New P99er, questions about the server

[skourg3]

Hi guys!

I played EQ from 2001 until just before Omens of War. I always gravitated towards hybrid classes, with my main being a Ranger. I just started up a Ranger about a week ago, I'm only level 7. A couple of nice passersby gave me a couple of pieces of gear to get me going, but I'm having second thoughts about playing the Ranger. I remember they really hit their stride with Luclin and AAs (I didn't even level a Ranger until Luclin, with most of my play being Luclin/PoP), and my main concern is how particular people are about min/maxing their groups. I'm confident in my solo ability, but I want to be able to find a group too.

My alternative choices would be Shaman, Rogue, or Monk. I don't really enjoy INT casters and I've never played a pure melee in EQ (and I think it'd be cool to try it), so those are most appealing (and from what I've read, more desirable) of the non-hybrid classes.

Basically I'm asking if playing a hybrid (specifically Ranger) is going to bite me in the butt after I invest significant time into it. I know the pros/cons of most classes in the era, I'll definitely play the Ranger eventually anyway, but I might focus on another char first if it'll be more group friendly. I just don't know what the attitude of the community is towards group maximization.

Thanks in advance
Partil
Level 7 Ranger

[eqravenprince]

Play what you enjoy... the hardest part about playing a Ranger is the hybrid penalty. Most groups will still invite you if they have a need for dps. I play a Monk personally and love it. Having Feign Death to be able to get up from my computer at any point is fantastic.

[Ephirith]

I played a ranger to 54 and in general I didn't have too much trouble getting groups. It helps a lot if you make an effort to make friends and make an impression on people as a good player and a fun group member. That kind of thing is a far bigger factor than your class when it comes to how enthusiastic people will be about grouping with you. That said, strangers in general aren't going to actively look for you. You can't duo effectively with very many classes.

I would say you really need to enjoy just playing a ranger to make it work. Although I enjoyed the class, I became pretty frustrated with monks just being better than me at pretty much everything (my most common complaint anytime I try to play any melee, really).

There are a lot of people out there who are very concerned with their xp moving fast. They stack rogues, and in general they won't take a ranger unless there are no rogues around. I can be kind of a min/maxxer myself, and I was frustrated at times by being invited to groups with like 2 hybrid tanks, two bards, and a druid healer... on one hand it's nice to get invited to the group, on the other... holy shit man my xp isn't moving.

My advice: if you're going to go through with being a ranger, try your best. Too many rangers just act like rogues-- they don't help with roots/CC, they don't throw in downtime heals, they make poor gear decisions, and they don't show off their AMAZING outdoor pulling abilities. Check track for named mobs and pluck them for your group.

Most importantly, make friends so that later on when you're LFG in Seb, and it's either you or the rogue next to you, they pick you because they like you.

*P.S.* When Velious hits, several things happen:
1. You can fear-kite animals and become an excellent soloist.
2. No more -40% exp penalty.
3. I think your offensive skillcaps get increased to be on par with pure melees.
4. You get some neat-o weapon proc spells.

[skourg3]

Thanks for the advice! Many of the things you mentioned (outdoor pulling, tracking for named, snares/roots, emergency+downtime heals) were all things I used to be good at; I played a damned good ranger back in the day IMO. However, I've never been the most outgoing person who would make a bunch of friends, so I dunno.

I think I might try out another class to start with and go back to the Ranger later, at least waiting until Velious most likely, depending on how much I like whatever else I play.

[kastan]

*P.S.* When Velious hits, several things happen:
1. You can fear-kite animals and become an excellent soloist.
2. No more -40% exp penalty.


Can you expand on the exp penalty removal? Is that for all hybrid classes? I'm really interested since I'm stuck forever-grouping with my brother who's a pally.

[Phinger]

Yes, at some point in Velious, hybrid exp penalties are removed. I suspect an influx of sk/pal/rng alts hitting the server then.

But as a few others have said, your best bet is to make friends who want to group with you for who you are, not what you are. I have a ranger friend and we make a great trio (enc, nec, rng). Exp definitely sucks compared to normal duo/trios, but it is worth it to hang out with good friends. Oh and be prepared for the ranger hate from folks, but the game is about having fun, so play what gives you the most enjoyment.

Welcome to the server!

[skourg3]

Oh and be prepared for the ranger hate from folks, but the game is about having fun, so play what gives you the most enjoyment.

Welcome to the server!

Thanks! I well remember the taunts of "Ranger down!" on live, but I always tried to be the exception to that rule. Ranger alt later on it is then.