I don't like shields. Is Guardian wrong for me?

[The_Altruist]

Hey everyone. I just bought the game today (tried the trial out for two days and was hooked). I have a lot of MMO experience, so I know that I always prefer melee classes over anything else. I was immediately drawn to guardians, but I was worried about the possible over-reliance on shields. I really don't like the look of shields (in any game), and for character concept reasons I want to use a two-handed sword. Would it be better for me to simply choose a Berserker? I'm not worried about being the main tank for anything, I most enjoy off-tanking and swinging a big [Removed for Content] sword around <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Is it possible to get really good damage from a non-shield using Guardian?

[Grimlux]

<p>Make a Berserker if you hate shields... </p><p>actually..Besides bucklers being the only viable dps spec for a berserker currently you may just want to roll a scout class...</p>

[Rolande']

You could put out some good dps with a 2h and the right aa setup, BUT ... if you plan on grouping any, many and I mean MANY players will be put off at seeing a guardian tanking with a 2h and probably not group with you. If you want to do off tanking and a 2h, then SK is a good option, but they are a mix of melee and spell casting, also monk/bruiser can use 2h weapons(but not 2h swords) and do good dps.

[The_Altruist]

My experience with MMO tanking is that Skill/Experience>Build/Items, but maybe I'm wrong in this sense. I don't plan on teaming too much, and when I do team, I will most likely be off-tanking. I've decided to go Guardian, since it looks like Berserker are just as reliant on shields to do their damage (just from a quick perusal of the Berserker forums), and those are my two options. My character needs to wear plate armor (for concept) and should not use any magic (again, for concept), which is why I was torn between Guardian and Berserker.Another question: how viable is it to play with a 2-handed sword for solo, and have a 1-hander and shield in my bags for occasions where I'm the main tank? Is the AA system too defining? Also, what AA setups would you all suggest for a Guardian who intends to use a 2-hander to do a lot of damage?

[Anfauglith]

If you plan to use a 2h weapon and really dont' like shields...I'd advise you on sk or pally...they can specialize in it and are doing fine with them...2h weapon on a warrior (bers or guardian) is a complete waste.Monks can do nice too with 2h weapons...but I guess you want swords over sticks and hammers...

[Rahatmattata]

<cite>The_Altruist wrote:</cite><blockquote>My experience with MMO tanking is that Skill/Experience>Build/Items, but maybe I'm wrong in this sense. I don't plan on teaming too much, and when I do team, I will most likely be off-tanking. I've decided to go Guardian, since it looks like Berserker are just as reliant on shields to do their damage (just from a quick perusal of the Berserker forums), and those are my two options. My character needs to wear plate armor (for concept) and should not use any magic (again, for concept), which is why I was torn between Guardian and Berserker.Another question: how viable is it to play with a 2-handed sword for solo, and have a 1-hander and shield in my bags for occasions where I'm the main tank? Is the AA system too defining? Also, what AA setups would you all suggest for a Guardian who intends to use a 2-hander to do a lot of damage?</blockquote>The KoS AA tree is extremely versatile and there's basically 2 main builds with 70AA. But since you are just starting, you will be more interested where to put your first AAs. I would suggest starting with the int line if you are serious about using a 2h. Then, I'd probaby put 4,4,8 to max melee crits, then take the whole agi line. This build would give you haste, lowered reuse & recovery speeds, aoe dps, reflexes, melee crits, and +parry and def. All good stuff for a 2h.When grouped, you could switch to sword & board and lose nothing from your AA build. I'm personally buckler spec'd,  but I group with some higher level high dps classes, and I need the survivabilty of a shield, and be able to solo effectively in RoK, so I'm trying to balance my char. But I remember at lower levels, there was a huge difference using a mastercrafted tower shield, and any buckler I could find and not worth using buckler IMO.

[Pelda]

Pick a brawler if you don't want to use a shield.  In a group as a guardian you will probably never be a second tank as everyone relies on guardians to be the tank.  Why would you pick a guardian if your not going to tank.  The dps sucks and can be done better by other classes.  We don't have alot of utilities to help the group.  Definitely better off as a scout or brawler.

[Terron]

SOE have been trying to change it but currently Guardian is not a good class if you don't want to be the MT.Additionally we get a special skill that relies on having a tower shield.Having a 2H to use on easy mobs is OK, but it is not the norm.A shadowknight might be a better option, though they do most of their damage through spells.

[The_Altruist]

I'm getting the sense that there isn't really a "good" choice if you're looking to use 2-handed swords. I went with Guardian because it most fits with my character concept. I suppose I can run around with a sword and board in my bag for those occasions when I'm teaming, and use the 2-hander when I'm all by myself. Thanks for the help so far everyone, this is why I love tank classes- the people on the forums seem to be nicer!