Forums » General Pantheon Discussion

How does your playstyle match the Pantheon class you’ll choose?

    • 116 posts
    July 30, 2019 6:14 AM PDT

    There are 4 basic player types per the Bartle’s test (found here- http://www.matthewbarr.co.uk/bartle/ )

    Just for fun, I took the test and it confirmed what I already knew about my preferred play style- I’m an Explorer.

    Specifically, I am an EASK (explorer, achiever, socializer, killer)

     

    So, choosing to be a Druid seems the most obvious answer- run speed, teleportation, heals, some offense would make for a great explorer!

    However, I don’t want to play a group healer, so no Druid for me.

    Summoner tickles my fancy as they seem pretty self-sufficient.

    Rogue or Monk, with escape abilities seem good explorers too.

     

    Obviously, I’m still undecided, I tend to ‘try before I buy’ when it comes to classes.

     

    So, are you decided?

    How does your play style match up with the class you have chosen?

    Just curious as to how others are deciding what to play to suit their style.

    • 193 posts
    July 30, 2019 6:46 AM PDT

    I took that test (or one very similar) a hundred years ago, it seems. My results were very similar to yours. I'm also an explorer at heart first, but the next two - achiever and socializer - those are the ones that drive me to try everything. :) I will eventually have one of each class and probably each race (or as many of each that are allowed), but to start I'll have something that feeds my curiosity and hunger for knowledge. I'll be starting with either a rogue (love stealth to check things out) or a ranger, as they look to be getting very explorer-friendly abilities.

    • 3852 posts
    July 30, 2019 7:14 AM PDT

    I will play every class at least for a while - I am in no hurry to get to maximum level (quite the opposite as a matter of fact I far prefer leveling and character development to endgame). Seeing all the classes and all the races and all the starting areas at least briefly.

    But assuming I do pick a class or two to seriously level-up it will be ranged dps. I don't need any tests to know that over the years I have come to prefer this. More a function of weaker vision and worse hearing than anything else. Tanks that cannot hear voice chat well are a danger to any group that uses voice seriously and healers that have trouble making out all the icons for DoTs and debuffs on every group member are also a danger. Most fights a dps can figure out who to attack easily enough. 

    The other thing I particularly enjoy is harvesting. I like crafting but I *really* like harvesting. Yes, that is odd but sanity is overrated.

    So if I had one character on a server rather than having one or more adventuring characters and one or more harvesters it would be a ranged dps with a bard/druid type run speed boost, a mage/druid teleport to get to harvesting areas or both.

    • 945 posts
    July 30, 2019 7:46 AM PDT

    That was fun, I've never done one of those before.  My test results were KEAS (although I likely will not be playing on a PvP server at release - the choices were limited for the PK related questions).  I still haven't decided on which class to play yet though.  I'm still waiting for the Bard and Necro reveal as well as what the actual differences in the races will be. 

    I plan on playing this game long term, so making my decisions based solely on lore/descriptions is not an option for me since I "personally" lose sight of lore after a few months unless there's new lore driven content introduced... which again loses its draw within a couple of months.  Lore is good for jump starting interest but, the game mechanics and social aspect are what keep me playing an MMORPG.  There's only so much lore to take in, and any game without a definitive ending ("Game Over", "Congradulations you saved the princess", Boardgames, etc) requires "grinding" of some sort which will drown out lore - Grinidng is what makes an MMO, regardless of how pretty you make the grind.  With that said, don't rule out Druid if the "gameplay" sounds more like what you want to do - you don't have to be a healer if you don't want to or you may find that you like healing when you're not exploring or blowing things up... and if the game forces you to do nothing but heal, then that is an issue with the game mechanics - in which case refer to my previous point about mechanics meaning more than lore/descriptions.

    • 1479 posts
    July 30, 2019 9:30 AM PDT

    EASK here too and I'm balancing between :

     

    -Direlord, an agressive defense

    -Monk, a defensive offense

     

    Both are pretty rounded and seem like they could handle themselves alone or in dire.

    • 42 posts
    July 30, 2019 9:36 AM PDT

    Grayel said:

    There are 4 basic player types per the Bartle’s test (found here- http://www.matthewbarr.co.uk/bartle/ )

    Just for fun, I took the test and it confirmed what I already knew about my preferred play style- I’m an Explorer.

    Specifically, I am an EASK (explorer, achiever, socializer, killer)

     

     

    Appreciate the link as it's fun to see what I'm pegged to be.  I was labeled AKES.  I find it interesting as I typically gravitate towards more the explorer and socializer side of it where I typically chose classes that are in high demand for groups and lean towards classes that give me higher survivability as I tend to spend alot of time exploring recklessly.  At this point I'm leaning towards Tank but allowing myself to the opportunity to change my mind during alpha and beta.

    • 14 posts
    July 30, 2019 9:41 AM PDT
    ESAK. Not too surprised there either, always one to push limits of character and world.
    • 145 posts
    July 30, 2019 9:42 AM PDT

    I am an EASK as well. I enjoy my surroundings. What Brad did with the Bard in Vanguard was nothing short of masterful. I've never been interested in Bards, but I played one in VG as a main and raided with him and I loved it more than any other class. If they follow some guidelines with Bards I may play another one. I had selo's speed, invis, levitate, charm, mez all the bells and whistles and when it came to exploring nobody did it better or faster than a Bard.

    Granted I'm in no rush to Selo's through all the content they design, but it sure doesn't hurt to be faster than the enemy when you stumble across an angry mob on your explorations. My other love in MMO's is Wizards and they can teleport. But the ability to build your own song as a bard was amazing

    • 216 posts
    July 30, 2019 10:12 AM PDT

    I'm ASEK pretty spot on really I like to achieve goals and have targets to aim for but enjoy socializing with others and working with others to achieve goals.

    • 238 posts
    July 30, 2019 11:50 AM PDT

    This is the first time that I have seen/taken that test. I am an ESAK which makes sense given that I love going out and seeing what the world has to offer, experiencing the history of the world, and seeing the architectural designs of cities, towns, and ruins. 

    I tend to main healers as I find it to be the hardest and most challenging role to play. Being a healer also opens up a lot of grouping opportunities which can promote exploration. I am pretty sure that I have decided on a cleric as my main, but I would also like to try the druid, enchanter, and summoner classes as they each have had an impact on my MMO experience over the years. 

     

    However, I don't really think that player types impact class decision all that much. I mean sure there are certain classes that embody the concept of exploration better, but I feel like every class has this ability in a group-centric game. It's the same with achievement and socialization. The only one that might not be easily embodied within every class is the killing aspect. For example, healers probably aren't going to be doing a whole lot of damage, and tanks probably aren't going to be doing a whole lot of damage comparatively. However, the aspect of killing things for these classes is tied to group accomplishment VS solo accomplishment so it's still there.

    I think the better question to ask when deciding what to play is "What role do I like to play when I am in a group?"

    Do you like shot-calling but prefer to play a more supportive role? Maybe consider the Enchanter class

    Do you like having the best DPS and if so do you prefer to be up close or further back? Consider a rogue wizard in this situation.

    Do you like supporting, but hate healing and don't care to be the enchanter? Consider playing a bard. 

    Do you prefer to be up close and have the fight centered around you? Consider one of the tanking classes. 

    Do you prefer dpsing but also want the option to tank in a tight situation? Consider the monk class.

    Do you prefer pets or a pet based class? If so consider the Summoner, Shaman, Druid, (or ranger/ necromancer?) 

    Do you like more of a tactical play style? Consider the ranger class for their scavenging and tracking abilities.

    There is also the question of do you have a preferred race. Sometimes this is a question that has to be asked and it limits the class selection.

    Then there is also the question of if your a min/maxer or not which can also impact racial choices. 

     

    • 1428 posts
    July 30, 2019 12:50 PM PDT

    que lakme de delibes

    The Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology

    You are 67% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

     

    You are also:

    60% Killer

     

    53% Socialiser

     

    20% Achiever

     

    This result may be abbreviated as EKSA

    enchanter is my first choice.  something about tasting another players frustration when they are cc'd is rather intoxicating if they are deserving.  delicacy points if i've ousted them via mind games.

     

    kay back to the slave shop.  love self diagnosis things like this :D

    • 3852 posts
    July 30, 2019 3:04 PM PDT

    AESK but the Bartle test is seriously flawed to the point where the results are close to meaningless. 

    If you are a pve player as most of us are a very large percentage of the questions give only one possible answer if you are answering honestly. The opposite answer from the one almost anyone that likes pvp will give.

    The score has far too little to do with your personal style and approach to gameplaying because so much of it is dictated by pve versus pvp.

    • 116 posts
    July 30, 2019 3:22 PM PDT
    @dorotea- not trying to be seriously scientific, just having fun.

    Depending oh how Bard rolls out I just may be drawn to them as a great exploration class.
    • 388 posts
    July 30, 2019 9:31 PM PDT

    says i'm eask but i want to heal as a cleric for main.

    I got interested in healing with AD&D back in the 80's. i was a Cleric then and went Dark Elf healer in EQ. I loved it. 

    I will be a dork  dwarf healer in Pantheon since i don't wanna be KOS everywhere (dark myr) or plain old human and have zero other options... 

    So, no. can't really explore as a healer. no dps to speak of, no SoW, no ports like druids. I will hopefully find a tanky friend to explore with. 

     

    • 1584 posts
    July 31, 2019 8:26 AM PDT
    ASEK, kind of saw this one coming.

    Plan on playing a paladin, or druid, as I'll probably try to master both, as an achievement of mine to myself.
    • 1428 posts
    July 31, 2019 8:39 AM PDT

    Flapp said:

    says i'm eask but i want to heal as a cleric for main.

    I got interested in healing with AD&D back in the 80's. i was a Cleric then and went Dark Elf healer in EQ. I loved it. 

    I will be a dork  dwarf healer in Pantheon since i don't wanna be KOS everywhere (dark myr) or plain old human and have zero other options... 

    So, no. can't really explore as a healer. no dps to speak of, no SoW, no ports like druids. I will hopefully find a tanky friend to explore with. 

     

    is dark myr going to be kos?  sounds like my cup of tea.

    • 1785 posts
    July 31, 2019 8:55 AM PDT

    I'm EASK (though it might be closer to ESAK these days - people grow and change over time).

    But I wanted to say, I think we need to take Dr. Bartle's original definitions with a big grain of salt.  Not only are they based only on the gameplay options available in the original text-based MUDs, but they also can be easily mis-stated.

    For example, in the original research, the Explorer was defined as someone who wanted to know how everything worked.  Explorers were more likely to try every class, learn every mechanic, and so on.  Similarily, Killers were defined as players who enjoyed fighting other players.

    These days though both terms can mean different things from those definitions.  For example, I identify as an explorer - but I don't really have a compulsion to go play every class.  Sure, I will play many of them, and I enjoy learning things in general, but my real focus is exploring the game world.  Learning places, names, history, lore.  That's how Explorer shows up for me, more than the traditional definition.

    Likewise, I know some folks who have a very high score in Killer - but they're not really PvPers.  Instead what they really thrive on is competition.  That's not to say there aren't Killers who really enjoy PvP, but the two aren't as closely correlated as the test and the original research might lead you to believe.

     

    All credit to Dr. Bartle - his original research formed the basis for a field of study that's still evolving today, which is how people's personalities express in a virtual world, and how that can drive and influence gameplay.  It's a good place to start if you want to learn more about what makes you tick as a gamer.  But it's only a starting point :)

    • 1315 posts
    July 31, 2019 9:54 AM PDT

    Nephele said:

    *Paraphrasing*

    Nerd philosophy

    *End Paraphrasing*

    Ugg reading your post felt like the beginnings of a Nerd Sociology lecture.  It’s almost sad that gamer psychology has become a legitimate focus of study.

    • 1428 posts
    July 31, 2019 10:24 AM PDT

    Trasak said:

    Nephele said:

    *Paraphrasing*

    Nerd philosophy

    *End Paraphrasing*

    Ugg reading your post felt like the beginnings of a Nerd Sociology lecture.  It’s almost sad that gamer psychology has become a legitimate focus of study.

     

    "gamer psychology" lol

    only reason why it's a thing is investors want to know what to sell so they can make money.

    what some critics are saying is the test doesn't correspond to class choice.

    i'd define class choice as a type of flavored ice cream.

    just because i like to kill or someone likes hoarding doesn't mean we can't enjoy a mint chocolate chip ice cream.

    • 346 posts
    July 31, 2019 10:49 AM PDT

    EASK

    60% Achiever

    53% Socialiser

    20% Killer

     

    Makes sense somewhat.

    • 69 posts
    July 31, 2019 12:06 PM PDT
    ESKA. I tend to enjoy rogues/barbarians a lot, but in my old age I've moved toward utility/support roles. It's going to be a hard choice for me. I love stealth or invisibility, it is the bees knees in exploration and PvP. And rogues/druids fit my style of roleplay perfectly. In the end a lot will depend on my friend group and what they want to play.
    • 388 posts
    July 31, 2019 1:42 PM PDT

    stellarmind said:

     

     

    is dark myr going to be kos?  sounds like my cup of tea.

    I am assuming this based on Lore. 

    "A vast disdain for other races lurks beneath their tranquil surface, calling none friend and few honored as foe. "

    That makes me think Dark Myr are the "dark elves" of pantheon but are sea monkies instead of cave crawlers.  I could be wrong.  

     

    • 1785 posts
    July 31, 2019 1:52 PM PDT

    Trasak said:

    Nephele said:

    *Paraphrasing*

    Nerd philosophy

    *End Paraphrasing*

    Ugg reading your post felt like the beginnings of a Nerd Sociology lecture.  It’s almost sad that gamer psychology has become a legitimate focus of study.

    How is it sad?  I mean, when you get down to it, "gaming" isn't really any different from any other social hobby/leisure activity since the dawn of time.  You could just as easily study the psychology of people who like to spend time at bars and nightclubs.  All of it may be relevant to better understanding people :)

     

    I would argue actually that studying what MMO players do in their games helps to understand how people behave in the real world better.  Take a game like EVE online, for example, where serious nation-building occurs on a regular basis.  How often do you get to see that happening in real-time on Earth?

     

    Besides, now we know that Stellarmind is a fan of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.  That has to count for something, right?

    Personally, I like understanding what motivates, drives, and influences people.  It helps me relate to them and communicate with them better.  Online or offline.

    • 193 posts
    July 31, 2019 2:18 PM PDT

    Nephele said:

    Trasak said:

    Nephele said:

    *Paraphrasing*

    Nerd philosophy

    *End Paraphrasing*

    Ugg reading your post felt like the beginnings of a Nerd Sociology lecture.  It’s almost sad that gamer psychology has become a legitimate focus of study.

    How is it sad?  I mean, when you get down to it, "gaming" isn't really any different from any other social hobby/leisure activity since the dawn of time.  You could just as easily study the psychology of people who like to spend time at bars and nightclubs.  All of it may be relevant to better understanding people :)

     

    I would argue actually that studying what MMO players do in their games helps to understand how people behave in the real world better.  Take a game like EVE online, for example, where serious nation-building occurs on a regular basis.  How often do you get to see that happening in real-time on Earth?

     

    Besides, now we know that Stellarmind is a fan of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.  That has to count for something, right?

    Personally, I like understanding what motivates, drives, and influences people.  It helps me relate to them and communicate with them better.  Online or offline.

    It is and it isn't. Yes, in social games like MMO's this could be true. What's also true is, unlike people in bars and nightclubs, the people in games are mostly anonymous. Sure you may have a few people who know you in real life, but to the vast majority, you're an avatar with your game rep. Part of why, I think, people play these games is to escape real life, to be something and someone that the real world doesn't allow. Just that is incentive enough for people to remain mostly anonymous. 

    • 116 posts
    July 31, 2019 7:33 PM PDT

    There’s a podcast by Standing in Fire where Militus talks about some studies on the psychology of gamers and how it relates to factors that could be etiological in developing problematic behavior with MMORPG’s. 

    https://www.twitch.tv/videos/376662339?t=42m43s

    It’s interesting if you’re into the subject, which I am. 

    Anyway, back on topic- the more I think about it, a Bard just might be how I go.

    Cant wait for anything about Bards to be hinted, leaked, teased, .... really, anything!  Bards could be awesome explorers, of course I’m going off of EQ bards, but I couldn’t got over the song twisting.  Hopefully tha mechanic will have evolved. 


    This post was edited by Grayel at July 31, 2019 7:38 PM PDT