Massively's tour of Dofus 2.0
Dofus is a game that's been around for a while now, first in its 1.0 form, and now as Dofus 2.0. It's a tactics-based game (many players have pointed out that it has a Final Fantasy feel about it), and while it's not as flashy as many of the graphics-heavy games on the market today, it's got a fair amount of substance to it. Dofus 2.0 offers a nice variety of combat areas, diverse and specialized classes, even crafting if that's your thing. Recently we were lucky enough to take a tour of Dofus 2.0 with Ankama's own Elissa Dukes. Follow along after the jump to see what we found.
Classes and professions are where Dofus 2.0 really shines. Exploring and learning all of the options is a huge part of the game, so we began there.
Players are given twelve character classes to choose from. They go beyond simple tanks, casters, and healers, offering the ability to choose from specialties that seem similar at first glance. Upon taking a closer look, however, classes that look alike have nuances and specialties that allow a player to choose a finely tuned profession. With so many choices it's easy to get a bit overwhelmed; you might want to start with the handy little "Which hero are you?" quiz on the Dofus 2.0 site to help you get your bearings.
Cra - Cras are the archer class. Long distance combat is their specialty, as they prefer to keep far away from the action.
Enutrof - The Enutrofs are described as "helplessly covetous treasure hunters", with an eye for riches and a talent for manipulation.
Feca - the Fecas are the defender and protector class. They guard the other adventurers in their party against harm, keeping the group safe in battle.
Iop - Iops are the heaviest melee damage dealers in the game. These aggressive, sword-wielding characters start off with slightly higher health than other classes, since they're the first to rush into battle.
Osamodas - Osamodas are the summoners of the game. They can call upon the creatures of Amanka as allies, offering them buffs that carry over to their player allies as well.
Sram - Srams enjoy treasure just as much as the Enutrof, but no digging or shovels for them. They're a little more subtle, specializing as a combination assassin/thief.
Sacrier - Sacriers are frontline warriors, much like the Iops, but they act as berserkers: if you attack a Sacrier, look out. Taking damage only makes them stronger, thanks to their array of punishment spells that give them increased stats such as HP with each hit they take.
Ecaflip - Ecaflips are the gamblers of Dofus 2.0, taking a chance with every spell they cast. Their spells depend on a roll of the dice and can be incredibly powerful or very weak, depending on the whim of fate.
Eniripsa - Eniripsas are a healer class. Unlike the Fecas, who defend and protect, Enripsas heal their injured allies as well as dealing pure damage to enemies. If your defenses are penetrated in battle, you'll want to have an Eniripsa close by.
Sadida - Sadidas are summoners, just like Osamodas, but with a little twist. Where Osamodas call the local wildlife to help, Sadidas have the flora and fauna at their command as well as the ability to create "dolls" -- magical creatures that will heal allies and attack enemies.
Xelor - Xelors are tricky ones, with the ability to manipulate time. They're very intelligent and can slow their enemies, speed their allies, teleport, and much more.
Pandawa -- Finally, Pandawas. An unusual and versatile class with the ability to lift their enemies into the air, heal allies, and make enemies more vulnerable to certain types of damage, Pandawas carry a special spell. "Boozer" makes them instantly drunk, a state they require for many of their spells to be effective.
Professions in Dofus 2.0 are extensive and created to be interdependent with one another. You can choose a profession very early on, just out of the starter/tutorial area. Professions are divided into two categories: crafting and collecting. Collectors rely on the natural resources in the world around them: Farmers, Fishermen, Miners, Lumberjacks, and Alchemists collect the raw materials needed by the crafting professions. They've got the choice of selling the raw materials, or putting in some extra work to process the items into something more usable to the general public, such as bread from grains.
Crafters are the go-to people for custom-made...well, anything. With a crafter for any weapon you might need, from bows to shields to axes, as well as Shoemakers, Tailors, and Jewellers, crafters can outfit your character from head to toe. Fishmongers, Butchers, and Bakers (sorry, no candlestick makers) will keep you fed, and Handymen will provide you with invaluable items such as dungeon keys. While the general population of Dofus 2.0 relies on the crafting professions to keep them fed and geared up, the crafters need those collector professions for materials, so it makes sense to have a well-rounded group of friends!
Once you've chosen your class and thought about a profession to pursue, you're all set to venture into Dofus 2.0. The storyline is a simple one: "In the province of Amakna, dragon eggs called Dofus have just disappeared and with them the quiet daily life that the population used to live. While strange phenomena keep on arising in the forests of the eternal province, hundreds of adventurers go off in search of these eggs with magic powers."
No worries at the beginning -- you won't be thrown into the deep end to venture out alone. You'll land in a starting area with some kind NPCs who offer tutorial quests. You have the option to skip, but we don't recommend it. Even if you're already familiar with the mechanics of side-scrolling games and turn-based combat, the tutorial will add some nice starter gear to your inventory.
Once you're through the tutorial, it's time to head out in search of a fight! Once you've entered a combat area and aggroed the surrounding monsters, the battle will set itself up in a normal turn-based formation. Icons for everyone on the field will appear in the lower right hand corner of your screen, above your skill bar. When it's your turn, your icon will be highlighted. Use your movement points (MP) to move toward your opponents, click on the skill you want to use, then click on your chosen opponent. Each skill has a certain range (tiles within range will turn blue as an indicator) and cost in action points (AP). You can continue moving and attacking until you are out of action points and/or movement points, which renew on your next turn. Every class has such a wide range of available skills that while combat might feel simple to you, it will take you time and practice to get a feel for all of them. Use your combat time to try things out and see what you like!
Dofus 2.0 has a limited free-to-play offer that gives players a taste of all PvE areas of the game, and a subscription model that opens the entire game. This is definitely not your standard hack-and-slash fantasy game -- it's all about the strategy, and in our opinion, it's well worth checking out. Take a look at the gallery to see some of the areas of the game, then check it out for yourself. Thanks for your time, Elissa!
