New player considering a Ranger

[johnstonm]

Hello everyone, i am setting up right now to start playing Project 1999. I have always considered Everquest as my childhood crush in terms of video games, as silly as it sounds. I don't think any other game has ever captivated my interest as much as that game did. Anyways, i am extremely excited to try this emulator out because it encapsulates the best years of Everquest, in my personal opinion.

Introduction aside, i really want to try out a ranger, and reading the few specific threads regarding them, i understand that they are decent throughout the levels but wane towards the end when it comes to raiding. Is this something that i should be concerned about at all? I'd like my first character to be capable at high levels and, from what i gathered, rangers do not seem to fit in any well-defined role for large groups. I believe i have heard some hints around this sub-forum at AAs coming out soon, and that they should make a difference in ranger end-game viability. Have they come out yet? Are they necessary? Can i play my ranger without worrying about how he will turn out at higher levels?

[Num1RecommendedByDentists]

this server will never have AAs

rangers are mediocre at best

whatever floats your boat though

[gcobb]

"rangers do not seem to fit in any well-defined role for large groups"

The way I see it, this isn't a defect either with the server or the Ranger in general--it's the essence of the class. The Ranger's most valuable asset is its flexibility. It combines decent DPS with a passable ability to tank (chain armor, defensive skill caps) and grab quick or emergency aggro (good old flame lick!), plus other major utility spells (root, snare, Greater Healing at 57). The point is that, while the ranger obviously isn't designed to function as any groups' primary tank, DPS, CC, healer, etc., a good player can take a lot of pressure off the other classes by doing all of these simultaneously.

As far as AAs are concerned, I'm 99.967% sure that any rumors about their release (I mean their release at all, not just the imminence of it) are wistful community speculation. I think the devs' official stance is and has always been that this is a fully classic server and thus unconcerned with any and all post-Velious content.

That said, if you want to play a ranger, play a ranger. I know plenty of level 60 good ones. You'll probably be able to cash in on the class's anti-hype if you stick it out to high levels. Since so many people are dissuaded from playing them, their planar drops often end up rotting after each guild's token ranger or two has geared him/herself up for minimal uncontested DKP.

[johnstonm]

"rangers do not seem to fit in any well-defined role for large groups"

The way I see it, this isn't a defect either with the server or the Ranger in general--it's the essence of the class. The Ranger's most valuable asset is its flexibility. It combines decent DPS with a passable ability to tank (chain armor, defensive skill caps) and grab quick or emergency aggro (good old flame lick!), plus other major utility spells (root, snare, Greater Healing at 57). The point is that, while the ranger obviously isn't designed to function as any groups' primary tank, DPS, CC, healer, etc., a good player can take a lot of pressure off the other classes by doing all of these simultaneously.

As far as AAs are concerned, I'm 99.967% sure that any rumors about their release (I mean their release at all, not just the imminence of it) are wistful community speculation. I think the devs' official stance is and has always been that this is a fully classic server and thus unconcerned with any and all post-Velious content.

That said, if you want to play a ranger, play a ranger. I know plenty of level 60 good ones. You'll probably be able to cash in on the class's anti-hype if you stick it out to high levels. Since so many people are dissuaded from playing them, their planar drops often end up rotting after each guild's token ranger or two has geared him/herself up for minimal uncontested DKP.

I appreciate the lengthy and detailed response. My main concern was whether rangers would be considered nigh-useless, but as you have stated, they are actually great as back-ups for multiple roles - in other words, the most supportive class? ;D

I am currently sitting at the selection screen trying to make my choice on stats. It seems like the general consensus is to dump all of my stats in stamina or strength. Does strength affect range damage? As this is my first character, would it be wisest to dump my points into stamina to make my guy a bit beefier and formidable? 80 hit points does not seem like much end game, but perhaps for the first part of the game it would make a significant difference in difficulty. I was also thinking halfling, because let's face it, their town is probably the most amazing place in all of Norrath. *melts with joy*

[liveitup1216]

Asslings can't be rangers/paladins here, blasphemer.

[johnstonm]

Why is it an option? Oh jeash, is this why it keeps disconnecting me from the server when i keep trying to create my halfling ranger?!

[Barkingturtle]

Yes.

[liveitup1216]

Halfling ranger/pal and Gnome pal/sk don't exist here. They got added later on.

[Cords]

So your next option is WE. I loved my halfling ranger on live, but those are the breaks I guess when you go old school :P

[Lemiddar]

Honest advice? If you have the patience to play a Ranger pre-velious (XP penalty, no panic animal to aid in soloing) by all means go for it. I love seeing other Rangers on the server. The community is generally helpful when it comes to drive-by buffing and low level gear. Just don't beg for it. No one likes a beggar. =) Nothing wrong with asking for a SoW to keep yourself safe though. And if you do the Ranger/Druid/Shaman will probably completely buff you. Most of the time.

The solo experience will be difficult around 30 most likely, unless you're able to gear yourself well through farming and selling. Depending on where you start there are plenty of ways to go about this, especially if you're willing to spend a reasonable amount of time doing it to make your p99 life easier later on.

I can't really speak to the grouping, since grouping isn't something I'm interested in until I'm 60. Just a personal goal to go solo. However, I've turned down a number of groups, despite never looking for one. They're out there. Make some friends, they don't care about your class. I'm a firm believer that if you display your ability in groups of friends (which sometimes will include others) you will gradually increase your grouping possibilities. Unless you suck, which is possible. I said this would be honest.

The epic. Right now you should plan on not having your epic for quite awhile, if you decide to make a Ranger. Unless you want to be in one of a select few guilds. The VSR stone is pretty clogged up unless you want to pay for it. No hate, I have no issues with it. It'll open eventually.

If you want an easier life as a Ranger wait until Velious. You'll be able to solo and group more readily. However, I suspect you'll also be competing with a lot of newly created Rangers who will be twinks with better gear than you can hope to get at their level. It'll also mean more competition in guilds for Ranger drops. But really, if you're joining a guild you should want the entire guild to gear up. You don't have to be first. There will be many, many more chances at the same (or better) targets.

Overall I would say.. make a Ranger. Test it out. That's why you have eight character slots. You'll know between 17 and 22 whether you want to continue it. I prefer Half Elves, but I'm an EQRacist. If you decide it isn't for you.. make something else. If you feel the need to strip the Ranger down to fund the other character that's still an option.

Frankly, I feel like all level 60 hybrids who later have penalties removed should get a stat-less no-drop token to separate them from those later on. It's an achievement. But I'm biased. This part is irrelevant to the topic, but I'm just trying to say that YOU will always know you did it the harder way, and there's something to be said for that.

Long-winded, but hopefully that sums it up for you. I'd like to know what you decide!

[Estu]

I wouldn't recommend playing a ranger unless you really love the class. Soloing is extremely slow and ineffective unless you have heaps of money, and people will often pass over you for groups because there will be other classes that are more effective and do not add in an EXP penalty.

[Tappin]

For lower levels, I'd had some really twinked rangers that were amazing in groups as tanks and dps, but with that being said, other classes would have done it way better, and again, the rangers that I mentioned were twinked.

Like everyone else said... Unless you just love the class, you might want to consider other options!

[Rhambuk]

I loved my ranger he was a blast, never had an issue getting groups and around 45 I was soloing ogre guards like most of the other solo classes.

its a great class you just need to learn how to use all of your assets to bring it all together, to many people just auto attack and kick thinking the spells are useless which the majority are but come in very handy.

plus having your entire groups jaw drop after you save them from a wipe is always a nice ego booster.

[lecompte]

Rangers are awesome. Do it. :)

[Infuriati]

Could someone please tell me the best weapon setup at 47? I was thinking HS dagger and a slower harder hitting weapon in my offhand. Maybe Whip of ensnaring, and then at 50 Steel Hilted Flint Dagger. I'd really appreciate any advice, thanks guys

[Ciroco]

Could someone please tell me the best weapon setup at 47? I was thinking HS dagger and a slower harder hitting weapon in my offhand. Maybe Whip of ensnaring, and then at 50 Steel Hilted Flint Dagger. I'd really appreciate any advice, thanks guys

Woodsman's Staff.

/thread

[skacat]

melee (inc ranger) is really rough for a new player. you should play what you love, but since you haven't played much yet, you might not know yet what's best for you.

you're probably going to need to group to level up as a melee without good gear. make sure you can play at a time when groups are around and that you know the most popular grouping spots for each level. you're probably going to need to make a lot of friends and make a lot of groups yourself.

melees like rangers have a 40% exp penalty. this is serious business. if you're not gonna be happy leveling up very slowly, I'd consider playing a different class.

a lot of people make a good solo character first to level up so they can afford good gear for a melee.

I'd take a long hard look at being a druid first. you get a sword, and you can solo and level up fast.

depending on how much you plan on playing, I would estimate you would level up over twice as fast as a druid. maybe 3-4x faster. would you rather be a lv50 druid or a level 25 ranger?

I'd advise you to try out the ranger, and if you get discouraged, go play a druid for awhile and see if it isn't more your speed. especially after 14 the druid is a solo master. playing a ranger is like jumping in on hard mode.

[lecompte]

playing a ranger is like jumping in on hard mode.

Truer words... When I started on P99 I was frustrated by the ease of other games and looking for a challenge. I decided that if I was going to be vested in the challenge, let's up the difficulty.

[Bill Tetley]

Difficulty? At leveling up maybe... I mean what does the ranger really need to do in groups? Snare? In a raid they take DT? Challenging class for sure.

[Lopretni]

I loved my ranger he was a blast, never had an issue getting groups and around 45 I was soloing ogre guards like most of the other solo classes.

its a great class you just need to learn how to use all of your assets to bring it all together, to many people just auto attack and kick thinking the spells are useless which the majority are but come in very handy.

plus having your entire groups jaw drop after you save them from a wipe is always a nice ego booster.

I'd rather have a really skilled ranger in my group than a mediocre [fotm/minmax class here].

[lecompte]

Difficulty? At leveling up maybe... I mean what does the ranger really need to do in groups? Snare? In a raid they take DT? Challenging class for sure.

He is either level 10 or players a rogue/wizard/cleric and telling others how simplistic their chosen classes are.

Edit: I forgot the final possibility: a troll.

[koros]

He is either level 10 or players a rogue/wizard/cleric and telling others how simplistic their chosen classes are.

Edit: I forgot the final possibility: a troll.

[captnamazing]

Play what you like. It will be hard since you don't have thousands of plat to even semi-twink yourself. Hard and slow. But anyone who has played this game a while knows that a good ranger is a welcome addition in a group, xp penalty aside.

Good for pulls
Tracking is extremely useful
Probably a fun class?