Maecius wrote:Valefort compiled the following list of area maps by CR for QC, and we decided we'd post it for general public use and awareness as well.
It is an incomplete list at present. Right now it only contains surface areas, though we may update it for Underdark areas at some point if possible.
Note that the CRs are based on the idea that you'll be taking the map on with a party. If you're going in solo, it's been suggested you add 2-3 levels to the area's challenge rating.
Valefort wrote:[The] stated CR [of some areas] is quite wildly different from the real difficulty. [Here] is a list of the CR on a bunch of surface areas, sorted by CR (I don't know anything about Underdark so I skipped it).
I know it's difficult to resist the urge, but try not to look at your exp bar that often. It will kill your spirit. Also, I second the upperdark suggestion. Fastest grind on the server. After hitting 25 go to the reaching woods with a few people. You'll be 30 in no time.
Lerbo Nuggetneck- Svirfneblin Miner and Fisherman Rikki Richfoot- Hin Locksmith and Appraiser Harjo Crimsonhart- Dead?
chad878262 wrote:This may help you... (do note Fields of the Dead is tough for what is considered mostly CR14. I would not recommend it solo.
an archer build with the bow that has bludg dmg makes FotD a great and fast level. you want to have speed boots to run away if you get jumped, but really it is pretty easy to blast them away before they get to you.
Finding a grind partners makes it considerably easier. Especially grind partners that complement one another, such as a tank and a caster to buff him/her.
Or take the 'grind' out of it and instead make a post to the forums IC stating your PC is looking to form some kind of adventuring group. Put your OOC play times and days in the post and I'm sure others who have similar level PC's and have been looking to group up will post. In my experience a lot of players end up 'solo grinding' for XP and/or loot because they can't find anyone to RP / Adventure with. I have done this for years on and off, I try occasionally to form groups directly in game, but it requires quite a bit of OOC tells to get a group together at any level and is rarely successful. Meanwhile, twice now I have formed groups through the forums, starting with OOC and then reverting to IC and I find that when I play in these groups, taking it slow and letting everyone have their RP moments I rarely even consider how close I am to level or when I will get some uber loot drop.
TL;DR - Just ask if anyone that plays similar times to you has a PC of similar level and wants to group up and explore. You'll have fun.
What I felt was very helpful when I was last leveling was finding a group/guild that are active AND adventuring. If they are making regular trips out, you get a mix of RP (and RP XP) with monster killing XP and the sessions are usually quite entertaining.
Though I am unsure how actively many guilds are adventuring at the moment (like 2+ outings per week). Perhaps some could speak up?
Luke Darius - Clansman of House Darius, Noble of Baldur's Gate
I go hunting places when I can find other people doing so, but I don't really enjoy the loop grinds - I'll do one or two loops and then move on to another area (or go back if nobody else wants to switch).
I also try to RP a lot. I levelled from 15-21 entirely on RP XP in a few days (with a lot of RP during some time off work). When you get between 28-50 RP xp pretty regularly, your RP XP can keep up with a decent hunting area. You won't get loot for it however, but in my experience the fun of developing your own character through their actions is more valuable.
It's hard when coming to a place like BG from other games or MMO's where the mindset is that you have to be max level before the game really starts, but if you can break out of that mindset here you'll have a lot more fun IMO.
Nathan Goldenmane - Guardian of Ilmater's Sanctuary, Mercy's Blade
The people saying it's too easy or it's quick are generally referring to anyone with an optimized build.
It's easy if you've got the right wands and it's quick if you've got an hour to burn every day doing quests but it's going to be bland and repetitive any which way you cut it. Once my main character hit level 21 I stopped grinding entirely because it's so damn boring.
ZStreeter wrote:The people saying it's too easy or it's quick are generally referring to anyone with an optimized build.
It's easy if you've got the right wands and it's quick if you've got an hour to burn every day doing quests but it's going to be bland and repetitive any which way you cut it. Once my main character hit level 21 I stopped grinding entirely because it's so damn boring.
Man same here lol. Granted I'm new, so I don't know the best areas to grind anyway. But still, once trolls and yetis started giving me 27-30ish exp I said nope. Not worth it lol. I get just as much RPing, so in a way its been a little bit of a relief. I feel like I'm not losing out for RPing as much now. I always RPed! But now it feels like I'm being rewarded equally for it compared to just grinding. Of course, I do still grind sometimes due to my schedule.
ZStreeter wrote:The people saying it's too easy or it's quick are generally referring to anyone with an optimized build.
It's easy if you've got the right wands and it's quick if you've got an hour to burn every day doing quests but it's going to be bland and repetitive any which way you cut it. Once my main character hit level 21 I stopped grinding entirely because it's so damn boring.
Actually we are not referring to optimized builds. Going from level 1-10 takes a matter of days. 10-20 a matter of a few months for weekend RPers. For every day RPers 1-10 takes 2 days. 10-20 in less than a month. 20-30 around 3 months total. No joke if you are grinding it hard like you presume 30 is only a quarter of a year away from 1-30.
As far as bland goes that is entirely a subjective perspective. There are so many ways to gain XP on this server currently it is not even funny. I am hoping that we introduce a XP bank instead of quests weekly. Which would alleviate some of the questing for XP in the epics for those that want to not quest for that 10500 XP per week.
It is very simple really. I have even outlined it multiple times in multiple threads. At this point I am tired of parroting it over and over again. Just do dungeon loops with a party of 4. No optimized builds needed just at least one fighter type in the group. Balanced groups will absolutely mop this server in PvM and PvE.
Kory Sentinel
"We should take the army head on!"
"... it sounds like a terrible idea, but look at that smile."
"And he just sounds so confident ... he is a favored soul."
"Even if we don't survive, he will, and isn't that what matters?" -Red Lancer
Calodan wrote:
I am hoping that we introduce a XP bank instead of quests weekly. Which would alleviate some of the questing for XP in the epics for those that want to not quest for that 10500 XP per week.
pls pls pls plz pls plz pls
Lockonnow wrote:greatest fear like the movie Hellraiser they show you what you most fear and take a Image of IT
Dont just run the same routine day in day out or you will burn yourself out. its not a race to 30. Once you get there what is left to do other than RP?
Reiker Vexx - "Fortune favors the bold"
Cyrus Raviin - "Veritas Credo Oculos"
The FASTEST way to level, and most enjoyable is to adventure while RPing with a small group 3-5 people. You'll find between the RP xp while walking and killing mobs with the occasional chest, you'll level in no time.
I recently started a toon here with no muled items at level 1. The XP compared to most games out there, I will grant you is slow. However, with just a few hours a week of dedicated RP and adventuring you'll find yourself 20 in no time! For my Paladin, it was probably a few short weeks before I got to 20.
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Hurricane (Dumb Barbarian)
Jordan Steelsplitter (Shady Dwelf)
Xiao Jun (Uninformed Shou Tourist)
Roleeda Ganzfried (Insecure Hin Warlock)
I have an ECL 16 bard if anyone wants help! My play times are just sporadic and I go where the RP takes me.
Victoria Thornhart | Dreadlord of Darkhold & Priestess of Bane. Zhentarim Guild Thread. Darkhold RP Thread. Vierna Hun'viir | Ranger of Eilistraee. Retired. Zilvarra | Drow Deathsinger of House Selmiyeritar
