Help out a newbie pick the best build for an adventure-like experience (on Normal, i.e. with some combat challenge)

[newtothis]

Hi folks,

 

I'm totally new to this kind of RPGs. I've never been into stats or turn-based combat. That's why I decided to give PoE a shot, it supposedly has good storytelling and I love to have fun exploring the world and interacting with NPCs. Sure, I can pick the Easy difficulty, but as far as I know the combat on Easy is a breeze, which doesn't sound like fun to me and doesn't really sound like I'll be getting the full PoE experience. So I think it's better to pick Normal, right?

 

I'm just overwhelmed with the character build choices. I would like to just have fun during my one and only PoE playthrough (unfortunately, I have no time for a second playthrough with a different build or another difficulty).

 

So any advice on a character build that is a good choice for:

 

- exploring the world and interacting with NPCs

- avoiding combat encounters when possible

- not getting my ass kicked during unavoidable encounters

- having fun during combat

 

will be greatly appreciated!

 

[JerekKruger]

Honestly there aren't really any wrong choices in this regard so I'd suggest going with whatever class appeals the most. Rogues and Barbarians are a little weaker, but outside of Paths of the Damned this shouldn't really matter.

 

I guess perhaps you should avoid being a Priest or Paladin if you want total freedom in dialogue (those classes have mechanics tired to certain dialogue choices) but this is not that important so if those classes appeal don't feel obliged to avoid them.

 

If you have some idea what you want your main character to do (melee damage dealer, tank, ranged damage dealer etc.) Let us know and we could suggest off that.

 

If all else fails, I can suggest that monks rock.

[Ichthyic]

if you like the most story feedback... choose cipher.  there are story line elements and dialogues that play directly on ciphers as a class; probably more than any other class.

on normal it also gives you quite a bit of variability to play with, and still squishy enough to be a challenge if you aren't paying attention.

also, you can skill your cipher into being the party rogue, with stealth and mechanics.  works out quite well.  go pirate with ruffian skill and sabers and pistols/blunderbuss; hell you can even wear an eyepatch that will do you good.

your stats for a cipher (high int and perception and might) tend to also be good for dialogue choices that avoid combats, the only lack being that resolve is typically a dump stat for ranged ciphers, though on normal you can boost that as well, if you then keep your con low and your dex low.  Can probably get away with setting your resolution to 13, as there are several items that can boost it by 3 to get you to 16, which allows you to pass most dialogue checks for resolve.

for the absolute most variability in combat, I would recommend a druid.   pretty much good at anything, and you get spiritshifts to liven things up a bit if you tire of casting spells or just need the extra huge melee boost.

oh, also, you can change the difficulty on the fly between easy/normal/hard (will reset on reloading the area you are in), so you can start on easy, then if too easy, switch to normal, then hard once you get the hang of it and have some good gear.

 

Edited April 4, 2016 by Ichthyic

[Stasis_Sword]

I'm going to second cipher as feeling the most plot connected. Also if you give your cipher high mechanics (and possibly some stealth) they will be the main "explorer" for your group looking for traps and hidden treasure. Cipher does great damage (ranged or melee) and has some great powers you can user every encounter.

 

Alternatives:

Druid - Very versatile, able to use animal forms, lots of powerful spells with beginner friendly targeting. Main downside is needing to rest for spells.

Paladin - You can RP your chosen order. Also can have a high res to charm/convince your way through encounters. Main downside is less active skills (especially early).

Monk - Great damage and lots of fun active abilities (assuming you're taking damage). Main downside is wound mechanic, you need to take damage to use your abilities.

 

Also you can take a look at the build list (pinned at top of board) if you want some help on how to build these classes. Definitely not need, but it might help with feeling overwhelmed.

Edited April 4, 2016 by Stasis_Sword

[JerekKruger]

From the point of view of plot involvement the Cipher certainly has more than most. I think perhaps a Priest may also have a fair amount, though I've never played through as one.