What is a Fighter compared to Barbarian and Paladin?

[Zachski]

I know they're sorta... middle of the road, according to the Revised Builds topic.

But other than that, what makes them special compared to Barbarians and Paladins?

Barbarians Rage, Paladins Smite, Fighters... action?

I'm asking this because while I can follow any ordinary build, it doesn't necessary tell me how one is played, even with the tips. Am I supposed to just hold down the left mouse button while twitching occasionally? Or am I supposed to be using Trip and Sunder and such?

[dkyle]

Fighters' biggest benefits are their combat tricks, and to a lesser extent, their AC (max dex bonus enhancements). Stunning blow is great, especially for Epics, and trip is decent. Sunder is rarely worthwhile. Pretend the others don't exist.

Pure capped fighters also attack faster, like Tempest I.

Most of the time, you're attacking, interspersing some combat tricks, and refreshing your Kensai II +8 STR clicky.

As far as twitching, that's only for THF. In my opinion, TWF is better for fighters. Only Epic Sword of Shadows makes THF worthwhile, but that takes a ton of grind.

[Ystradmynach]

Well if you are going for Kensai, then fighters do get a 60 second boost that gives them +8 strength, plus you have the haste attack boost. While fighters are flexible in how they can be build, the extra feats and enhancements mean they can be very good at tripping and stunning opponents, and nearly as good as barbs in intimidate, but able to have very good AC unlike a barbarian.

I don't have any tips in particular, since I don't have any high level fighters, but I can still see that fighters are no more about holding down a button than any other melee class.

[Jakarr]

lvl 20 Kensai=Best Burst Melee Damage(excluding a rogue on a non-fort mob)
lvl 20 Frenzy Barb=Best Substained Damage


Barbs can pretty much Perma rage and do some very good damage.

Kensai thou with the extra Haste boost and the +8 Str will give ya better burst damage.

[Belwaar]

Barbarians are just way better, that's the difference ;)

[Chai]

Fighter is underestimated, and underrated. What they lack in raw rage induced str they make up in feat damage plusses. Barbarians see that large crit number once every 10 swings or so, and the huge str score when raged, and they automatically think this makes them the DPS kings. Count all the feat and PRE bonus to damage fighters get and they come real close to barbarians depending on build.