Hey all, just looking for some opinions on starting eq2 right now.  I've played almost every big MMO thats been released in the last few years, and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. 

I was a hardcore Everquest player back in high-school and through most of college, and I absolutely loved the game... but now that I have real responsibilities it seems I have much less time for gaming.

EQ2 always looked appealing to me, but the size, and depth of the game always kind of scared me away.  Is it too late to start playing ?  Would I be alone in the newer zones?  Would I be able to accomplish anything by played 1-3 hours a night?  Any thoughts would be appreciated!  Thanks!

Nah you'll be fine. I just started playing several weeks ago there are people running around the noob zones to group with and 1-3 hours a night is plenty for quests / crafting / and just mob killing.

Everquest II is a different experience the first one, but still a very fun game.  I recommend you buy the latest expansion pack Echoes of Faydwer from a retail outlet as it will give you the base game plus all the expansions and all the bonus rewards that only come from a retail box set.

Thanks for the comments so far - and Nice post on the other thread John, that helped me a lot.  Anyone know the min/rec. system specs for the newest expansion? 

I can run LOTRO Pretty well on my computer, I dont have a DVD drive though, so if the games dont come in CD form, I may be out of luck.  I would check sony's site, but I am at work and its actually a restricted site somehow lol.  Anyways if anyone knows min specs I would appreciate it.

I believe Echoes of Faydwer comes on two DVDs.  It's okay, though, you can download the trial from the website and it will update to a full version, so you won't need a disk.

Yea, im in the same boat as you.  I actually downloaded and tested the trial of the isle version and i loved it and would like to continue.  So many expansions tho I am not sure which to buy.  Should I buy original first then get expansions, or get latest expansion and that will have most of new content.  And do each expansion create new storylines therefore creating a new continent for players to play on like GW. I am just totally confused.  Can someone help me out and clearify this for me?  Thanks

If you can buy the Echoes of Faydwer in the store, you get all the expansions so that is all you would need to get. Also you can but it from Direct2Drive.com also and that one comes with the expansions as well. It is just like buying the box, only no box and you have to download it and then patch the game.

Originally posted by Komfort

Yea, im in the same boat as you.  I actually downloaded and tested the trial of the isle version and i loved it and would like to continue.  So many expansions tho I am not sure which to buy.  Should I buy original first then get expansions, or get latest expansion and that will have most of new content.  And do each expansion create new storylines therefore creating a new continent for players to play on like GW. I am just totally confused.  Can someone help me out and clearify this for me?  Thanks

1) Buy Echoes of Faydwer from a retail store if possible

2) If not possible buy Echoes of Faydwer from Direct 2 Drive Digital Download (Digital Download may NOT include box rewards and veteran rewards, check with Direct 2 Drive or SOE).

Here is what you will get and why you want it:

• 18 races, 24 classes
• 1^st Expansion – Desert of Flames
  • Arena Champions: Take the form of exotic creatures or fight as yourself in battles for glory against other creatures or players.
  • New movement: Search for treasure and find adventure in new areas by climbing up and down cliffs and walls.
  • Voice-over emotes: Express yourself in a battle or expand your social circle with new voice emotes.
  • Guild vaults: Share the loot of a hard won battle with the rest of your guild members.
  • Level range increase: Now play up to level 60 as both an Adventurer and Artisan!
  • New land: Discover over a dozen new zones and epic encounters.
  • New creatures: Test your combat skills in battles with over 30 new fearsome creatures.
  • Pickup EverQuest II Desert of Flames at a retailer near you and get a special genie bottle and gazing orb for your character! Your genie bottle will carry you to a magical place where genies spin tales and reveal secrets of the Desert of Ro and their kind, while your gazing orb will offer visions and guidance in answering questions that confound you.
• Expansion Pack 2 – Kingdom of Sky
  • Higher Level Advancement - Now reach level 70 as an Adventurer or Artisan 
  • All-new Achievement System to further specialize your character’s abilities
  • Guild Advancement Expanded to Level 50
  • Brand New Pieces of Armor, such as Profession Hats, Helmets and Pauldrons, will make your character look more distinct!
  • Four New Arena Champions and Two New Arenas
  • New Heritage Quests allow players to gain amazingly powerful items, personal status, adventure experience and even a reward made famous in the original EverQuest or EverQuest Online Adventures!
  • Signature Quests which reward large experience bonuses, personal status, entirely new items, and advance the lore of EverQuest II!
  • If you purchase Kingdom of Sky at a store near you or an online retailer you’ll receive a full-color poster sized map of the Dragon Isles, the third limited edition collectible EverQuest II coin, and a special in-game carnivorous plant for your house that’ll reward you with potions in return for edible items.
• Expansion Pack 3 – Echoes of Faydwer
  • New playable race - The Fae
  • New starting location - Kelethin
  • Over 350 all-new quests
  • Content and zones available for players of all levels (1 - 70)
  • Cloaks that can be worn by your player character
  • All-new Profession Hats and Armor
  • Over 20 new adventure zones
  • Over 40 new types of creatures
  • New rewards for PvP (Player vs. Player) combat
  • New player housing, items, equipment, spells and tradeskill recipes
  • Levels for Guilds raised from 50 to 60
• Adventure Packs (Sold separate or with Station All Access Pass)
  • Bloodline Chronicles
  • Splitpaw Saga
  • The Fallen Dynasty
• New City and Race
  • The lost city of Neriak has been rediscovered.
  • A new playable race, the Arasai, are now available for players who have Echoes of Faydwer.
  • New characters created for Neriak will start in Hate's Envy, an outpost in the Darklight Wood.
  • A whole new LFG system is available. Find friends, slaughter foes!
  • House moves just became less of a chore!
  • PvP players can no longer use zoning to escape combat!
  • An additional character slot has been added to all accounts & two for Station Access subscribers!
• COMING SOON NOVEMBER 13^th
  • Expansion 4 – Rise of Kunark

Where to buy?

EverQuest II: All In One Compilation Digital Download

Veteran Rewards

Account active at least 1 day:

• 12 slot bag

Account active at least 1 week:

• Adventure XP bonus potion (28% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Tradeskill XP bonus potion (28% XP bonus - Temporary)

Account active at least 1 month:

• Wand of debt removal
• Field Repair Kit
• House Decoration: Weapon Rack

Account active at least 3 months:

• Reforming stone that gives you a single respect to change your
  traits, traditions, tactics, and training choices
• House Decoration: Tombstone
• Fireworks

Account active at least 6 months:

• Adventure XP bonus potion (39% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Tradeskill XP bonus potion (39% XP bonus - Temporary)

Account active at least 12 months:

• Suffix title: the Loyal
• Adventure XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Tradeskill XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)

Account active at least 18 months:

• Fireworks
• House Decoration: Pirate Flag

Account active at least 24 months:

• Suffix title: the Dedicated
• Magic Makeover Mirror
• Adventure XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Tradeskill XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)

Account active at least 36 months:

• Suffix title: the Distinguished
• Adventure XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Tradeskill XP bonus potion (55% XP bonus - Temporary)
• Veteran’s Display Case - 50% Broker Commission reduction
• EQ1 Heritage Title

Station Players

Fan Faire

yea i found that sticky after i posted :P

ok but i still have a question buying retail box gives you first month free?

does buying an all in one pack through direct 2 drive still give you the first month free?

Originally posted by Komfort

yea i found that sticky after i posted :P

ok but i still have a question buying retail box gives you first month free?

does buying an all in one pack through direct 2 drive still give you the first month free?

just to clarify, so i can keep my trial account and upgrade it to full sub and get the 30 days free

 john you also posted here http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/thread/136224

the direct 2 drive all in 1 pack that gives me a free 30 days aswell?

I guess wat im  trying to ask is does the free 30 days include trial accounts already pre existing because the site says for all new accounts, would i have to make a new account?