New to Game - Where do I start

[Dracos1969]

I understand basic concepts, but there is so much stuff to learn and know, I am overwhelmed with where should I start. What class? What spec? Which multi-class? What skills are relevant. Which forum threads to learn best from (most of them seem out of date)

Does anyone have some pointers?

[UurlockYgmeov]

1st and foremost! welcome!

https://78.media.tumblr.com/ba96659ad6551503e6d6b125a7388b51/tumblr_ouf9gvyg681s2wio8o7_1280.gif
https://78.media.tumblr.com/834412dc40ab6c70e0691596c7393d27/tumblr_ouf9gvyg681s2wio8o2_1280.gif

2nd: no wrong way to play (mostly) - have fun! group, solo, zerg, flowersniff, etc. What makes you happy (mostly) is the right way to play for you.

3rd: forums do help.

4th: explore and experiment. don't spend real $ on character items (account ok) until you get comfy; BUT one month of VIP (or three) can be very helpful and handy!

5th: Voice chat in groups / LFM's in the social panel - ask away! Just play and you should find people that helpful, friendly, and want to have fun like you. They probably have a guild that you might want to join.

6th: DDOWIKI.COM : the source for all things DDO

7th: links in my signature - for character planners etc.

8th: HAVE FUN!

9th: Try simple straightforward builds to begin with. Can always delete or just roll up a new one. Rinse repeat until you are having fun!

AGAIN, WELCOME!

https://www.eelkat.com/images/welcome-autum-witch-pumpkin.gif

PS: might want to post which server you are on - betcha you will get lots of assistance!

[nordlav]

Check out this link, a very helpful forum member who has produced a lot of good info, especially for builds. Also check of his sig which includes links to things like Adventure Pack reviews among other great stuff. Bookmark it!

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470423-Build-Repository

[Dracos1969]

This is VERY helpful ! thank you .. I don't even remember my server name !

I think I should re-roll a Paladin .. see you online soon


1st and foremost! welcome!

PS: might want to post which server you are on - betcha you will get lots of assistance!

[Loromir]

This is VERY helpful ! thank you .. I don't even remember my server name !

I think I should re-roll a Paladin .. see you online soon

You are probably on the Cannith Server.

[UurlockYgmeov]

This is VERY helpful ! thank you .. I don't even remember my server name !

I think I should re-roll a Paladin .. see you online soon

You are most certainly welcome!


You are probably on the Cannith Server.

Probably right - I can't remember which is the default server this period. Could always "/YELL Which server is this" ;P

https://media1.giphy.com/media/nkbHJf196TV7y/200.gif

[Dracos1969]

You are most certainly welcome!



Probably right - I can't remember which is the default server this period. Could always "/YELL Which server is this" ;P

https://media1.giphy.com/media/nkbHJf196TV7y/200.gif

Does the server you choose change the community a lot?

[UurlockYgmeov]

Does the server you choose change the community a lot?

IMHO - not as much as it used to. All servers have great peeps! Just some collections of players / styles / regions have gravitated / coagulated into specific servers. I am not currently up to speed on the specifics, but shouldn't make much difference to start.

[Dracos1969]

I am on Thelanis.... I've rerolled 4 times level 1 still :)

I should add that I game on PST time 7 - 10 pm and weekend days mostly ... anyone know where the PST people hang?

[Matuse]

Rerolling a bunch at the start is fairly common. Even very similar classes end up playing quite differently, and it takes some experimentation to see what works best for you.

Don't invest a bunch of money in stuff until you've had a chance to play and learn what's what. In particular, never ever ever ever ever pay for Drow. It's very easy to earn via favor.

[Dracos1969]

In particular, never ever ever ever ever pay for Drow. It's very easy to earn via favor.

Sounds like there is a story there :)

[TitusOvid]

Welcome!

I recomment joining the DDO Discord. Its is far easier/faster to get some feedback there than in the game.
Some servers have public channels that work very well, too.
Play around on Korthos for a while until you find a class that you are comfortable with. Then maybe join a newbie friendly guild.
Don't expect to be the king in a few weeks, that won't happen. Be a bit patient and it will pay off. You gain so much by knowing the game mechanics.
In like to play pure classes to get to know them. But that is just me.
A great place to plan out your character is Lamannia. And what do you know, it is online at the moment :) But you should have some experierience with the game before you go there.

Have fun storming the castle!

[UurlockYgmeov]

Have fun storming the castle!

Hmmm.... I think I know somebody else that says that :o

https://media1.tenor.com/images/c83ac3ee57b887ea1e6a884c7a9c0828/tenor.gif?itemid=8749850

[FuryFlash]

I am on Thelanis.... I've rerolled 4 times level 1 still :)

I should add that I game on PST time 7 - 10 pm and weekend days mostly ... anyone know where the PST people hang?

I'm not sure if there's any other solid new player guilds out there right now on Thelanis, but Dragon Horde is still pretty active and we have some very knowledgeable and helpful players. If nothing else, we have a maxed-out guild airship (meaning a bunch of awesome long-term buffs for your characters and easy transporting to various locations). Just send me a tell or a mail to Sycarius or Furyflash and I will send you an invite; I'll be on this evening at around 7:00 to 10:00 PST (I'm also from BC). :)

[Matuse]

Sounds like there is a story there

No, no story. Just helping someone to avoid making a newbie mistake.

[Dulcimerist]

When you get to Stormreach Harbor, check out the Hammer & Chain shop for one of each cheap (5 platinum) quivers. Look for the NPCs Baudry Cartamon, Fitzpat the Fence, and the guy next to the gate between the Harbor and the Marketplace for your three free bags. Those will all help with inventory a whole lot!

Bookmark the DDO Wiki:
http://ddowiki.com/page/Home

If you were on Orien server, I'd give you some free stuff to help. I'm sure there are players on your server who would gladly do the same for you.

When I did a basic paladin, I did something like this build:
https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470627-Sacred-Knight-For-New-Players-(U29)
That might give some cool ideas for you. :)

[Whitering]

Build guide, you can absolutely mess up your build to the extent you'd have to farm tp or money to fix it, or start a new character.

Follow a build guide generally, I rarely follow any of them exactly, for example, if I am casting displacement, I am taking extend, unless it's a level 20 caster, that's just going to happen. Having displacement constantly run out, well, it's no big deal to cast it again during a big fight, but dang, I hate it.

[Selvera]

As for builds:

1) I suggest making a pure class character as your first character.
2) Don't follow a path unless you absolutely feel overwhelmed, since even if you're starting out you're likely to make a better character then what you get by following a path. Instead ask some helpful forum/in game people and they'll sort you right out.
3) I suggest focusing on one tree primarily, taking the top tier enhancements from it and the capstone enhancement. And taking a supplementary splattering of other enhancements.
4) For feats, there are a few "generic good" feats for whatever your playstyle is. If you're melee, these are 3 "style" feats, Improved Critical for your weapon and a stance feat. If you're ranged these are all of the feats needed for Improved Precise shot; and Improved precise shot. If you're a spellcaster... you might want to get advice from someone who plays more casters then me :D But I think the required feats are Spell Focus and Greater Spell focus for the school you primarily cast, quicken spell, and spell penetration. Also Empower/maximize if you're doing a damage caster.

Other then that... learn at your own pace. But if your own pace involves looking stuff up and theorizing how to optimize things, look into how gear works. What stacks, what doesn't, what's important etc. There's a lot of power to be got through gear, and the difference between someone who knows what makes a good item good for their build/current gearset is a big difference.

[Armatone]

Welcome!

I came to gaming late in life, but having a background in AD&D helped me a lot but there was a LOT that I didn't know about online gaming. It took me many months just to get the mechanics down. I did a video series aimed right at newbies that covers all the basics from logging in through to some actual game play. You can watch them at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhwf64Cl5BEyOVhfuD7rig .


I understand basic concepts, but there is so much stuff to learn and know, I am overwhelmed with where should I start. What class? What spec? Which multi-class? What skills are relevant. Which forum threads to learn best from (most of them seem out of date)

Does anyone have some pointers?

I started with Rogue Assassin as it forced me to go slow and think about what was going on. Not to mention I love rogues.

[Whitering]

Keep arrows equipped even if you are not an archer, they are more likely to get destroyed than stuff in your inventory.

[Dulcimerist]

Keep arrows equipped even if you are not an archer, they are more likely to get destroyed than stuff in your inventory.

Do they really act as a lightning rod, preventing other items in your backpack from being destroyed?

[Matuse]

As far as I can tell, this is an urban legend. In my last life, I never once had an arrow destroyed in the ammo slot, but lost potions and scrolls all the time.

[bruener]

I am on Thelanis.... I've rerolled 4 times level 1 still :)

I should add that I game on PST time 7 - 10 pm and weekend days mostly ... anyone know where the PST people hang?

im on that server. look up Phungki or Technicality. seems the toons ive been playing lately. ill hook you up with some plat and see if i have any low level items that arent bound. i can roll up a low level toon and show you around.

enjoy the game!!

[UurlockYgmeov]

SO, after a week of playing - comments?

[Nebless]

As far as I can tell, this is an urban legend. In my last life, I never once had an arrow destroyed in the ammo slot, but lost potions and scrolls all the time.

Same here. Just lost some inventory stuff last night as a matter of fact. I've never lost any arrows or bolts from my equip'd slot.

[Nebless]

I understand basic concepts, but there is so much stuff to learn and know, I am overwhelmed with where should I start. What class? What spec? Which multi-class? What skills are relevant. Which forum threads to learn best from (most of them seem out of date)

Does anyone have some pointers?

Well I hope all your loot rolls are treating you well so far.

The learning curve is a high one and you'll be learning stuff for quite a while.

As far as class; what you said about going through a bunch of level 1's is the way to go. Check them out and find what fit's your playstyle.

Stay with just a 'Pure' class for a bit. Come level 5 or so if you wish you can multi-class. That will also depend on how you play. if you play solo you might look at Thief for trap's / lock picking or Cleric - for the heals, to help you play. As for spec's, the same, wait, build up some points, see how your play style has developed and then read over the spec's available. See which will enhance how you're playing.

Skill's also come down to play style. Sure X might be the best thing since sliced bread, but if you don't play in a way that would use it, why bother.

Take your time on Kothos Island. Great training ground and well worth doing all the quests on normal, hard and Elite. When you go outside the gate work at getting those Wilderness goal's filled; exploration, elite encounters and KILL stuff. It's all great XP.

Biggest point is to play how YOU want to, not how someone else tells you you need to.

[C-Dog]

Check out this link...

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470423-Build-Repository
+1

One of the most important things I realized when new was... DDO is NOT D&D. It has the same feel, it has the atmosphere and plays similar - but the rules are not the same.

In DDO, it's VERY easy to "fake" a build that seems to start strong, but fails by about Level 7-10. Urk. So, remember, and just accept it - few DnD builds translate directly to DDO builds. There are ways to get there, but they are neither intuitive nor simple. So when you're looking at those "New Player Friendly" builds - trust that they are that. Don't judge based on your D&D experience - go w/ what feels right, not what your DnD experience says is right.


And do NOT "buy" anything - not yet. Yes, always "Wait for a Sale!", but more, you need to learn, for you, what your first purchases will be, and what can be "bought" without spending a dime (via earning free in-game purchase-points!)


K, all that said - the best way is to dive in. Yeah, make mistakes, fall on your face, and you'll earn faster than by reading.

For simple questions, the DDOWiki can be your friend: http://ddowiki.com/page/Home

[Searious]

Best advice I can offer is to decide how you want to play - do you prefer to shoot arrows or bolts from afar? Don't mind kiting and running/gunning? Or do you prefer to be up close and personal - with a sword and board, or more a two handed or two weapon fighter? Do you prefer the feel of brute strength or dexterous finesse damage? Or maybe you prefer to cast n blast from a distance? If totally undecided, can't go wrong playing a healer class since the self healing can help in unforgiving situations.

[Armatone]

Hit the DDO Store and get even just $10 worth of DDO Points. It make you a Premium player and will eliminate a LOT of limitations (most notably the level platinum limit and the one item posted in the auction house).

[C-Dog]

~IF~ you decide you like the game and ~IF~ you decide to spend some RL money on it - yes, 100%, buying a few points or a pack from the DDO Market (https://store.standingstonegames.com/store?Action=list&Locale=en_US&SiteID=ssg&ThemeID=4823088000&categoryID=58516100) to go Premium is a huge boost in the quality of the game.


o http://ddowiki.com/page/Account_Comparisons

Wait 'til something is on Sale - from 20% to 75%, depending.


As far as I can tell, this is an urban legend. In my last life, I never once had an arrow destroyed in the ammo slot, but lost potions and scrolls all the time.
I've had arrows and bolts destroyed (noticed the alert in /chat window), but can't say where, whether equipped, loose in inventory, or in a reserve quiver in inventory. But it does happen, 100%.

[Whitering]

Same here. Just lost some inventory stuff last night as a matter of fact. I've never lost any arrows or bolts from my equip'd slot.

Guys, it's not 100% by any means, your colloquial posts don't mean it doesn't work. I can swear I lose a lot more valuable stuff when I don't have arrows attached, not that I never lose any.

[Matuse]

It's not "colloquial" when the arrows never get damaged, and the rate of potions and scrolls and inventory items being damaged remains unchanged.

[Sunnie]

Same here. Just lost some inventory stuff last night as a matter of fact. I've never lost any arrows or bolts from my equip'd slot.
One of my equipped bolts got destroyed by a fireball two days ago, so it does happen.

[PsychoBlonde]

I am on Thelanis.... I've rerolled 4 times level 1 still :)

I should add that I game on PST time 7 - 10 pm and weekend days mostly ... anyone know where the PST people hang?

There are a few in my guild on Thelanis, you're more than welcome to join, we're new-player friendly.

[C-Dog]

Guys, it's not 100% by any means, your colloquial posts don't mean it doesn't work.
https://www.prdaily.com/Uploads/Public/i-do-not-think-it-means-what-you-think-it-means.jpg

"Anecdotal", maybe? ;)

All good, knew what you meant. And you're right - however, it seems(?) that neither the yeahs nor nays have so many witnesses to create statistical significance.

Plus, WAY off topic, so... yeah. :cool:

[Whitering]

https://www.prdaily.com/Uploads/Public/i-do-not-think-it-means-what-you-think-it-means.jpg

"Anecdotal", maybe? ;)

All good, knew what you meant. And you're right - however, it seems(?) that neither the yeahs nor nays have so many witnesses to create statistical significance.

Plus, WAY off topic, so... yeah. :cool:

Thanks, and yes, you are correct, but I love that character and that movie, so you made me laugh.