Merc Help: Axes vs Hammers

[Obelion]

So with the little time I got to play cDN, I favored hammers b/c of how their normal combo "scooped" up fallen foes, so I used them in favor of axes. Now axes looked silly to me b/c of their normal combo ZZ Top action. Damage wise, I never really saw a difference, but planning ahead class-wise (3rd tier), I was really torn over the utilities of each weapon type.

BASICALLY I was hoping for a rundown of Axes > Hammers or vice-versa. I like the hammer tree's explosions but the axes' AoE whirlwind skills looks like it pumps out some nice damage. Which would be more effective in general? Preferably factoring in specializing PvP.

Major thanks to any feedback I get overnight. I gotta head to sleep or imma drool all over my laptop again xD

[Aero]

Axes are easier to combo with as far as I know, whereas hammers are slower and more difficult to do so with. In the end, I guess it's what you want your third tier to be. Barbarian is the axe specialty, where as Destroyer (?) is the Hammer one. Barbarian is generally more useful from what I know as he gets Stomp EX, which has amazing AoE, and he gets Bone Crash, which causes a status which is basically the DN equivalent of DFO's electrocution (enemies take extra damage for each hit, so pair that move with someone like an acrobat, and you got some high damage just off your extra hits from Bone Crash).

As for hammers, I'm afraid I haven't researched them much because the whole bone crash thing appealed to me right away and from there on I was "Axes".

Sorry I can't answer your question any further, but I'm sure others will have more info.

[Jestr]

The short answer is Barbarian for an edge in PvP, Destroyer for PvE.

Of course, it's actually much more complicated than that.
Barbarians have the edge in PvP simply because their easier to use. They specialize in AoE attacks, making it easier for them to hit, and deal a considerable amount of damage to boot.
Destroyers are slightly more focused on slightly slower attacks with more utility. Their Tertiary job skills are also more focused on PvE.

Really though, it's up to your play style. I keep saying this because it still rings true.
If the Destroyer style is more comfortable for you (as it is for me), by all means make a Destroyer.
Mercenaries are already quite adept at PvP, and playing against your type would be worse than having less PvP-oriented skills.

[Gilliam]

Axes have a faster attack pattern and are very, VERY easy to use, and easy to juggle with in PvP, While hammers are slower but are able to easily attack enemies on the ground.

Hammers have higher hit-stun, Axes have waaaay higher critical.

As for job specifics, Barbarians are more about close range fighting, while destroyers specialize in slow attacks and long range AoE.

Destroyers can dish out a lot of damage in one hit, and are still very effective in PvP, Barbarians simply have an edge because they're easy to get used to, In the end, it's all about how each weapon feels in your hand, if you're more accustomed to the hammer, you'll probably be able to dish out just as much of a beating in PvP as an axe. Besides, what weapon you use really only depends on what lv 40 skill you choose, So you can still be a destroyer with all the skills from the barbarian tree other than the final skill for barbarian, or vice-versa.

My own preference seems to be axe so far, but i may change my mind as i play, i tried a swordmaster in CN, so now i'm going to merc in NA, Play around with both, try making up some combos, and so on, and whatever feels best for you is what you'll do best with.

[Obelion]

I think I'm starting to like axes lol. I've always leaned towards large attacks mainly b/c they seemed useful in both PvE and PvP. I think I"ll go Barbarian on my merc now xD

[moontree]

but Hammer is more fun o.O chopping someone up is fun and all but slamming someone to pieces is so much better

[Pride]

Originally Posted by moontree

but Hammer is more fun o.O chopping someone up is fun and all but slamming someone to pieces is so much better

And this is a perfect example on how preference kicks in, so like others have said, its up to where you feel more comfortable with or which you find more fun, you'll end up doing better this way in the end.

[Scan]

I'm going to use axes; hammers just look too awkward for me.

[Obelion]

I'm gonna keep switching between the two, but when I get to higher levels (and closer to 3rd tier) I'm gonna stick with axes. The axe ultimate looks easier to hit with anyways and from what I can tell does more damage too

[moontree]

yea you can try both tree before the free skill reset expires so that does give you some time to decide