Ranged returning player

[Moon2587]

So as a returning player I have two questions. One, are the servers friendly towards lower level players? (Populated most of the time or just in general friendly?) Two, what would be the best class to take if I wanted to be a ranged character with a crossbow focus? So far my research has pointed me to artificer (with apparently lots of free feats in repeating crossbows and a spell to conjure bolts) and a 'mechanic rogue' (which has lots of mini-feats for crossbow damage).

I know they are not popular as weapons (one reason I want to use them), but I would like to play something different and crossbows would scratch that ranged itch while not using the overly popular bow. So any help would be appreciated. :)

[bartharok]

repeaters are rather popular with arties, so popularity is not a problem. As to new player friendliness, you can take your chance on any server since you find both kinds on them.

[Ausdoerrt]

So as a returning player I have two questions. One, are the servers friendly towards lower level players? (Populated most of the time or just in general friendly?) Two, what would be the best class to take if I wanted to be a ranged character with a crossbow focus? So far my research has pointed me to artificer (with apparently lots of free feats in repeating crossbows and a spell to conjure bolts) and a 'mechanic rogue' (which has lots of mini-feats for crossbow damage).

Artificer and/or rogue mechanic fit your description. Probably better to go for exotic crossbows like the repeaters or maybe Great Crossbow. Ranged has also become somewhat more viable lately, so it's not that much of an issue to justify reason for your existence in the party :) If you're feeling creative, you could try multiclassing as well - though it does help to play a single-class toon first if you have no idea what you're doing.

As for population, that depends on your playtimes too. Ghallanda is the server with the most players in general and the most LFM activity around the clock from what I've seen. Khyber appears active as well, but the LFM panel is half-empty most of the time, and the "cool stuff" happens i guild channels. Also appears to be low on players in non-U.S. prime time. Can't comment on other servers. P.S. Don't pick Wayfinder, lol.

[bartharok]

Id say that argo is fairly decent. Not great, but decent.