Guild Wars 2

Usually I don’t like the warrior class in mmos, but it’s pretty fun in this game so I’ve been messing a little with different builds as I get more into PVP and WvW.

I currently use a GS and Hammer, but can a sword and shield be just as viable?

i roam with GS/Sw-Sh love it so much, the first thing that you will notice is your warrior is now very mobile jumping all over the place unlike the awfully slow hammer.

with the right traits i find it pretty effective against these new Fotm Mesmers plague, you need the mobility, every gap closer and the precision to hit as low as possible of its clones which this set delivers nicely.

the cool shield block is awesome its like an Endure pain on less CD so no need to take it in utility slots.

all in all,this set with the right build is pretty dangerous 1vs1, i think of it like SkullCrack/Eviscrete on speedy wheels, but not viable for large groups and zerging other sets are better such as H/Sw-WH

Sword autoattack is actually pretty good, just remember to take Bleed Wounds and Blademaster, even if you play full power. 50% duration on bleed is more than 15% bonus damage, if I remember well. Even better, put at least 25 points in Arms to get attack of opportunity. I go 0/30/20/0/20 sword&shield/hammer (Aye, I do not run with Cleansing Ire). In Arms I got deep wounds, Blademaster and unsuspecting foe for both the hammer and Shield Bash+Final Thrust combo. I need Unsuspecting Foe because it’s disheartening to see Final Thrust not critting.xD

It’s the perfect weapon if you want to go with Soldier’s Amulet, for it lets you retain a decent crit chance without too much precision.

Sword+shield offers a decent mix of mobility, CC, surviveabilty, direct damage and condition damage. While not the best in any of these categories it’s very well rounded.

sword shield works awesome good and looks that way too

I run a mostly zerker/power armor set with a few defensive trinkets for roaming and generally use sw-sh/gs. This combination brings some really nice things to the table for wvw. Basically with this combo your big damage comes from two sources: hundred blades and final thrust (when target is under 50%). I actually usually use 0/0/30/10/30 for leg specialist as this is soooo good when using sword. Spiked armor is also invaluable imo for roaming as you can have ~60% uptime on retaliation and this can also be used with hammer by swapping traits.

One thing some people do not know is you can use a 3 adrenaline F1 on sword, swap to gs and use 100b. The target will have a 3s immobilize from sword F1 and basically has to eat a full 100b, follow this with whirlwind, savage leap back to them (cripple = immobilize), shield bash, final thrust, gg.

Two things I find very useful are balanced stance and zerker stance. Using these while you get a successful burst off prevents you from being cc’d and being blinded (i.e. thieves/necro plague form).

Hope these tips help, happy roaming.

My favorite combo:

Shield bash—Fierce blow—Bull’s charge—Earthshaker—Backbreaker—Staggering blow—Hammer shock—Savage Leap—Flurry—Final Thrust = Dead.

I’m still undecided between Sword/Shield and Axe/Shield. My thoughts:

Sword pros: Massive bleed, Charge skill (sword #2), F1 burst has stun
Sword cons: Slower attack (?), weaker F1 burst damage

Axe pros: Bigger raw damage, strong F1 burst damage
Axe cons: No charge skill

Still more used to axe though, just a little more running. But I agree, X/Shield is totally awesome!

As others have said, Sword/Shield is not the burstiest or nastiest weapon set, but it is very, very versatile. It’s my favourite weapon set for aesthetics, and when paired with a Rifle or Hammer, you can handle just about every situation thrown at you in the game.

weister.6275:

I’m still undecided between Sword/Shield and Axe/Shield.

In PvP i would suggest sword over axe because the mobility and CC outweights the slightly increased damage of axe, which is difficult to apply on moving targets. In PvE axe might be better but the question is if you need a shield there. Of course you should also take into consideration which other weapon set you are using and how well they complement one another.

Could you guys perhaps recommend a X/Shield and secondary weapon for PvE leveling and dungeons?

I am currently running GS/Axe&Mace and I am looking for a possible change up to keep things interesting.

I, too, love the idea of X/Shield and I am open to all suggestions.

Just looking for some help for a new player.

In addition to weapon set suggestions, please suggest builds to go with them if you could.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fIAQNAT8ejkOJv9OCPMRCAkCtAwUwozjkoaKVB7A-jwCBYfQUAKakAAECw5ogpqQJSDZtqqIas6FYKXCp6XRGA-e

This is a build that I threw together with some of my interests in mind.

ANY input would be greatly appreciated.

or perhaps something like this:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fIQQNAT8ejkOJv9OCPMxBAkirq6oIppUPmzu2A-j0CBYLRmCAiEAgQAO5pIastBFRjVbDTDjIq2sDwaWRzgO1A-w

Well, I’m talking about another use of Sword/shield, but this build I run in WvW is amazingly enjoyable. It’s a very very tanky Warrior with a spe I like to call I run away with 10hp.

In train : Hammer is the mass control weapon of the warrior, ok that’s not the point. With sword you gain mobility through the ennemy train (2), and longer survivability with 5 of shield. You also put Cripple 1/3 hit with 1 (enforced by the trait in Tactics). I found that my war is almost undownable in a 2 trains impact, if I don’t overestimate the time I can spent into heart of ennemy pack. Jump with 2 to run away.

In roaming ( 2 to 5 ennemies ) : The purpose of sword/shield here is to provide with a mighty control combo. Jump on target with 2, 4 for stun, switch to Hammer, Immo with 3, 5, then 4 if ennemy still manage to get up after that, switch, 3 to achieve. Perfect to down the little light ones hiding behind their tanks. If they had no Stab at the moment, they’re down.
But let’s make it clear, this build is not for a 1v1 purpose. I don’t burst enough for it, and no condition (only little bleeding on 1 of sword). I duelled once my a slightly dps guard, and it was an autistic fight, could have last ages. Once he gets past my combo, any dps just burn me down after I used all my heal and invu cd. You are supposed to duo with a dps guy.

Jossa.8301:

Could you guys perhaps recommend a X/Shield and secondary weapon for PvE leveling and dungeons?

While leveling i suggest to use any weapon you feel like, regardless of you build. Once you get used to them and figure out which ones you like the most, you can start to think about a build focused on them.