Hello everyone, I am a new player seeking some class selection advice. Having played other MMO's I know the type of character I like to play. However, after reading through the class descriptions on this site, I am still unclear of which class will best suit my playstyle (The descriptions really don't say a whole lot honestly).
So I ask you for your help...
I am looking to play a melee class that's viable in PvP as well as PvE (damage dealer perhaps?). I prefer to play either elf, dark elf, or human (aesthetic reasoning). I really like the idea of using a two-handed sword or similar weapon.
Being a new player, I do not really know anyone therefore solo play might be a deciding factor. I hope to get into a clan and participate in sieges, so class demand for this as well as well as general party demand will play a role.
Sounds like you want to play a BD. BD's use dual-swords and have party buffs, which makes them wanted in parties. Oh yeah, don't worry about the third class change, it's too far away for it to matter much. But it's really up to what you like to do the best, not what people tell you. You could even make all of them and choose which one you like the best and make that your main.
After researching the possibilities further, I noticed that Gladiator, Temple Knight, Swordsinger and Shillien Knight have skills such as Sword/Blunt Mastery, opposed to polearm or dual wield skills. This sounds like it would narrow my possibilities down a little.
I also noticed that the Elf/Dark Elf classes had cubics and both have ways to heal themselves. How effective are these in PvP? Versus the humans ranged attacks such as Sonic Blaster?
I would suggest Bladedancer. Wield duals and being able to party very easily is a plus. Also with the right setup you can give all classes a run for their money in pvp. You also see in many parties the BD is the tank/DD in party because of the damage output it can make.
Sigh... I really wanted to shy away from dual wielding because I think 2 handers look cooler, everyone who can dual wield seems to (from what I've read... I havent played past lvl 5 so i'm not sure), and I would think that duals would cost more due to the high demand for them.
..and the last game I played 2 handers were superior in PvP.
I was thinking Gladiator would be perfect for me but I'm reading they are worthless in PvP because they do not have a snare/slowing ability.
and I would think that duals would cost more due to the high demand for them.
Not really. You go to the blacksmith and dual 2 cheaper weaps to get high grade duals. They are slightly but not by much.
there are 3 classes that can use 2h sword well
Swordsinger. Due to sword masteries this is a good dd weap. Solo past 50 or so is very low unless your rich however it is one of the rarer classes and always well sought after for groups.
This class can pvp. In seiges in mass PvP your role will be to keep your songs (they are party buffs) up for your party to make them uber. But don't underestimate the sws they can crit hard and alot with the right buffs. If you really like to pvp be prepared to buy a bow.
gladiator can dual weild and are very much a DD/tank hybrid they can step up and take the agro from mobs if needed. In PvP their main problem is getting to their oppenent. However a new expansion (c5) is coming soon that will reduce slow from 2 mins to 15 secs. Gladitors will still have a rough time with archers but hey can't win em all. In seiges you will be the choke point people. Due to high hp, decent p def and good melee Atk you will either be called to hold the choke point to the last man or to be the battering ram past choke points. In the open field u will be at a distinct disadvantage. While a duelist can use a 2h well, PvP will require dual swords.
destroyer (you ruled him out to aesthetic reasons)
Destroyers are the only "intended" 2h sword users I'm afraid. As tokara said, I think the class who makes the best use of 2h swords other than destroyers are swordsingers.