How does freeform work?

[Paulo]

Hello everyone, I need some clarifications:

I'm thinking about buying a freeform character slot. I already have the Zen. But I wonder if it wouldn't be better to just buy 2 extra regular character slots and spend the rest on new classes/outfits.

The thing is, how does Freeform work exactly? Do I select all my powers upon creation, or I have to gradually select them when I level my character up? The freeform slot adds one slot to the 2 ones I get for free, right?

Thanks for the attention :)

[Michael]

When you buy a freeform slot, you are getting an actual slot. This is in addtion to whatever slots you already have available.

Short of paying for a subscription, buying a freeform slot is your absolute best option. You are given access to every power tree in the game, which includes all of the trees that the premium AT's use, and a lot of powers that none of the AT's even have at all. And of course, you can respec this character as often as you want so long as you have the resources to cover it.

When you first make your freeform character, you completely customize your stats, and you pick each power as you level, rather than have the game choose it for you.

The first thing you pick is your general stat build. These builds focus on two or three stats. After you've picked your build, you then choose what you want your primary "superstat" to be. This will be your first "yellow number" that you want to focus everything on, because no matter what that stat actually is, it will determine overall how strong you are.

As you level, you will then be able to pick your secondary super stats. With your primary, you'll ultimately have a total of 3 stats that you want to focus on. It's just like with the AT's. The only difference is, you get to choose what they actually are.

Once you hit level 10, you'll get access to the spec tree, just like you would for an AT. The first tier is based on whatever your primary super stat is. But then at level 20, you get to pick whatever spec tree you like instead of having one assigned to you. (Guardian, Protector, Avenger, Overseer, etc.)

Finally, there's the role system. As a freeform, you can change roles on the fly, whenever you bloody feel like it. For example, the Glacier AT is stuck in the "tank" role. As you level, you'll unlock role slots, and can swap out your builds for it. You could take say....both a defensive and an offensive passive. Whenever you're in tank role, your defensive passive would be equipped. In the dps role, your offensive power would be equipped. (In hybrid role, you can equip whatever the hell you want.)

So yes. Long story short, freeform is definitely the best option. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but so long as you have a passive slot power and you focus on your "yellow numbers", you really can't go wrong. Best advice is to try and avoid redundancies. For example, don't pick 3 different pbaoe's, etc. Try to look for synergies between your powers.

Quick note: When you pick your energy builder and your first power in the character creator, you should immediately retcon in the powerhouse. The powers in the creator do not represent the full list of what you can pick for that first tier.


**Edited for typos**

[Paulo]

Man, thanks for the complete answer! You sir has helped me a ton!

[Michael]

Sure thing. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. People here typically try to be helpful.

[Paulo]

Cryptic should give you money, you just won them a subscription lol.

[Michael]

lol Welcome to the family. Glad I convinced you. I think you'll have a lot of fun with it.

Feel free to drop me a line in-game at any time. My global is @Miykael

[𝕽𝖆𝖌𝖊]

but if I buy the freeform slot from the Zen Store, can I then make my level 40 character a freeform? or should I create a new character?

[𝕽𝖆𝖌𝖊]

thank you