[Best Weapon / Weapon Style to Build Focus]

I think original PoE 1 it was just open up with a Blunderbuss; is that still the best way to do it?

Or does grabbing two fast weapons (pistols or wands?) and dual wielding for maximum attacks per second do a better job?

[Ascendant Cipher viability]

So my PoE1 MC was a Cipher and I want to keep that going since I really liked the class.

Starting out on my first PoE2 run-through, I'd like to stick to single class, and the Ascendant Cipher seems like a big powerhouse.  I haven't played the beta at all, so I'm curious if it's as good as it looks.

 

Also, wondering if I could get some PoE2 tips in general since I haven't seen any of the new combat changes yet.  What's considered the best weapon for Cipher now?  Looking at the Ascendant, it seems like I want to build as much attack speed as I can so I can get to max Focus as quickly as possible, and then be able to cast as many spells as possible while Ascended.  Does that mean dual wielding?  Probably a ranged weapon of some kind to take advantage of the large Cipher AoE/range talents?

 

Thanks