This remains, for me, the most important point as my sixth entrant in this challenge is about to tackle the final level. For example, I've been quite happy to take less XP-efficient (and thus overall less time-efficient) approach at times with my characters, including having the last three begin as tourney characters (or effectively so with the Barb). But given the 200-300 hour investment for most character classes even under a time-efficient strategy, I can't imagine an approach that adds another 100 or 200 hours (even though I've been willing to add ~10-20 hours).4.6. Remember, It's About Fun
A final word on what may be the most important topic: Fun. The journey to 99 is enough of a commitment (time and number of runs), that you are likely to burn out if the character isn't fun, etc. Numerous members have emphasized this point in one way or another over the years. Rather than attempting to restate the point, I'll just quote from a post by @T72on1 that I think nails it on this topic:
Which brings us to another point: fun !!! Everyone will be very motivated when they start this journey. But when the real grind kicks in, you have to stay motivated as well. After all it's still a game, and one you play to have fun. It would be a shame if someone burns out on D2 on the whole because the grind drives him or her insane. So despite the fact that we all have been talking about and giving tips about efficiency here, don't neglect the fact that you should still be having fun. It's not as refreshing as starting a new character, it's not as exciting as participating in that MFO or RFO and get awesome drops quite often, it's not as cool as trying out that new runeword on a concept character ... it will always be a grind up to a certain degree. But try to find things that keep it fun for you. Alternate targets for a while if you feel like it. Switch CS with Baal if that's what keeps you going. Get back to AT for a while. Hit Travincal in search for runes, jewelry and gold like I did, even if your 99er runner doesn't need it, because you never know what you get (a Cham in my case) and the drops might allow you to start brainstorming on other D2 projects or characters.
I got clapped playin WW in Throne.....how would that be due to my own approach being Zerker/Frenzy in CS?It's all about fun and goals until you realize you have to spend 500 hours on something that can be achieved in 200. Yeah, it's cool to do something extraordinary like UT99 HC fire druid (XD), but most of the people won't go for something like this, cause it's way too much for them. Most people won't even go for one 99er, regardless if it's untwinked or not. I've seen quite a lot of people claiming they will do this and that and it will be awesome and they know what they are doing and in the end they quit, cause they got bored or they died or something different happened.
I failed from your perspectiv.......from my perspectiv I hit lvl 95 on a untwinked HC Char. It´s u believing everyone has your goals! 95 is by far the highest RIP I ever had....... but still, who cares. I MYSELF prefer dieing in HC on lvl95 than reaching lvl99 in SC! I know your the opposite, and most likely the better player! But u make it sound like your goals are the universal D2 goals!You failed in the end, but does that matter?
It´s not about being cool but about getting the volume in. Most likely your right and I would have failed 99 anyway. But I still prefer CS over Baals. That´s the reason I turned to classic long ago, until I figured u can CS in LoD!"something cool"
I got clapped playin WW in Throne.....how would that be due to my own approach being Zerker/Frenzy in CS?
I failed from your perspectiv.......from my perspectiv I hit lvl 95 on a untwinked HC Char. It´s u believing everyone has your goals! 95 is by far the highest RIP I ever had....... but still, who cares. I MYSELF prefer dieing in HC on lvl95 than reaching lvl99 in SC! I know your the opposite, and most likely the better player! But u make it sound like your goals are the universal D2 goals!
It´s not about being cool but about getting the volume in. Most likely your right and I would have failed 99 anyway. But I still prefer CS over Baals. That´s the reason I turned to classic long ago, until I figured u can CS in LoD!