Paladin's revamp should**** increase their overall DPS. As of right now, theyre just dumpstered by the other tanks and obviously the DPS. Rumors of Consecrate, and the proc system that Clerics get modified for tanking. Theyre trying to get away from the idea that hybrids have abilities based on their parent class, but... that may be the direction. Who knows. But Paladin's just kill slow as fuck right now, and any buff/change they get will likely be a push in the right direction to solo.
Kriddle and I were shooting back and forth about their plans with Shadowknight and Paladin, based of the Inquisitor revamp. I personally.. believe they are setting up or planning specific encounters that will be more appropriate for a specific kind of tank. Something to "open" up the idea that another tank besides Fighter can do better. I like the idea that a Fighter is the go-to for general all-purpose, but this Magic based encounter is the Inquisitor's time to shine. This Corruption encounter is the SK's time to shine, this Holy encounter is the Paladins, etc. (Or they could make it the inverse, since theyre fighting... the opposition, and be something like Paladin vs Corruption, SK vs Holy, etc.)
Right now, we're set on a Dual Box server. My current ideal setup is Fighter and Shaman, but I'm still second guessing myself. I really want to see how the Paladin revamp works out, because if it has even a small part of some of the rumors - I'm all in on it. Im usually a fighter/warrior type of player, but the entirety of the Fighter is only fun to me because of Charge/Juggernaught. Which cant even be used most of the time, making the class kind of boring.
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As for soloing, duoing, or even trio's - The EXP from that is leaps and bounds better than a full group of 6. It doesnt "sound" like they want.. that to be true? But there hasnt, as far as I know, been any hints that they are going to change group exp dynamics by Early Access launch. Using guildies estimates, a solo class can get to 60 in 150-180 hours. Add in 30-50 additional hours for a duo, etc. With a full group of 6, that stuck together the entire time and exp'd at every chance, the time is upwards of 450-500 hours to hit 60.
With that set firm - you're right in trying to find a cadence for where you can level the quickest with the most reward. But I'm not even entertaining the idea that WB or AC as an option. They will be over camped, people will be stealing mobs from each other, and trains galore. Hell, most major camps are going to be swarmed. Lesser camps just as busy, such as the cemetery or goblins in NH, etc. I've mapped out hole in the wall camps that are good for my duo that can withstand another couple duo's being in the area. Playing sweaty at least for the first couple days in order to get away from the "wave" of people. I doubt Ill play enough to get 60 in a couple weeks - but Ill be so far ahead of the wave by the time I relax that.. well.. I can relax - and go back to enjoying the game.
