Returning to EQ after 15 Years, and could use some advice.

[Crysteria]

Hello Everyone,

I'm excited to return to EQ and I miss the old challenge of working together and tackling content that requires coordination and has a risk involved. My main was a Ranger on the Prexus Server (Elbrian).

I'm open to playing a Shaman, Enchanter, Wizard, Monk, Druid, or Ranger (I love the class, it's solid when played well, but it also has a high gear requirement). I've played all of the classes, and raided as a Ranger, Wizard, and Shaman, I could use some feedback.

How hard is it to get a group and are there any classes that are flooded so it's hard getting a group? On the flip side, are there any classes where there are shortages? I know leveling is going to be a grind starting from scratch, and my ultimate goal is raiding. Any feedback or direction/assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I look forward to seeing all of you in game.

Thanks,
Jason

[fzzzt]

Hi. Welcome to P99, "classic" EQ!

This server is old, as is most of the player/character base, so one of the most important things IMHO is to find a guild. It will help with grouping (assuming it's a leveling type guild) as a lot of groups I see are pre-made guild groups (probably of alts). Granted, my main is in the 50s, so I don't hang out in low level zones all that often so my view might be skewed. A large, varied guild makes sense, and I'd suggest Kittens Who Say Meow. They raid, have all levels, and are generally friendly, unless you pet them 4 times. Only 3 times. Not 2. Not 4. Anything else and you'll get scratched.

This server is old, and when combined with the flawed and unsustainable economics of EQ, that means a gap in gear at some levels, large inflation at others, and decent twink items, often for free. You may need to spend hours in EC trying to find some mid-level quest item (I'd suggest doing that stuff yourself anyway. It's a game.) Because of this I'd suggest joining Auld Lang Syne (I hope I spelled that correctly), whose guild rules resist some of this at least and promote a real "classic" sort of experience.

If you're really cool, join No Time To Rez. You can run around with my Pally and we can not-die together (NTTR is a permadeath guild).

I don't know of any class that's "flooded" (they all kinda are). It depends on what level, zone, time of day, play style, etc.. I would guess that DPS in general find groups more easily since there are more spots for them in a typical group. I've seen Enchanters, Wizards, Necros and Clerics struggle, but those are more specialized as groups go, or usually a group only needs one, so I'm not all that surprised. There is an entire guild for porting (Dial a Port) so that isn't really needed, unless you enjoy doing that. Just /who all dial and send a tell. And tip.

Personally, I have like 20 characters of various classes/races, most under level 20. :) You can have multiple accounts so you really aren't limited. I think if I had to I would suggest Shaman, which is basically useful anywhere. Clerics/Warriors are useful in lots of places, of course, but hard to solo if you can't get a group. I hate to do it, but Bard, as long as you aren't an anti-social swarm kiter. There are already too many of those. I know a few guilds are looking for Wizards. I'd guess people don't make them often because they don't get groups often. Personally I haven't made one because I can't come up with a clever enough name, which is almost as important as fashion. Really, maybe it's cliche, but I would say play what you enjoy playing the most. The whole "what's needed" thing doesn't really work, certainly not at the server level, more likely at the guild level, but even then, it depends on who is at work, vacation, etc..

Just my 2cp.

[Crysteria]

Hello Fzzzt,

I started a High Elf Wizard last night (Crysteria) and a Ranger (Trubin). I should be online a lot this weekend, and I appreciate all of the feedback regarding classes and guilds. I'll make sure to keep track of the number of times I pet kittens... 3 times, I got it.

I'm not sure I could handle a 1 and done guild right now; it's been a few years and I'm still getting a feel for the game again. I got lost in Greater Felwithe earlier and had an Orc Centurion chasing me (yep I bit it), but it's the first time I felt "panicked" in a while in a game. Thankfully I grabbed a loc so I could recover my corpse which had all of my possessions.

I'm definitely looking for a guild and grouping, as the social aspect is huge in this game. Send me a message in game if you want to group, I can't say I'll pull my weight yet, but I'm good company :)

[Izmael]

Shortage classes - none really. Clerics, rogues and wizards are still needed for raiding, just like in 2003 when you quit, because they stack beautifully.

Go through the list of classes and races, and select whatever gets your EQ gene pulsating, then just go with it. There's literally no class that will make you really needed, everyone has 20 level 60 alts they can log in.

Play whatever you think is going to be fun, maybe something you never tried, like a bard or an SK.

[Scrumtick]

At low level, you can probably get a group as any class. As you get higher level, groups tend to favour having a tank, a cleric, a bard or enchanter, a shaman, and dps in the form of rogues and monks. Sometimes wizards, mages and necros break into that. It's probably more difficult for rangers, but not nearly as difficult as it is for druids. I rarely see druids in my groups once 55+.

Tanks, clerics, and CC classes tend to have it the easiest when it comes to finding groups, but it is never guaranteed. Really, just play what you enjoy, and then have a back up character for when you can't get into the group you want.

[KENAK]

Shortage of paladins exist for a reason!

[Lhancelot]

Shortage of paladins exist for a reason!

What is the reason? I am thinking of dusting off some plats and sticking it into a new pally tbh.

[LiQuid]

Haha I remember Elbrian from Prexus! I was Juravial on Prexus also a ranger.

My advice, don't play a ranger on p99. Ever.

Shaman's the best.

[iflytoohigh]

I recommend starting a Druid first. Level up until you can start porting and th cash will roll in. You can then use that money to outfit what you really wanna play.

[LiQuid]

Don't start a god damned druid. They're the vermin of this server. You don't need money on this server. Pick a class you like, focus HARD on leveling them to 60 and join a good guild when you're 50+ You will get enough money and loot just by participating in guild events, groups, raids, etc.

[Jimjam]

What is the reason? I am thinking of dusting off some plats and sticking it into a new pally tbh.

I think the post is a satire on the dude who was asking if he should reroll his 26 paladin's stats to be top end orientated.

[Lhancelot]

I think the post is a satire on the dude who was asking if he should reroll his 26 paladin's stats to be top end orientated.

Yes. You are correct here I believe. There's a lot of satire in this thread which I missed while glossing over what people wrote. :)

[Foxplay]

Play enchanter

Your welcome

[Crysteria]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, and I remember Juravial as well. The good old days with Unity, KotF, Stasis, and Nameless Order (any many others I can't think of off the top of my head).

[kjs86z]

Yeah I'd decide between Shaman, Enchanter, and Monk.

Wiz and Ranger are horrible.

[Halfcell]

I would suggest a Shaman. The problem with most of the other classes you listed is they are either a group class, or a solo class. Shaman is the best class for soloing when you need to, but being in high demand for groups as well. Enchanters can get away with it, but soloing is harsh at the middle levels for them.

If you want a main that can go anywhere and be useful, desired, and fun, Shaman is the answer IMO.

Full disclosure... i play a Shaman.

[Pyrion]

Shaman's are great of course. That's why there are so many of them.

For a first char i would prefer druid, mage or necro though. Easier to play and understand and all of them can solo fairly well. Money wise, if you want to do it, druid porting can be good. And it's always nice to have a porter in your portfolio later on for doing errands (get songs for your new bard for example. Bard songs are spread all over the world).

[khandman]

Paladin!

[EpicAdventure]

most flooded classes are shaman and enchanter, and for good reason (most powerful solo).

Least played class is mage (mage was op / game breaking char for a large block of eq history, and on p99 is "just" the 4th or 5th strongest soloer).

Also depending on where you are at in the game you may think there is none of some class, (example: don't see many bards till high lvls cause they are soloing)

[mdavis522]

I have the hardest time finding a group with my enchanter and shadow knight. it's easy with cleric, shaman, druid, rogue. That's me personally tho.

[Scrumtick]

I have the hardest time finding a group with my enchanter and shadow knight. it's easy with cleric, shaman, druid, rogue. That's me personally tho.

They must be low level, because once you get into level 20+ groups, these two classes play essential roles and are always in high demand.

[kjs86z]

I have the hardest time finding a group with my enchanter and shadow knight. it's easy with cleric, shaman, druid, rogue. That's me personally tho.

lol wat