I spent a moderate amount of time in Open Beta trying out pure caster combinations. After much experimentation and trying every permutation that was caster with healing, I landed on Justicar (Occultism, Vitalism and Defense). Necromancer was a close second but was trumped by being able more easily swap into Paladin.
Paladin is still my favorite so far. However, I might level caster since I always heal in groups and it would eliminate needing a second set of gear until I hit max level. At max I would only have to level one skill tree and I know where and how to obtain a full set to level 50 starter gear.
Beyond messing with classes, I was interested in how quickly I could acquire two farms and a house in my preferred zones. Even being on a high population server with queues during day one, by level 18 I had all three exactly where I wanted them. SAHWEET!
I think things will work out the same for launch given that I have a head-start. I know many alpha players skipped OB but then there were thousands of players who will be F2P only and unable to own propery. Crossing my fingers the odds remain in my favor. Getting property won't be the issue. It's more that I have my heart set of favorite settings.
Knowing the ropes, I also knew what crops to plant in order to quickly start earning gold. This was very helpful to advancing crafting and being able to afford to purchase the materials needed to build my house as soon as I had the gilda stars to acquire the design.
Head-start is a few days away and I can't wait. This video, done by another player, sums up part of my lovefest with AA - the world itself. The sense of wonder, exploration and joy of discovery is pure delight. No video can fully capture what it feels like to be, walk, glide and sail in these lucious landscapes but it comes close.
I am very grateful to you, for all the posts you made and especially for this one. I absolutely loved the video and song. It was enchanting.
I am an ArcheAge player and sadly, even though I know you don't play anymore, because I have been reading and following your blog, these posts you made have been very refreshing. I have been playing for almost 3 months now and I'm still enjoying it. Even though the community gets rough and rude sometimes, I am finding the everyday task at my farms joyful and delightful. I am sorry to read that because of the publisher and management of the game you stopped playing, I am not going to tell you anything about it, you enjoyed this game as much as you could and everyone should experience it for themselves.
When I have nothing to do or regenerating my labor I come here to keep reading your ArcheAge posts (for now) and your optimism (at the beginning of the game) renews my perseverance into keep trying for more in this virtual world.
I still have a long way to go, and I have learned from your posts and points of view in every aspect of this game.
I play in the Tahyang server East Faction, which is moderately populated and resourceful so if you ever feel like playing again with a friend or somebody, you are very welcomed.
Posted by: Ulywolf | January 27, 2016 at 02:18 AM
Hi Ulywolf. I loved AA for quite some time. The cash shop philosophy and unresolved land exploits combined, became a bitter pill. As people from the guild stopped playing over time, the joy of it declined as well. I didn't enjoy the limitations of playing it F2P but didn't want to reward the game management behavior with a subscription. Ultimately, I voted with my wallet and my time.
I'm glad you're enjoying it. I often miss what I enjoyed most which was how beautiful the game was, tending my farms and gliding over the terrain. I had this thing about gliding as much as possible. It was such an exhilarating feeling.
The guild I was with in AA is going to be playing BDO which is similar in some ways. This time I'll know going in to be casual about it and have fewer expectations based on the cash model being used. Enjoy what I like and ignore the rest. I consider myself a casual gamer but I guess I'm hardcore about doing the things I enjoy and progressing my character. This time, I'm going to attempt a more leisurely approach...If I can. :-)
Thanks so much for reading. I take pleasure out of others having enjoyed and found use in what I've written here.
Posted by: Alysianah aka Saylah | January 27, 2016 at 08:16 AM