Hello, in order to keep this as itemized and short as possible, I am going to... well... itemize it.

Intro: I have been playing MMORPG games since 1999. I am seeking to get in to LOTRO as I had played it in the past on a friends account and never got back in to it because at the time I was stuck on WoW. Wasn't really a bad thing, because now it's F2P and having already dove and conquered DDO - I know Turbine means business when they enter into the world of F2P. That, and I already liked the game.

What I need:

- Class Recommendation
- Server Suggestion, Guild Recruitment is always cool.
- Helpful Hints, things that might make my game experience more enjoyable.

Class Recommendation -

Classes I have enjoyed in the past from other MMOs, and I mean REALLY enjoyed.

Mage - WoW
Shadowknight - EQ1
Ritualist - GW

Is there anything at this point similar to these? I have played and enjoyed Captain and Loremaster in the past, but maybe you have a better suggestion?

Server Recommendation -

I tend to play rather a completionist style. I enjoy PvP, then Social Gaming, then Roleplaying in that order. I would love to join a guild that I could eventually become a helpful member of, not a leech.

Helpful Hints -

I have in the past absolutely bested (In a manner of speaking, saw and did everyting there was to see and do) Guild Wars, WoW, EQ, Planetside, Shadowbane, and DDO.

Is there something I would have missed in those games that may apply in LOTRO you would deem helpful to me.

I know I haven't said it yet, but thank you in advance. I really want to dive in to the game but if memory serves right - simply making a character and leaving the newbie area is a huge investment of time and patience - albeit an enjoyable one. Both of my characters in the past have been human, I am considering an Elf this time. In any case, feel free to just throw a single helpful hint in or a dozen. Everything helps =)

Seems like you have quite a mix of experiences, as such you maybe like me when faced with a new MMO,  looking for a class thats a bit different, one that you may not have played before.

Therefore I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest a 'Warden'

Its a medium armor class that has both ranged and melee skills, soloable and good in groups acting as either off-tank or DPS.

its a lovley class that offers a new experience.  It may sound like a Ranger or Hunter class, which could also be described  similar to the above but the way in which the combat works for the Warden is quite refreshing and quite new.

As for other tips and advice, hmmm, well the only thing which put me off about lotro was that I'd got to about level 35 on a Hunter and found myself fedup with having to miss 'group quests'  there are a lot of them and no class can solo them really.  The reason I had to miss them was simply finding a group was hard, or took time which I didnt have.

Now with F2P I'm exciting about there being a lot of new players to play with and a lot of active guilds!  So for the first, say, 20 levels solo.. get used to the map, where things are! (like storage, AH, crafting)  then start to look for a guild (Called a Kin)  but dont go for a kin that has tons of high level players in, look for a young kin, because high level characters come a long and spoil things, they trivialise the adventure.

I think thats all I'm gona say for now, if you have any question on my comments above dont hesitate to ask.

Originally posted by sadeyx

Seems like you have quite a mix of experiences, as such you maybe like me when faced with a new MMO,  looking for a class thats a bit different, one that you may not have played before.

Therefore I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest a 'Warden'

Its a medium armor class that has both ranged and melee skills, soloable and good in groups acting as either off-tank or DPS.

its a lovley class that offers a new experience.  It may sound like a Ranger or Hunter class, which could also be described  similar to the above but the way in which the combat works for the Warden is quite refreshing and quite new.

 

As for other tips and advice, hmmm, well the only thing which put me off about lotro was that I'd got to about level 35 on a Hunter and found myself fedup with having to miss 'group quests'  there are a lot of them and no class can solo them really.  The reason I had to miss them was simply finding a group was hard, or took time which I didnt have.

Now with F2P I'm exciting about there being a lot of new players to play with and a lot of active guilds!  So for the first, say, 20 levels solo.. get used to the map, where things are! (like storage, AH, crafting)  then start to look for a guild (Called a Kin)  but dont go for a kin that has tons of high level players in, look for a young kin, because high level characters come a long and spoil things, they trivialise the adventure.

I think thats all I'm gona say for now, if you have any question on my comments above dont hesitate to ask.

Warden is an awesome class and my main, its not a offtank though but a maintank. Ofc you can still be a offtank, but dont get shocked when people expect you to tackle that balrog. Its a rather unique experience, being a tank with medium armor. 

Play on one of the 4 new servers released. Fresh start, new community, new economy...

Class - You mentioned you like PvP, and that you've tried the Loremaster and like it.  I'm going to recommend the Loremaster.  They are one of the most dominant solo classes, and one of the most desired classes in groups.  They do nice burst AoE damage, have some sick dots, and crazy CC.  In groups their ability to manage power, distribute stun immunity and slow the enemy with tar makes them a must in any PvP group.  I don't know why I haven't levelled one up yet lol.

Server - Again going with the PvP theme, I would choose Riddermark because it is a new server, and of the new servers it will have the most dedicated PvPers.  And I think playing on a new server will make it easier to find groups while levelling.

Since you are a completionist this bodes well for you.  Completing many deeds will gain you Turbine Points and will limit your financial investment.  On my first toon I played completionist style and had a great time.  If you reach out to form groups you won't be disappointed.  Just remember to /joinchannel glff, it will help you with finding groups.  Good luck and enjoy the game.

You mentioned you like PvP?  I would highly recommend another game.  PvP in LoTRO trivializes one side, and therefore, makes one side ridiculously over-powered.  Not a whole lot of fun unless shooting fish in a aquarium is a challenging endeavour for you.

Originally posted by jason6078

You mentioned you like PvP?  I would highly recommend another game.  PvP in LoTRO trivializes one side, and therefore, makes one side ridiculously over-powered.  Not a whole lot of fun unless shooting fish in a aquarium is a challenging endeavour for you.

While PvP in Lotro is both neglected and flawed, there are many people who play who enjoy it.  Check the Riddermark PvMP forum to see how many people are going to PvP on the new server.  And there is no side that is "ridiculously over-powered" as you say.  Freeps in general have the advantage in raid vs. raid, while creeps do better in 1v1s and unorganized zergs.  However this is a generalization because there are a total of 15 classes involved.

Originally posted by jason6078

You mentioned you like PvP?  I would highly recommend another game.  PvP in LoTRO trivializes one side, and therefore, makes one side ridiculously over-powered.  Not a whole lot of fun unless shooting fish in a aquarium is a challenging endeavour for you.

Sorry but as with any PvP..when it is on for the night it is fun as hell....when it is off it's a little frustrating, and it's on most nights...at least on Elendilmir. Going to reroll on "The Mark" and it should be fun...happy Creeping!

Originally posted by Raserei

Play on one of the 4 new servers released. Fresh start, new community, new economy...

I agree and did the same thing. Level 10 so far :)

any idea yet on which of the new servers is most popular..can't get it out of my head that at least 2 of the 4 might not have enough people to play with.

LOTRO really isn't that good lol, it's not even worth playing for free imo, subscribing yes, grinding through areas no.

This game could've been SOOOOOOO much better, but after levelling 4 characters to 55 I just got burned out.

ive tried a ton of games i thought werent that good.

yet in those games i didn't like, i never got one character near max lvl let alone 4.

i can just see the wheels spinning

" man i can't believe i bought this load of crap, ill show them..im going to put 500 hours into just to spite them"

Originally posted by OoMpAlOmPaZ

LOTRO really isn't that good lol, it's not even worth playing for free imo, subscribing yes, grinding through areas no.

 

This game could've been SOOOOOOO much better, but after levelling 4 characters to 55 I just got burned out.

Goodness, its quite amazing how there are so many holes in two statements using so few words xD

you say its not a good game such that Its not weven worth playing for free, but is worth subscribing too?.. lol

4 charactes to level 55, when the cap has never been 55! it was 50, 60 then 65.... hmmm

Then you use the term "coud've been" for an MMO?... 

I think someone's blowing smoke hahaha

Originally posted by sadeyx

Originally posted by OoMpAlOmPaZ

LOTRO really isn't that good lol, it's not even worth playing for free imo, subscribing yes, grinding through areas no.

 

This game could've been SOOOOOOO much better, but after levelling 4 characters to 55 I just got burned out.

Goodness, its quite amazing how there are so many holes in two statements using so few words xD

 

you say its not a good game such that Its not weven worth playing for free, but is worth subscribing too?.. lol

 

4 charactes to level 55, when the cap has never been 55! it was 50, 60 then 65.... hmmm

 

Then you use the term "coud've been" for an MMO?... 

 

I think someone's blowing smoke hahaha

Ermm, not that i agree with him but he didn't actually mention top level. He could of levelled to 55 and then stopped, that's not the same as saying i levelled to top level then got burnt out.

Aside from the nancys at the bottom, this is all A quality advice.

Having carefully read over everything being said - I have come to these conclusions (also doing research on the aspects mentioned in this thread)

Class:

Runekeeper - I like the Healing / Damage ability one of these have - this would be my top choice if it doesn't require two sets of gear. If only one set is required, I believe that I have the Turbine Points to buy it outright.

Warden - Definitely my choice if RK requires two sets of gear. I enjoy the "Tank to DPS" aspect almost as much as DPS - Heal. However again, will this require two sets of gear? If so, then I will definite be a LM.

Loremaster - Choice if the above two have the flaws I believe them to.

Minstrel - I just don't know that this really applies to me. Then again, I may be getting put off by the musical aspect of it. I know for a fact you can compose some amazing songs, and the utility one of these brings to a group is great but I think all the three above classes are more my taste.

Server: The new server you are all mentioning is a definite for me. Thank you very much for that.

Hints: You have all been a great help, I am hoping the RK works out well. If he does, I'll be as happy as anything with my typical style of playing. Thank you again - I'll revisit this thread some more in the future.

Originally posted by Reizlanzer

Aside from the nancys at the bottom, this is all A quality advice.

Having carefully read over everything being said - I have come to these conclusions (also doing research on the aspects mentioned in this thread)

Class:

Runekeeper - I like the Healing / Damage ability one of these have - this would be my top choice if it doesn't require two sets of gear. If only one set is required, I believe that I have the Turbine Points to buy it outright.

Warden - Definitely my choice if RK requires two sets of gear. I enjoy the "Tank to DPS" aspect almost as much as DPS - Heal. However again, will this require two sets of gear? If so, then I will definite be a LM.

Loremaster - Choice if the above two have the flaws I believe them to.

Minstrel - I just don't know that this really applies to me. Then again, I may be getting put off by the musical aspect of it. I know for a fact you can compose some amazing songs, and the utility one of these brings to a group is great but I think all the three above classes are more my taste.

 

Server: The new server you are all mentioning is a definite for me. Thank you very much for that.

 

 

Hints: You have all been a great help, I am hoping the RK works out well. If he does, I'll be as happy as anything with my typical style of playing. Thank you again - I'll revisit this thread some more in the future.

From my experience you don't really need 2 sets of gear in LotrO even as a Rune keeper. The only thing is that you will probably want 2 sets of legendary items, 1 rune stone and 1 satchel for healing and for dps but that is not a big problem.

In LotrO you have class traits that define your "spec" but its cheap and easy to change from being healing specced to dps and you will gain most traits as you level.

Both RK and Warden are abit more fast paced than the old classes if you enjoy that playstyle more.

RK it is then.

Oh and, LotRO = Led Zeppelin. If you listen to much Zep you'll know why.

Originally posted by NightAngell

Ermm, not that i agree with him but he didn't actually mention top level. He could of levelled to 55 and then stopped, that's not the same as saying i levelled to top level then got burnt out.

OK, a presumtion on my part.  However I cant think of any reason to get *4* characters to 55 only..  MMO's are about end game, raiding and completing things which requires a good active guild.    So if he did only get to 55 then he must have been soloing.. in which case, duh! lol.  Even then its not hard to hit max, especially if you have the time to level 3 other characters.

Lotro is one of the last few MMO's which have dumbed down so much that max level is soloable (WoW) which would explain why he burnt out.

I just found the entire sentence very suspicious and presumed it was just BS :D  but you could be right there are a lot of weirdo's out there, which just dis-credits himself even more ;)

I dont think Warden requires two sets of gear either.

The reason why the Warden can switch is because of the way in which the combat works,  you have a set of skills and when you active these skills in a certain order or a certain pattern you finish with a combo move,  depending on which combo your going for this move can either enhance your armor, evade skills, DPS skills it can even heal, pull aggro.. loads of different things.

RK is also is one of the newer classes,  but they are very squishy!  Too much healing and they pull aggro, too much damage and they pull aggro...  However RK are very flashy and noisy :D

I'd say roll one of each and get them to level 10.. which doesnt take long at all.  Anyway, you soon realise you need an alt so you may as well =]