Class Respec

[Pope]

Are the classes we choose for the companions fixed for the entire game, or will we be able to change them in a respec?

 

I'll take Edér as an example. Can I respec him:

• from Unbroken (Fighter) to Devoted (Fighter)? (changing subclass)
• from Fighter to Rogue? (changing class)
• from Fighter to Fighter/Rogue? (adding a class)
• from Fighter to Rogue/Ranger? (dumping the original class and taking on a multiclass of two other classes)
• from Fighter/Ranger to Fighter? (from multiclass to a single class, keeping one of the classes and removing the other)
• from Fighter/Ranger to Rogue? (from multiclass to a single class, removing both classes and taking on another class)
• from Fighter/Ranger to Fighter/Rogue? (from multiclass to another multiclass, keeping one of the classes and changing the other)
• from Fighter/Ranger to Rogue/Barbarian? (from multiclass to another multiclass, changing both classes)

 

Edit: the same question could be asked for the player character, actually.

Edited September 27, 2017 by Pope

[Wormerine]

I imagine that the respect will take you back to lvl 1 as it did in PoE. So you will be stuck with class/classes you already picked but just level them up all over again.

[Pope]

^Whilst that absolutely makes sense, and I could live with not being able to change the player character's class (seeing as - unlike the companions - the PC has no class restrictons whatsoever), I would much prefer being able to completely respec the companions (within their class boundaries of course). 

 

Respec is probably the addition to PoE I loved the most, even though I never expected I would.

It allowed me to swap my companions regularly, thereby changing the party dynamic once a certain composition got a bit boring, whilst still mantaining a good balance of skills and abilities within the party as a whole. That would be even more so with the option to respec companion classes. Decided to make Xoti a single class Monk because you already had Tekehu as a Druid for support, but are now switching Tekehu for Maia and thereby without support class? Solved by being able to respec Xoti into a Priest.

 

I'll admit that it might not always make much sense roleplay-wise, but iirc the design philosophy was "if the player can justify it to himself, he should be able to do so".

Edited September 27, 2017 by Pope

[Blades of Vanatar]

I don't mind the respec option but tbh I never really use it. I like being stuck with the in game NPCs, like in the BG series or even old school games like the Shining Force. Makes it more challenging. Once I completely run through the various play through options I get tempted to respec when trying builds. Even then though...

[PugPug]

When you get the companion, you'll get a popup asking what class or class combination you want them to be. I don't see why the same popup can't reappear upon respec.

[Welperooni]

Respec means to re-do all the leveling from level one. You cannot change your class, so if at all, you could be able to change the sub-class.

[Pope]

Respec means to re-do all the leveling from level one. 

 

Does it?

 

I'll agree that's how it was in PoE.

Should it also be so in Deadfire?

 

Imagine if the original multiclass concept (à la D&D 3E) were kept. That likely would've allowed for class respec, if not for the class at first level, then at least for the classes picked at all the following levels.

 

I'm actually really curious about this. If anyone could pass this question on to Josh's tumblr/SA, that'd be much appreciated.

Edited September 28, 2017 by Pope

[Wormerine]

 

Respec means to re-do all the leveling from level one.

 

 

Does it?

 

1. (video games, slang) To reallocate the distribution of skill points on a character's skill tree, changing their specialization.

Last night I paid 5 gold to the trainer to respec as a shadow priest.

 

Yes, I would say that is what respec means. Changing a class of your character seems more like recreating a character, rather than altering his abilities. After all, a class, is probably the most defining element of your character. Even race doesn't change that much.

 

Whenever it would be a nice option to change class of your companions mid game (or at least their specialisation) that's a discussion to be had. I won't use it, but someone else might.

[Pope]

I guess one of the main reasons I'm asking is that, because of all these different character customization options these games provide us with, I tend to suffer from decision paralysis. At level up, I always thoroughly compare every available ability, and even after having finally made my decision I often doubt it, wondering whether I should've picked another one instead. Or I might read on the forums that an ability could be used in a way I hadn't thought about.

 

Respec fundamentally changed the game for me. It allowed me to make decisions without worrying that the choice I didn't make would have to wait for another playthrough for which I simply don't have the time. I could just try (mostly) everything in a single playthough.

 

I fear I'll face the same indecisiveness when having to choose a class for the companions. Being able to change it - whether because of a bad decision of for re-balancing the party after swapping companions - would be a welcome option.

 

So I definitely believe it's a question that deserves being asked.

Edited September 28, 2017 by Pope

[Welperooni]

I'd prefer it to not allow any changes to both sub and original class, and that is the most likely scenario, as changing classes in the middle of the game kinda breaks immersion. 

[Pope]

I'd prefer it to not allow any changes to both sub and original class, and that is the most likely scenario, as changing classes in the middle of the game kinda breaks immersion. 

 

Please see:

I'll admit that it might not always make much sense roleplay-wise, but iirc the design philosophy was "if the player can justify it to himself, he should be able to do so".

 

You wouldn't be forced to use the option. It's one of those simple cases of "if you don't like, don't use it."

Anyway, PoE1 allowed stat-respec for the player character. Isn't having your character go from 9 to 18 constitution immersion-breaking as well? I never used the option myself but I have no problems with it being available.

And speaking of immersion-breaking, iirc you can start your imported PoE1-character as a completely different class in PoE2. "Can" being keyword; if it bothers you, you can just keep your PoE1 class. Don't see much difference with an option to respec in-game.

 

Class-respec could also be included as a separate option, next to the skill-respec option. I'd even pay more gold for it (always thought respec was too cheap anyway). Just give me the option.

Edited September 28, 2017 by Pope

[Guest 4ward]

some days ago Josh Sawyer tweeted this:

 

https://twitter.com/jesawyer/status/910583112047800320

 

[Pope]

That's too bad. I hope he reads this thread and reconsiders.

[rjshae]

The Respec should be a giant sea snail that swallows you whole, sucks out most of your soul energy, then poops you out onto a beach somewhere with all new stats. Maybe you hear rumors about it in a Neketaka dive, just prior to the barf animations kicking in.