Trouble defeating Viloth

[Larry]

Hi. So, I just started playing Grim Dawn (1 play session so far), and was doing seemingly okay up to the point where I was trying to defeat Viloth. I just have the starting character, with some improved armour and a nice two-handed sword that seems to be serving me very well so far. No projectile weapons or anything, other than that sword.

So, all the other Slith(?) guys were no problem, but Viloth was just a block of HP that seemed to regenerate on me, making it seemingly a huge task to actually widdle down.

Being an initial task, I assumed I was of the correct level/ability to do this, but it's feeling like I've walked into something a bit out of my league.

I've done the mission where you go into the caves to the north and kill the other lizard thing (Reanimator?), and so the 'fix the well and kill Viloth' are sort of my second(?) quest right now.

Am I stepping into something out of my current league, or what?

(Granted, I'm VERY green at the game... I've done similar games, but I suspect I'm missing out on important things like improving weapons (with gems?), and I'm not sure if I've hit the point where I would be deciding on my initial class).

Any thoughts, advice, and/or non-abusive comments? ;)

[Faust Wither]

what class you use? are you really play on normal difficulty or veteran?

[mikeydsc]

Level 5 you get the first class and level 10 you get your 2nd.

Viloth is tough if you are not even classed yet. Go get a couple levels in the wilderness and at least get 1 class under your belt so you have a couple skills.

[Larry]

Ya, I haven't set my initial class yet (....not sure if I CAN at this point or not.... didn't notice). The number in the center of the character interface at the bottom of the screen says 8... Not sure if that's my level or not. I'm playing Normal level.

I think that 8 was flashing at one point, and I clicked it and it brought up a Class Selection screen... but I didn't (consciously) choose anything. Maybe I selected something accidentally.

Okay, ya, I figured maybe I jumped into that Viloth quest too early. Odd, since the Captain said I should help out those two guys (Well guy, and the scientist guy)... so I figured those were 'level appropriate' quests. I guess I need to beat some more random things up to the North. I DO have an active quest to find that brother of the woman, and get his amulate. Maybe I should focus on that.

Unfortunately, Viloth took me out (with an unexpectedly high power attack), so I died. I guess I need to grab my 'corpse' to get whatever I lost.

Ah, well... I'm completely new to Grim Dawn, so I figured there's a lot for me to read up on. I'm coming from things like Torchlight and Path Of Exile.

[mikeydsc]

8 is your level - open your skill screen and choose a class.

[Larry]

Okay, I'll check into all that in my next session. Thanks guys

[Shellbie]

Beginner Guide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3DK5Wk9QI4

[Blinkybubs]

You could slot a searing ember to your sword and it will provide a ranged fireball. Assign the fire blast to a hotkey. Shoot it and move, then watch for the nova. If I remember correctly it is slow enough to run away from if you stay on your toes.

[Larry]

Thanks for that, guys!

Ya, I was wondering about the concept of gems in weapons... I'm used to that in Torchlight, but wasn't sure if that was present in Grim Dawn. I noticed there were some materials(?) I collected that seemed to be usable towards improving items or something. I really have to read up on some of the basics, it seems. I definitely got the feeling I wasn't set up as optimally as I could (...weapons not 'gemed', skills not assigned, etc).

[Maximilian17]

Originally posted by Larry:

Thanks for that, guys!

Ya, I was wondering about the concept of gems in weapons... I'm used to that in Torchlight, but wasn't sure if that was present in Grim Dawn. I noticed there were some materials(?) I collected that seemed to be usable towards improving items or something. I really have to read up on some of the basics, it seems. I definitely got the feeling I wasn't set up as optimally as I could (...weapons not 'gemed', skills not assigned, etc).

That's components. For example some components provides armour + 15 or other provides extra movement speeds.

Some components or relics can only be crafted by blacksmith.

Later, on top of components, you can put augments which is essential to boost resistance or attack powers. You need to grind for faction reputation to get better augments. Just google "faction reputation grim dawn"

[Larry]

Yep, that's all stuff I noticed (in item descriptions and menus), but don't have a good grasp on. Definitely some reading in my near future!

I just loaded up the game, and it appears I am eligible to choose my initial class. So, I'll have to decide on that, plus see what I can do (if anything) with the components and stuff I have on hand up to this point.

Thanks again, guys. Really helpful group here!

[Enfild]

Ha. So you didn't pick any class? Well i am used to problems with builds, but a lack of build at all is a new one.
See, you can reset everything aside from class, so don't just sit on skill points, spend them. This is a game not about your reaction, it is about stats. And don't worry too much about what classes to pick. Every combination is viable, although some lack obvious synergy and require a bit more knowledge than others.
If you want two handers, go with soldier. It is easiest class anyway, so you can pair him with anything and still do okay.

[Maximilian17]

Originally posted by Larry:

Yep, that's all stuff I noticed (in item descriptions and menus), but don't have a good grasp on. Definitely some reading in my near future!

I just loaded up the game, and it appears I am eligible to choose my initial class. So, I'll have to decide on that, plus see what I can do (if anything) with the components and stuff I have on hand up to this point.

Thanks again, guys. Really helpful group here!

Check Nery's guide:
https://forums.crateentertainment.com/t/beginner-build-guides-compendium-for-aom-fg-expansions/106137

[MedeaFleecestealer]

Originally posted by mikeydsc:

Level 5 you get the first class and level 10 you get your 2nd.

Viloth is tough if you are not even classed yet. Go get a couple levels in the wilderness and at least get 1 class under your belt so you have a couple skills.

Duh, what Mike? You get your first mastery at L2, not L5.

[Larry]

I was reading up on the various classes (both in-game descriptions, plus some outside articles). So far, I'm leaning towards a Shaman (although I can't say I'm fully sure about ANY of the classes... nothing screams out as an obvious match for me). I guess I went in originally figuring I'd be focusing on using a bow (or ranged weapons)... but it seems that might be unwise, as I get the impression you'll be swamped pretty early on, so a melee focus seems more wise.

I was also figuring I'd get whatever has good healing/regeneration... as that strikes me as the most useful for my style/abilities. I think the Shaman might have something like that(?).

Just when I thought the Class selection was going to be tough, I stumbled on the Devotion/Religion screen.... and audibly wimpered. It's starting to feel like I'm making complex financial investment decisions!

Ya, I'll probably just do a quick, spontaneous decision... otherwise I'll be stressfuly pondering this until I retire. Truth be told, I shouldn't worry 'long term', as I'll probably only get about 30% of the way through this anyway.... for one reason or another. Real-life stuff, and all that.

[Blinkybubs]

Originally posted by Larry:

I was reading up on the various classes (both in-game descriptions, plus some outside articles). So far, I'm leaning towards a Shaman (although I can't say I'm fully sure about ANY of the classes... nothing screams out as an obvious match for me). I guess I went in originally figuring I'd be focusing on using a bow (or ranged weapons)... but it seems that might be unwise, as I get the impression you'll be swamped pretty early on, so a melee focus seems more wise.

I was also figuring I'd get whatever has good healing/regeneration... as that strikes me as the most useful for my style/abilities. I think the Shaman might have something like that(?).

Just when I thought the Class selection was going to be tough, I stumbled on the Devotion/Religion screen.... and audibly wimpered. It's starting to feel like I'm making complex financial investment decisions!

Ya, I'll probably just do a quick, spontaneous decision... otherwise I'll be stressfuly pondering this until I retire. Truth be told, I shouldn't worry 'long term', as I'll probably only get about 30% of the way through this anyway.... for one reason or another. Real-life stuff, and all that.

Shamans are fun.