What build has the smoothest and most enjoyable progression? Is it 1H, 2H, bows, crossbows?

See, a certain build can be the most powerful in the endgame, but if the path to that is torture - then it's not worth it

I know, for example, that you can get a very decent 1H sword in the lurker's cave near the charcoal burners camp, at the beginning of the game

I also would like to use 2H because of long reach and coolness, and the fact that you can use animation cancel and hit super fast

Basically, all builds are powerful at the end, but which have the easiest progression?