There seems to be a lot of talk going around about class X not being as powerful as class Y or not being able to beat monster Z. While I agree that minor tweaks might be needed, I really think that many peoples' problems can all be solved by two things: Build and Tactics.
I know that many of you will already know all of this, but bear with me. After reading another post in which a player stated that he had used the default/recommended skills, feats, etc throughout the OC and expansions, and then meeting another barb in game who didn't know what knockdown was, I felt maybe some people might find this helpful.
Build
It is always good to plan ahead for each character that you want to make. You don't have to go crazy with this, but you need to know, for instance, that if you want to take the Disarm feat, you'll need a 13+ base INT. It is necessary to know the prerequisites you need for the feats you want your character to have, and also by what level you'll be able to meet those prerequisites. Planning is key. You want to build something that will be effective at low, mid, and high levels. If you suddenly realize at level 15 that you're character is hopelessly weak, there is nothing to do but start over. Save time by knowing what your character's goals are and when and if you can reach them.
The key thing here is that this is a whole new mod. You must build a character specifically for this world. Your single-player OC characters won't work here. Your NS3 characters no longer apply. Your Bastions of War PvP builds will probably be good at PvP, but there are a lot of other critters in this arena. And your scythe-wielding WM maybe be able to drop giants 6 at a time, but if an enemy PM/Wizard comes along, you're in trouble. We are all still adjusting to a new world. As time goes on, you will learn what works and what doesn't. The purpose of Beta is to find the things that the devs need to tweak, but keep in mind that this is not the "Who can level the fastest" or "Who owns in PvP" arena. It's NS4. Build accordingly. The idea is to have fun
Tactics
It has been said before, and I'll say it again. This mod was designed with parties in mind. Party to hunt, party to PvP. If you want to solo, you will have to have a versatile build. Now my barbarian at lvl 11 can take on 2 Chunkers and 3 Ogre Raiders at once without too much trouble. But I join up with others whenever I can. Why not take some free buffs and free firepower when it benefits all involved? And it also helps to prevent getting jumped by a hostile faction when you're out wandering around alone. The XP hit for hunting is marginal if you're all only a few levels apart, and you can just lay waste to everything!
And trust me, PvP is alot more fun when it's 5 on 5. Have an archer or rogue to attack enemy mages, or better - another mage. Dispel their mages, disable their melee. Have your cleric healing the tanks and Holding their foes. Casters, buff your melee's and provide support. Melee's, protect your casters and use those buffs to put the smackdown on your foes. There are so many different strategies that work well together. Learn to use them so that you compliment eachother. That way you'll just be whirling death to anything you come across. A killing machine.
To any of you who are having trouble with PvP, I'd strongly recommend trying out a PvP arena. My personal favorite is Bastions of War, and I have heard NWTactics is good also. You can learn a lot about adjusting your builds by trying some arena PvP action.
Tactics are very important in NS4. You have to know what you're up against, and adjust accordingly. A simple example would be the Ogres mentioned above. They had resistance/immunity to my katana (slashing) so I pulled out the warhammer (bludgeoning) and my damage output doubled. And PvP adds a whole other element. My barb has a good Fort save, so he can evade death magic, but his Will save sucks. Any kind of mind affecting spells and i'm standing there helpless, looking down the barrel of a mage. But if he doesn't stop me first, I knock him down, hit him with a called shot to the legs so he can't run away, and then I chop him to pieces. There are many basic and simple things like this that apply to both PvP and PvM.
I know that many of you are already aware of these things, and still have certain changes that you would like to be seen made. That is good. You are the people who will be able to most help the Devs with the changes that may or may not need to be made.
My only point is that it is a brand new mod, and even the fundamental things have changed. Be aware of that when you are suggesting what you think should go and what should stay.
See you in-game
