This is another post to help people get ready for the Guild Unity Event for Nov. 16-18. If you haven't, please read Getting Started in DDO, Pre-Login first.
Ok. Now that you've installed the game, created your account and signed in you are ready to go.
Video Settings
Quite honestly the first thing you'll want to do upon logging in is set your video settings. On the character selection screen, just hit the "Options" button to get started. From there, you'll have to create a character. Just click the "Create" button.
Character Style
On the first page of character creation, you select the style of character you want. They can be melee, spell or specialist.
- Melee Classes: Fighter, Paladin, Barbarian, Monk*
- Spell Classes: Sorcerer, Cleric, Wizard, Favored Soul*
- Specialist Classes: Ranger, Rogue, Bard, Artificer*
After you pick your character style, you'll pick your character class from the list I have above.
Fighter
A warrior with extra feats, allowing him to specialize in combat. There are many ways to fight: Two-handed, Dual-wielding or even with a bow...You name it, a fighter can specialize for it. As such, players should examine thoroughly what feats you would like to pick before you create this versatile front-line class. For example, if you specialize in dual weapons, you'll need good reflexes (i.e., high Dexterity). If specialization in two-handed weapons is your goal, Strength is the most important stat. Some tactical feats also require an above average [Intelligence]. Fighters gain Strength enhancements as they level up.
Barbarian
A warrior that has special powers when enraged and specializes in dealing heavy damage. He wears less armor than a fighter, but has more HP and some innate damage reduction. Uncanny Dodge allows Barbarians to avoid sneak attacks and have excellent reflex saves in limited bursts. While many Barbarian abilities are geared towards melee combat, they can also make great ranged combatants. Barbarians gain Constitution enhancements as they level up.
Paladin
A warrior that trades some of his melee power for the ability to cast divine spells. He also has a higher ability to avoid getting hit and can self heal in limited bursts better then most. The Paladin often has the best saving throws of any character, gains immunity to fear and disease, and may also serve as backup healers for short encounters. They also have passive auras that aid their party members when facing evil creatures. Paladins gain Charisma enhancements as they level up.
Monk
The Monk class is free for VIP accounts but Free and premium accounts must purchase the class in the DDO store for 995 Turbine Points. A combatant usually fighting without weapons, shields or armor that performs amazing techniques in battle by using a power source called ki. Through intense physical training and mental discipline, Monks gain the ability to generate and control ki.
Sorcerer
A Sorcerer is a focused caster. Sorcerers know only a small subset of all available arcane spells, but they cast that subset faster and more often, and have more spell points compared to wizards. Sorcerers gain Charisma enhancements as they level up, allowing the casting of more and stronger spells.
Cleric
Clerics are strong divine spell casters for healing and defense as well as some offensive ability. They can use all armor without penalty. The Cleric was the only main healer in DDO, prior to Favored Souls, and as such, most groups will think of clerics before asking in the more broad sense, a healer for their group. Clerics gain Wisdom and Charisma enhancements as they level up.
Wizard
A Wizard is an adaptive caster. Wizards are able to switch spells after resting or while in taverns. Wizards have more spells on tap than a Sorcerer, but are limited in the speed and frequency of their casting. Wizards focus on their Intelligence ability for stronger or more numerous spells available.
Favored Soul
The Favored Soul class must either be purchased in the DDO store for 895 Turbine Points or unlocked on a per server basis by earning 2500 Total Favor on a single character. A divine caster that follows the path of the Cleric but is able to throw spells with surprising ease. Wielding divine magic to both heal and destroy, Favored Souls have fewer spells than Clerics, but can cast more often, as they get spell points like Sorcerers do. They also get many unique and powerful enhancements, such as 3 energy resistance feats that give them 10 free stacking energy resistance, free martial weapon proficiency in the chosen weapon of their god, and 10 DR at maximum level, making them more like enhanced clerics than just a "Fewer spells, more casting" type.
Ranger
Rangers are inherently both archers and a dual-wielding melee class (in exchange for removing animal companions, DDO gives all rangers both combat styles). One of the most skilled hunters, the Ranger is among the best in stealth and can cast divine spells. Rangers increase their damage with Favored Enemy feats, where they can pick up to five kinds of monsters to specialize in fighting. Rangers may detect secret doors and traps (but not disable them). Rangers gain Dexerity enhancements as they level up.
Rogue
Rogues get the most skills in the game. While finding and disarming traps is a key skill, the Rogue can also deal devastating sneak attack damage to serve as a great melee combatant. Rogues are adept at avoiding agro and being stealthy as they are not front-line fighters. Rogues can also open locks and find hidden doors, making them a welcome addition to any party. Rogues gain Dexterity enhancements as they level up.
Bard
Bards possess many skills with some special spell cast ability. Their spellcasting consists of a mix of both divine and arcane spells, but are considered arcane overall. Bards are specialists in songs that buff a party and can use arcane spells focused on crowd control, healing, and buffs. Bards are also very good at learning the Use Magic Device skill to operate any kind of magical item. Bards gain Charisma enhancements as they level up. Bards have been called the "best sixth man", because using a Bard to fill the final slot in a party means that his powerful musical buffs will be boosting five other players, and his respectable healing abilities will assist the main healer in keeping the party alive.
Artificer
The Artificer class must either be purchased in the DDO store for 995 Turbine Points or unlocked on a per server basis by earning 150 House Cannith Favor on a single character. The Artificer combines magic with weapon technology and skill. Traditionally, Artificers prefer to avoid getting their hands dirty in a fight, using personally-made constructs that perform a variety of tasks, but are especially capable in combat. Artificers are a jack of all trades class, they can serve as excellent healers, decent offensive spellcaster, ranged combatants, and many more roles. Artificers gain Intelligence enhancements as they level up.
Character Path
After you've selected your character class, you can select a path. Paths are pre-defined stat/feat/skill choices for your class. Paths are good for new players who don't want to get into the nitty gritty of the DDO ruleset. If you are an experienced player, you can choose custom and pick your own abilities.
Character Race
Once you've gotten your path out of the way, you can pick your character race. Free races are Human, Dwarf, Elf and Halfling. Pay to play races are Drow Elf, Half-Elf, Half-Orc and Warforged.
You can see a breakdown of racial bonuses and penalties at the DDO Wiki: http://ddowiki.com/page/Races
Character Appearance
Obviously when you've got all that done, you can create your character's appearance.
We'll, you've logged into DDO for the first time and created a character. Its time to venture to n00b island.