Been thinking about playing

[Rhadagast]

Hello!
I have never played Asheron's Call before, but for years I've heard about it. I remember when the game first came out and seeing advertisements in magazines for it. At the time I was playing EQ a bit (I had a couple of friends that played that game) so I never really got the chance to play AC.
My question is this: Is it possible for a brand new player to start playing this game and have a good time with it? Or should I just stick with more recent games?
I'm a casual player who just plays to have fun. I like to explore and discover stuff in an MMO and feel like my character is in a living world.
Also, what would be a good server for me to play on? Is their a server that is better for new players?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

[KAID3]

it is still a good game. graphics are behind the times, but you get used to them.

the game play is what you make it.

the old timers probably will not even notice you are there, most are too into themselves and their elite buddies.

if you find a few good people stick with them.

questing used to be fun, now.... too few playing, worse than that for the lower level people, so not enough numbers or interest in the old quests, and you will be a long time getting to the higher level questing bracket.

any server will do, they are all about the same. on the other hand, i just got back into it two months ago, and picked up my old accounts, was on WE.... now giving SC a spin before quiting for good.

give it a month or two before judging it for yourself.

[Itablie]

If your starting fresh I'd suggest comming to HG. It is by far the most populated non PK server, and there are lots of good monarchy's that are noob friendly. Karesta's Knights Reborn being the most noob friendly imo

[Ruhelos]

Welcome!!

It is true that the AC population isnt as high as most other MMOs on the market, but that doesnt make it any less fun. The most important thing is finding a good group of people to help you out along the way. You might meet some not-so-good people, but you will find that in any good so don't let it deter you!! There are lots of fun, mature people around that will be glad to show you the ropes.

At first, AC is going to be really confusing for you. 80 content updates is bound to be mind boggling at first. I know when I was away for a year and came back, I was confused!! There are some good fansites that you can look into before jumping in (http://ac.turbine.com/?page_id=369 - all but stratics is active).

No matter what, you are always going to find something to do in game. The world is massive and dynamic, and if you like to explore Dereth is definately a good place to do that.

I've heard that Leafcull is a good server, and they are really on the ball on the last few patches. Personally, I play on Thistledown and it is great if you find the right people. One server I don't recommend as much, for a new player, is Verdantine. You won't find as many people there, but maybe someone here can tell you of a good group there!

Good luck!!!

[Sangria]

I play on Harvestgain and Angeni is our Monarch. we have active players on most of the time. I am Sangria in game. I don't care if you swear to me as a vassal, I am more than happy to help you get started.

What you do after that is up to you. OH, and Maggies site is great for game information. She has done a fabulous job over the years and the players who give her pictures and information.

http://www.thejackcat.com

She has all the lore and anything you need to know to help you get up to speed.

I hope you come out to play.

[Lancelore]

Welcome Radaghast !!!!

To start with, all white servers are more or less the same. No much difference between them.
On Solclaim we have some fine monarchies. We, The Crimson Knights, are always glad to greet new players and will take the time to show you the ropes. So if you decide to come to Solclaim please feel free to contact us in game or to visit our website.

Have fun !!!!

[Itablie]

Welcome Radaghast !!!!

To start with, all white servers are more or less the same. No much difference between them.
On Solclaim we have some fine monarchies. We, The Crimson Knights, are always glad to greet new players and will take the time to show you the ropes. So if you decide to come to Solclaim please feel free to contact us in game or to visit our website.

Have fun !!!!

First part isn't true. LC and VT are by far the least populated. HG, WE, and MT are the most populated (figures from whichever decal app). HG has the most pvp and open quest runs, at least that is posted on VN boards.

[Slash Atoyot]

Hello!
I have never played Asheron's Call before, but for years I've heard about it. I remember when the game first came out and seeing advertisements in magazines for it. At the time I was playing EQ a bit (I had a couple of friends that played that game) so I never really got the chance to play AC.
My question is this: Is it possible for a brand new player to start playing this game and have a good time with it? Or should I just stick with more recent games?
I'm a casual player who just plays to have fun. I like to explore and discover stuff in an MMO and feel like my character is in a living world.
Also, what would be a good server for me to play on? Is their a server that is better for new players?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!


Wow! Welcome to the game, Rhad! Honestly, I can't believe that you saw an ad for AC in a magazine.... that's amazing!! I'd love to see an advertisement for this game, just one. Never have and probablly never will. But I digress...

I recently came back after about 4 years. Rolled up a new acct while I was waiting on the migration of my old ones, and have been having a blast ever since. It's very possible for a new player to have LOADS of fun in this game, however, here are some very valid points to keep in mind:

1.) Graphics are dated. This is an issue, however, ONLY at first. Once you get into the game, and the gameplay, and realize how vast and immersive Dereth is, you'll be so hooked, you'll probbally defend the graphics. I know I used to.

2.) This game is not for the masses. It takes a special kind of player to play Asheron's Call. Today's gamers are so mind-numbed from the dumbed-down games, that if they don't have someone there to hold their hand for em, they can't hack it. That's why Asheron's Call can barely pay the bills, and Blizzard is rolling in the proverbial fat cash from World of Warcraft.... Ashoron's Call requires more intelligence than the normal MMORPG player can afford. Think you've got what it takes? I hope so...

3.) The game is VERY immersive. No "herding." Take other games for example, they give you the "freedom" to go where you want, but where you CAN go is dictated by the landscape, and is usually very limited. In Asheron's Call, you can pick a direction, and literally run for hours and hours, and still not find yourself on one of Dereth's coastlines. It's really a fantastic world, much better than ANYTHING on the market. The immersive explorability of this game is what keeps me, for one, coming back.

4.) There exists a number of "White" servers (non PvP) and one "Red" server (PvP). Do yourself a favor, and start on Darktide (PvP), otherwise, you'll get yourself upto a decent level, and then realize that you really wanna be on DT. Save yourself the time and trouble of having to part ways with friends -- start on DT!

5.) The community here can be quite vocal on many an issue. Don't take it the wrong way; the vocal players are the players that love the game, and wish to see it bettered.

6.) You WILL become addicted. Make sure your term papers are done before you begin playing! :D

Again, welcome to Asheron's Call. Have fun in Dereth!

[Itablie]

3.) The game is VERY immersive. No "herding." Take other games for example, they give you the "freedom" to go where you want, but where you CAN go is dictated by the landscape, and is usually very limited. In Asheron's Call, you can pick a direction, and literally run for hours and hours, and still not find yourself on one of Dereth's coastlines. It's really a fantastic world, much better than ANYTHING on the market. The immersive explorability of this game is what keeps me, for one, coming back.



This statement is dead on. Even the mountains are climbable if you know where/how to jump.

[Rhadagast]

Thanks to everyone for your responses!
I've ordered the game and it's on its way. I'm thinking about all the advice you've given. Maybe I'll see you soon in the game!

[Gustaive]

Welcome Rhadagast.

Try and find a group that is active and shares the smae likes as you 9exploring and such).

Like people have said I htnk each server has at least 3 really active monarchies.

On Morningthaw I'm leading the Knights of Fortune (after taking over for the former Monarch). We have 40ish active players in the allegiance and each night we have anywhere from 8 - 20 people on. We run qyuests each week and I try to involve charaters of all levels.

check us out at http://www.fortunesway.com

[Slash Atoyot]

Welcome to your new addiction!!



;)

[Krowten]

This statement is dead on. Even the mountains are climbable if you know where/how to jump.

yeah but all it takes is a lag spike, and bam your falling down the mountain and ur body is surrounded by baddies :) ive had this happen bakc i nthe day.

For the record, the older players more than likely(if any are from PRE ToD Days) would help you out if you asked or looked lost. 9 tiems out of 10 theres some guy standing in a starter town scouting for you.

Hell thats how it was when i started. Granted my brothers helped me out a bit but those first few days when they werent on to help me out, the kindness of strangers worked. I remember when i was a little lvl 30, and a few people in the family i never met before started buffing me and taking me with them on hunting sessions(most being 100 + i was unable to fellow but they vulned and let me get some kills) when i hit 50 they took me out on body recoveries in places II should of never been. Strangers are kind.

[Slash Atoyot]

the older players more than likely(if any are from PRE ToD Days)


<====== Beta-tester, baby! :D

[Heideggar]

AC has unique lore/background, which I think you may want to consider reading some time. Even a rough understanding of the lore will help you piece together what's going on with the latest storyarc, and heighten your enjoyment of exploration and adventuring.

ac.warcry.com, acvault.ign.com, www.thejackcat.com... hmmm, ac.stratics!? Those are some websites that have compendiums, lore, how-tos, etc. Ingame you'll find libraries in Cragstone, Hebian-To, and Zaikhal (down the road a lil) which will have some basic lore.

If there were a super ton of low level folks, I don't know if I would notice. Why? There's soooo many portals, dungeons, and places to go it's easy not to see someone for a while.

I would recommend getting into a good allegiance of at least moderate size though. Having folks to chat with, advice, loot, allegiance quests, etc. are rather nice things that allegiances provide.


Welcome to Dereth : )

[stratocaster]

It's nice to see that new people are still interested in playing AC. I played it twice, once when it came out and once about a few years ago. The first time was a riot probably due to the novelty and I had a fantastic time. The second time was less than enjoyable mostly because I found it way too crowded.

I have now re-started again, and though there aren't that many people, it's still fun. After a few days, I've already met some nice folks. This is a great game and very addictive, I don't think you'll regret it.

This game is huge and the learning curve is pretty steep, so do as much research as you can before you build your toon, it will pay off big in the end.

I just want to say hello to everyone here btw, I'm happy to see there's still a fairly thriving community.

[Atarax]

Welcome to AC, the best MMORPG ever! If you decide to come to Solclaim, look up our allegiance, its a very good group of folks.

[ElleTarien]

i also have just recently started playing.. nice to see that there are new players as well as a thriving community.. i think i may have started myself on the wrong server however.. i started in Leafcull<?> and although i find it a quiet place and have been doing nothing but talking to myself and these drudges<?> its been very enjoyable.. i only got the game on friday awaiting my LOTRO to arrive but now i find i'm already addicted to here and LOTRO may never even be installed again.... almost scary.. but i like it.. even the graphics have an odd liking to them :)

[Lancelore]

Hallo Elle,

As far as I know Leafcul is a pritty good server. Maybe you don't had the luck of meeting the right ppl yet.

However if you ever decide to change servers, you are more then welcome to Solclaim. And to be more specific, look for the Crimson Knights.

But most of all have fun and leave LotR in the box for a while ehehe.