Advice for a new EQ player.

[Koinah]

I've never played EQ before, not even EQ2, so everything is new to me. I have a couple questions on how I should be starting out. I've decided to make a shadowknight seeing that I want to have a melee but also want to make use of a mana bar. I have also heard they can solo decently at lower levels. I have narrowed the race to either iskar or dark elf but I am open to other suggestions. So I guess my question would be which race would be better for a new player and how I should start out leveling, questing and getting gear.

Thanks in advance!

[Iwar]

I'd advice iksar in favor of dark elf right now as there will be better grouping possibilities as an iksar now close to the kunark release. I realise you consider soloing, but I think you will find that grouping is more fun and more rewarding, especially as a SK. So roll up an iksar and head to Field of bone and later Kurns Tower - will be a blast. Welcome to EQ :)

[Japan]

prolly dont play is what i'd advise. This game is hardly worth attention even with nostalgia attached. It has not aged well.

[hateshadow]

Well if I were you I would'nt listen to Japan.
I have 3 friends who started playing Eq on this server, had never played before, and so far are having a great time.

I would tell you to go with Iksar too because they have better starting stats for a shadowknight.
But in the end, it dosent really matter because with all the equipment you will get, it will even out...pretty much.

[Kika Maslyaka]

EQ1 is a GROUP oriented game - if you get your mind to accept that you will progress, accumulate power and treasures, and have fun, and raid, and kill dragons!

If you try to play it solo (even with a powerful solo friendly class like necro) - it will be XP grind > XP grind > XP grind > XP grind >>> boredom

[Pudge]

go with iksar, play and group and make friends. exp is super slow, just be ready for that. the game takes a long time to learn. everyone here has known this game for years.. but there is a good month-long learning curve i would say, until you have a good basic understanding of the game and how to play well. i remember the first time i played.. i didnt know how to exit the fucking game! lol. it was the "camp" button..

when red99 server comes out, you should be just about ready to experience pvp!

[Supaskillz]

Shadowknights receive an experience penalty and iksars add an extra penalty on top of that. This is going to make getting to high levels a slow process. In addition Iksars also are more limited on armor options.

However in return Iksars regen their hp faster which is a big plus, especially if you expect to spend some time soloing. If you are interested in doing some quests then the dreadscale quests are a great way to get some good iksar armor.

As others mentioned above you will level faster in groups as a shadow knight as well as find the game more enjoyable. A big part of EQ is the social aspect in my opinion.

[Cribanox]

I would play a Dark Elf because to me that is the "the" shadowknight race. It just defines the role better for me. So dark and awesome looking. They also get to wear plate armor which can be a huge plus.

Iksar get a 20%(?) experience penalty, and on top of the shadowknight penalty (40%?) it can become very slow. Yea, in Iksar land you can probably find better groups, but you can just get there on your own as a dark elf.

So basically you can deal with the problems of being a dark elf by running to kunark, but there isnt jack you can do about the extra penatly or not getting to wear plate.

(Yea iksar get 2hp more per 6seconds, but after level 10 Id say you really don't notice it anymore in groups).

Welcome to EQ by the way, home of the masochists.

[Supaskillz]

Iksar's regen is not 2hp extra at all levels. It increases with level and is +11 at level 60.

I would agree that you should not let starting location sway your decision. You can move to Kunark quickly enough if you really want to get to zones with higher population.

[Hmend]

IMO being an race but ogre for a tank is foolish. They have incredible starting stats, and can't be stunned from the front, Which naturally will make starting without twink gear easier. This is also my first time playing eq but after getting over the rough start, everquest is easily the best game I've ever played! Good luck :)

[Rayge]

save everything that drops, loot everything you kill, don't hesitate a second to take advantage of a deal that someone's offering.

whenever you buy anything, offer them 5-10% less than they want, they'll take it anyways, and whenever you sell something, ask for 5-10% more than they want. It adds up!

shadownight is 'really' not a good starter class, the XP penalty is hefty. 'definitely' don't be a troll. that is all.

[tristantio]

Rayge I think the troll xp penalty is the same as Iksar (and both have the same regen), the main difference there is the troll can wear plate while the Iksar has innate AC (armor class).

Shadow Knights do not get spells until level 9, so you will be able learn the basics prior to having spells.

[Rejuvenation]

He will have nothing to compare leveling speed with...I don't see a problem with going with an Iksar or a Troll.

[Ankiilbiter]

Just play whatever class/race combo you want because there's no problem with you making another character and enjoying the journey once again. Race choice isn't as terribly important as you might think, about 95% of it is just cosmetic.

Iksar Sk's do look nice though and the extra AC from the race will make up for not having access to some plate out there.

[xnolanx]

bump

[senna]

lets not forget the iksar 2h slash animation looks like an old man swinging a golf club at the ground

[Kika Maslyaka]

But Iksar get to do this! =)

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[shuklak]

I would say iksar just because I think you'll get better grouping chances. If you don't group you don't get the real feel of eq and you might also get frustrated at lack of progess and quit.