Why I play Dungeons and Dragons Online

[Lost Leader]

Now I know the whole point of an MMO is the multiplayer aspect, but is it possible to go through the entire thing solo?

DDO is really a group oriented game, though there are people out there who have, as a "pet project" attempted to see how far they can get solo. It is also considered a big achievement to solo some of the tougher quests. Bragging rights are always fun amongst friends

I know of 1 person who has soloed a character to level cap (currently 16) but he had a lot of game experience before that.

Many people like to solo the first few levels as they start to get a feel for the game. While grouping may make it easier, solo is definitely do-able at lower levels. It gets a lot tougher once you get up past level 5 or so.

One thing about soloing is this is a case where all characters are not created equal. Some character classes are definitely at their strongest when they are with allies. I would recommend a newer player look through the pre-made character builds and choose one that is recommended as a Strong Solo class. (It actually has that advice in the character generation sequence.)

If you try out the game and end up subscribing, I think you will find that the grouping thing can be very rewarding. And never be afraid to let group members know you are a new player. 99% of the community will help you out, maybe give you a little hand-me-down to help get you started, give advice or adjust their playstyle to help you out a bit.

 

[ladytech]

The quote button is not working again so here goes anyways:

Darkstone asked: Now I know the whole point of an MMO is the multiplayer aspect, but is it possible to go through the entire thing solo?

It is possible to solo 90% of the game probably a higher percentage than that. I've managed to solo most of the game and what I couldn't solo I have duoed. Turbine recently added Hirelings to the game which makes it even easier to solo and has allowed me to attempt those few quests that I could not solo previously due to the quest mechanics.

 

[ladytech]

vodgried said: Actually DDO is all about the grouping. While you can solo alot of the content most of it needs a group (2-6 or 12 if a raid) to be completed. This one is all about the community and getting to people as well as playing a game.

I have to disagree with the fact that most of the game needs a group. Quite the opposite actually. I have also met several new players recently who have managed to solo quite a bit at normal/hard settings and not the solo setting offered. Experience with a quest is nice but not always needed. I have found that anyone who comes from a FPS background has an easier time soloing than those who don't.

 

[Lost Leader]

Good point on the hirelings Ladytech. Something I didn't take into consideration. They are still kinda new, I don't think about them often.

You can hire a mercenary NPC (AI) to assist you in your quests. You can only hire one at a time in a quest. You can hire them from a choice of several classes. This would make soling much easier once you learn to take full advantage of their different personalities and abilities.

 

[ladytech]

To anyone who is seriously interested in trying out DDO please send me a Private Msg. I have a newbie helper character on the server named Khyber. The most difficult part of DDO and also the part that turns a lot of players off is the higher than usual learning curve when first starting out. I would be more than happy to meet you in game. Teach you the controls, interface etc, get your voice chat set up and anything else that needs to be done.

 

[vodgried]

vodgried said: Actually DDO is all about the grouping. While you can solo alot of the content most of it needs a group (2-6 or 12 if a raid) to be completed. This one is all about the community and getting to people as well as playing a game.

I have to disagree with the fact that most of the game needs a group. Quite the opposite actually. I have also met several new players recently who have managed to solo quite a bit at normal/hard settings and not the solo setting offered. Experience with a quest is nice but not always needed. I have found that anyone who comes from a FPS background has an easier time soloing than those who don't.

While this is true for those of us who have been playing/know the game. I was looking at it from the perspective of someone who isn't gonna be familiar with the feats/spells/enhancments/etc....

 

[ladytech]

vodgried said: Actually DDO is all about the grouping. While you can solo alot of the content most of it needs a group (2-6 or 12 if a raid) to be completed. This one is all about the community and getting to people as well as playing a game.

I have to disagree with the fact that most of the game needs a group. Quite the opposite actually. I have also met several new players recently who have managed to solo quite a bit at normal/hard settings and not the solo setting offered. Experience with a quest is nice but not always needed. I have found that anyone who comes from a FPS background has an easier time soloing than those who don't.

While this is true for those of us who have been playing/know the game. I was looking at it from the perspective of someone who isn't gonna be familiar with the feats/spells/enhancments/etc....

I understand what you are saying. However my experiences over the years with several new players to DDO have been the opposite. Many of them have soloed up to lvl 4 or 5 in many cases because they wanted to learn the game before they grouped. It would not have been easy for them but they did it.

Also from what I have experienced those who have been successful soloing without knowing the quest at all come from a FPS background. Believe it or not the ones that seem to have the most difficulty soloing anything are those who come from other MMOs.

Note this comes from 3 years of helping new players with the game. Deliberatley searching them out to teach them the UI, set up voice chat etc. I have had a dedicated new player helper since a few weeks after the game launched and continue spending many hours each week answering questions. I admit I cannot get to all the new players on Khyber so I am baseing my experiences only on those I have reached.

 

[vodgried]

Ohh definatly....the combat system lends itself much more to soemone that is familiar with fps than traditional mmo's. Hell, thats why i love DDO. That turn based crap of WoW makes me wanna take a shotgun blast to the face

Soloing is very possible, and profitable on a caster, up to about 8ish IMO. After that it just gets much more difficult and only those who a)are very good or b) devote the time to learning how, are able to solo the high end stuff.

But then again I'm not nuch for soloing, kinda defeats the purpose of an MMO but thats just me.

 

[Alex_P]

Since everyone's talking about it, I'm just curious...

Since they're both heavily-instanced, relatively grind-light games, how does DDO compare to Guild Wars?

-- Alex

 

[Lost Leader]

Since everyone's talking about it, I'm just curious...

Since they're both heavily-instanced, relatively grind-light games, how does DDO compare to Guild Wars?

-- Alex

I can't give a well qualified opinion, as I have never played Guild Wars, but when I originally went for DDO I did look at GW as an option. I ended up choosing DDO for 3 reasons.

First, Guild Wars looked to be pvp reliant instead of content. Second, DDO was made by Turbine, and I had several friends who had played Asheron's Call and had nothing but good to say about the company, with the exception of their poor advertising. Lastly, I am a long time fan of DnD games, both of the pencil and paper variety and of the video game variety. I still think Baldur's Gate is one of the greatest games ever.

Hopefully someone who has actually played both games can give you a real comparison.

 

[The_Rev]

Indded, right on about the learning curve. DDO past like level 5 or so isn't a game you can just run around and swing at stuff. The community is like no other on this level. Which can also be a bad thing because if being "noobish" worries you in anyway shape or form then this isn't the game for you. Theres alot to know and learn and understand. and on a downside that can be a bit intimidating for some players. It's also a community that doesn't really tolerate "Ubers" or bad attitudes. And for the most part everyone ive ever met or spoke with in game has been mature and respectful WHAT>?!?! anyway..yea..

This is where joining a guild helps; get a bunch of people together to help you through the higher-level stuff without any attitude or any guess-work involving pick-up groups. I've noticed that the average age of player for DDO is higher than in other MMOs, which means far fewer high-pitched complainers and kiddies in the in-game voice chat!

 

[doctorwhofan]

vodgried said: Actually DDO is all about the grouping. While you can solo alot of the content most of it needs a group (2-6 or 12 if a raid) to be completed. This one is all about the community and getting to people as well as playing a game.

I have to disagree with the fact that most of the game needs a group. Quite the opposite actually. I have also met several new players recently who have managed to solo quite a bit at normal/hard settings and not the solo setting offered. Experience with a quest is nice but not always needed. I have found that anyone who comes from a FPS background has an easier time soloing than those who don't.

While this is true for those of us who have been playing/know the game. I was looking at it from the perspective of someone who isn't gonna be familiar with the feats/spells/enhancments/etc....

I understand what you are saying. However my experiences over the years with several new players to DDO have been the opposite. Many of them have soloed up to lvl 4 or 5 in many cases because they wanted to learn the game before they grouped. It would not have been easy for them but they did it.

Also from what I have experienced those who have been successful soloing without knowing the quest at all come from a FPS background. Believe it or not the ones that seem to have the most difficulty soloing anything are those who come from other MMOs.

Note this comes from 3 years of helping new players with the game. Deliberatley searching them out to teach them the UI, set up voice chat etc. I have had a dedicated new player helper since a few weeks after the game launched and continue spending many hours each week answering questions. I admit I cannot get to all the new players on Khyber so I am baseing my experiences only on those I have reached.

Tell me about it. I have a permament llevel 1 toon in snowy Korthos for that reason. Help two WoW guys this morning.

 

[ladytech]

lol. So do I. I am currently in snowy Korthos helping out new players. There seems to be a few more than usual.

 

[Oldmanwillow]

I wont lie i am going to try this game out. I always roll as a healer what class/build would you recommend.

 

[Slink]

GL out there Mythe

 

[ladytech]

GL out there Mythe

hehe I've been found out Thanks. So far the afternoon has been interesting. Sveral new players on Khyber and a few returning ones. I like it when it's busy.

 

[ladytech]

I wont lie i am going to try this game out. I always roll as a healer what class/build would you recommend.

Clerics are the main healing class in DDO. theya re not however only healers. At upper levels they have some real nice offensive spells and decent crowd control as well.

bards, rangers and pally's are also able to heal but it is not their major focus. Bards are often used a backup healers.

Wizards and Sorc have the ability to repair warforged although some refuse to do so.

If you are used to playing healers I would suggest playing a cleric. Clerics also get many grouping invites so it will give you a chance to advance a little quicker and meet new people easier.

 

[bjj hero]

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. I expected the system requirements to be higher.

I may give the 10 day trial ago but the timings wrong at the moment as:

1: I have a sick 9 month old at the moment who needs lots of attention.
2: Im on a lappy so I need to invest in a mouse and head set first.

Sounds good though.

 

[Berithil]

Never played DDO but i play LOTRO. both by Turbine so i bet DDO is really good

 

[ladytech]

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. I expected the system requirements to be higher.

I may give the 10 day trial ago but the timings wrong at the moment as:

1: I have a sick 9 month old at the moment who needs lots of attention.
2: Im on a lappy so I need to invest in a mouse and head set first.

Sounds good though.

I wish you the best with the 9 month old and hope he/she is well soon.

When you decide to play DDO post in our forums in the trial section and someone will help you out and get you started. You can also send me a private message here and I will arrange to meet you in game.