Can somebody push me in the right direction with classes?

PenGs

It seems I ought to read up and figure what I want to do before I start playing this game. So I'm checking the DDO forums and there are a lot of classes. Thankfully somebody made a thread with many different builds but I have some general questions.

How are melee classes in DDO? Can you be a giant axe wielding maniac and actually contribute well to the group? Are there more desirable classes  that might make getting into groups easier/harder? I noticed a Berserker class and am curious how successful it is, and what would be a better alternative.

Dr.Rock

As nobody has responded I will give it a go.

If you want to be an Axe wielding Barbarian they are certainly very popular in raids, possibly seen as healing sponges at times and seem to come in Dwarf form more often than not. But you can make a Halfling Barb with an oversized weapon that works if you plan it, that is the beauty of the flexibility of D&D (and therefore DDO) builds.

If you want to solo then I personally like Ranger, maybe Cleric and strangely my WF Monk seems to be able to punch his way through most quests on his own.

Most wanted classes for groups are probably Cleric or Favoured Soul, Rogue is wanted but on a very selective basis.

If you are unsure though then a straight Fighter isn't a bad move using one of the supplied builds and then when you are familiar with DDO builds then you can plan your next char around your particular style.

Hope that helps.

 

Zibanziban

Axe wielding maniacs work just fine, especially for killing enemy casters.

Most axe wielding maniacs tend to be dwarves, who get various bonuses with axes.

Just remember - stock up on healing pots, and make sure there is a clear line of sight between you and the healer. And if the healer is healing you a lot, tip them any healing wands you might get from chests, collectible handins or the auction house.

Also, you want a decent to reasonable axe. There are these collectibles called Vials of Pure Water. Sell em on the AH for mucho plat, and then keep checking the Weapon Broker for something worth swinging.

Oh yeah, and if you have a Bard or Wizard around, try and avoid swinging your axe around anything with a pink hate - they've been crowd controlled.  

Mystincloud

Any fighter or barbarian can THF (two handed fighting) a great axe. It's a feat that you choose. As a new player, I would suggest a fighter because of all the feats that are available to you. Now some thoughts on race:

Humans: good choice for an extra feat at creation and have a special enhancement line to add a +1 to a chosen stat

Dwarves: excellent for bonus to hit with axes

Halfling: excellent choice for dragonmark feats for healing yourself, bonus to hit againts giants but you can't carry a whole lot

Elf/Drow: poor choice because of the low constitution

Warforge: good choice for high level content because a spell curse prevents healing but not reconstruction on a warforge. Wf also have natural immunities to poison, negative levels, fatigue, sleep and others.

I would highly suggest you do not use a pre-made build. They are awful. Basic stats for a fighter and barbarian are Strength and constitution. Thoughts on other stats:

Dexterity: this will increase your ac. But honestly, as a new player without twink gear you will not be able to achieve a high enough ac to matter. Minimum dex should be 10

Intelligence: wasted on a melee unless you plan to multiclass with a rogue

Wisdom: increase will saves and spot. This is a very nice dump stat for a fighter.

Charisma: increases intimidate skills and haggle skills. If you want to increase these skills, then you will want to up your cha score.

Skills points note:

Heal is useless. Don't waste any points on this skill.

Jump should never go higher than 10. The game maxes your jump at 40. Jump spell = 30 + skill 10 = 40.

Balance skill determines how fast you get up after being tripped. Nice skill to have.

Spot skill increase how far you can see. Nice dump stat if you have it.

Swim is useless on a fighter/barbarian.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

skarwolf

I'd browse the class forums and the new player guidance.  Theres a post with some templates you can try most work.