Going Solo

[Blade3000]

Hey folks,

Playing through Icewind Dale at the moment with 3 characters, but I'm on chapter 5 I think so I should be finished soon.

Thinking of trying to solo through Icewind Dale 2 once I'm done.

I've played through the game once before (with a full party) and while I wouldn't describe myself as an expert by any means, I am not having any trouble whatsoever with just 3 in Icewind Dale 1 so I think I can do it.

Just wondering what classes people would suggest? I'm thinking about Sorcerer but I've never played one before. How do you play a solo character who can't melee much? And getting by without any healing spells, just potions, must be tough.

Any character class suggestions and tips on how to play solo would be much appreciated.

[Kyrvias]

If you're going to solo, there's a mod you should download, to fix a little issue with experience. I don't remember what it's called, but you can find it at Pocketplane.

Anyway, the isue is that about halfway through the game, you'll become so powerful that you'll earn 1 experience point per kill. Talk about grinding.

As for classes? Well, I made it through IWDII with a solo Bard... That was quite fun. As for suggestions... if you're running a sorcerer, focus on spells that incapacitate, rather than deal damage. Would you rather cast Sleep and knock out 6 foes, or cas Magic Missile, and kill 1?

Good Hunting!

[Serak Moonblade]

Kyrvias:

That is interesting. I'd played upto Dorn's deep without noticing this problem, but could you assist with a direct link to the solution.

***** POTENTIAL SPOILERS*****

I wanted to reprise my solo run but have been forced to restart. I've nearly reached angry snake lady whose name i'd rather not name in order to avoid spoiling.

*****END POTENTIAL SPOILERS*****

[ZFR]

Originally Posted by Serak Moonblade Kyrvias: That is interesting. I'd played upto Dorn's deep without noticing this problem, but could you assist with a direct link to the solution. ***** POTENTIAL SPOILERS***** I wanted to reprise my solo run but have been forced to restart. I've nearly reached angry snake lady whose name i'd rather not name in order to avoid spoiling. *****END POTENTIAL SPOILERS*****

Serak, they're talking about IWD 2 here....

[Serak Moonblade]

I... um... foot... mouth....

[Klorox]

I'd suggest something like a Deep Gnome Monk with 1 level of Rogue and 1 level of Cleric (Bane). Having a great AC should help a bunch.

Another fun option might be a Drow Paladin 2 or 3/Sorcerer X.

Remember, an XP penalty isn't too big a deal when you're soloing!

I really suggest dipping into a lot of classes for their bonuses. Monk adds WIS to AC (great for any divine caster), Rangers get TWF, Paladins get Save bonuses, ect..

[galdur]

I've passed IWD with Cleric/Ranger. Pretty strong class. The good thing is, that Ranger and Cleric spells merges together, so when you have sufficient level to cast 1st level of druid spells, you can use all slots from Cleric class to cast them. The bad thing is, you cannot use swords and bows.
As for other skills, when you need to sneak, just change armor to light one, otherwise wear heavy armor. This class can get very good AC and resistance. Its similiar to Fighter/Cleric class, weaker in melee, but with ability to cast druid spells. Some combinations of cleric and druid spells are pretty much effective. For example, when you cast sanctuary and static charge, noone will attack you, but static charge will work even outside of sanctuary.

[Klorox]

Originally Posted by galdur I've passed IWD with Cleric/Ranger. Pretty strong class. The good thing is, that Ranger and Cleric spells merges together, so when you have sufficient level to cast 1st level of druid spells, you can use all slots from Cleric class to cast them. The bad thing is, you cannot use swords and bows. As for other skills, when you need to sneak, just change armor to light one, otherwise wear heavy armor. This class can get very good AC and resistance. Its similiar to Fighter/Cleric class, weaker in melee, but with ability to cast druid spells. Some combinations of cleric and druid spells are pretty much effective. For example, when you cast sanctuary and static charge, noone will attack you, but static charge will work even outside of sanctuary.

(This is about IWD2)

[Blade3000]

Well I'm underway.

Spoilers****

Have made it past the Shaengarne bridge fight. It's slow progress involving a lot of resting though. Also if my sorcerer gets held I'm absolutely screwed which has happened once or twice. But otherwise I haven't been wiped out.

Stoneskin, Mirror Image, Fireball and Horror are all proving amazing spells. Sleep was great at the start but the enemies are probably too tough now. And Chromatic Orb is always great when you reach high level.

I am very impressed at the enemies in this game. Possibly it's just because I'm soloing and not just blitzing through them but they seem to be a lot more strategic and not nearly as susceptible to some of the old tricks that could get you through Baldur's Gate.

I didn't download anything from that Pocketplane link because I couldn't find which download file you were referring too. My sorcerer seems to be doing alright for levels at the moment, think he's level 7.

[Luvian]

The one problem about solo play is there will come a time when your character will out level the enemies and so you will stop getting xp. Since your level is your only advantage things will get harder.

A solution is to import five level 1 characters and leave at the zones entrances, just to lower your party level.