Choosing a class

For many players their character's class is their identity. BRK is a hunter, BBB is a druid, and while they may or may not have other characters they play, they are still their main class at heart and that is how everyone knows them. I, on the other hand, am pretty general. I play them all, some more than others, but I don't identify myself with any one class.

Either way, choosing a class is important, especially when you first get the game as this will most likely determine how much you like it. Choosing a class that you don't have fun playing can quickly make you lose interest, so try to imagine yourself playing and what you imagine your character being able to do. Now read on to see if any of these class descriptions match what you imagined. Obviously I can't go into too much detail or it would take me all day, but I'll give you the highlights.

• Druid - Probably the most versatile class, you can shapeshift forms becoming a cat that can claw away for lots of damage, a bear that will take a lot of punishment and keep you alive for a long time, a moonkin (owlbeast) that can blast spells at enemies from far away, or a tree that will keep your allies alive and well. If you're undecided on a class I would go for this one so you can try all different styles and pick on that suits you best.

• Hunter - This is the only class that can hold it's own using ranged weapons like bows and guns. You also get to tame a pet, which will run in to attack enemies while you shoot them from afar. Some say they make the game very easy compared to other classes, but playing in groups with one is a whole different ball game.

• Mage - Like doing lots of damage? Like throwing fireballs and ice bolts at enemies and watching their life go down quickly? Then mages are for you. As long as you keep from getting hit it's all good, but don't count on staying alive too long when enemies start beating on you.

• Paladin - These are the holy knights, able to wear heavy armor, take lots of damage, and heal allies. You will usually carry around a big two-handed sword or mace and cause big damage to enemies while also being able to keep your friends alive, or you can choose to defend them with a shield, maybe not causing as much damage, but definitely taking the brunt of the attacks.

• Priest - Most people who have played a game like this before see the priest and automatically think 'healer', but with the right skills you can cause lots of damage too. Yes, they are one of the best healers in the game if you choose to go that route, but you can also turn into a shadow priest and blast enemies while using that damage to heal yourself and your friends.

• Rogue - Rogues are sneaky, strike fast, and cause lots of damage up close. You can become invisible to your enemies until it's too late, then stab them in the back before they even know what hit them. You can even add poison to your blades to cause extra pain and keep them incapacitated so they have no chance of even striking back.

• Shaman - Another class that can serve many roles. Shamans can be powerful casters, throwing lightning and other spells at enemies and causing massive damage, but also able to run in close and hold their own in melee, all the while having healing spells to keep yourself and your friends alive. They also use totems to further increase their power, just don't get too far from them or their benefits will fade.

• Warlock - If you don't mind being evil and watching people run away screaming while you burn them down, then you might like being a warlock. They use various curses and diseases to cause damage over time, then throw fire and shadow spells to cause even more damage. They also have a range of minions that they can summon to fight at their disposal which have various skills of their own.

• Warrior - This class is built around melee combat, both dishing out damage and taking it. Warriors utilize plate mail, a shield and lots of health to stay alive, but can also either dual wield or swing a big two-handed weapon to inflict lots of damage. They use no magic and have no healing abilities, but make up for it using their rage.

Are any of these descriptions what you imagine your character to be? If so then choose away and have fun.

If not I would suggest going with a druid as they mimic many of the other classes, and even if you find you don't like it, you may like one aspect of it. Bear form is like being a warrior, cat form is like being a rogue, moonkin is like being a mage, and tree form can be compared to a holy priest. None of them are exactly the same, but should be close enough to get the idea. This doesn't cover every class, but it should be enough to get you thinking.

After all this explanation it might be good to add that you should not fret too much over your class. With how well this game was made, chances are you'll have fun anyway, even if it doesn't end up being your favorite class. I've found that I like each class in its own way, and while I may like one better than another, they are still fun to play.