Dark Age of Camelot, is it worth it at this point?

Tonkatsu

I've just quit WoW due to being fed up with the direction the game is headed, and was thinking of picking up the anniversary edition of DAOC over at the local game shop. I've dabbled in the game before, and found it to be pretty fun, as well as have a large and somewhat interesting world, and a style of gameplay and graphics that I like. The thing is, there aren't any heavy population stats on the game that I'm aware of, and while I know it's not likely to have a huge population, I'm wondering if it's fallen to the point where starting a new character really isn't worthwhile. If any of you have information on this, I'd appreciate it.

Unknown

I have heard the classic servers are doing pretty decent poulation wise.  If you are intersted in Warhammer later in the year then DAoC would most likely be a good indication of whether or not you will like what they are going for.

iduums

if you play choose the gareth server.  A very healthy population is there

Rageahol

yeah  if you are new  play one the classic servers   a good popuatiion and all level are on those servers    it is worth it ....

JK-Kanosi

Originally posted by Tonkatsu

I've just quit WoW due to being fed up with the direction the game is headed, and was thinking of picking up the anniversary edition of DAOC over at the local game shop. I've dabbled in the game before, and found it to be pretty fun, as well as have a large and somewhat interesting world, and a style of gameplay and graphics that I like. The thing is, there aren't any heavy population stats on the game that I'm aware of, and while I know it's not likely to have a huge population, I'm wondering if it's fallen to the point where starting a new character really isn't worthwhile. If any of you have information on this, I'd appreciate it.

 

The population is fine on most clusters. What you are asking is also situational. For example, in WoW the server population max may be 3k. But because WoW has so many players, 3k people are online at almost all times. In DAoC, 3k players is the maximum allowed per cluster/server. Today, the classic cluster hit 2700+ people online and that is normal at peak times. Peak times are in the afternoon and evening during the week and pretty much all day on the weekends and holidays. There is one normal server/cluster that has numbers above 2k sometimes, but they are mainly people who are lvl 50 already and can autolevel their toons to 20. So the low level game will suck unless you luckily run across other low level players. But end game will be no different than Classic, except there is more PvE with ToA and more gear and abilities you have to obtain.

On the Classic servers you can literally PvP from 1-50 if you want and level that way. I know for a fact that there is action in the 1-5 PvP dungeon, in the BG's from 5-24. I'm not sure about the others, but because of the double xp in RvR zones thing, I am sure they are populated as well. As proof, lets take the 10-14 and 15-19 BG's for example. Before the double xp patch they were usually empty. Now they have a least a full group in there to fight against.

To sum it up, now is not to late to start playing DAoC. If you choose the busy normal ruleset cluster, it will take you longer to get up to snuff for PvP as opposed to playing on the Classic ruleset server where you can be geared out and ready to go in under a month.

The economy isn't that great on any server, including the Classic ruleset. However, joining a nice guild will alleviate that problem. You could also ask how to gain money the best way and gear and people will be happy to point you in the right direction.

One thing is certain. If you want to succeed in this game, you have to be social. This is one of those MMORPGs where you need to socialize to get ahead. This doesn't mean you have to group, it just means you need to meet people. Such as crafters for higher quality gear; guilds/alliances for the PvE and PvP raids; people you come across for BG's and leveling groups; and of course for chatting while leveling.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. I will be more than happy to assist you in your questions. I just came back from WoW TBC myself. Things are much less political and selfish here. There is also more of a variety of things to do, races to choose from, classes to play and how you play those classes. Anyways, good luck.

Effect

I have to really agree with the socializing. Not grouping but just socializing in general. Meeting people and talking with others. Most pick up groups in task dungeons for example go pretty well when communication is used, not just about the game but other things. Since you do a number of these in a session the chance to talk really opens up and people tend to remember this as you level. It's surprising how quickly things go when this is done as well, you don't feel the grind that much as a result. I think this is why I was able to get a level 50 when I did.



One thing though and this might be the most important as you can save yourself some frustration early on. Try to save those first few skill points  you get the first 5 levels until you pick your class. Sometimes you get a new weapon skill and if those points are in other things you have to play catch up in the new skill if you want to use it. daoc.catacombs.com I believe has a character builder if you want to plan out your character ahead of time but might not be needed. Just be sure to ask others in game for advice in advancing a class as there are different ways you can do it. You can respec at times but that's later on during the leveling. Once you mess around with your first character you should get the hang of it. Just try not to be jack of all trades at times. You have to give up certain skills to get good in another and it's usually best to do.  This really makes DAoC different from other games. I think Anarchy Online is similar to a degree in how you advance characters skills.



Remember to turn that torch out during RvR as well

Lasraik

The Classic cluster has a good population, but to say the other servers are dying is silly.

The Classic cluster makes up only about 30% of the total population.  The regular servers are fine as well, even if you're a new player.

IvanTheFool

  DAoC could have another 5 years, if Mythic borrows the Sony idea of station pass,  mmm...  paying $15/mo and getting access to the DAoC expansions and stuff along with my WAR subscription would make me one happy fool.

Lumster

Is there a way to fix the lag/warping? I was playing the trial and enjoyed the game but players were warping around etc.

My internet connection wasn't the problem, other mmos run pretty smooth.

baff

They have just released another expansion pack this week. Clearly the game has an active fanbase still.

Zarraa

 

DAOC Is still a fine title.

While the ole girl is showing her age DAOC still has more depth and replayability than titles half her age.