generalist

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  • Leaderboard: Hybrid vs. specialist

    by 
    Justin Olivetti
    Justin Olivetti
    12.19.2011

    When it comes to that all-too-important decision at the character creation screen, you must decide off the bat whether or not you're going to mold your new hero into a finely tune specialized machine or to pick a class that sports as much flexibility and gas-saving technology as a hybrid allows. This decision has long-reaching consequences on your future journeys with the character, so choosing wisely means knowing yourself and your playstyle intimately. But which is better, overall? Is it better to gun for a specialized class? After all, this allows you to be the absolute best you can be at a singular role, to get those high numbers and fulfill your purpose well. Specialists are prized in endgame activities, since being at the top of one's form is vital to helping your group succeed. However, are hybrids ultimately better due to their jack-of-all-trades flexibility? Is having the option to switch between roles on the fly more crucial to individual and group success than being locked into one thing only? Hybrids also allow for more choice down the road, especially when you might be getting bored of a particular role and want to experiment with something else. So which will top today's Leaderboard: hybrids or specialists? Hit the jump to cast your vote!

  • The Daily Grind: Do you play specialist or generalist characters?

    by 
    Justin Olivetti
    Justin Olivetti
    05.28.2011

    Myself, I'm a jack-of-all-trades type of player. If there's a class, profession or build out there that allows me to do a wide variety of things OK, then you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be playing it. Sure, I never hit the top of the DPS or healing charts, but the freedom of choice that generalist builds allow me more than makes up for it. Classes are easy to define as either "specialist" or "generalist" if you're painting with a broad brush, although the truth is that many specialist classes and roles have generalist aspects, and generalist classes often can be specialized. So I think it all boils down to what you like to play and how you like to play it. So what do you enjoy more: playing specialist or generalist characters? Would you rather do a narrow range of actions really, really well, or a wide range of actions decently but not exceptionally? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!