Like both types of swords it excels in slashing an stabbing, but this varies depending on the model. It is better used in close quarters against one or maximum three enemies at once.
They are your jacks of all trades, they have a bit of blunt damage in case you use them against armor, but its not great so I would not advise it. Overall they are pretty balanced, reach is generally the same as axes which they trade in comparison to the longsword for better handling and quicker strikes. This is probably the first weapon you will get and is not quest related. Remember that at all times in combat you can switch weapon to match your opponent’s armor.
All weapons have different models, some are straight upgrades but others are on the same tiers and have different stats. There are six weapon archetypes in the game, I will not count shields as they are defensive weapons, nor bows because there are guides on that.
