Progression goals and reading for a new lvl 1 GF?

mizpah · August 2016

Hi folks,

Am an mmo vet from various games, tried the game on PS4, and liked it enough to want to come and play the game properly on PC with a mouse!

I am looking at rolling a tanking focused GF. I have been reading various guides, but am aware of the pending changes in the next mod.

What should I be looking at in terms of an optimal starting character (stat distribution and race)?

Are there any guides from which I should be absorbing as much info as possible (its hard to pick up on outdated or conflicting information)?
Any valid links would be appreciated, more than happy to read up myself rather than be spoon fed if anyone can simply validate the information - however I have no idea of the eventual balance of the character (buffing vs damage), but I do know that I don't want to compromise at all on tanking ability.

My play-style is very min/max and PvE group based. I am also very aware that leveling vs end game are different kettles of fish - can everything be 'rerolled' without zen at max level?

So in short - if one of you tanking vets out there were to roll a new character from scratch, how would you go about it? What decisions and information should I know up front to make the 'right' decisions ?

Cheers,

Mizpah

PS: Not going to do much with Zen, and have nothing to transfer from another character, however I will probably get VIP.

cerberusforces · August 2016

I think gf now dieing, after new patch he died permanently. I understand +150/200% dmg bonus and more is a huge mistake. But 30%?! It's a "joke", steel defence 3,5 sec?! rly? In my opinion they want kill last gf on server.
I dont like tank when he only standing and tanking, it's boring and party take him cuz he must, not cuz they want. Now I like when i give important and significant buffs and debuff + tanking enemy/boss. After new patch gf will be most boring char in all game. Probably I will start play GWF or finish whith Nev. If you now want start with gf, think about that 1 more time, a lot of ppl probably lost AD and time and soon ends game with gf.

But if you still want play this char, check this web http://mmominds.com/
I play with compilation 3 builds: Rockstar, fatmushroom, ackter.

stark760 · August 2016

If you get VIP, youll get the 1st time buyer pack as well. Sell some the stuff you get from keys, and you should be able to keep getting VIP. If you do that, the bars you gets should enable you to get the dusk set for lvl 70. Not the best, but they took a lot off the bar store.
As for race, I don't think(not sure) they are changing any of the bonuses. Dwarf gets a knock back bonus and +2 on 2 stats. Human gets 3% defense bonus, 3 extra points on tree, but only +2 on 1 stat. Halfing gets dexterity and deflect bonus I think. I personally don't think the extra 3 points from Human, helped for a tank build that much. That might change if they change the tree. I like the dwarf, because what other class are you going to make the dwarf?

oliboyph · August 2016

You can still continue with the most recent tactician/protector builds if you want to play as a group oriented tank. What you want to watch out for is your defensive resistance. Once you hit 80% DR you'll want to start investing into HP instead. New GF builds will probably be out a month or two after mod 10 goes live.

spike · August 2016

For race: Halfling if you'd like to focus on deflect and crit. Human is ok. Dwarf is what i use and the knockback reduction really helps you stay in the thick of the fight. Although race bonuses are not so great that they prohibit any race from being any class, i'm always a dwarf any class.

For build: With the upcoming changes to gf i hesitate to advocate any set build. Both paragon paths offer viable tank tools. Swordmaster may be less tanky with upcoming changes, have to wait and see. For your feat tree stick to protector and tactician if dps isn't your focus. Pick anything that boosts AC and threat. Lastly, expect to spend AD on a respec. No matter how careful you plan your build you'll likely want to change things up as you level and learn the class and find some things more fun than others. Have fun.

mizpah · August 2016

Thanks folks!

Currently levelling in a trio (GF, TR, CW) as a Dwarf, and am indeed having a blast. Just coming up to level 25, and have invested in VIP.

Nothing is too tricky yet, however when do we see our first AoE Taunt? (assuming there is such a thing)

Thanks for the replies to date.

spike · August 2016

Aoe taunt is Enforced Threat encounter. You'll get access to it early and its usefulness cannot be overstated as it damages, marks, and recovers stamina.

abrams121 · August 2016

The new mod is probably going to change GF from a stack defense and be mobile build, to a stack HP and be a meat shield build. No thanks I will play anot her game.

wabber · August 2016

If I had to start a new gf I would say go conqueror path for an easier time when not with friends for leveling. At level 70 go on pts go to order of eye next to Lord neverwinter and buy the respect token you get with currency earned for completing the achievements for zone completion and try out different builds. When you are satisfied go with that.

If you have the spare ad get the Mulholland set sword and shield. Will do you good till you descide on artifact weapon set you like (twisted power or def on hit),( drowned heal for 50℅ of HP over 30 secs 1 min CD) (fire 25% chance for ap gain).

If you feel like investing Zen I would get the inscribed garments for faster leveling and can be claimed on multi toons with descent stat boosts.

Azure enchants rank 7 pretty cheap in all 3 leveling utility slots starting around lvl 20 (head, arms,feet).

Save your trade bars till after mod 10 will need roughly 250 for new set that provides frost resistance which will be needed.

Buy some bags or make some other toons and store ALL of your refining stones enchants etc till double refinement events. If you feel like spending a bit more ad look for dragon hoard enchant to save up a bit more refinement stuff ( only works for about 2 hrs before going on CD) .

Find a descent guild with the buffs you would like or close to getting them and help them out daily for 5 events for 400 influence(most not maxed guilds need this) which will net you 400 guild marks a day. The buffs I would look for depending on how you gear your char are armour pen or power, HP or defence. Personally I looked for armour pen + def.

mizpah · August 2016

thanks wabber, some nice tips! (been away for a week, just saw this!)

Progression goals and reading for a new lvl 1 GF?

Comments