Hello Tera forum, my name is Hector (AcidSnake87) and I will be making my purchase of Tera very soon (within a month, waiting on my PC). I am new to the game but not new to MMO's. I played FFXI for over 3 years and after researching many different free to play and paid for games, I feel that Tera online is the game I will be putting my time and effort into for it's nice looking combat and art style. 

I need some questions asked though by the veteran players, if possible. 

What is the main tank class in Tera and is Tanking a big part of parties/raids/events?
Are you able to change classes in the middle of the game? Example, in FFXI, your one character can level up all the different classes.
Is making money a chore in this game? 
Is equipment a huge part of a players performance or does his skill carry his name as a player?
Is there an "Auction House" or do players buy items through AI? 
Is obtaining good gear a chore?
Is leveling up based around grinding for hours or earning exp through missions or a combination of both?
Are there classes considered under powered or are all classes equal in use?
Is end game present?
Can this game be enjoyed alone or are parties a must for a good experience? 
Does race affect your stats in any way? Example, in FFXI, a "Galka" had an extraordinary amount of HP compared to other classes and had low MP, making them a weak Mage.

Also, what is the big melee class in this game? 

Thanks for your time forum :D 

I would suggest you first try creating a trial account before you purchase this product.

I tried creating one this evening and it wouldn't allow me to "update" the account with a trial code.  Researching the problem, it seems they block players based on IP, but since I'm in North America I figure their system is either screwed up or they've accidentally blocked part of the States.  Either way its a cluster.

Originally posted by AcidSnake87

Hello Tera forum, my name is Hector (AcidSnake87) and I will be making my purchase of Tera very soon (within a month, waiting on my PC). I am new to the game but not new to MMO's. I played FFXI for over 3 years and after researching many different free to play and paid for games, I feel that Tera online is the game I will be putting my time and effort into for it's nice looking combat and art style. 

I need some questions asked though by the veteran players, if possible. 

What is the main tank class in Tera and is Tanking a big part of parties/raids/events?

The main tank in the game is a lancer but warrior does a good job of it too,  it will depend on your play style on which to pick.  Yes Tanks play a huge role.

Are you able to change classes in the middle of the game? Example, in FFXI, your one character can level up all the different classes.

You can make up to 8 alts per server,  once a character is made it will not be able to change class.

Is making money a chore in this game? 

it is at first (low levels) but at higher levels its easy, but you will have expenses.

Is equipment a huge part of a players performance or does his skill carry his name as a player?

Both, gear plays a role but when all things are equal it will come down to skill (twitch skill and movement)

Is there an "Auction House" or do players buy items through AI? 

Yes there is an auction house.

Is obtaining good gear a chore?

Nope its quite easy.  There is enchanting in the game and that will be a chore (don't try to enchant until you hit lv25,  you will get a quest that will show you how to do it).

Is leveling up based around grinding for hours or earning exp through missions or a combination of both?

best exp is through quest, instances, and killing big ass monsters.

Are there classes considered under powered or are all classes equal in use?

I would say warrior until they hit end game then they are good (if they are geared correctly)

Is end game present?

No its not, not all of it anyway.

Can this game be enjoyed alone or are parties a must for a good experience?

You can have fun soloing quest and killing BAM's but grouping is a shit ton of fun, esp for tanks and healers.

Does race affect your stats in any way? Example, in FFXI, a "Galka" had an extraordinary amount of HP compared to other classes and had low MP, making them a weak Mage.

Each race have special trates,  you may have to look them up at the official site.  (they don't make that big of a deal the higher lvl you go. 

Also, what is the big melee class in this game? 

DPS melee is Berserker, Slayer, and Warrior @ end game.  Berserker is a slow class with huge damage,  slayer is fast with big damage,  and warrior has the fastest attacks and fast movement but lower damage per hit compared to the other two.

Thanks for your time forum :D 

^ ty sir. You are a scholar and a gentleman.