Swordsman Archive

I'm a novice heavy swordsman on Bria and was curious how many of my fellow swordsmen find good xp groups.

I've only grouped twice in this game and they weren't the best experiences, I'm used to more group oriented games, EQ is a prime example. In this it seems like soloing is the best way to get good xp, in most other games it's practically impossible to solo your way to high levels.

Do any of you group on a regular basis? If so, do you find it to be better in terms of xp over time spent?

Also, I've seen alot of posts talking about us tanking in a group.Is tanking even necessary in SWG? It's not as if our characters are archetyped in such a way that only some classes can take hits. Besides, with our high HAM cost specials, it would be better for a Pistoleer to step up and tank (that pistol whip is pretty handy).

It's been a while since I've gotten into a group, so maybe the majority of people new to MMORPG's and grouping have gotten the hang of grouping and I can see if it is a worthwhile option.

IMO grouping is pointless unless you have a doctor in the group who knows how to heal the brawlers. All the marksmen want to stand back and shoot fish in a barrel while you take all the damage for the entire fight...hence that's why we are the "tanks." Armor and Melee Toughness helps us a little bit, but not much.

BUT, if you do have a Doctor or three and fighters who know how to fight (as opposed to shooting anything that moves) then you can accomplish a lot, get a decent amount of xp and in general have a worthwhile experience. The problem is finding that worthwhile group, which is impossible for most people.

Thanks for the reply.

I've noticed how group unfriendly this game can be (especially for melee's). You'd only need a group for hunting big game or theme parks, and withouta good healer you're going to get chewed apart while ranged hang back. Well unless they use those handy knockdown moves that some have.

I think that finding worthwhile groups is such a problem because the majority of players are ranged (or doing TKA to get to Smuggler/Commando) and run the group with a ranged philosophy.

My Novice Marksman can go prone and pick off dark blues with a pistol before they can even find me but my Swordsman has to get right on top of mobs to even hit. Oh and of course my Marksman will hit almost 90% no matter what the to hit modifier is while my Swordsman will swing away at air at least half the time (although recently more often I think, not sure)