Packrat

written by Paladin776 in the Gameplay Discussion forum

This post is to help new people out when it comes to deciding exactly what to get when they go out to purchase or download EQ2 and the numerous additions to the game. I know it's a pretty common sight on The Newbie Yard (and this post is probably more appropriate there...Mods, feel free to move it) to have at least one post a day asking "What should I get with EQ2?" It's my hopes that this will answer that question and not add to the innate confusion of a new player to EQ2.


EverQuest 2 (Basic Game) (EQ2)

Formats Released: Retail CD, Retail DVD, Collector's Edition DVD, Digital Download, EverQuest 2 Classic CD, Retail Echoes of Faydwer DVD.

The one that started it off. Retail CD, Retail DVD and Collector's Edition DVD will probably be extremely difficult to find, but in some cases it can be done. Is the original release of the game on November 8, 2004. The patcher can be downloaded digitally here. (Handy if you've lost your discs and need to reinstall.) EverQuest 2 Classic is CD based and includes only the base game at around $9.99 US.

The Bloodline Chronicles (Adventure Pack #1) Website Information

Formats Released: Digital Download Only.

The first adventure pack. Designed for levels 35-45. Includes instances for 1-2 players, groups and raid. Almost unused at this point in the game.

The Splitpaw Saga (Adventure Pack #2) Website Information

Formats Released: Digital Download Only.

Designed for levels 20-50. Heavy on solo and group instances, one raid available. Unique in that the zones involved scale to your level.

Desert of Flames (Expansion Pack #1) (DOF) Website Information

Formats Released: Retail CD Expansion only, Retail Echoes of Faydwer DVD, Digital Download Expansion only.

Level 45-60. Major game additions were voice emotes (expansion required) and increase in character level (to 60). The City of Maj'dul houses most of the needed services except tradeskill devices. Three main zones (Maj'Dul, The Sinking Sands, Pillars of Flame) contain solo, group and raid mobs. Many instances with this expansion as well.

Kingdom of Sky (Expansion Pack #2) (KOS) Website Information

Formats Released: Retail CD (Base game and KOS expansion), Retail Echoes of Faydwer DVD, Digital Download Expansion only.

Raised level cap to 70. Introduced Achievment Point system, starting at level 20 (However, see the entry for Echoes of Faydwer). Contains all variations of encounters on the main islands as well as instances (instances are more group and raid type).

The Fallen Dynasty (Adventure Pack #3) (TFD) Website Information

Formats Released: Digital Download only.

Similar in style to The Bloodline Chronicles. Designed for levels 55+, though level 50 Tradeskill characters have quests availble.

Echoes of Faydwer (Expansion Pack #3) (EOF) Website Information

Formats Released: Retail DVD (Base game, DOF, KOS and EOF expansions), Digital Download Expansion only.

(Not yet released as of this writing.) Doesn't raise the character level. New player race (The Fae.) New class specific Achievements and you can start earning Achievement Points at level 10. Content for all levels and playstyles. Adds wearable, customizable cloaks, a second earring slot, adornments to customize weapons and equipment. Two new secondary tradeskills (Transmuting and Tinkering.) Deity belief system.

Station Access (Special Subscription Package) Website Information

Allows access to the Station Games, and the premium games of EverQuest, EverQuest 2, EverQuest Online Adventures, Star Wars: Galaxies, Planetside, Matrix Online and soon to be released Vanguard: Saga of Heroes for one price. (You still have to purchase the games individually or upgrade from the trial version.) Permits 4 additional character slots for EQ2. Also includes all Adventure Packs (current and future) for no additional charge (However, if you decide to drop Station Access, you will lose access to Adventure Packs you haven't previously purchased.)

Additional Purchase Options

Referring to this post will give you an additional option when it comes to purchasing the base games or expansions. Not only can you do the old-fashioned jump in your car and drive to the retailer method, or the purchase the game or expansion online and wait for it to arrive, or purchase it the digital download and get none of the goodies, there are now sites you can go to that will, for about the same price as the retail store, email you the RETAIL CD Key and then, depending on the store, for an additional shipping fee will send your box along after. This way, you get all the goodies from the retail box almost immediately, and have to option of still receiving the discs later. As always, with any Internet retailer, make sure you're getting what you pay for and make sure you have a way to address a complaint should things not work out.

Notes:

-This does not include the Station Access Subscription, which is your game subscription and not the game itself. However, those same sites may sell Game Time Cards under the same service (email you the time card code), but game cards won't get you Station Access.

- Not all sites will carry all expansions. For the older expansions, you may have to hunt around, but, why do all that work, when the EOF retail box is a great deal for about 1/3 the money of everything seperately.

- Adventure Packs are available throught the Station Store ONLY.
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If there's information I left out (I know I left out Guild information, but that's information for a more seasoned player than a new player), please let me know and I'll add it in. I would ask that replies deal only with adding of information, to eliminate the potential of creating more confusion in a new player trying to figure out which parts to purchase.

Edited: Added website information and a couple items I left out. Thanks, Delameko!
Edited 11-12: Added adventure pack information for dropping SA. Thanks, Pinski!
Edited 12-22: Added information on purchasing CD Keys online and a link to the post by Supaphr33k offering links to sites.
Edited 12-28: Corrected information on Achievements


Message Edited by Paladin776 on 12-28-2006 03:44 PM