What classes are actually wanted for groups (PvE and RvR)

I was messing around on Mid but want to try something different for once. Problem is I know little about Alb and have no clue what to play. I have been looking over the Uthgard char planner at each classes abilities and trying to figure out if I would like them or not. Pretty much all I know is the core Alb group requires 2x cleric, Mins, and Sorc but I have literally zero interest in playing any of those. Same goes for Theurg. Paladins are PvE gods but awful in RvR so lets scratch them off too. Also im not getting Carpal Tunnel again like I did when I played an EQ bard with all the stupid twisting. I really want to play Reaver but thats proly not gonna get me any groups. So I guess that leaves Arms, Merc, Wizard, and Cabalist. Cabalist seems more like a hybrid DPS/Support since you gotta be nearsighting and diseasing. Wizards are awesome on Live now but no idea how they are in this era. Dont know anything about Arms other than they wear plate. I know Merc is Albs dual wield class and I loved playing Berserker and Savage so might start there if Mercs are actually wanted for groups.

Fri 13 Jul 2018 4:17 PM by Magesty

Seems like you already have a pretty good grasp on which classes are needed for 8v8. Mercenary and Armsmen are fine choices for the assist train, and I'm guessing most melee groups will run two Mercs.

Fri 13 Jul 2018 5:42 PM by Dabrixmgp

Magesty wrote: ↑
Fri 13 Jul 2018 4:17 PM
Seems like you already have a pretty good grasp on which classes are needed for 8v8. Mercenary and Armsmen are fine choices for the assist train, and I'm guessing most melee groups will run two Mercs.

how does merc vs arms damage compare?

Fri 13 Jul 2018 5:47 PM by heardstheword

A general rule of thumb is less defense equates to higher offense.

Zerk out damages a warrior
Blademaster out damages a Hero
Merc out damages an Armsman/Paladin

I'm not sure on specifics though. A lot of things vary that. Weapon types (crush vs slash vs thrust), what you're attacking (cloth vs leather vs etc.), and situation (are they holding a shield, positioning, etc.). Plus the role of an Armsman is different than the role in a Merc in a group (though not by much).

Really it boils down to would you rather be the tank or the DPS?

Fri 13 Jul 2018 7:35 PM by Magesty

Merc will be doing more damage, but arms isn’t far behind. Arms has to slam and switch weapons, also they usually lead assist trains. It will probably be a little more involved to play an arms, although I’m guessing with the switch item macros mercs on this server will be running slam, too. Arms will be more durable and hit harder per swing, but mercs are the king of melee dps.

Sat 14 Jul 2018 8:13 AM by MacPrior

Cabalist is amazing class! One of the most interesting in the game at all!
And a group set up with body debuff is one of the strongest options in RvR.

Sun 15 Jul 2018 12:22 PM by Wilfu

If you are a stealther don't expect to get grouped for pve, same with most hybrid classes that don't pure spec into the cookie cutter builds like friar going resto, healers going pac, or mentalist going mind. Sadly some classes will be left out especially at higher levels. If you can find pl groups willing to take you then that's your best option or to just hope someone doesn't care enough and will take you.

Sadly the only stealther that usually gets picked up is SB due to mids already high melee stacking and SBs high melee damage output.

Mon 16 Jul 2018 3:52 PM by Seigmoraig

Cabalists will do well in some prebuilt groups since they get body/spirit/energy debuff, otherwise they will be more of a solo class.

Wizards will do well in PVE as Ice pbaoe. In RvR I doubt you will have trouble getting a group with high burst in Fire.

Merc and Armsman will always have a place in RvR groups due to high melee dps and slam.

Reaver probably not so much in prebuilt 8man although they are really fun to play and they also get Slam.