G'day all

[AussieWolf]

I got the game yesterday and have fallen in love with it. I was running around with a test rogue just to get the feel of the game and oh boy, I had so much fun! Now with that said, I am an Australian player and wanted to ask, which server would be the best place to start my adventuring life in DDO ? I play American off peak time so hopefully get a majority English speaking with a fairly healthy off peak pop. I do love role playing as well but prioritize a healthy community over that, tho I do hope I could get both. I want to experience all the game has to offer but I do know how important it is to choose the right home, so if you have some knowledge please share.

Cheers!

[voxson5]

Check out https://www.playeraudit.com (https://www.playeraudit.com/and) and compare to your timezone (its EST on the website).

[Stoner81]

You could try them all since you earn DDO points for attaining favour (there are guides on here about it somewhere), so you could kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak :)

Welcome to the game!

If you pick Cannith server then give me a shout and I can probably give you some stuff to help you starting out. I'm a long time player and swimming in stuff almost to the point of drowning :D

Happy gaming!

Stoner81.

[AussieWolf]

You could try them all since you earn DDO points for attaining favour (there are guides on here about it somewhere), so you could kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak :)

Welcome to the game!

If you pick Cannith server then give me a shout and I can probably give you some stuff to help you starting out. I'm a long time player and swimming in stuff almost to the point of drowning :D

Happy gaming!

Stoner81.

Mate you are a legend, not for the offer of free gifts but because of the Wrap software. If it was not for you, I would not have been able to play as the DDO launcher is rubbish, just would not download files, just kept on downloading the same dat file over and over. The steam download was broken for me too as it would not download Akamai so kept on getting the Akami 5 error so hence again another broken downloader. When i saw your post, i followed your guide and boom, I am now experiencing a game I really enjoy, so thanks!

[zooble]

Khyber used to be the unofficial Aussie server but I'm sure that has changed over the years (everyone on voice sounds like they're from US). Don't expect many groups at night lol. Majority of groups are AM (best chance to catch a raid) then it wanes off into PM with very few groups late PM to late night (AEST)

[Stoner81]

Mate you are a legend, not for the offer of free gifts but because of the Wrap software. If it was not for you, I would not have been able to play as the DDO launcher is rubbish, just would not download files, just kept on downloading the same dat file over and over. The steam download was broken for me too as it would not download Akamai so kept on getting the Akami 5 error so hence again another broken downloader. When i saw your post, i followed your guide and boom, I am now experiencing a game I really enjoy, so thanks!

Glad you like it and thank you!

Stoner81.

[kamimitsu]

You might consider Ghallanda. I know we have quite a few Aussie players, and we also have the guild DDO Korea Unlimited (which play in similar time zones, and do quite a bit of raids and high-end content). I'm in Japan and things are fairly active during our evenings. (Sure, not like the US evenings, but it's not that bad. You can even catch some raids if you watch the LFM.) I can't speak for the other servers, but perhaps have a peak around. If you need a cash infusion on Ghallanda, send me a PM and I'll hook you up.

As voxson5 mentioned, the playeraudit link is a great tool to see what's a-happening.

[AussieWolf]

You might consider Ghallanda. I know we have quite a few Aussie players, and we also have the guild DDO Korea Unlimited (which play in similar time zones, and do quite a bit of raids and high-end content). I'm in Japan and things are fairly active during our evenings. (Sure, not like the US evenings, but it's not that bad. You can even catch some raids if you watch the LFM.) I can't speak for the other servers, but perhaps have a peak around. If you need a cash infusion on Ghallanda, send me a PM and I'll hook you up.

As voxson5 mentioned, the playeraudit link is a great tool to see what's a-happening.

Thanks for the information mate. I'll roll my main on Ghallanda. I have a few questions you all don't mind answering.

1. There are so many builds it can get overwhelming. What first lifer would you recommend? I love opening chests and disarming traps so I thought Rogue but is there a build you could recommend for a new player? I would love it to also be wanted in group play too.

2. I have played enough now to commit to the game. Should I buy all 3 expansions now, what would you recommend I should purchase to get the full impact the game has to offer. I am a sub player and I did buy the starter pack.

Cheers

[C-Dog]

Welcome to the game!


1. There are so many builds it can get overwhelming. What first lifer would you recommend?
That's like asking "What car should I drive?" - the one you like! If you want opinions, you'll get as many different ones as people posting, and none will have anything to do with "you" except by accident.

That said, the "standard" 1st toon recommendations are great axe Barbarian, twin scimitar or bow Ranger (with trapping), blast'em Sorcerer, great cross bow Rogue (aka "mechanic"), or Wizard (with trapping).


I love opening chests and disarming traps so I thought Rogue but is there a build you could recommend for a new player?
Rogue is solid - lots of variations on that!

This first is an older thread but most(!) builds are still solid - start there, then post one you are intrigued by and see if there are any significant updates people would recommend. The next two are for custom builds - if you have requests outside the normal offering, ask there -


o Build Repository (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470423-Build-Repository?p=5759353&viewfull=1#post5759353)
o Kent's Custom Character Builds (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/453843-Kent-s-custom-Character-Builds?p=5504615&viewfull=1#post5504615)
o Request a Build, Get a Build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=1287726&viewfull=1#post1287726)



2. I have played enough now to commit to the game. Should I buy all 3 expansions now, what would you recommend I should purchase to get the full impact the game has to offer. I am a sub player and I did buy the starter pack.
"Sub player" - you mean VIP, a monthly subscription?

Either way, unless money is no object (in which case, congrats, and the answer is "yes!"), always wait for a Sale! Weekly sales are announced every Friday, and will save you 20-35% (they vary).

Larger sales hit in July, end of November, and mid-winter holidaze, with the rare deep discount thrown in at random as a weekly special. The expansion pack sales are the November ones - long-ish wait, but that gets back to what the savings are worth to you.

And (depending how you count them!) there are 4 Expansion Packs atm - Menace of the Underdark, Shadowfell Conspiracy, Mists of Ravenloft and Masterminds of Sharn.
https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Expansion_Packs

You don't need either of the first two listed until you hit Epic, Level 20+. You don't "need" the other two, but the gear is really nice, state of the art atm.

This is my write-up of the 2 older EP's, during a typical November sale. The newer packs might join them this time - or not, you never know. :cool:

o https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/497443-DDO-Store-Sales-quot-Select-Adventure-Packs-quot?p=6166886&viewfull=1#post6166886

[AussieWolf]

Welcome to the game!


That's like asking "What car should I drive?" - the one you like! If you want opinions, you'll get as many different ones as people posting, and none will have anything to do with "you" except by accident.

That said, the "standard" 1st toon recommendations are great axe Barbarian, twin scimitar or bow Ranger (with trapping), blast'em Sorcerer, great cross bow Rogue (aka "mechanic"), or Wizard (with trapping).


Rogue is solid - lots of variations on that!

This first is an older thread but most(!) builds are still solid - start there, then post one you are intrigued by and see if there are any significant updates people would recommend. The next two are for custom builds - if you have requests outside the normal offering, ask there -


o Build Repository (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/470423-Build-Repository?p=5759353&viewfull=1#post5759353)
o Kent's Custom Character Builds (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/453843-Kent-s-custom-Character-Builds?p=5504615&viewfull=1#post5504615)
o Request a Build, Get a Build (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/117232-Request-a-Build-Get-a-Build?p=1287726&viewfull=1#post1287726)



"Sub player" - you mean VIP, a monthly subscription?

Either way, unless money is no object (in which case, congrats, and the answer is "yes!"), always wait for a Sale! Weekly sales are announced every Friday, and will save you 20-35% (they vary).

Larger sales hit in July, end of November, and mid-winter holidaze, with the rare deep discount thrown in at random as a weekly special. The expansion pack sales are the November ones - long-ish wait, but that gets back to what the savings are worth to you.

And (depending how you count them!) there are 4 Expansion Packs atm - Menace of the Underdark, Shadowfell Conspiracy, Mists of Ravenloft and Masterminds of Sharn.
https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Expansion_Packs

You don't need either of the first two listed until you hit Epic, Level 20+. You don't "need" the other two, but the gear is really nice, state of the art atm.

This is my write-up of the 2 older EP's, during a typical November sale. The newer packs might join them this time - or not, you never know. :cool:

o https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/497443-DDO-Store-Sales-quot-Select-Adventure-Packs-quot?p=6166886&viewfull=1#post6166886

Thanks a heap for the info mate, really helps! Also, yes, when i said sub i do indeed mean VIP customer.

[kanordog]

I am an Australian player.


Try Khyber, look for someone from the guild called "Stormreach Thieves Guild", they are mostly Aussies and a bunch of fun people. I used to ran with them when I was on night shift and played during EU mornings (Aussie nights). No drama, fun guild, very helpful players. If you can't get hold on them, let me know, I'll log on and ask how can you contact them.

[Stoner81]

1. There are so many builds it can get overwhelming. What first lifer would you recommend? I love opening chests and disarming traps so I thought Rogue but is there a build you could recommend for a new player? I would love it to also be wanted in group play too.

Great Crossbow Mechanic Rogue with INT as main stat, lots of build on here for it. Solid DPS and healing via UMD (Heal scrolls) and skill points out the wazoo!

The main thing you might struggle a bit with is getting the trapping gear you need but again if you pick Cannith I can craft a bunch for you.

Stoner81.

[AussieWolf]

Great Crossbow Mechanic Rogue with INT as main stat, lots of build on here for it. Solid DPS and healing via UMD (Heal scrolls) and skill points out the wazoo!

The main thing you might struggle a bit with is getting the trapping gear you need but again if you pick Cannith I can craft a bunch for you.

Stoner81.

Mate I have seen a lot of your suggestions on builds, so 100% you understand mechanics better then most. Below i have linked the build I am thinking of focusing on just wanted your opinion on it please

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/445226-Revisiting-the-Elven-Ranger-for-New-Players

Have a few questions too if I can.

1 I have done a heap of reading on reincarnation but how do i increase the points i can use in builds ? Obviously being a first time player my build is 28 pts but some builds have 32 and even more points to start with, how do you earn that ?

2. With the build I linked, I am going to add one level of Rogue for traps, would that work in your opinion ?

3. What on earth is books that add stat bonuses, can they be earned at end game or are they a store brought item ?

[kamimitsu]

Mate I have seen a lot of your suggestions on builds, so 100% you understand mechanics better then most. Below i have linked the build I am thinking of focusing on just wanted your opinion on it please

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/445226-Revisiting-the-Elven-Ranger-for-New-Players

Have a few questions too if I can.

1 I have done a heap of reading on reincarnation but how do i increase the points i can use in builds ? Obviously being a first time player my build is 28 pts but some builds have 32 and even more points to start with, how do you earn that ?

2. With the build I linked, I am going to add one level of Rogue for traps, would that work in your opinion ?

3. What on earth is books that add stat bonuses, can they be earned at end game or are they a store brought item ?

1. You'll open up higher point builds through re-incarnating your character, and/or by hitting 1750 favor on any character on the server. (You can also buy it, but I'd recommend getting the favor. 1750 is EASY. You'll have it before you hit 20, most likely.)

2. The build you linked is fine, but I don't see anything invested in Disable Traps or Open Locks, so you won't be able to do all the rogue-y stuff. My mains are all rogues (3 of them). If you want ranged, I'd look at a Great Xbow Mechanic (fairly easy to build, somewhat tough to gear out) or an Inquisitive Dual Crossbow Mechanic (a little bit harder to build, slightly easier to gear, requires you purchase Inquisi or earn through favor). If you do end up rolling on Ghallanda (and I encourage you to check out more than just Ghallanda, especially if you find an Aussie guild somewhere), but if you do land in G-land, I may be able to help your gear situation (or at least finance some shopping).

3. Tomes add to your stats. You can get them in quests and raids (pretty **** rare). You also get your choice of +2 tome at 1750 favor again (so you can have a full set of +2s after 6 reincarnates). You an also buy them from the DDO store.


A few other points, I can't remember if standard VIPs can start up toons at level 4 or 7, but I'd avoid doing that on your first few characters. The low levels will help you learn the fundamentals, get some cash flow and gear going, and help you build much needed favor. Plus it's stupid fast on a first lifer (though I'd take your time and sniff the kobolds). After you've done that a few times, then feel free to skip or start at higher levels.

As for packs. Get 'em all if you can, but I'd argue Ravenloft is the best bang for your buck (both fun and gear-wise.) The level 10 gear is darn near good enough to get you to 20. And the 29 stuff is end-game ready. The quests are mostly well designed and fun. Sharn is good as well, though the gear at 15 has less utility as it may or may not be able to replace your Ravenloft stuff once you're fully kitted out (Gear tetris can be limiting). The 29 stuff is fantastic and in many cases will replace your Ravenloft gear. MotU is great from a quest design standpoint, and is practically necessary if you want any gear in lower level Epics (a somewhat tough spot for gearing characters). Shadowfell Conspiracy is "meh". Quests are ok, gear is mostly useless. Useful to have for fast XP in the latter half of Epic leveling, mind you.

Unlike many games, the community in DDO on every server is quite welcoming and generous, if you are open about your lack of (gear, knowledge, etc.). You'll get handouts and advice no matter where you land. Don't be afraid to tell party leaders you've never done the quest before, or that your gear may not be up to doing R1, but you'll listen to instructions and try your best. In most groups, you won't get flamed for it (unlike other games, where you'll be shunned for your "noobness"). Quite the opposite, the groups will likely slow down, explain details, and clarify anything unusual or strange you might be doing. Just avoid LFMs with "zerg" or "speed run" or similar, as they're not in the mood to hold hands.

[Stoner81]

Mate I have seen a lot of your suggestions on builds, so 100% you understand mechanics better then most.

Thanks but not even remotely close xD


Below i have linked the build I am thinking of focusing on just wanted your opinion on it please.

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/445226-Revisiting-the-Elven-Ranger-for-New-Players

You are better of asking Unbongwah on that one, he created that build 5 years ago, a lot has changed since then.


1 I have done a heap of reading on reincarnation but how do i increase the points i can use in builds ? Obviously being a first time player my build is 28 pts but some builds have 32 and even more points to start with, how do you earn that ?

You gain extra build points when you True Reincarnate your character up to a maximum of 36 points. This can happen once you reach level 20 and get a Druidic Heart of Wood via Tokens of the Twelve (20) or by buying a Heart of Wood from the DDO store (farm the tokens).

There are a few types of reincarnation that can do the above as well as other things (aka double dipping) like Iconics who Iconic Reincarnate and they get an Iconic Past Life as well as the Heroic Past Life. The wiki is your friend for this ---> https://ddowiki.com/page/Heroic_True_Reincarnation


2. With the build I linked, I am going to add one level of Rogue for traps, would that work in your opinion ?

Again ask Unbongwah about it :)


3. What on earth is books that add stat bonuses, can they be earned at end game or are they a store brought item ?

Those are stat tomes, they do drop in chests but are rare. I have pulled a number of them over the years but in the end I just bought them from the store since I was sick of waiting for the loot gods to shine on me xD You can also earn a +2 tome of your choice once you reach 1750 favour (tomes currently go up to +8)

Stoner81.

PS - Sorry for the late reply, my internet crapped out on us for like a day and a half!

[Sho-sa]

Welcome to the game, glad to see your enthusiasm!

Just to echo, Ravenloft is all the expansion you will need at first. Plus it has absolutely wonderful gear and you can start equipping them at lvl 10, which you will hit pretty fast on a first-life toon. (As you reincarnate for 2nd and 3rd+ lives the XP needed increases by 50% for the 2nd life and then remains steady at double the 1st life for every life 3rd and beyond.)

An interesting option is to test drive a toon until you get to 400 favor at which point you will have unlocked Drow as a racial option. Then make a new toon with the lessons you have learned about what you like and what works for you. They get +2 to three stats: DEX, INT, and CHA so they mimic a 36 point 3rd life build fairly well. Also those stat bonuses are great for trappers.

As a word of caution it can be hard for a 1st life toon to trap on Elite level quests as it lacks the bonuses and gear you would have otherwise acquired during previous gameplay. However, once you group with enough people you will find some to help you out and hopefully you will have smooth sailing. Unless someone is guiding you through quests, you will need your Spot skill to alert you to trap boxes in the area, then Search to find them, and Disable to get rid of them. In my experience Open locks does not require an investment of many skill points to get into most everything. (Once you have run through the game multiple times you will be pretty familiar with the trap box locations so you will not need as much investment in Spot.)

Also, some trap boxes start to be located beyond the traps themselves (to make the game more interesting! haha) so if you don't find some on occasion think about how to bounce through the trap itself and search again. What some builds talk about with mixing two levels of Rogue on an Artificer toon is for the Evasion ability to get through these situations as well as Evasion's other benefits. But yes, for the build you linked one level of Rogue is for the traps as Rangers get Evasion, but not until level 9. You also get much more benefit from your skill points if you take Rogue at lvl one.

Join lots of groups, make your own, and advertise you are new and open to help and learning. What is left of the community these days is fairly top-notch.