Need help with new char for HC newcommer

[illskillz]

Need help with new char for HC newcommer

Ok, so I've been playing D2 softcore for years now and I have a level 90 LF/CS Zon, and a 90 Hammerdin, I've kinda got bored of just Mfing or baal running with them/ Ubers etc.
So I want to start playing HC, but I'm not sure which char to start with.....I'm going to need a char that is not completely equipment dependent (because to begin with I'm not going to have any access to nice stuff, plus I dont know anyone who plays HC). But at the same time I dont want to make another Lf/CS Zon or Hammerdin. I've heard the barb is a good candidate for HC because they have so much life, but I dont know if I can get my hands on a decent weapon for later on in the game (if I make it that far).

Anyone got any ideas on Char builds? Any tips for a HC virgin?

 

[Millennium Falcon]

First of all, if you have zero hc pals or gals, you're already doomed - just forget about it. Public HC is INFESTED with TPPK, even if you make it to hell you're dead for sure. You can, of course, try to get some contacts here or at the player contacs forums for sure, I'm certain ppl will reply :laugh:

You could even play SP if it doesn't sound too intimitading, there's a lot more activity there than on this HC forum... I think?

Good starter build would be a summon necro, perhaps the best for safety / mf / killing speed. Sorcs tend to be "a little" fragile =)

And yes, you DO need a good weapon to be a barb or you will be bored because you kill too slow. Keep in mind though, that some great weapons can be bought with pgems alone, so make sure to pick those normal and flawless ones up :wink3:

Btw I think Berserk barb using warcry is also a good barb build if you wanna make one. Monsters really can't hit you if they're stunned. Only archers are nasty.

 

[AzaZaz]

There are plenty of norm games to play in HC and in that time you'll have many opportunities to meet people. A summon Necro or a Trapper are probably the two most viable untwinked chars to start off with and be able to carry you most of the way.

 

[HCKull]

Anyone got any ideas on Char builds? Any tips for a HC virgin?

A trapper is the easiest char to play. Once your LS traps can kill and your merc has insight normal through most of NM is a breeze. A5 nm on baal runs and hell u run into LI which are a pain to deal with.

The tactics are to let your traps kill while you remain safe. You lay the traps on the edge of the screen and so the shoot arround corners. When they stop firing advance to your traps and lay on edge of screen again. Most die off screen and you dont see.

You have enough mana from insight to cover the whole game with traps. So you can use them to excess and rip through the game.

I would keep MB handy though, it saves you when big tough guys (lords, etc) charge you.

My tips for new HC are:

1) Maintain max resists and max block.
2) Maximize life and using charms and gear to boost.
3) Have alt-f4 at the ready and dont be afraid to use for those "O Sh-t!" moments.
4) Keep belt full of full rejuves. They can turn a disaster (life drop to 10%) around.
5) If things are too tough leave the game.
6) Never play in pub game with possible PK after lvl 8.
7) When cursed with amp, lower resists or IM stop and don't fight until curse is removed

 

[Wardawn]

First of all, if you have zero hc pals or gals, you're already doomed - just forget about it. Public HC is INFESTED with TPPK

This is half true.

If you don't have any pals you're in no way DOOMED. Just be more cautious when you play and keep your eyes peeled, you'll know when something is up. And if you happen to get TPPK'ed..oh well. It's a crappy thing yea, but it's also a learning opportunity to be able to spot future danger. I hate to admit, but there are quite a few people who would to kill you for sport. So keep your head on a swivel.



Good starter build would be a summon necro, perhaps the best for safety / mf / killing speed. Sorcs tend to be "a little" fragile =)

Being somewhat new to HC myself I agree with this. Summoners are simple to play and can hold their own (even if MF'ing is a little slow :wink3: ) . I'm still playing with my first one now and it's a blast.

If you're looking for some dudes to play with add Wardawn1 and msg me sometime.

 

[LuckyDwarf]

I'll have to agree with the trapper. For a first character, I don't recommend anything that's ready to go past nightmare baal, anyway. A trapper is very strong mid game and will provide you with a decent paced killer and nightmare magic finder. I find em a lot more fun than necros, too.

Lucky

 

[Gambitsreturn]

I would agree with what has already been stated. I like trappers better than necros, so my first char is usually a trapper. NM baal can pretty much drop everything you need to make a decent hell mf sorc that will get you all the godlies you need 8) Good luck with whatever you decide to make!

 

[Sir Dante]

All Vitality Pure Cold Sorceror.

Blizzard can kill in eight player Nightmare games with no plus skills whatsoever. Cold Immunes will not be a big deal until Hell. She can run Nightmare Meph with ease to help you get your gear up and running to make a more well rounded character. She has a big plus in that many TPPK's are Cold Sorcerors themselves. This helps you because people will be less likely to follow you around and PK you if they think you might be a PK yourself. So you have a built in defense against some PK's. Last you can enter Hell Act I to Magic Find. The Crypt is level 83 and the Mausoleum is level 85. There are no natural Cold Immunes. Only two monster types which are both slow moving and have no ranged attack. PK's won't venture to this area unless they have Map Hack. It is easy to get to. Just take the Cold Plains waypoint and run around the edges to find the Burial Grounds, ignore the Brute and Stalker Cold Immunes.

 

[Full_Circle]

Don't hang in or around the edge of town - townkill exists.
If someone hostiles you, leave the game, they're going to kill you.
If someone shows up on your mini-map, leave the game, they're going to kill you.

In short... just don't trust anyone.

Basically that means you'll be playing untwinked solo, and for that...

Starting with a sorc is a sure way to die. Javazons are best, Trapsins are decent, or if you're patient, you could use a Summoner.

 

[illskillz]

I hate the fact that the advice everyone gives boiled down to "dont trust anyone", which means that solo play is often the only answer. I used to love playing in big groups.....

 

[Hunt3r_kill4]

I hate the fact that the advice everyone gives boiled down to "dont trust anyone", which means that solo play is often the only answer. I used to love playing in big groups.....

And now you realize how TPPKer's have almost completely ruined HC. Welcome to Hardcore.

Get used to solo'ing alot, unless you make some trusted friends. Nice people DO exist, but they are just hard to find.