Least downtime?

Krait · #1 07-01-2011, 03:29 AM

What classes are thought to have the least downtime while leveling. Not concerned about experience penalties or group-ability. Just the least downtime while leveling.
Thanks.

Troy · #2 07-01-2011, 04:04 AM

Bard and Ranger have zero downtime kiting. Mage has zero in lower levels when you let fire pet do all of the work.

HeallunRumblebelly · #3 07-01-2011, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Bard and Ranger have zero downtime kiting. Mage has zero in lower levels when you let fire pet do all of the work.

It's also worth noting that ranger kiting is -very- expensive until tolan's bracer, and then not a worthwhile time investment once you are 45+. Bard is alright but there's a limited window, and while it is useful for leveling, you won't accrue much gear that way ;P It's also highly skill based.

That said, necro, enchanter, mage, shm are all great solo classes with minimal downtime, can't miss with any of those really.

soup · #4 07-01-2011, 06:34 AM

Assuming what I can from the basic question asked, I'll say that what you're looking for is a necro.

falkun · #5 07-01-2011, 07:59 AM

Bards have zero downtime while AoE kiting (the fastest leveling in the game, even with a 40% exp penalty). The problem is you will literally be doing the same thing for ~40-50 levels. Also, you will probably be doing it in the same zone for ~25 levels. It gets very monotonous, you do not get any gear and the money is ok, but you will outlevel every other class for the /played time you put in.

FatMagic · #6 07-01-2011, 08:20 AM

When can a shaman solo with lower downtime? At the lower levels >20 it seems to be very group-dependent.

Estu · #7 07-01-2011, 09:33 AM

Shamans have zero downtime in the very high levels when they get Torpor. Before that, they have downtime, though once you get regen and cannibalize at level 24 a lot of your downtime is spent cannibalizing repeatedly while medding.

I'd agree with the above posters that either bard or necro would qualify. Of the two, necro is a lot more versatile soloing.

Extunarian · #8 07-01-2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatMagic [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

When can a shaman solo with lower downtime? At the lower levels >20 it seems to be very group-dependent.

From 34 to early 50's there is very little downtime for a shaman. Get a JBB at 46 and you'll really cruise.

For me, in the mid-high 50's I don't suffer from downtime per se, but I do have to throttle DPS based on my mana bar. And there is still occasional downtime when all your buffs go at once.

From my experiences outside the BW giant fort I would say necro's and mages seem to be able to kill mobs faster than I can.

Dr4z3r · #9 07-01-2011, 10:16 AM

Bards may have very little downtime, but it takes a LOT of work to get used to the kiting, and a fair bit of concentration when you're actually doing it (I guarantee you, you'll get lazy once per session and die because of it).

When I was kiting as a bard, I wished there was more downtime, because it's really taxing.

deakolt · #10 07-01-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4z3r [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Bards may have very little downtime, but it takes a LOT of work to get used to the kiting, and a fair bit of concentration when you're actually doing it (I guarantee you, you'll get lazy once per session and die because of it).

When I was kiting as a bard, I wished there was more downtime, because it's really taxing.

QFT. I had to take breaks between AOE kites on live because the sessions were so intense.