a few questions about the current state of eq2

[rambros]

<p>Im curious about eq2s end game.  my primary concern is progression with solo or small group gameplay... is there an alternative advancment system like in eq1 where you can continue to better your char through xp? And can this be done with small groups or solo? Or is this game more like wow where everything at the cap is gear based? Any input is appreciated</p><p>also im curious which classes would be best for a solo player?</p>

[Fatkiddown]

With the EoF instances you can get very nice items without having to raid.   There is AA system with 100 levels or AAs.  If you start a toon now by the time you are 70 without trying you will easily have 70 AA if not more.   IMO I don't think it is AS gear based as wow.  I mean on raids people with a set of the EoF instance gear they can do just as good as someone with KoS raid gear.   Gear will make you better but raid wise it is more strategy as a team and having the right mix of classes.   Group content at the cap if you have the basic EoF set it is just player skill/AA choices that make the difference. For solo Fury for healer class, Monk/bruiser/SK fighter class, Conjuror/necro/coercer mage class, scout brig/swash maybe, having really played a scout class as much.

[Lornick]

This is one thing I really like about EQ2.  They've done a lot to achieve a balance with the players.  Naturally raid gear is significantly better then non-raid gear.  But the discrepancy between raiders and casual players isn't anything like what EQ1 was when I quit.  You'll reach a point where certain group instances won't interest you since you've already got all the loot that you want from it, but it's unlikely that you'll ever reach the point where there isn't anything to be gained by playing as a casual.

[rambros]

so you can only reach a certain amount of AA's? you said 100, that sounds pretty easy. Could you describe the aa system in some detail? I really like xping was hoping you could keep accumulating AAs and progress your char without end.

[Lornick]

The AA cap is currently 100.  50 pts for each tree (KoS and EoF).  You earn AA exp for exploring new territory, first time killing of named monsters, completing quests, collection quests and at the level cap any exp earned is converted to AA exp.  The AA exp is on a curve so early AA are easier to earn and the more you have the more exp it takes to earn the next one.  So once your up to around 70 it does take a fair amount of effort to knock out the last 30.  It's a pretty good system because it encourages players to get out and do different things each time they log in.  Explore new areas, kill new monsters, complete new quests, etc.  It's not the 1,000's of AA's available in EQ1 (thank god), but it's sufficient for this game at it's current stage.