Ello Everyone!
I'm new to lineage2, I really haven't the faintest idea of what's going on, looking for a few people who might be able to help me? or other new folk to start out with...any advice is very much appreciated! -Phaelon
I just started leveling a character after a two year hiatus and here is what has helped me:
Friends
This game eats individuals alive. Yes, there are always exceptions to rules but you are much, much better off getting support from others and reciprocating that support. Crafting, leveling, PVP...it's all easier when you share each other's strength.
Quests
I don't kill a mob if it doesn't have a quest attached to it. Sure, some quests suck but most of the time quests give you additionals Adena, materials, items, consumables, etc. that you wouldn't get otherwise. The best part? Motivation. I am much more likely to look forward to grinding exp if I know that I have a short term reward coming to me at the end of it. Levelling 40, 58, 75 is a looooong way into the future. That quest reward however is right over the next hill.
In every town there is one or several "Adventure Guildman". Go to them, look through the quests, and pick something out. Yes, some of them will be complete wastes of time but at least it gives you a new goal...and maybe some phat lewts! :D
Clans
Friends are awesome. A good clan is even better. If you are rolling a class that is seen as a benefit to an end-game clan(healer, buffer) chances are that some clans will be willing to take a chance on you at an early level(usually level 20+). So, get to 20 and then put out some feelers in your server forum. If you are stable, dependable, friendly, and willing to contribute to the greater good you should be snapped up quickly.
Soulshots/ Spirit Shots
I don't use them. I know a lot of people scoff at this but they will absolutely ruin you financially unless you are good at making money beyond grinding mobs and doing quests. Save your money for the best weapon you can buy/craft.
...And really, before folks respond saying how ******ed that is understand that a lot of us don't Ebay, have friends who are loaded, or if we do have friends who are established players we don't want to leech off of them.
The L2 economy sucks for thsoe starting out. Using shots makes it worse.
Drops
You'll what materials are basics needed for crafting. Do...not...vendor...those. They don't sell for much and you will most likely need them later to make something or to help someone else craft something. They are just worth a lot more in your bank then they are to an NPC vendor.