So I rolled a Shadowknight.. am I doomed?

[Eutopia]

I come from 6 years of EQ1, 2 years of Asherons Call, 2 years of World of Warcraft... some others.. but thats all beside the point. I rolled a Shadowknight because from what I remember in EQ1, they were a decent enough class. Here, I am being told that I may be in trouble when it comes to raiding, and since Im a raider.. I am a little concerned. Any input would be appreciated.

[Quda]

<p>Ok, as a tank I will let you in on some things.  You will be wanted for groups.  Almost as much as healers.</p><p>As for raids, you can get lucky and get into a min max guild who wants one of each class.  Most hard core raiding guilds will only want 1 tank, and they already have that.  Most casual raiding guilds can do some raid zones will take anything they can get.</p><p>So expect to be passed up a few times for raids, but not much.  They only thing wanted in raids is healers, they all have tanks, and dps.</p><p>So it isn't that bad, the SK is a fun class to play tho.</p>

[Vorlak]

<p>The only issue you will have with raiding will be ignorant guilds who dont know what an SK offers to the raid.</p><p>You will be loved by casters, and DPS... also if the MT needs more mit without sacrafiscing the conj in the dps group or the paladin that is amending the overnuking player then a SK is more then good.</p><p>Sadly alot of people dont understand the utility of a sk on raids, even disently geared they do nice dmg.</p>

[Eutopia]

So if I was wanting to get into endgame raiding, would it be a better idea for me to reroll now? And if so, what class?

[Tyrani]

<cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote>So if I was wanting to get into endgame raiding, would it be a better idea for me to reroll now? And if so, what class? </blockquote><p> A shaman....Mystic/Defiler, or some Utility class (Coercer, Dirge, Trouby).  I am an SK and definitely don't knock them because they are very cool, but I'm not naive enough to think that they are sought after in a lot of high end guilds.</p><p>It also depends on what you consider "end game" raiding.  I could probably tank all KoS raid zones (tanked Labs the other night) and probably some of the EoF zones, but not so sure about tanking the contested or even the higher end mobs in EoF.</p>

[Eutopia]

<cite>Tyranire wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote>So if I was wanting to get into endgame raiding, would it be a better idea for me to reroll now? And if so, what class? </blockquote><p> A shaman....Mystic/Defiler, or some Utility class (Coercer, Dirge, Trouby).  I am an SK and definitely don't knock them because they are very cool, but I'm not naive enough to think that they are sought after in a lot of high end guilds.</p><p>It also depends on what you consider "end game" raiding.  I could probably tank all KoS raid zones (tanked Labs the other night) and probably some of the EoF zones, but not so sure about tanking the contested or even the higher end mobs in EoF.</p></blockquote>Thanks for the input. To be honest, I'm really burnt out of leveling in MMO's considering Ive been doing it for the better part of a decade.. any advice on a useful class that levels well? I don't mean uber fast or anything, but a class that can hold its own soloing.. since I do prefer to solo grind if possible.

[Bre]

<p>  I have recently rolled a sk and I can honestly say that I am enjoying playing him. As for his usefullness in raids, don't care really. I have a raid equipped ranger and fury for that. When and if my sk gets to the raiding lvl i'll think about bringing him along. As for his usefullness /shrug dunno really. But I have played this game long enough to know that what is powerful now may well be at the bottom of the pile next patch. So it really does pay to have a few diff classes to be ready for that. </p><p>   And to praise the sk a little...  I get to wear plate, can heal, can feign death, get ranged attacks, decent aoe attacks.. Hell if I could track and escape I would have the bestest toon ever! I get the ability to do almost everything. Maybe not as well as some others but the varity is nice. Mix that with my duo partner for life, my wife who playes a necro, and we are a pretty darn good team. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Brega - 70 Ranger, Test Server</p>

[Bramwe]

Just roll what you want.  We raid regularly with 3 guardians and a berserker and have moved to EoF content.  Raids can be completed with a variety of classes and being knowledgeable about the encounters will mean a lot more than if you have one extra tank during a raid.  You may not be the MT on the so called "end game" raids but you will not hinder the them either.

[bensilvi]

<cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tyranire wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote>So if I was wanting to get into endgame raiding, would it be a better idea for me to reroll now? And if so, what class? </blockquote><p> A shaman....Mystic/Defiler, or some Utility class (Coercer, Dirge, Trouby).  I am an SK and definitely don't knock them because they are very cool, but I'm not naive enough to think that they are sought after in a lot of high end guilds.</p><p>It also depends on what you consider "end game" raiding.  I could probably tank all KoS raid zones (tanked Labs the other night) and probably some of the EoF zones, but not so sure about tanking the contested or even the higher end mobs in EoF.</p></blockquote>Thanks for the input. To be honest, I'm really burnt out of leveling in MMO's considering Ive been doing it for the better part of a decade.. any advice on a useful class that levels well? I don't mean uber fast or anything, but a class that can hold its own soloing.. since I do prefer to solo grind if possible. </blockquote>The raid needed healers level ok but not by themseves. But being a healer you should have no issues getting a group. Go for cleric or Shaman. Stay away from Druid if you want to raid dime a dozen.

[Siclone]

<p>I will just give you the bottom line cause this was important to me too when I started</p><p>All classes are welcome in high end raiding guilds, as long as you know how to play your toon.</p><p>Good raiding guilds have more then one tank, its not uncommon to see 4 or 5 fighters in a raid make up.</p><p>Would you have a better chance getting accepted in a raid guild as another support type class like a bard--yes</p><p>Can you get into a good raid guild as a Shadow Knight--YES! of course.  So play what you like to play</p><p>in no means are you doomed, your guild recruitment process will just be a bit more limited then some of the other </p><p> in demand type classes.  But to say that good high end raid guilds dont have SK is silly.  </p>

[Kellin]

<p>Like others said, it raid-wise, it depends.  You'll get passed up for some raids, but you won't be locked out of them all (unless, of course, your position in your guild locks your slot).</p><p>Raids are always needing all three healer types.  Druids are very common, clerics (especially Templars) are pretty common, but shaman (mystic/defiler) are not.  So as far as healers go, do the shaman route if you're inclined.</p><p>Also needed:  Brigands.  They have a massive mitigation debuff in Dispatch.  Raid won't need more than one or two, though that's not to say they aren't welcome simply for dps.</p><p>Always in high demand/short supply are chanters (coercer/illusionist) and bards (dirge/troubadour).  These are the classes that push everyone else's performance through the roof.</p><p>What I'd suggest is to roll your SK, have a blast with him.  I don't have one, but they sure seem to be a very fun and versatile class, very good in a group.  If you find you want a high demand raiding character, roll one of the ones mentioned above.  No reason why you can't have it all.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Eutopia]

Thank you everyone for your input!

[JamesRay]

<p>Mystics can be quite fun if you max out their agility AA/shaman line and weapons mastery mystic line.</p><p>100% melee crits, procs a +35% haste 35% double attack, and the brunt of your dps spells are converted to combat arts which you can spam out real fast, qualify as a melee attack (IE they crit 100%), and save you money on not having to upgrade them.</p><p>The AA line also offers a nice root ability, which is nice for soloing tougher encounters.</p>

[Bantel]

<cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote>Tyranire wrote: any advice on a useful class that levels well? I don't mean uber fast or anything, but a class that can hold its own soloing.. since I do prefer to solo grind if possible. </blockquote><p> Best classes I've levelled that can solo well would be:</p><p>Coercer, Monk, Necro</p><p>Of these, the Coercer seems to be the one most Guilds recruit as a truly needed class for raiding.</p>

[Leafkiller]

<p>well. yes...as a shadowknight you are doomed. Its part of the idiom. Burn in heck, you evil wretch!</p><p>But you should be able to raid assuming you know your class and decide on the roll you want to fill. As a raider your AA lines are critical. SKs can do pretty decent damage, provide decent group buffs, off tank...the trick is making sure your AA lines and gear maximize your role - a problem for crusaders in general.</p>

[Cathars]

Every class solos well.  Every class is wanted in a raid situation.  Thats in the abstract.  If you want to get into the concrete reality, class rarity dictates demand.  It varies from server to server but in general you're looking at enchanters and shaman being the rarist.  But you have to play what you like.  If you like the SK, run with it.

[Quda]

<p>If you want to do any solo, do NOT make a shaman.  The pain to your senses is to much to even explain.</p><p>Troub, dirge can do decent solo. and wanted in raids.</p><p>Coercer takes skill, but once your great at it, your unstopable.  You will die 1,000's of times.</p><p>Illisuionist (sp?) are really good, nice dps, utility and offten wanted in a raid.</p><p>Healers: Fury great solo, decent dps and heals - dime a dozen, you will be replace if a cleric or shaman show up to the raid Warden same as fury Cleric low dps, great heals, and decent in groups - always wanted in raids Shaman LOWEST IN THE GAME dps, great wards, god like in groups - always wanted in raids</p>

[Talz]

<cite>Eutopia wrote:</cite><blockquote>So if I was wanting to get into endgame raiding, would it be a better idea for me to reroll now? And if so, what class? </blockquote>You can play whatever you want and do endgame content. If you're going for a full time raid guild that locks classes at one or two then still play whatever you want. I think it is horrible advice to say play A, B or C because that will get you in X raiding guild.  People don't know that at all.  You can make a new character that you think might get you into a guild easier and when asking about recruitment you discover eight other people had your same idea. Play what you enjoy.  EQ2 isn't EQ1 in any way, shape or form.  You can do endgame content in guilds that aren't like what was needed in EQ1.

[Kizee]

<p>SK's can tank anything in the game (Including Mayong and Woushi) and don't let anybody tell you differently.</p><p>It all comes down to your skill and finding a raid guild that needs a main tank.</p>

[Anastasie]

<p>I agree you can get into a high end raiding guild, but be prepared to sit out raids. I know our SK often does or ends up on his Fury.</p><p>It truly depends what kind of playstyle you prefer and if that of the SK appeals to you stick with it, but be aware you will not be as in demand for end game raiding. There are definately multiple tank mobs out there, especially in EOF raids.</p><p>The most important thing to remember is really learn your class and figure out how to play it to take advantage of all it's abilities. Raid guilds want amazing players who know their classes. As long as you are good at what you do, they can train you how to raid with them.</p><p>Yes, the rarer classes are usually more in demand. Bards, Coercer/Illus, Mystic/Defiler. A templar is always needed but is a fairly common class.</p><p>If you like dealing damage - actually illusionists can parse over 2K and provide amazing buffs for the mage groups on raids. Plus for soloing you get a pet.</p><p>Coercers are extremely useful, but again - you die a lot. I'm not really sure how easy they are to level. It can be a blast to charm a mob and make it your pet. One drawback is that they have made many mobs in game uncharmable. They can be a harder class to master.</p><p> Shaman's are extremely hard to solo. Their dps is practically non existant. I believe this is one of the reasons they are far more rare. Defilers tend to be the rarer of the two and prefered for the MT group.</p><p>Templars/Inquis Templars especially are necessary for raids for MT group, Inquis have great melee buffs. They can break 1K dps in a raid and have the advantage of wearing plate.</p><p> I have a dirge alt that I really enjoy playing. They provide great utility and can do moderate dps. If you want to be on the parse all the time, probably not the class for you, but you will always be needed. Same for troubs - they go in the mage group and Dirges for Melee groups. They both have bladedance (AOE immunity) which is vital for many raids.  Having a bard for each group is ideal.</p><p>Swashbucklers are a great dps class and they can exceed 2K dps and have a great hate transfer and aoe attacks. I have a swash alt and it is a blast to play. Not a rare class by any means - but can fill a dps slot.</p><p>Brigands have Dispatch which makes them always wanted for raids. Their dps is not quite as high as a swash and they don't have a much ability to disipate hate. Both rogue classes have great debuffs.</p><p>I guess I could go on and on. There are so many great choices. Perhaps you could play around with some of the different classes and see which ones you could enjoy playing in the long run. Best of luck deciding.</p>

[DwarvesR]

Furies are a dime a dozen, true, but they're also quite versatile.  Excellent AOE healing abilities, and capable of moderate to high dps too.  In a healer heavy raid group, the fury can go dps mode and .... well, I've scored anywhere from 3rd to 5th on parses pretty routinely on my fury, even on named fights when I have to heal too.  so. . if you can fill a dps OR a healing role. . . it's pretty nice and you can be picked up regardless of being a "dime a dozen" class.

[Decad]

<cite>Bramwell wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just roll what you want.  We raid regularly with 3 guardians and a berserker and have moved to EoF content.  Raids can be completed with a variety of classes and being knowledgeable about the encounters will mean a lot more than if you have one extra tank during a raid.  You may not be the MT on the so called "end game" raids but you will not hinder the them either. </blockquote> And then again you might, the casual guild I'm in has had success in raids with our SK being the MT. I think it depends more on your skill, followed by equipment, and then followed by class abilities.

[Mirul]

We have a SK as our MT (usually) in our guild and even when he isn't raiding we are always calling him when he logs in to help with something. It's very rare that we don't have him as a MT in a raid or he doesn't have a waiting list for people that need his assistance. I don't have one but it looks like a great class. One thing to consider, if you roll a toon just to be used in raids and you end up hating the class you will be useless. Roll what you like as you will dedicate more time and practice into developing a better toon.

[MullenSkywatcher]

If your end goal is raiding I would worry more about finding a good guild first.  Once you find a guild that matches your raid time and personality, figure out what class they need for raiding and choose that.  Class diversity per server will obviously impact guild class diversity to an extent, but it doesn't matter what class you play if the guild already has 6 of them. Also, I would recommend against soloing if your ultimate goal is raiding.  Good raiding requires knowledge of the other classes.

[DeathRider69]

<cite>Tyranire wrote:</cite><blockquote>Thanks for the input. To be honest, I'm really burnt out of leveling in MMO's considering Ive been doing it for the better part of a decade.. any advice on a useful class that levels well? I don't mean uber fast or anything, but a class that can hold its own soloing.. since I do prefer to solo grind if possible. </blockquote> Well for fast leveling and fun game play, the Necro is the best for rapid solo grinding.  SOE even said so last summer when reviewing classes as the only class designed to be a solo player.  I know that I jammed through the levels on mine solo but when I had a Fury doing, we jammed quickly.  We were easily able to kill blue ^^^ heroics.  Plus the necro gets some great AA and good self-healing spells.

[justDARK11]

ok the topic is for Sk, but what about Monks/bruisers ? are they usefull for raids ? thx

[Kizee]

<cite>justDARK11 wrote:</cite><blockquote>ok the topic is for Sk, but what about Monks/bruisers ? are they usefull for raids ? thx </blockquote> Not really... no.

[Lasai]

You have to choose based on what YOU enjoy, not base a choice on the percieved utility of a class based on other peoples assumptions. Odds are, if you enjoy a class, you probably will enjoy it enough to become good at it, and proud of your abilities. Whatever you play, there will never be a shortage of mediocre players in that class. A player that knows thier profession inside out and is talented at playing it will always be in demand, somewhere. It is hard to excell at something you don't really like, ask all the people who picked the "right" careers based on outside input, and then burned out, became bored, and failed in the long run. It is quite fun to exceed the common assumptions. My main is an assassin.. common assumption is, I can't solo. I can. SKs can tank, Defilers can solo (patience), almost anything is possible IF you like what you are doing. The obverse of this of course is the vast herd of Necro's out there who CANT solo.. in spite of picking THE assumed best class for it. No class choice will ever overcome bad playing.

[Roriondesexiest]

<p>If you get into a raiding guild you will be fine, you can always use a SK but don't expect to see any raids looking in 60-69 for a SK.</p><p>Troubadors, Dirges, Illusionists, Coercers (on My server Templars and Inquisitors) are usually in demand.</p><p>Of those classes coercers are the fastest and best soloers if you can pick up a master level charm. </p>

[Decad]

<cite>justDARK11 wrote:</cite><blockquote>ok the topic is for Sk, but what about Monks/bruisers ? are they usefull for raids ? thx </blockquote> Well, we sometimes do a "Throw the Monk" pull. Typically kills the monk, but is a handy dandy way to pull some mobs.