New Player, Needing Some Help...

[ImportDezigns]

I have VERY little free time per week, and it's mostly late at night, so I will be soloing about 90% of my gaming hours. I was told this game has great soloing content, so my question is what would be the best build/way to start my first character, according to my list below...

1. Must be a Ranger(I read that 18/1/1 is a good build, is this true?)
2. needs to be a STRONG solo build, but not completly useless in groups.
3. a list of the best things to buy from the item mall, races/potions/gear etc, to help me level up, or solo.
4. which server has a high population, and thus more likely to have players online from 1am-9am PST?
5. if for some reason the ranger is a terrible class for soloing, I am open to other ranged/casting classes, assuming they are great at soloing.(basically no melee builds plz )

[Feithlin]

Exploiter (Ranger 18/Rogue 1/Monk 1) is a melee build. If you want to focus on bow, it's way better to stay pure ranger. But be aware that it's a lot more efficient to melee than to range in the game, especially on a 1st character. For solo, a good melee with a cleric/FvS hireling works very nicely. Clerics are a strong solo class too: during the 1st levels, you will melee a lot, then you'll switch to casting mode (on a high wis cleric that is). Wizards are also great for solo, but the first levels are harder than with other classes. You could do a Wizard 18/Rogue 2 for example, this is a strong build.

[NaturalHazard]

Exploiter (Ranger 18/Rogue 1/Monk 1) is a melee build. If you want to focus on bow, it's way better to stay pure ranger. But be aware that it's a lot more efficient to melee than to range in the game, especially on a 1st character. For solo, a good melee with a cleric/FvS hireling works very nicely. Clerics are a strong solo class too: during the 1st levels, you will melee a lot, then you'll switch to casting mode (on a high wis cleric that is). Wizards are also great for solo, but the first levels are harder than with other classes. You could do a Wizard 18/Rogue 2 for example, this is a strong build.

The ranger capstone is not really 25% ranged speed boost. As an AA there will be times a lot of times when you will have to melee, splashing 2 in another class is not a bad Idea to get feats(fighter) as you can get AA tier 3 at level 18 as a ranger.

There is a lot of AA hate around........... might have to solo a fair bit and not by choice.

18 wizard 2 rogue is that a warforged build? Because you said it was a good build for solo so im assuming you meant 18 wizard 2 rogue as a warforged for self healing?

oh and con is NEVER a dump stat.

[Brennie]

I have VERY little free time per week, and it's mostly late at night, so I will be soloing about 90% of my gaming hours. I was told this game has great soloing content, so my question is what would be the best build/way to start my first character, according to my list below...

Honestly, i think you were slightly misinformed. DDO can be soloed, and its actually fairly easy to do so in low levels, but DDO is easily one of the most group-centric MMOs I've ever played. Many quests, and all raids, are built around the concept of a "Balanced party" mentality. However, DDO is a wonderful game, and if you must solo, then you can certainly do it!

1. Must be a Ranger(I read that 18/1/1 is a good build, is this true?)

They used to be. Recent changes to rangers have knocked them off thetop of the DPS heap. Thats not to say an 18/1/1 is bad, just not quite as good as it used to be. 12/7/1 or 12/6/2 rangers are also very popular, due to the feeling that teir III tempest isn't worth the level/feat/AP investment required.

However, be forewarned that 18/1/1 and 12/whatever builds are melee focused (More on this later). For a great 18/1/1 build check HERE (Check out the variants for the rogue-skilled version, which unfortunatly spreads out your stats a little thinner, but still works great!)

2. needs to be a STRONG solo build, but not completly useless in groups.

Most solo builds are also quite capable in groups. However, most solo builds also focus more on staying alive / being a generalist while most group-focused builds tend to focus on one goal and don't mind relying on other groupmates for the rest.

3. a list of the best things to buy from the item mall, races/potions/gear etc, to help me level up, or solo.

Adventure packs. Period. The End. If you are a free player, and plan to invest as little money as possible into DDO (or none at all), then you will need to hoarde your DDO store points like they represent real world money. Cause they do.

Open up Adventure pack content in the 12+ range in order to actually have stuff to do. Gianthold and Vale are *musts* in my mind. Delaras and sands come in a close second. After that, pad with more high level content (Devils of Shaggybreath/Inspired Quarter/Reavers Refuge) or whatever floats your boat. If you can, plan which packs you want, and check the store every day to see if those packs go on sale. Can save you a big chunk of money in the long run!)

You don't *need* any premium races or classes, and there are only a few worthwhile items in the DDO store worth mentioning (+1 or +2 supreme ability tomes, rez cakes, and MP potions... all of which are luxuries that you can easily do without!)

If you are VIP save you rpoints. you won't need to buy anything (And its nice to have padding if you decide to go Premium).

4. which server has a high population, and thus more likely to have players online from 1am-9am PST?

Khyber seems to be a high-flow server. But any of the "old" servers (Ghallandra, Thelanis, Sarlona, Khyber) would probably have a fair sized playerbase (THough i don't personally have much experience with anythign but Khyber or Sarlona, and Khyber wins for population... and lag... and inability to connect to a full server on occasion :P Problems you won't have at pre-dawn times)

5. if for some reason the ranger is a terrible class for soloing, I am open to other ranged/casting classes, assuming they are great at soloing.(basically no melee builds plz )

Multiclass ranger is not a terrible idea. It gives you some very important buffs (Protection from/Resist energy, freedom of movement, and barkskin for when it matters), some fun buffs (Longstrider, rams might), evasion, healing capability through wand and spell usage, among other nice things. However, a range-focused ranger is going to under-perform a melee ranger in almost all solo situations. Melee will have some extra AC form tempest, and simply mow through enemies. A ranger ranger will slowly plink away at enemies, which works very well in large explorer zones, but not in tight corridors/caves/sewers (Which is 90% of the game).

If you want an effective solo character, you will almost *have* to have some kind of melee capability. Infact, the only non-melee focused solo character i can think of would be a Warforged Wiz or wiz/rogue. This character would take a bit more experience (As being a solo caster can be rather tricky until you learn the ins and outs of it). This also requires either VIP or purchase of WF (Which is not necessary if you are still new to teh game. Try it out before spending money!)

Also good is battlecleric (See HERE). Huge ability to heal himself, decent damage output, and a variety of extremely handy and devastating spells. Slightly easier to manage than the WF wiz because you aren't relying solely on spells to kill enemies, because of a larger HP pool, better armor/shields (for the low levels), and ability to instantly join any group (Everyone needs a healer in their group!)

I hope this helps

[chrisgina39]

iv been working on a ranged speced rogue thats good for soloing

18(rogue)1(wizard)1 (monk) elf
toughness
rapid shot
zen archer(monk)
pbs
wf ranged
bow str
ip crit ranged
end feat youre choice
(wizard (take at lvl 8)) mt

[NaturalHazard]

iv been working on a ranged speced rogue thats good for soloing

18(rogue)1(wizard)1 (monk) elf
toughness
rapid shot
zen archer(monk)
pbs
wf ranged
bow str
ip crit ranged
end feat youre choice
(wizard (take at lvl 8)) mt

just curious why the 1 level of wizard?

[Brennie]

iv been working on a ranged speced rogue thats good for soloing

18(rogue)1(wizard)1 (monk) elf
toughness
rapid shot
zen archer(monk)
pbs
wf ranged
bow str
ip crit ranged
end feat youre choice
(wizard (take at lvl 8)) mt

I do not mean any rudeness, but generally speaking rogues don't solo well. Ranged rogues doubly so.

As a rogue, the majority of your damage comes from sneak attack. If you have no teammates, then all enemies will focus on you, and this no sneak attack. Bluff can help, but its slow and doesn't do much against enemy groups.

Ranged attacks also have some of teh slowest attacks rates of any weapon style, meaning that you will be getting pitiable DPS even in a group. Most rogues like to go with Two Weapon Fighting in order to maxmize their sneak attack output (More attacks, more sneak attack!)

None of the rogue PrEs mesh with bow-based ranged combat. Theif-Acrobat is all about staves, mechanic likes its repeaters, and assassin is built for melee. granted, all three offer some universal bonuses, but far less than using the suggested weapon-types of those PrEs.

Edit: This build lacks self-sufficiency as well. You will have to rely on potions for everything in your first few levels, and then wait for your UMD to catch up before you can use the "good" self sufficient items, such as cure serious wands and heal scrolls. You will also have to wand/potion your resists/protections, which will make them far weaker than if you had cast them yourself (Barring finding higher level wands/scrolls/potion, which are rare to drop).

Overall, i would highly suggest staying away from a mostly-rogue build for a solo character (Especially if you're new to the game).

Edit:

just curious why the 1 level of wizard?

As a prerequisite for Arcane Archer, i assume.

[ImportDezigns]

thx for the info thus far, I *am* a VIP account, and I paid for the 32pt addon. since it sounds like a ranger/bow solo build is out of the question, how viable is a melee ranger for soloing? and would this make getting into groups difficult?

is there a type of "cookie cutter" solo farm build? since this is the character I would need to farm with, in order to finance any other subsequent characters, I need this first toon to be VERY good at making money, and solo farming.

Since my ranged farming idea isnt viable, I'm pretty much open to anything now, assuming it's a great solo build...

[chrisgina39]

I do not mean any rudeness, but generally speaking rogues don't solo well. Ranged rogues doubly so.

As a rogue, the majority of your damage comes from sneak attack. If you have no teammates, then all enemies will focus on you, and this no sneak attack. Bluff can help, but its slow and doesn't do much against enemy groups.

Ranged attacks also have some of teh slowest attacks rates of any weapon style, meaning that you will be getting pitiable DPS even in a group. Most rogues like to go with Two Weapon Fighting in order to maxmize their sneak attack output (More attacks, more sneak attack!)

None of the rogue PrEs mesh with bow-based ranged combat. Theif-Acrobat is all about staves, mechanic likes its repeaters, and assassin is built for melee. granted, all three offer some universal bonuses, but far less than using the suggested weapon-types of those PrEs.

Edit: This build lacks self-sufficiency as well. You will have to rely on potions for everything in your first few levels, and then wait for your UMD to catch up before you can use the "good" self sufficient items, such as cure serious wands and heal scrolls. You will also have to wand/potion your resists/protections, which will make them far weaker than if you had cast them yourself (Barring finding higher level wands/scrolls/potion, which are rare to drop).

Overall, i would highly suggest staying away from a mostly-rogue build for a solo character (Especially if you're new to the game).

Edit:

As a prerequisite for Arcane Archer, i assume.

you would think it doesnt work but it doesO_o once you get to lvl 8ish

[Brennie]

thx for the info thus far, I *am* a VIP account, and I paid for the 32pt addon. since it sounds like a ranger/bow solo build is out of the question, how viable is a melee ranger for soloing? and would this make getting into groups difficult?

is there a type of "cookie cutter" solo farm build? since this is the character I would need to farm with, in order to finance any other subsequent characters, I need this first toon to be VERY good at making money, and solo farming.

Since my ranged farming idea isnt viable, I'm pretty much open to anything now, assuming it's a great solo build...

Ranger would fit the bill. The 18/1/1 build i linked would do just fine. Battlecleric and wiz/rogue warforged are also viable options, but depends on your preference (Up in your face slice'n'dice, Robot DeathMachine, or Holy smash-your-face-on while selfhealingalot)

[wax_on_wax_off]

Activity wise, I would suggest that it will be possible to find groups on all servers at all times of the day because it isn't just US players. I'm from Australia and often play with people from Europe or Asia and I've never struggled to find a group for most content that I've wanted to do. European players have increased since the Europe servers went down.

The tricky thing to do with the new freemium model of DDO is figuring out exactly how much money that you want to spend. $6.50? $20? $50? As you say that you won't be playing much per week I would suggest that VIP is not appropriate for you (though there is a $30/3 month deal for VIP at the moment). Once you decide what your budget is for the game, stick to it. Possibly play a character up as high as you can before spending any money so that you can get a feel for the game and what sort of content you are interested in (if you like the leveling experience and don't mind having alts you can only pay a little, just $6.50 to be able to post more AH items and 2 extra character slots when your account goes premium). If you find yourself interested in end game raiding, epic questing etc. then you will have to spend more to unlock that content. Either way, set your sights on buying Vale of Twilight as this is the most important pack to get (if you get a character up to level ~3 (100 favour) on every server you'll have enough TP to get it on a f2p account).

If you want to primarily solo and you enjoy ranged combat then I would indeed suggest a tempest ranger 18 / 1 monk / 1 rogue build. This would involve buying the monk class - so figure out your budget before committing to this. Additionally, a build like this can benefit more than a lot of other builds from 32 point builds. The great thing about all rangers is that they are excellent at ranged combat, even if specced for melee. My tempest ranger (18 ranger / 1 fighter / 1 rogue) is a pure strength based melee but took improved critical: ranged as well so when she pulls out her bow absolutely decimates enemies because of the free ranged feats that all rangers have.

Simply, if this sort of build appeals to you then look up The Exploiter and copy paste it to your own build and figure out which feat you can dump to take improved critical: ranged and it will be a sweet solo build with some awesome ranged firepower. Alternatively, use the exploiter 18/1 monk/1 rogue template but take mental toughness, point blank shot, weapon focus: ranged to qualify for Arcane Archer. Just remember to take improved critical: (chosen melee weapon, slashing or piercing) and power attack as well so that you can melee when appropriate.

Yes, constitution is not a dump stat.

No, don't always use your bow.

Keep strength ~= dexterity on a ranged build (damage is more important than to-hit quite often).