Q:
Sword/shield or axe/shield?
If you’re using a condition build, go sword/shield. You have nice mobility with Savage Leap which combined with Mobile Strikes it’s really useful. Flurry applies long immobilizes and 8 stacks of bleed which is really strong. Final trust is a waste of slot so you have the Sword’s autoattack that also applies bleeds and a creep at the end of the chain. Savage Leap + Leg Specialist + Opportunist is a nice combo which Cripples+Immobilizes and you get Fury. Shield off-hand will protect you from important attacks and Shield Bash is also a nice interrupt that stuns for 1 second. So you can trait for Shield Master or Missile Deflection. I personally prefer Missile Deflection.
Zerk builds will use Axe/Shield for the Shield Bash+Eviscerate combo or if you traited Leg Specialist Throw Axe (Immobilize) + Shield Bash (optional) + Eviscerate combo. Axe autoattack is also nice if your opponent is in a defensive position.
Also, which of these two sets you choose depends on your second weapon. If you go Sword+Shield then Longbow is a must. If you go Axe/Shield you can try any other one handed weapon depeding on what’s your playstyle.
if you want to be super lazy and run your wvw/pvp set in pve too, go with what ednaralva said about the axe stuff
as long as you’re not joining any speed runs, most people won’t even notice your trait build is non-ideal for pve
If you’re using a condition build, go sword/shield. You have nice mobility with Savage Leap which combined with Mobile Strikes it’s really useful. Flurry applies long immobilizes and 8 stacks of bleed which is really strong. Final trust is a waste of slot so you have the Sword’s autoattack that also applies bleeds and a creep at the end of the chain. Savage Leap + Leg Specialist + Opportunist is a nice combo which Cripples+Immobilizes and you get Fury. Shield off-hand will protect you from important attacks and Shield Bash is also a nice interrupt that stuns for 1 second. So you can trait for Shield Master or Missile Deflection. I personally prefer Missile Deflection.
Zerk builds will use Axe/Shield for the Shield Bash+Eviscerate combo or if you traited Leg Specialist Throw Axe (Immobilize) + Shield Bash (optional) + Eviscerate combo. Axe autoattack is also nice if your opponent is in a defensive position.
Also, which of these two sets you choose depends on your second weapon. If you go Sword+Shield then Longbow is a must. If you go Axe/Shield you can try any other one handed weapon depeding on what’s your playstyle.
Ty for great feedback but which do you prefer?
Like the earlier commenters said, it depends on what build you’re trying to run. If you’re running a condi build, then sw/sh is definitely the better option. Axe/sh is way better for direct damage.
Use axe for world bosses & dungeons. In spvp and WvW, it really comes down to your build (i.e second wep, gear, traits)
Shield bash (#4) also sets up sword’s Final Thrust (#3) well. I think MH sword covers most bases as far as combat despite what the guides say. Those were probably written before Final Thrust was moved to #3—it used to be part of the sword chain, thus a player could not control it. Now, it makes up for some direct damage shortcomings from the Autoattack while not losing any condition damage. You just have to hit it right, and shield bash or I find OH mace 5 sets up Final Thrust well.
Axe for for simply damage, Sword for moderate damage,Mobility and Flurry.