I was looking for the same kind of info and found this thread from a few months ago: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/necromancer/Pve-Necromancer-Build/first#post5142195
I guess I can share what’s worked for me though, since we’re in the same boat? Bear in mind I am a COMPLETE noob at this – I haven’t played GW2 since launch really, and the highest I got my necro was like 41.
I used the PvE guide that’s stickied at the top to help me understand what different traits do. I have no interest in WvW really, so figured sticking to a PvE guide was a safe bet. That thread I linked above was also semi-useful.
For weapons, I’ve been using either a staff or a dagger/focus. I recently got an axe that was a big upgrade though, so switched to that and really like it. I use the axe/focus when I am running around attacking 1-3 mobs. For events with waves though, especially where other players are around, I use the staff. It’s easier to stand back and plop down aoe’s in those situations.
I was a MM necro when I last played so I stuck with that for a while, but I got annoyed with having so many minions around. So I changed out some skills to just use the Flesh Golem and the Bone Fiend. I have Consume Conditions, Well of Suffering, Signet of Malice, plus the 2 minions
For traits I was stuck with Death Magic from before, but I changed out to Spite/Curses/Soul Reaping. I basically followed the guide above along with a few others that showed the new build windows. At this point I have almost all of the trait lines filled out, so can kinda pick and choose. I think Blood Magic is the only one I have incomplete.
Gear-wise I have been taking whatever upgrades I get. I think most of my gear is Power/Precision with a mix of Ferocity/Condition Damage as the third stat. My gear is not super uber for my level either – I’m currently 68(?) and have been leveling faster than my gear can keep up, lol.
Overall it all seems to work? I have fun, I don’t die unless I get over-confident and try to attack some champion or veteran mob that is basically like LOLNO, and I’ve found it really easy to level. I ran a few dungeons and did alright – I only died due to being stupid and standing in the bad (still learning what is “bad” and what’s not, lol!) I’m not sweating my gear too much – I don’t have sigils slotted, I’m not gearing for certain stats, etc. I figure that’s something to worry about at 80 if I start participating more in group PvE content.
Anyway, I hope that perspective helps? If so, awesome! If not, well maybe someone more knowledgeable about the class can offer us both some better advice! 