Thinking of Playing

[carrieb]

My partner wouldn't let me buy a copy of AC, so I was very happy to find out I've won a signed copy of ToD :) Only thing is, how do I persuade him that the subscription fee is worth it?

I would love to play AC, having been very disappointed by AC2, but I know from experience that going into a game that has been around for a while can be quite intimidating. Is the game easy to play at low levels? Or would I be on my own!

Is there a particular class that is easy to play for a beginner? I heard about a possible new server, is that going to happen?

Lots of questions, I know. Thanks everyone.

[Oric]

My partner wouldn't let me buy a copy of AC, so I was very happy to find out I've won a signed copy of ToD :) Only thing is, how do I persuade him that the subscription fee is worth it?

I would love to play AC, having been very disappointed by AC2, but I know from experience that going into a game that has been around for a while can be quite intimidating. Is the game easy to play at low levels? Or would I be on my own!

Is there a particular class that is easy to play for a beginner? I heard about a possible new server, is that going to happen?

Lots of questions, I know. Thanks everyone.

Welcome!

Learning AC is quite easy, low levels are easy if you know where to hunt.

Theres a new European server coming that will be hosted by Jolt UK

[Gyes]

First off, persuading him that you can spring for the 13 bucks a month shouldn't be that bad. Just compare it to your other recurring expenses. For example, you can't go to the movies or go out for dinner for 13 bucks, and those things only last 2-3 hours tops. Or tell him it's only 43 cents a day! When it comes down to it, you get a lot of entertainment for such a paltry fee. Oh, and the first month is free anyway, so you can at least give it a try.

As for the game itself, one of its most redeeming features is that you can play almost your entire character's life with or without the aid of others. It's not like AC2 at all, in that you need to find people your own level for group hunting and questing. You certainly can hunt in a group in AC (and it can be the most productive way to go), but it isn't necessary. Also, the lower levels are getting easier to gain, so it won't take you too long to join the 'big boys'.

AC is a skill-based game, so there really aren't rigid class distinctions. However, I think most people would agree it is much easier to play a melee character than an archer or a mage. All three are viable paths - it's just that being a mage or archer takes a bit more understanding of the game's workings. It's also more expensive and requires better equipment. It's entirely possible for you to start as a mage, but unless you are going to join a monarchy almost immediately, you may want to get your feet wet as a melee first.

Personally, I'd join one of the existing servers instead of waiting on the new one (unless you happen to be European, in which case the Euro server would be ideal). There are a lot of well-established people and monarchies on the existing servers who can teach you the game and can provide you with some money and equipment to get you started. I can understand your interest in starting the same time as everyone else, but I think you'd learn the game faster on an established server from established players.

Last, but not least, you might want to have a look at a guide I wrote for new players. You can read that at www.paladinsofasheron.com/ac/gyes_guide.htm . If you have any further questions or decide to play on Solclaim, I'd be happy to help!

[dw8888]

There should be 1 month of free play with each box of ToD if I'm not mistaken.

[carrieb]

Thank you very much for your replies guys.

Well my free boxed copy just arrived, signed by the dev team :D, and I want to play - but my man insists that there is a free trial of AC already and I should try that first. Anyone care to help me to persuade him that there ISN'T a free trial? Some men.....:(

I've hidden the game, am sure he would sell it if he got his hands on it, grrrr!

[Gyes]

Make him find the 'free trial' for you? The only thing I can think of is to force the issue is to make him put his money where he mouth is.

[Lokania]

I think it is easier to start out as a sword (or other melee weapon) character as it will make it easier to learn the game mechanics; i.e. how to walk and talk at the same time lol

There are wonderful monarchies on each server that would be glad to help you get started, giving as much or as little help as you want. We had a person join ours who enjoyed doing things on his own; however, he liked being in an allegiance to have someone to chat with or, on the rare occasion, someone help him recover bodies.

AC is layed out to make it very easy to hunt alone at any level. The starter towns have low level creatures and dungeons near them. As you get "bigger" you can move around the world and explore harder and harder areas.

And, as someone else pointed out, no where can you get so many hours of fun for only $13.

[carrieb]

I ignored him and signed up anyway, after he hunted around for a free trial all morning ;)

Am playing using a different PC (long story).

I started a character just to have a look around, on Solclaim. I wanted to be a melee fighter with Life magic, but I don't understand - does this mean I have to change weapons mid combat to heal myself, or cast if I wish? I have been doing that, and it's very hard to do.

Created one of the new races but no racial weapon, so might start again, not sure yet :)

[Cuaradan]

I ignored him and signed up anyway, after he hunted around for a free trial all morning ;)

Hmm, not going to touch that one. :rolleyes:

You are correct that you have to change from weapon to wand(etc) to cast magic. This is true for all magic types, of course War mages just use a casting object at all times, but they don't count :p And you are correct that it is difficult to change in the middle of a battle to heal, using life magic.

One alternative to this is potions, which does get expensive and they are heavy to carry enough, usually. Another alternative would be the healing skill, which is what most players use, I believe. Even those that have life magic usually take healing at some point because it is so much faster than potions and even life magic, to a degree. When using a healing kit, you do drop out of combat to apply the kit, but you immediatly return to combat and you do not have to remove your weapon, so it is helpful.

I have played a few character with only life magic for healing, and as you get higher in level, it will be more of a problem. Not saying it can't be done, just that it will be a frustration. Of course life magic has other uses that make it one of the most powerful skills in the game. Self and other protections are very powerful and the vuln/imperil spells increase damage done to creatures, greatly.

If you decide to try some other servers, you might check out Thistledown. We have a small clan forming there that is focused on helping new players and questing. Stop by sometime and take a look, if you get time. Good hunting to you.

~Cuaradan~
TD

http://www.lightlords.4t.com/

[Gyes]

Good for you! Power to the people! And seriously, the worst thing that could possibly happen is that you play the game and find out you don't like it, in which case, you've lost 0 dollars.

If you'd like a little in-game advice, feel free to look me up on Solclaim as "The Rebirth of Gyes' or "June the Intrepid". Always willing to teach someone how to play.

[Shadow Spectre]

Greetings, I would also like to offer to help you out in the game. If you make a character on Thistledown look for Light Lords or Harvestgain look for Shadow Spectre. I would love to help you out and explain how things work. I will say starting as a fighter type character with sword is usually the best to start out. I would start out with the premade templates just to get a feel for the game then when you are ready ask around for more advise. I am sure there are a few people like myself who will give you advice on how to set up a character. Above all just reember it is a game and you are there to have fun. I look forward to meeting you in the game.

[Maiden]

I'll add my name to the list of people to help. Imperia on solclaim! I'll be glad to help out in anyway I can. Also.. do like I did.. get your partner interested in the game... he hehe.. i had mine read some lore so he could explain it better to me.. and teased him by playing in front of him.

Now i have one of the best vassals in the world LOL.

[Storyteller]

My partner wouldn't let me buy a copy of AC, so I was very happy to find out I've won a signed copy of ToD :) Only thing is, how do I persuade him that the subscription fee is worth it?

I would love to play AC, having been very disappointed by AC2, but I know from experience that going into a game that has been around for a while can be quite intimidating. Is the game easy to play at low levels? Or would I be on my own!

Is there a particular class that is easy to play for a beginner? I heard about a possible new server, is that going to happen?

Lots of questions, I know. Thanks everyone.

Take our word for it, don't even bother coming. If I were you I would sell off the copy of throne of destiny, and hope you could convince someone to actually buy it. The game is dying, and Turbine treats their players poorly. I highly recommend you find another online game.

Ilumini

P.S. If I didn't enjoy ticking people off so much, I wouldn't pay the subscription fee myself. The game simply isn't worth it if your system can run something better.

[mystsun]

Great game! My clan in WE has been there for a long time and many of us tried AC2 but stayed here. We love AC1 and know you will too.

My advice to begin is to make a sword toon. They are so easy to play and hard to kill. You can learn on that toon and then once you know the dungeons and the game try out the other types like archer and mage.

The quests for new players are a lot of fun and easy to follow. The book that comes with the game is really all you need to start. Once you grow you can use websites like thejackcat.com and http://acvault.ign.com/ to learn more about the game.

Tell your significant other that the game is cheaper than therapy and works better.