Friend is bored with fighter. Need suggestions.

AlcopopStar · August 2018

Hello! me and four friends are playing through BG2! And we have a cleric (me), fighter/thief, fighter and mage. However the friend playing the fighter is a little bored of not being able to contribute outside of fights, and in fights having no real abilities to use beyond walk up to something and watch it explode. Is there anything he could change too that wouldn't encroach too much on the other roles, but might be more engaging?

Thanks!

borntodie · August 2018

What does he want to do, start a new character or dual his fighter into something else?

He could play a dual or multi fighter/mage, fighter/cleric or fighter/druid. Having multiple mages or clerics in the team is not a problem. Especially if he is more of a hybrid tank and the other person is playing a pure caster.

He could also play a paladin instead, inquisitor is a good kit.

Gusinda · August 2018

He would prob enjoy a Bard. Pickpocketing would keep him busy outside of the fight, identify all the items (allowing the mage to learn a different spell), casting occasional spells and playing music/sing along the way to keep you all entertained (and enhanced). But if he was your heavy hitter or tank, he prob wouldn't be able to fill that roll...

Another thought is a mage specialist (Conjurer) or cleric/mage where his spells are focused on Summoning. He can still be the tank (except it is his critters that are the meat to keep the red circles busy). Or Necromancer for his undead summons.

Gus

Khyron · August 2018

If he wants to remain melee, then a Cavalier is a very strong alternative..

Tanky as all hell, especially with armor of faith spell and get's an amazing 2 handed sword if you do sidequests.

Can heal some, cure poisons or disease, cast buffs and protections etc.. not as good as a cleric, but it does free the cleric of some spells and let's him memorize other stuff.

Definitely more "interesting" to play than a regular fighter.

Or he could go for a Stalker..
Stalkers also get's some spells and utility.. great for sneaking, scouting, backstabbing and regular dps.
Can tank quite well too, if you get some quality leathers.

Borek · August 2018

I would remind them that Fighters (and all classes pretty much) get tons more options once they reach 3m XP and start getting HLA's. If that doesn't convince them to persevere perhaps look into dual class options, assuming they picked a fighter that can be. By default it would need to be a human, but various mod packs will allow changes.

the_sextein · August 2018

Dual class him to a mage. Then he can use wands and scrolls plus he will be able to enhance his own protections and fighting ability. He will be able to team up with the fighter thief for melee damage and team up with the mage for AOE and general casting at times. Of course he will have to be patient during the dual class process as that always sucks. He would probably have been more satisfied if he had started as a fighter mage multiclass from the start. If he isn't human then he won't be able to dual class so he will be pretty much stuck where he is.

jsaving · August 2018

I would say fighter/druid, inquisitor, or blade would be the best alternatives if you don't want much duplication with the other three characters in the party.

borntodie · August 2018

Something else. How do I put this.. I think your friend can have a lot more fun if he tries harder to be tactical. It sounds as if he is not even using a ranged weapon at all. The whole point of a non-kitted fighter (as opposed to berserker) is to have a ranged weapon on switch and be tactical with your plays.

This is doubly important in multiplayer. Being the tank is the role that looks the easiest on the surface but really is the hardest. Charging bullheaded into every fight is the best way to get the party killed.
First off, you are likely to draw in too many monsters at once.
Secondly, it makes it hard for the mage to cast his AoE spells like fireball.
Third, as a fighter you should always wait for the thief to scout the area for monsters and traps, and then you should know when to stay back and when to run forward to help your thief if he gets into trouble. The thief is scouting for you, is he?

As a tank, you should learn when to switch to your ranged weapon and stay back. This is often a good strategy. Then when monsters come close, switch back to your melee weapon and constantly guard your squishy buddies. Find the best tactical positions before the fight starts.
But sometimes, charging a high threat monster IS the best option. Learning how to play optimally in various fights is not easy at all. A good fighter has to be smart and has to communicate well, to coordinate his actions well with the rest of the party.

I hope I don't sound too arrogant, I am just pointing this out because I think it could help your friend to have more fun playing.

One more tip: if you buy the helm of vailor for your friend, it will give him a lot more to do as well. This item is for sale at the special store in Ribald's, Waukeen's Promenade.

bob_veng · August 2018

the problem with your game, I suspect, is that your party is fairly optimal so the game is a little easy. in that case there isn't a huge need for tactics, and consumables, and special items, like the helm of vhailor don't have to be used.
so try increasing difficulty. imho, the most immersive way to do so is to reduce incoming xp by 50%, and not rest more frequently than once every 24 hours (and turn off rest until healed), unless you absolutely must