New to EQ2: Many QuestionsFollow

After 2 days of downloading, I finally got the trial to work. I have a bunch of questions regarding EQ2.

1) The main things I like in a MMO are: good community, being able to solo, and the ability to explore the world and enjoy it. Are all of these things a part of EQ2? Is it enjoyable and worth my time to explore EQ2?

2) Is it possible or feasible to use a controller? I'm so used to playing EQ on PS2 that I'd really like to use a Dualshock.

3) About Classes: like I said above, I like to solo, explore (alone, mostly), and be good in a group too. What class or classes fit these requirements?
I played a Bard in EQOA and he sort of fit that role.

4) From those classes in #3, which are the rarest combinations? I was thinking about a Dark Elf Dirge, but if half the population is Dark Elf then I'd rather pass. I like being unique.

5) I've heard that EQ2 has zones and the whole world isn't streamlined. Can you describe what and how zoning works? Does it kill the 'huge world' of the game?

6) Also about controls; which set-up do you recommend? I am using the arrow keys to move and the numbers and QWERASDF and such as abilities. I'll primarily be playing on a laptop, so I have a touchpad right here for selecting things.

Also, when I played WoW, I liked the mouse look control scheme, if you know what I'm refering to. It was essentially the same as a FPS. Is there a way to set EQ2's controls to this? I can use a normal mouse if this control scheme is available.

7) Regarding Monks and Bruisers: Can they wear robes, and is it normal to do so? I ask because in Everquest on PS2, robes were a seperate slot from chest pieces, so Monks normally wore robes over their armor.

8)) Is there anywhere where I can see pictures of high-level characters with their armor? I'm wondering because I like to see how a certain race will look in a particular class's armor before I make the character.


I know it is a lot, but all help is appreciated.

Thank you.

1) The main things I like in a MMO are: good community, being able to solo, and the ability to explore the world and enjoy it. Are all of these things a part of EQ2? Is it enjoyable and worth my time to explore EQ2?

Response: Yes, you can solo, explore the world and enjoy it.Personally, I find EQ2 to be even more compelling than that of WOW. It has more AA points, more customization etc.

2) Is it possible or feasible to use a controller? I'm so used to playing EQ on PS2 that I'd really like to use a Dualshock.

Response: Can't say since I use a mouse.

3) About Classes: like I said above, I like to solo, explore (alone, mostly), and be good in a group too. What class or classes fit these requirements?
I played a Bard in EQOA and he sort of fit that role.

Response: Most classes CAN solo. Let me make this clear. There are some classes that are better soloers than others such as Necros, Conjurers, Shadow Knights and Palidans and Monks. I play a ranger who also is a decent soloer. It may not be quite as good as those mentioned, but it can solo well outside of dungeons.

4) From those classes in #3, which are the rarest combinations? I was thinking about a Dark Elf Dirge, but if half the population is Dark Elf then I'd rather pass. I like being unique.

Response: Can't say.

5) I've heard that EQ2 has zones and the whole world isn't streamlined. Can you describe what and how zoning works? Does it kill the 'huge world' of the game?

Response Zoning doesn't seem to be as smooth as that of WOW,but it is fairly smooth. When you zone, you will see messages that the zone is loading content, graphics, and your information, It take about 10 seconds in all.

6) Also about controls; which set-up do you recommend? I am using the arrow keys to move and the numbers and QWERASDF and such as abilities. I'll primarily be playing on a laptop, so I have a touchpad right here for selecting things.

Response: you can create extra bars for hot keys; thus, I use a mouse.

Also, when I played WoW, I liked the mouse look control scheme, if you know what I'm refering to. It was essentially the same as a FPS. Is there a way to set EQ2's controls to this? I can use a normal mouse if this control scheme is available.

Response: I played WOW for quite a while. You an have a similar hot bar look to WOW.

7) Regarding Monks and Bruisers: Can they wear robes, and is it normal to do so? I ask because in Everquest on PS2, robes were a seperate slot from chest pieces, so Monks normally wore robes over their armor.

Response: I don't play a monk or bruiser; thus,I can't address this.

Overall, this game has a LOT of contect. Crafting is surprisingly quite good and beneficial. I never thought I would like crafting, but I do.