Navigating the Class Jungle in Neverwinter Nights 2: A Guide for the Perplexed Adventurer
So, you’re diving into Neverwinter Nights 2? Good choice! Prepare for adventure, intrigue, and the question: “What class should I be?” Fear not, newbie or seasoned player; we’ll solve the class selection issue in NWN2. With fifteen classes available, it can feel like picking a favorite child if all your children might get you killed.
The Fifteen Faces of Fate: A Class Rundown
Let’s meet the classes in Neverwinter Nights 2:
- Barbarian: Axes over shirts. Resolves issues by yelling.
- Bard: Music, magic, and lute solos. Multitasking.
- Cleric: Heals, buffs, and smites evil. The holy Swiss Army knife.
- Druid: Talks to animals. Turns into animals. Sometimes gets eaten by them.
- Favored Soul: Divine sorcerers. Because regular sorcery isn’t showy enough.
- Fighter: Master of arms. Loves a good fight. Hits harder if needed.
- Monk: Expert in unarmed combat, surprisingly agile. Achieves inner peace by punching.
- Paladin: Holy warrior, justice upholder. May combust from too much fun.
- Ranger: Nature’s hunter with bows and beasts. Like a fantasy Legolas.
- Rogue: Sneaky, stabby, skilled at picking locks and pockets.
- Sorcerer: Born with magic. Blasts enemies with it. Definition of ‘glass cannon.’
- Spirit Shaman: Communicates with spirits. Probably haunted after work.
- Swashbuckler: Dashing duelist. Charming rogue. Think Errol Flynn with less accuracy.
- Warlock: Magic from dodgy sources. Power often costs your soul.
- Wizard: Studies magic and casts powerful spells. Collects pointy hats.
A unique flavor and playstyle exist for every class, even for those who love smiting evil and charming their way out of trouble.
Solo Adventuring 101: Class Selection for the Lone Wolf
Going solo in NWN2? Smart. Less loot to share. But some classes fit those lone hero roles better. Let’s compare two magical characters:
Warlock vs. Wizard: The Solitary Spellcaster Showdown
If your journey includes spells and style, you’ll want either the Warlock or the Wizard. Both are arcane masters but have different approaches.
Warlock: Think versatile spellcaster. Want to obliterate enemies? Warlock’s got Eldritch Blast. Injured? They have self-heals. Warlocks are magical jack-of-all-trades that dish out damage and stay alive, great for solo play.
Wizard: The Wizard is a master of many. Wizards possess numerous spells, offering varied builds for damage, crowd control, and battlefield manipulation. They provide strategic depth that can obliterate enemies or polymorph them.
The Verdict? For survivability and consistent damage, Warlock edges ahead due to self-healing. But for control and versatility, the Wizard delivers a richer experience.
Beginner-Friendly Classes: Easing into Epicness
New to NWN2 or RPGs? Some classes are easier to start with. Let’s discuss welcoming classes:
- Barbarian: Want to hit hard without worrying about spells? Barbarian is your go-to. They are straightforward melee powerhouses. Charge, swing, repeat until victory.
- Paladin: Another beginner-friendly option. Paladins mix melee power with divine resilience. They tank hits and dish damage, plus have healing spells for themselves or the team.
- Cleric: Want a bit more than melee but stay safe? Clerics are sturdy healers who can fight effectively. They survive and offer utility, making them friendly for new players.
Wizards and Rogues are powerful, but fragile. They need a deeper understanding of game mechanics early on. Starting with Barbarian, Paladin, or Cleric is like learning to drive in a tank—safe and effective.
Ranger: The DPS Dynamo in Neverwinter (and NWN2!) Spirit
The Ranger excels as a damage dealer in NWN2. They are masters of dealing pain.
The Ranger is your damage specialist. They can choose two Paragon Paths—Warden and Hunter—that further focus their damage skills.
- Warden: Focuses on melee combat. Wields dual swords and fights up close.
- Hunter: Prefer distance? The Hunter path is perfect. With a bow, you rain down death.
The Ranger is a damage output powerhouse. They are top-tier DPS capable of shredding foes with blade or bow.
Level Cap Musings: Just the Beginning
You might hear about a “level 20 cap” in Neverwinter. This is true for some iterations. In NWN2, it’s merely a stepping stone. Level 20 is just the beginning of your epic journey, akin to graduating from adventurer kindergarten.
Multiclassing Mania: Eight Classes? Bring it On!
If one class isn’t enough for you (and who can blame you?), NWN2 offers multiclassing. It’s not just a dip; it’s a full cannonball into the multiclassing pool.
The “.35” patch (8193.35) allows players to potentially select EIGHT CLASSES with some tweaks. Yes, eight! It’s chaos unleashed!
Will you want eight classes? Perhaps not. But it’s there for adventurous players. Experiment, break the game (figuratively), and discover overpowered or hilariously ineffective combinations.
Stat Symphony: What Numbers Really Matter
Stats are vital in any RPG. In Neverwinter and NWN2 principles, focus on these key numbers:
- Power and Combat Advantage: Your bread and butter for damage. Prioritize these two stats to about 90%. Max them for soaring damage numbers.
- Critical Stats (Critical Strike and Critical Severity): Once Power and Combat Advantage are solid, boost your crits. Balance your Critical Strike chance with Critical Severity for max impact.
- Accuracy: Ensure you can hit your targets. Accuracy prevents your optimized build from failing crucial hits.
Prioritize these stats, and you’ll be a formidable force in Neverwinter Nights 2. Ignore them at your own peril, or risk being out-damaged by squirrels (probably not squirrels, but you understand).
So, that’s it. A tour of classes, solo tips, beginner advice, and stat priorities in Neverwinter Nights 2. Now go forth, choose wisely (or wildly), and may your dice rolls favor you. If all else fails, just blame the dice.
