with a Greatsword so wanted to try something different. I went Axe/Mace but didn’t like the Mace, I’m now Axe/Shield and I’m ‘meh’ about it. I would really love an Axe/Sword build but anything relating to sword has condition damage and I don’t really want to revamp my entire gear set to get it.

So my question is, is there an axe/sword build that isn’t heavy into condition damage on gear? Perhaps this is something that can be reflected on sigils/runes?

This will be for all things PvE – Dungeons, Map Clearing, etc.

Well, the problem is that Sword isn’t too impressive in the off-hand, sadly. If you want a Sword, you’ll want it in your main-hand for the Leap/Burst.

Yeah I like MH sword for the leap but the burst ability on the Axe is >>>>> Sword. Isn’t OH Axe suppose to be rather lackluster as well?

It has it’s uses, mainly in the Adrenaline-building department. But yeah, it is generally considered one of the worse off-hands.

To OP, you to would only ever go offhand sword if you build for condition damage. If that were the case, you would probably want MH sword as well. Even if you stack +cond, OH sword is really only good againt single targets while OH axe gives you solid aoe swings.

Re: axe burst and sword burst… the MH sword burst , imho, is so much better. If you +cond, it’s really a no brainer. But even if you don’t, MH sword burst is still good for a number of reasons. First, it’s aoe and in any crowd situation it will out damage axe burst. Secondly, MH sword burst only needs the first level of adrenaline to max damage -the adrenaline only affects the immobilize length. Third, you can’t underestimate MH swords immobilize effect. In many combats keeping mobs together is the primary goal when you are attempting to burn down many foes as a team and MH burst is awesome at keeping foes clumped together.

Just some thoughts… it’s really all about the stat build and the situation you’re facing.

I think I’ll stick with my Axe/Shield setup and dream about wielding cool looking swords around.

You tried Warhorn as an offhand? Look up the Yojack build! I’ve run with it before and it’s pretty fun if you want something different from GS.

Cook, if you’re okay with having lower damage, go dual sword.
Honestly, if you just work on your gameplay, you’ll be 1000% better than the end-game noobs with amazing gear and rather lackluster skill.

I would prefer a pathetic looking warrior doing some damage over a exotic/legendary equipped warrior on the ground.

Well, last night I looked at my bank and found I had all the mats for the Mystic Axe combine that with the heritage shield skin and T2/T3 armor in Greyish Black and I look rather kitten!