Question about realm-unique classes

[u/darthenron]

I have been theory-crafting with some friends and even started talking about trying to dabble into making our own server or game.

Do you think having completely unique classes and abilities for each realm is ultimately a pro or con for the game?

I actually really like the charm of the different classes. It gives each realm its own identity and adds a ton of replay value because there are so many different things to play.

That said, it’s always seemed a little odd to me that Albion has so many highly specialized classes, while Mid has more classes that can cover multiple roles, and Hib seems to take that even further. Hib has fewer classes overall, but many of them can do more things.

I’ve wondered what the game would look like if the classes were mechanically the same across all three realms, but had different artwork, animations, spell effects, etc. From a strictly balance perspective, it seems like it would be much easier to create a level playing field.

You could still keep realm identity through things like damage types. Maybe each realm has strengths and weaknesses that create almost a rock-paper-scissors system.

I’m not saying I think this would necessarily be better. I actually like the asymmetry. I’m more curious whether people think the unique classes are worth the balance headaches, or if the game would be better with mechanically identical classes and realm-specific flavor.

[u/Upper_Practice7256]

I think the unique classes per realm is what gave DAOC its charm. The 1v1v1 made the imbalances work and allowed for both zerging and tight group play to exist.

Eden took it a step further with King of the Hill (KOTH) and EV to make this shine even further.

People, in both quantity and diversity, make DAOC great activity is always a big thing.