Zerker or SK?

[Venji]

I'm basically new to EQ2 (it's only been a couple weeks) so I've tried out lots of Race/Class combinations. I've been through lots of MMOs and I generally tend to gravitate towards the dominant solo-er class. Effectively, the most self-sufficient. That being said It's been narrowed down to two characters, a Iksar SK, and a Barbarian Zerker. Just so you know this same post is in the Berserker forum, so as to get the best results (divide and conquer, you understand) I started with the SK, who was fun for awhile, then I tried the Berserker, among others. Though most sources list the two as more or less equally profficient at soloing. Now, I'm trying to play the SK objectively and really try him out, but the Berserker is so [Removed for Content] fun! My SK is 11 so I'm sure he's not fully developed, but will his DPS and life draining abilities improve? Is it worth sticking with him? Basically, will he ever catch up in terms of damage and survivability to the Zerker?

[Beldin_]

<p>You can't judge any class at that level. Most your styles are totally crap at that level until you get the first update. </p><p>As SK the fun begins really with lvl 12 when you get your first Blessing .. and even more at 14 when you can take Master 2 Blessing.</p>

[Norrsken]

<cite>Venji wrote:</cite><blockquote>I'm basically new to EQ2 (it's only been a couple weeks) so I've tried out lots of Race/Class combinations. I've been through lots of MMOs and I generally tend to gravitate towards the dominant solo-er class. Effectively, the most self-sufficient. That being said It's been narrowed down to two characters, a Iksar SK, and a Barbarian Zerker. Just so you know this same post is in the Berserker forum, so as to get the best results (divide and conquer, you understand) I started with the SK, who was fun for awhile, then I tried the Berserker, among others. Though most sources list the two as more or less equally profficient at soloing. Now, I'm trying to play the SK objectively and really try him out, but the Berserker is so [I cannot control my vocabulary] fun! My SK is 11 so I'm sure he's not fully developed, but will his DPS and life draining abilities improve? Is it worth sticking with him? Basically, will he ever catch up in terms of damage and survivability to the Zerker?</blockquote>My suggestion is making it to 26 before passing any judgement. sks are totally [Removed for Content] up to lvl 20, after that, they put a big, fat, smile on peoples faces.

[Sportak]

<p>Like people have said, once you get to mid 20's or so and actually start getting our good skills, SKs are a lot more fun. I played a zerker to 36 and deleted him, it was just so boring (although I did roll him after having my SK so maybe that was just by comparison). I also have a 70 guardian and the zerker just reminded me too much of him. The SK is a LOT more fun than either.</p><p>Also, I don't know who said zerkers are equal at soloing to us, but they lied to you. Zerkers can't do what we can do it's as simple as that.</p>

[Iwice]

When teh Fun started as SK IMO was at lvl 12 with the reactive blessing, and then when at lvl 14 i made it M2, it was jsut wonderfull, cvould solo good for the lvl, and had great fun, but before 12 it was prity boring

[Venji]

I always planned on sticking with them both to about 20 before making a decision about which to take higher. I guess I'll wait a bit before making a final decision. The SK does offer more of a challenge as far as using abilities and debuffs in unison in order to win, which makes it fun.I'll suspend my judgement for a wee bit longer, gracious for the help.

[Beldin_]

Just level him to 12 .. and i bet you will get a big grin on your face when you use blessing the first times <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Hugsnkissums]

<p>SK's have a hard life leveling since it'll seem that most other classes do more damage sooner then we do. They are a really good solo class and pretty much do things even better when you get any partner. They begin to loose they're luster as your group gets bigger and bigger though as they are a "jack of all trades" type class. We need minimal healing since we heal ourselves, and because of that we can tank pretty well. We do decent damage and can hold our own fairly well, but the trick is holding out until you get your real toys at later levels. My SK outlook changed dramatically when I got tap veins at 55. </p><p>If you're looking for a good solo class, SK's are one of best fighter types out there for that. Problem is at higher end you start looking for raids and SK's are not as highly sought after as other fighter types are. I love my Sk now and I'd never trade him for any other fighter despite his shortfalls.  </p>

[Norrsken]

<cite>Hugsnkissums wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>SK's have a hard life leveling since it'll seem that most other classes do more damage sooner then we do. They are a really good solo class and pretty much do things even better when you get any partner. They begin to loose they're luster as your group gets bigger and bigger though as they are a "jack of all trades" type class. We need minimal healing since we heal ourselves, and because of that we can tank pretty well. We do decent damage and can hold our own fairly well, but the trick is holding out until you get your real toys at later levels. My SK outlook changed dramatically when I got tap veins at 55. </p><p>If you're looking for a good solo class, SK's are one of best fighter types out there for that. Problem is at higher end you start looking for raids and SK's are not as highly sought after as other fighter types are. I love my Sk now and I'd never trade him for any other fighter despite his shortfalls.  </p></blockquote>I actually love being in full groups with my sk. Lets me use my awesome survivability to its fullest, IE pull whole rooms at a time and go to town. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[CHIMPNOODLE.]

<p><cite>Venji wrote:</cite>My SK is 11 so I'm sure he's not fully developed, but will his DPS and life draining abilities improve? Is it worth sticking with him? Basically, will he ever catch up in terms of damage and survivability to the Zerker?</p><p>1) will his DPS and life draining abilities improve? </p><p>SK DPS and life draining abilities improve all the way up, including through AA advancement if you like.</p><p>2) Worth sticking with him? </p><p>I would say yes....it's my favorite class by far out of the 9 that I play. Personal choice though, you'll have to figure that out for yourself.</p><p>3) Basically, will he ever catch up in terms of damage and survivability to the Zerker?</p><p>Zerks generally will out-dammage SKs overall. Situationally, and when certain abilities are up, SKs could out-do em.</p><p>SKs survivability will surpass the Zerkers.</p>

[Lord Hackenslash]

I personally love playing my SK, unfortunately there are alot of people who still give sk a bad rep. this is due to some misconceptions dating back to before LU13.be ready for it. SK is a class you have to love playing or its not worth it imho. I gotta say the same thing i say to the Pallies who try to choose.. "if you have to ask, then don't play an SK"

[Hugsnkissums]

Yeah, I'd have to say I love my SK a ton adn that I'd probably never delete him. Leveling him was more then just a pain at times, but things get much better at higher end. SK's are one of the most flexible fighter classes out there...roll one and stick with him and you'll see why.  

[t0iletduck]

If you intend to get into raiding, go with the Zerker. They can do everything an SK can, but better. In a typical off tank group (read: melee friendly), the zerker will do quite a bit more damage. Also, the zerker is easier to reach higher avoidance numbers being their defensive stance gives both +parry and +defense. If raiding isn't your thing, then go with the SK. By far the most fun for instance groups and what not. Pull a room, death march, and have a good time. They also solo better due to being able to lifetap.

[CHIMPNOODLE.]

Zerks got nothing on SKs imo, they both shine at diff moments. Raiding or grouping, pick the one you like to play. It does sound like your edging towards zerk though.

[Hugsnkissums]

Have to agree with Chimpnoodle on this...SK's shine differently then zerkers, and at differnet times. Part of the fun is finding out what moments and times those are. There are some things that SK's can do that zerks just can't hold a candle to unless they're geared out the wazoo. Likewise, as an SK if you and a zerker you're looking for a raid, chances are pretty good you'll get passed by. It's a give and take relationship so it really depends upon what you like to do most. If soloing and doing small groups is your thing (i.e. you're not a huge people person) SK's fit the bill better, but if you want a raid life when you max out your level and AA's then zerks are better. Either/or is still a good tank, but on a personal note...for all the faults SK's may have, if it meant I could have the character I have now...I'd level him all over again.

[Kage8]

I have a 70 Zerker and 66 Sk.No two ways about it Sk are WAYYYYY! better at soloing.Pros for Sk:Better soloMana tapDeath marchGreat tapsBetter over all AA tree'sTap viensYour stances don't hurt you nearly as much as Zerkers. I can in no way go into Def stance and still hold agro without help (Dirge/Warden)Zerkers don t come into there own till 50+Pro's for Zerker:Better dps (from my own personal exp i have never had a sk out dps me without HT)War's get better over all avoidance. This is to offset the lifetaps for balanceSta line AA's!!!I can move while casting attacks. This may not seem like a big deal but it is to me as i like to get into proper postion when fighting mobs. I move alot.Im sure my point of view is the way it is cause i have a 70 Zerker that is my main...But they are VERY fun.Sk's are kewl too though. And if you wanna solo alot take a SK hands down.Hell play both!Good luck.