A returning player looking for new horizons

[Bof]

I initially played EQ2 for the first time about the time of release and played it for only a short time. I later returned (around one year later) and stayed for a bit longer with a couple lvl 15-16 character, however I quit becuase of new games and other interests catching my attention. However, after playing several MMO's and other games I still feel this attraction to the beautiful world of EQ2. Therefore I decided to buy expansions and once again give it a try. Now I turn to you for advice on where I should begin and what I should do so that I can see the true spirit of this game. Until now I've only played on the standard game (no expansions) and only on the good side with a few select classes (I simply can't make myself a character that is "Evil" that just doesn't seem right...). So, should I try the evil side once and for all? Should I check out a specific class that you recommend? Should I head for some new areas (expansions?) so I don't get bored doing all the Queynos Areas and Antonica all over again? Should I focus on crafting? Give me your ideas! I know they are mostly personal but I'm not looking for an "Ultimate guide of EQ2 happiness", but rather some ideas and hints on where I should head now that I'm fresh back and eager to start. (Oh, you're welcome to give me suggestions on servers as well, was thinking on RP-server but I'm not sure about the PvP side.. Is pvp really worth it?)

[Wrapye]

In terms of class, I have no idea what to suggest.  You gave nothing about what your preferences are like or what you played before, other than being on the good side. Try out the EoF zones for fresher content.  There are quests there for every level, and many reward an item rather than just coin.

[Krystara]

<p>I would definitely try the Faydwer zones since you haven't played in them before.  Greater Faydark is incredibly gorgeous and rich and I'm enjoying the quest lines.  As far as evil characters are concerned, I have trouble playing them myself sometimes, but I am loving loving loving my dark elf in Neriak.  She's a wizard so she isn't one of the "evil classes" and that softens it slightly while still letting me experience Darklight Woods and Neriak.. which is also incredible.</p><p> I love the tradeskills and they are getting a lot of attention right now from the new dev Domino.  She rocks! I would read some of the exciting stuff going on in the tradeskill forum and pick out a craft to try.  At least now you can re-set it if you decide you picked the wrong tradeskill class!</p><p> I play on Antonia Bayle which is one of the rp servers and I love our community.  There is almost always something going on and I've met great friends.  But I'm willing to bet that most people love their servers (why stay if you don't?).</p>

[Bloodfa]

Get your feet wet again before contemplating a PvP toon.  Low-level locked toons will slap you around, best to get comfortable with the newer mechanics in the game, first.

[Gnobrin]

If you want new horizons, definitely try the "<a href="http://everquest2.station.sony.com/expansions/echoesoffaydwer/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Echos of Faydwer</a>" expansion.  Trying a Fae for the first time will give you a totally new, fresh experience to EQII that you've never had.  The classes are all still there so there's no worries about being left behind in that department, but you can be a Fae with their benefits as well as the lush region they come from...  it's truly amazing.   Great luck to you, and happy exploring! ~Gnobrin!

[DiatribeEQ]

<p>Best thing to do is this:  Pick a Race/Class that you want (Keep in mind that if you start off as an evil race/class, that your class *might* change if you betray to a Good Aligned City such as Neriak going to Kelethin & going from a Necromancer to a Conjuror in class changes).  I love the Ratonga race, but they're an evil-based race.  So I make whatever Ratonga/(Insert Class) I want, play through the initial starter Neriak starter n00b areas (i.e: Get to 20th lvl), then I betray and head on over to Kelethin.</p><p>Life is good for me & my pack of little tree hugging Rats! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[TheSpin]

<p>In order to get the best experience from eq2 I believe you need to be questing or dungeon crawling in groups.</p><p>For a new player to be able to keep up with current prices of gear you need to make use of the broker and sell any loot that drops that is 'treasured'. (Adept 1s and any gear flagged treasured).  There is a new secondary tradeskill that requires breaking down masses of treasured items to level it up so there is always a demand for these things on the broker.</p><p> As for zones to choose....Neriak and Greater Faydark are definately the 'most refined' starting zones because they are very new.  Freeport and Qeynos are also good options and you'll have plenty to do.</p><p>Antonia Bayle is the most populated server in the game and is an RP server.  All the pve servers share somewhat similar populations (from my experience).  I play on Unrest and I have found a good guild and some great friends.</p>

[Bof]

Thank you all for your great replies! It has helped me immensly in starting out! This is what I've learned from this thread and where I ended up. I created a Fae Fury in the Antonia Bayle server to try out the new areas and this server, I've heard much good about both. I also will refrain from Pvp (mostly because I'm not too fond of it) until I've explored the possibilites a bit and feel like trying it out. Also, something that I've learned from reading around, not only this thread is that I feel I can do whatever I like without feeling guilty about anything. I could start whatever race looks cool without being worried it will suck at the chosen class and I can choose wichever side I want knowing I can always turn the other way around later on. So the result is promising, now I have a couple more questions though. How is the Roleplay in this famous AB server? Considering it's the heaviest populated server (that is rarely the case with RP servers in other games) I'm a bit worried I'll find a bunch of immature kids that only chose it for popularity.. Also, I do occationally like to "hard core" roleplay if it's possible to <i>occationally </i>do that, so it would be cool if the community is friendly to that behaviour and not just shrug it off. Actually that was my only question now. Yet again, thanks for all the great replies and see you in game!