Like OP said...he doesnt even know yet if he likes this game or not. So no point in investing heavily and decide this game is not for you once you get MQ. If he decides that he does like this game, then yes there is alot of things to invest in: do you want to increase your storage slots for your mules (you will need extra equipment slot gear), do you want to get samurai, ninja, monk,etc then you will need dagger set, scale armor set, etc....) do you want to run around and hope to find some good stuff on your own (maybe need magic luck gear to better your odds....)

But as a starting character to just get your feet wet and get to lvl 71 I think the easiest route is with a barbarian like I mentioned above!

Each character class has specific weapons / Armor & charms that they can use, and when you start unlocking characters, the also fit in this category. So, the most expensive are EE Daggers / Axes, EE Scales (HH usable, but not if stuck on Monk / Ninja where they rely on robes like a Mage / Warlock)

So, you are not sure whether you will stay with the game, just want to spend your free time playing around, well in that case... Take a look at what weapons can be used with the Feeder, Samurai and then Paladin... They can all use swords, not as expensive as axe or dagger, so in this case, you would start with a Fighter instead of a Barb. There isn't any real difference with stat points, and either Barb or Fighter can use Powerstrike + Retribution (solo optimal).

Classes found here; https://ladderslasher.d2jsp.org/index.php?g=2 ... Note, all basic information is linked on the left side.

Hope this helps, and the basic guide link provided on page one is a good start.

Also, many people will tell you not to listen to me because I choose Guardian, heavy weapons and don't use EE armor... I just like being the odd one out.

Sorry to add in another post in your thread, but wanted to make something clear about Best Weapon / Best Class etc... in a sense this game does NOT have one, it is basically gear oriented by reducing the amount of gear used.

Here is something you should take into consideration:
Average Damage or Heal based on the TYPE of weapon or charm you use at that Level (Tier) is EXACTLY the same using the same amount of Stat points &/or Enhanced Effect (ACC slot only accepts Enhanced Effect, BUT, BUT, reduces the damage or heal as well as Mana Consumption by 25%)

The only difference is the "CONSISTENCY" of the item being used. example of consistency = Axe / Battle Axe / Dagger / Spear / Ice Charm & Focus Heal Charm ... these items are the MOST consistent. BUT, other items used at the same Level, stat placement &/or Enhanced Effect (+/-Proficiency%) will have the same AVERAGE output.

This post was edited by izParagonzi on Oct 26 2021 07:06pm

to add to OPs questions, is it still full dex for swords/daggers and full str for axes/clubs?



As far as I recall, which isnt much, dex added to crit chance and str to straight dmg, which made sense for the higher variation weaps to go full dex and lower variation weaps to go full str. I appreciate your input and am hoping to find out more.

This post was edited by Killer_Stride on Oct 26 2021 09:43pm

i run pure dex on axes/dags, and have observed str used for swords and clubs.

Thanks for all the nice responses
I will look for a mixture of items for now with the option to upgrade later.

Should I stay away from groups until I am geared?

Another question: is there a lot price drop like in d2? If I understood right we get to keep our items when ladder resets. If I bought a weapon for 1k, would I be able to resell it for a similar price if I decide not to keep it? There a no real budget options on the market right now and I am slow at killing lvl 35 monsters.

Edit: if I had a 100ee lvl 30 weapon, how much we would the 35 weapon need to be an upgrade to the other?

This post was edited by derAmigo on Oct 26 2021 11:02pm

join or not join a group, however you can ask if the hoster wants you in.

there is not a price drop like in d2, the items keeps the amount more or less. about a price to resell it depends what else others offers in the same time like you with near same stuff. when you pay high price for your item it will be harder to resell it, this not means elite items (high end near max stat items).

you loose around 25 ee each 5 levels against the mobs, a level 35 weapon with 100 ee is better in your example.

If you can find an available group definitely get in if they allow you. (They typically start at lvl 1 and get to lvl 71 in a couple hours) plus if you’re quick enough you can usually snag some items worth 1 fg to…..a boatload, a plethora, a gargantuan amount of fg.

But be aware that if you’re not actively attacking or if you seem too weak to survive then they might kick you out at any level they want.

When the ladder resets you keep all your gear and all your proficiencies but all your characters go to level 0 and you need to redo your quests and re-level. This includes your mules.