Newb in need of some advice. <long post warining> [Archive]

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Winternacht

08-10-2007, 02:16 PM

Well I have been leveling characters over the last couple weeks trying to get a feel for them. I think I have leveled almost every toon to lvl 15 and a couple to 20. I would have to say that settling on a main has to be the hardest part of this game so far. At least leveling all these toons has helped me learn the basic's a little better, I seem to pick up a couple new tricks every toon.I have narrowed my choice down to five classes:<ul><li>- Dirge</li><li>- Assassin</li><li>- Shadow Knight</li><li>- Inquisitor</li><li>- Fury</li></ul>I really want to narrow it down today and move forward this weekend. I have been reading the boards trying to get a feel for the classes later in the game and have had mixed results. I don't know all the terminology for the end game or really understand the "heroic" thing that well yet.I am first and foremost a solo type player at heart though once I meet some folks or hit the level cap I usually end up grouping and raiding. What I am looking for is a class that can solo well ( especially for my first time to 70), has some decent survivability, and will be able to get into a group or perhaps a raid at some point.I like the Dirge/ Assassin. Dirge seems more group friendly, but I wonder about the DPS. Assassin DPS is pretty sexy but I worry about getting groups later on and my role.Fury seemed like a nice mix but at 21 my fights are taking so long that I am wondering if it is a character class for a more experienced player or someone who groups more.Shadow Knight and Inquisitor both seem fun but I am not sure about their dps and solo-ability. I don't thing I have gotten either one high enough where they start coming into there own yet. I like the idea of being a tank or healer for grouping. I wonder which is easier to learn being a healer or a tank? I know both will have high expectations when I get a group.All in all I am a little lost and unfortunately I have no friends that play this great game yet to help me work through this. I have had such good luck on this board that I thought I would solicit you all for some advice. Thanks in advance for any guidance you could offer, I know this post was a little long and this type of question gets asked a lot.Thanks.

nam

08-10-2007, 02:47 PM

First off, welcome to EQ2.Any of the classes you have picked will serve you well.For soloability, the fury and shadowknight will probably excell over the others. Your fury at level 21 is a mere shadow of what it will become later, when it gets more AA and its great offensive spells...and furies can also make great healers, dont let anyone tell you differently. The only problem is that furies are a wildly popular class due to their self-sufficiency and versatility...which means they are largely a dime a dozen.The shadowknight is another very viable solo class, which can tank for six man groups darn well, do decent dmg and survive pretty well due to self-heals and healing procs. The problem is that there is a perception that berserkers and guardians are superior tanks, and as a result they are generally preferred for end-game groups and raids. The assassin's ability to solo is pretty situational, due to a lot of situational attacks, but when played well their damage is unsurpassed by any melee class...and they are highly desired by end-game groups and raids for that reason. The dirge may be a bit more soloable, and is also desired for end game activities. Which one to choose would be a matter of personal preference and play style.The inquisitor is a great healer, and can solo to some extent, but not as well as a fury. However, there are fewer inquisitors than furies. As far as I can tell, end-game groups will accept either an inquisitor or a fury without much distinction.If I had to chose a character to get to 70, on my first time through, I would chose a fury. But thats just me. Its all about how you like to play--the truth is that there are no really 'bad' classes in EQ2. Go with your instincts and have fun.This probably wasnt much help, but in the final analysis its your choice and your choice alone.

Sartredes

08-10-2007, 02:54 PM

I'll reply with what I know. I'm not a raider, so I only speculate on the raid opportunities for each. Dirge - Mostly utility (groups love the buffs), but still good DPS and should be quite soloable. One of the biggest things that prevents the DPS is lack of poisons. Should have little problems with getting groups. I would think that raiding would be pretty open to this class for it's group/raid buffs. Assassin - Pure DPS. Groups and Raids love the DPS. I play one and don't have much problem soloing, but it can be less forgiving because the of the positional nature or stealth requirement of many of the attacks. Shadow Knight - I don't have much experience with them. I see a lot of griping about their raid viability, but I'm pretty sure soloing and grouping shouldn't be a huge problem. Inquisitor - I just started experimenting with an alt of this class. Early soloing (with little AA abilities) I've had the most difficulty due to the low DPS output and interrupts when I'm healing myself. I understand that if you spec your AA's with soloing in mind, you can do well as a soloer with this class. Without question, groups and raids will want this class. The buffs/heals are nice, but the inquisitor has some pretty nifty offensive spells too. Fury - This class is one of the soloers dreams. Healing as well as a pleasant array of offensive spells. I have one and he's a blast to play. I don't have problems with getting groups either. This just requires a change of mindset where I need to watch the groups health too and lay off on some of the nuking. The biggest problem is that this is a much played class, so raiding can be a problem just because there are so many Furies that are out there. A raid just doesn't need that many of one class. Personally I don't think much of the "end game". I look at having fun along the way. Unlike EQ, the EQ2 developers specifically created raid-level content at all level ranges, so if you want to raid, it's possible even in the teens. To touch on the terminolgy, "Heroic" is just a way the game designates an encounter that was intended for groups. The creatures in the encounter are a little tougher than non-heroic encounters, though they may be soloable depending on your class/level. "Epic" encounters are intended for raids and usually indicate how may groups it'll take. Hope this helps.

Siclone

08-10-2007, 03:00 PM

I know the assassin class inside and out, i played one toon, an assassin for over a year. they cant solo compared to other classes. if you want a scout and want to solo to,,,Brigand or swashie,,,,both them classes do it all, dps, solo, defuff so groups and raids want you,,,,,,

Winternacht

08-10-2007, 03:00 PM

Good info, thanks!! As far as Shadow Knight goes any advice that you could give me on that front? Specifically what would be the best Crafting profession to go with him, and what to do with my AA's? These AA's are so confusing, most of the boards are concerned about the Uber pvp or end game spec's, I just need a basic strategy to be able to get to 70?Also:* When leveling should I be using a sword and board or 2h?* What stats should I focus on?* Does race matter? Right now I am human, but i am low enough to start over if there is an advantage.Thanks again for helping me sort this out.

Winternacht

08-10-2007, 03:10 PM

<cite>Sartredes wrote:</cite><blockquote> Inquisitor - I just started experimenting with an alt of this class. Early soloing (with little AA abilities) I've had the most difficulty due to the low DPS output and interrupts when I'm healing myself. I understand that if you spec your AA's with soloing in mind, you can do well as a soloer with this class. Without question, groups and raids will want this class. The buffs/heals are nice, but the inquisitor has some pretty nifty offensive spells too.</blockquote> You know I have had that same experience with my Inquisitor. I see a lot of upside with that class, but it seems to me that maybe that is more of a character for a more experienced player. What you said about Dirge and Assassin makes sense. I seem to do really well 1-1 with my assassin, but groups or when mobs are too close together, seem to be very tough for me. With regards to poison I have some that says it last for 12 hours. Is that 12 real hours or 12 Game-time hours? If it is gametime hours what is the approximate conversion? Thanks again for your feedback it really helps.

Garath

08-10-2007, 03:31 PM

<cite>Winternacht wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sartredes wrote:</cite><blockquote> Inquisitor - I just started experimenting with an alt of this class. Early soloing (with little AA abilities) I've had the most difficulty due to the low DPS output and interrupts when I'm healing myself. I understand that if you spec your AA's with soloing in mind, you can do well as a soloer with this class. Without question, groups and raids will want this class. The buffs/heals are nice, but the inquisitor has some pretty nifty offensive spells too.</blockquote> You know I have had that same experience with my Inquisitor. I see a lot of upside with that class, but it seems to me that maybe that is more of a character for a more experienced player. What you said about Dirge and Assassin makes sense. I seem to do really well 1-1 with my assassin, but groups or when mobs are too close together, seem to be very tough for me. With regards to poison I have some that says it last for 12 hours. Is that 12 real hours or 12 Game-time hours? If it is gametime hours what is the approximate conversion? Thanks again for your feedback it really helps.</blockquote> I've played an Assassin to just under 30. Soloing is tougher than other classes for sure. In comparison, I now have a 36 brigand and the difference is night and day - Brigand is by far the superior soloer. I also have a 20 inq and the soloing is almost painful in comparison. My friend has a 58 inq and is much better off since he went down the Combat AA path so its a toss up. I'm guessing the earlier levels will just be the toughest. Poisons last 12 hours or 100 uses, whichever comes first.

SaraBH

08-10-2007, 03:33 PM

<cite>Winternacht wrote:</cite><blockquote>Good info, thanks!! As far as Shadow Knight goes any advice that you could give me on that front? Specifically what would be the best Crafting profession to go with him, and what to do with my AA's? These AA's are so confusing, most of the boards are concerned about the Uber pvp or end game spec's, I just need a basic strategy to be able to get to 70? AAs: this part is hard and you will probly want to try out a few different set ups and see witch will work best for you. I can say im very fond of Reaver line (good for all around game play), on the KoS tree im going WIS/STR But for soloing WIS is going to be almost worthless and i would suggest STR/INT.Crafting class: Armorer, or alchemist (All your combat abilitys), maybe jeweler but the other 2 are better for you.Also:* When leveling should I be using a sword and board or 2h? Sword and board IMO so you can use all your abilitys (We get a shield taunt that is a big deal to lose) I suggest only using 2H when your off tanking.* What stats should I focus on? Since you plan on soloing? STR-INT (These give you your power and helps your DPS), then stm (Helps with Health), them maybe WIS (for resists)* Does race matter? Right now I am human, but i am low enough to start over if there is an advantage. After lvl 10 Race really makes no real differance difference. Its much more inportant to keep up with your gear. Only this that really is desided by race after lvl 10 is what crafter class you can get a boost to.Thanks again for helping me sort this out.</blockquote>Hope that helps a little.

Sartredes

08-10-2007, 03:39 PM

If it says twelve hours, that's 12 real-time hours that you are logged into that character I believe. However, you'll likely reach the maximum number of uses for an application long before you reach the expiration time even if you only doing moderate adventuring.

Winternacht

08-10-2007, 06:03 PM

I am once again overwhemled at how helpful this board is!! Thanks to all that posted you guys are helping me more than you know. I used to play WOW and had I asked this question on their boards I would have got a; " L2P n00bz!!!"A couple of you guys meantioned Brigand and Swashbuckler over Assassin for soloing. To be honest I havent actually tried either of those. I think I was making the assumption that those three were pretty similar. What makes those guys better solo'ers than an assassin? As far as AA's go, people often give out the lines of what spec's they prefer, is there a common convention to go KoS or EoF first or does it not really matter? I get confused as I get my AA's as the choices sometimes powers I dont actually have yet so it is tough to say how much I will actually use or rely on that power once I get it. I read on the boards that repec cost can go up to 1 plat, is there some ppoint at which that isnt a lot of money? Right now that cost has me really nervous about making a mistake.

Garath

08-10-2007, 06:15 PM

<cite>Winternacht wrote:</cite><blockquote>I am once again overwhemled at how helpful this board is!! Thanks to all that posted you guys are helping me more than you know. I used to play WOW and had I asked this question on their boards I would have got a; " L2P n00bz!!!"A couple of you guys meantioned Brigand and Swashbuckler over Assassin for soloing. To be honest I havent actually tried either of those. I think I was making the assumption that those three were pretty similar. What makes those guys better solo'ers than an assassin? As far as AA's go, people often give out the lines of what spec's they prefer, is there a common convention to go KoS or EoF first or does it not really matter? I get confused as I get my AA's as the choices sometimes powers I dont actually have yet so it is tough to say how much I will actually use or rely on that power once I get it. I read on the boards that repec cost can go up to 1 plat, is there some ppoint at which that isnt a lot of money? Right now that cost has me really nervous about making a mistake.</blockquote> Brigand solos better than the Assassin for a few reasons: 1) More frontal attacks - The assassin derives majority of its DPS from the rear and only has a couple combat arts that work from the front. The brigand has quite a few. 2) Less dependence on stealth - The assassin can lose a lot of DPS with multiple mobs due to the fact that the second will break stealth before the attack. Also stealth seems to misfire sometimes. Brigand only has a few stealth attacks. The rest are merely positional. 3) More stuns - The brigand has multiple stuns and attacks that force the mob to face one direction. The assassin has a single stun and will always be waiting for that stun to come back up.

SaraBH

08-10-2007, 06:53 PM

<cite>Winternacht wrote:</cite><blockquote>As far as AA's go, people often give out the lines of what spec's they prefer, is there a common convention to go KoS or EoF first or does it not really matter? I get confused as I get my AA's as the choices sometimes powers I dont actually have yet so it is tough to say how much I will actually use or rely on that power once I get it. I read on the boards that repec cost can go up to 1 plat, is there some ppoint at which that isnt a lot of money? Right now that cost has me really nervous about making a mistake.</blockquote> Its really not that expencive when you dont have a lot of points yet so dont worry tomuch about trying out things. I can tell you what i did but like i said before each is to there own.I used my first point to buy the KoS starter abilitythen from 2-51 i spent in EoF ree buying down the reaver line first then the hate tree. and spending the last few points to give my STR tap the STM effectThen i started worrying about KoS trees (seemed to me that the returnes on EoF tree were much better to start)

Lasai

08-11-2007, 07:44 AM

My main is a level 70 assassin, Soloed most of the game.You won't find much advice on assassin solo play in the Prof forum, as every other word there is DPS or Parse. Raid Assassin advice is largely useless unless you plan to play leashed to a tank. Solo Assassin relies more on Bowshots for all of the see stealth mobs.. ie most named in game. You can chain up a hard hitting ranged backshot, Paralyze (with AA my stun strike is 19 seconds) and fill thier face full of arrows from 20m away, you don't have to kite all over, just kite enough. Assassin has more than just a "couple" of frontal combat attacks too, btw, don't buy the "assassins can't solo" hype. Best positional CA for me is the Master Strikes.. no stealth and a flank hit.. easy to do with Cheapshot.I've also used that 19 sec stun to keep an add off me, stun, backoff, keep on main target. Works well.At higher levels you find Solo poisons, health taps, debuffs, etc. You can choose poisons to enhance Solo play.My assassin is built to survive and still is.. and I get called a nub for having so much Agi.. and playing in Defensive stance. However, I've done most of the game with 55-65% avoidance. Yes, I don't have maxed DPS for a group.. but while soloing with her I stay alive far better than the Str/Int fixated assassins do. I love the challenge of Soloing this char.. you have to plan and plot and be situational..in other words, be a sneaky cowardly Assassin. It is fun. It is also not easy, and requires thinking outside of the box.I agree Brig is easier. Brig is half Tank anyway, and is more suitable for "in the face" combat. Brig actually has taunts. If you are familiar with WOW stuff, Brig is far more similar to the Stunlock rogue than assassin is, but requires less stealthing than the WOW rogue. My brig is only 39 so can't comment past that.SK is a wonderful choice. It is really an all around class, extremely suitable for the Solo player. Adds are not a huge issue for the Shadowknight. Trick with SK is balancing the two pools you need for damage types.. Int for spells, Str for melee.. both go to Power. I've always used a Board with my SK (55 now) simply because I lose stats with a 2-H, and I lose a VERY nice CA with no Board equipped. On the fluff side, SK has some of the most fun animations in game with thier combat arts. My SK is a WS.. bad choice, if I had it to do over again I would go Alchemist for my spells, I spend far more for spells per tier than I do Weaps.

DrkVsr

08-11-2007, 12:24 PM

Why not go for all 5? Gives you something to do when you get the inevitable 'blahs' with the class you are currently playing (everyone gets the 'blahs' at some time, no matter what class they are playing)As Lasai said, don't believe the Ranger-propaganda about Assassins not being able to solo, ah've soloed majority of mah mains 49 lvls (and wearing lvl 14 leggings at that, maybe that's why ah solo <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />) but that was mostly greens with the ocassional blues if ah feel really plucky (having Evac is a lifesaver)