Also posted at GD subreddit
GD noob here. I used to play D2LOD and barely scratched POE. Brace yourself for a wall of text.
Currently leveling this Lightning Primal Strike Shaman following this guide. Consider this my first char since I didn’t really last with my lv.30+ Cadence BM. My Shaman just shatters almost everything before they even touch me. Leveling and questing has been a blast so far, and I want to keep using this char until endgame.
Speaking of endgame, I want to be able to use this char to farm gear for future alts, and generally just be able to do endgame stuff. I’m only able to play the game mostly on weekends, around +/- 15 hours a week, so that’s something I always take into consideration.
Hope that gives you some background on how I approach the game. With that said, here are my questions:
1.) What are my options for second class? Or should I restart with a different class combo?
I originally started this char to make a retal warder like this by endgame, but I’m open to other viable alternatives. I’ll be respeccing my Shaman as soon as it’s no longer sustainable by itself (either it easily dies or takes too long to kill stuff)
I’d like a build that doesn’t die too easily (constantly looking out for the HP bar stresses me lol), something that’s relaxing to play while still allowing me to scratch that kill-all-the-things itch. It could be a tanky build, or one with decent life steal/leech while still being able to do decent DPS for solo play.
I’d prefer a ranged build than a melee one since I want to use a controller to play, but I’m still open for melee builds (will just use M+KB). Not sure if there’s a setting somewhere I’m missing, but somehow using skills, especially weapon attack skills, locks the character in place. I wish there was an option to sort of “auto-chase” enemies outside of the skill’s range instead of my character just standing in place, attacking nothing but air until I move him into range with an enemy again. It’s bearable with a range char, but terrible with a melee one.
2.) For the class combo you’re recommending, which gear stats should I prioritize on when deciding on whether or not to use/keep? What’s the good way to start gearing for endgame?
So far, I have a basic understanding of making sure my gear supplements my primary DPS source (e.g. anything +% lightning/electrocute/elemental for my P. Strike Shaman). I have also been bias towards gear with “X% to trigger Y on Z” stats especially when the “Y” deals the same damage type as my primary DPS source. I’ve also read that by endgame resistances are equally as important as (and at times more important than) damage. Hope I’ve been doing it right.
3.) I’ve been using the-maphack.com to guide me throughout my quests and securing shrines. Is there any better way to do this, like an in-game version/mod/tool?
Note: It appears I was using an outdated map.
The map you are using is no longer updated and does not have all of AoM or FG. Try the map at grimtools.com.
I have terrible navigational skills, and more often than I’d like to admit I tend to overthink things which leads me to misunderstand what the quest log is telling me - a great combo to quickly getting lost.
I appreciate that the game doesn’t handhold us and the lore seems amazing, and years ago I would have just loved to get lost inside the game - doing quests, reading notes, stitching the lore - but right now with my limited playtime I just want to complete the campaign as fast as possible with this one char while not missing on quests and devotions.
I’m someone who has a checklist for what I need to do in a day, in a week, and in a month. A terribly impatient completionist.
4.) What QoL mods/tools should I be using?
I tried to stick to the vanilla experience but caved in to using Rainbow Filter eventually. I personally don’t like using GD Stash so that’s out of the question. How necessary is Grim Internals? How about any other tools I don’t know about yet?
5.) I currently only have the base game, doing quests north of Homestead - at what point is it necessary for me to get AoM and then FG?
Thanks in advance!
