Chosen vs Black Orc (new player)

[Kharosch]

Hello everyone,

I'm just downloading the client for RoR while I'm typing these lines. Super excited to jump back into RoR, played live during launch as I teenager and I absolutely loved it!

So as the title suggests, I'm stuck between class choices for tanks. I've found multiple reddit posts and posts here about tank class descriptions, strengths and weaknesses. I now narrowed it down to either Chosen or Blackorc (Ironbreaker is also tempting but I definitely want to be on the destruction side for RP reasons). However, some info doesn't quite add up and isn't crystal clear like I wish it would be...

I've understood that Chosen is considered more beginner friendly and more straightforward. Might be a good call as a RoR newbie, but I'm worried it gets boring to quick to just be handholding in PvP while dishing out auras (not that I wouldn't turn down that apparent Chosen giga chad lifestyle haha). But I also already know that PvP as a tank in RoR is including punts, body-blocking and active shielding. Still, if there isn't much room to fail I'm afraid that there might also not be a lot of room to really shine in the heat of battle...
The Blackorc on the other hand seemed to be more engaging with combos - is that the case? He is considered to be more viable with 2H than Chosen and can dish out more damage. Also Chosen is considered more wanted/better of large RvR and Blackorc more wanted/better for small-scale? (But I found a lot of contradictory voices here...). The Blackorc was also considered inferior in any way by some folks, was this was maybe patch dependend? How is it right now?

From the RP side I could see myself playing both of the classes, but I'm unsure which playstyle and niche would fit me best personally, I'm comparing things like:

- general style of gameplay
- toolkit variety
- strengths and weaknesses
- 2H vs SNB viability
- viability in RvR/small-scale/solo-PvP
- ease of finding a spot in rnd groups and guilds
- viability in PvE (if that's even a thing to talk about)

If any experienced player could share their point of view on the Chosen and Blackorc and maybe also share which one is more fun to play in your opinion (ideally if you have played both) - that would help my decision making a lot!

Hope to see you all on the battlefield soon!

[Culexus]

Welcome to RoR!

Honestly, I would advise leveling both through T1 and see which one clicks with you.

Ultimately, both are very strong tanks, with the biggest difference being the Chosen's abilities are more passive and the BO's more active. It really depends on your own preference which one to choose. I could give you a big list of things that CH/BO are great at, but if you hate using their mechanic, it's not the class for you.

It's hard to compare them really, as ideally, a warband party will have both, as both work well together as a tank duo.

- general style of gameplay

The Chosen's "mechanic" is selecting 3 auras that are always on. That's it.

The BO mechanic has to be worked around rather than worked with to get the most out of the class, which is a downside. It is personally rewarding and engaging when you get the hang of it, even though it doesn't translate to a mechanical reward in-game.

- toolkit variety

Both have a strong toolkit. Chosen has better CC, as a well-placed aoe stagger can win fights, and it has a better punt as BO's punt is tied to the mechanic. BO has the best mobility buff (and possibly best buff) in the game with the We'z Bigeer+Linecraka combo.

- strengths and weaknesses

BO is tankier SnB with its block+parry tactics and block channel. Chosen is tankier is 2h, whereas BO is very squishy.

Chosen doesn't have to work around the BO mechanic, so it can use abilities whenever it needs them. This is huge for the crucial timing of things like punts. As the Chosen "mechanic" is passive, you can focus more on the tank side of things, which is easier for new players as there is a lot to keep track of as a tank.

- 2H vs SNB viability

BO is arguably tied with kotbs for best SnB tank in the game, but is the worst 2h tank as it has to give up so much of its toolkit.

Chosen is great as both 2h and SnB. You can be an effective 2h tank whilst still retaining most of your toolkit.

They are both overshadowed by BG as 2h, who are the kings of 2h tanks.

- viability in RvR/small-scale/solo-PvP

They are both viable in all content. BO/CH in a group is the best wb combo for most circumstances, whilst CH/BG is the best combo for most 6-man groups. BO can work in a 6-man as well, but only with SnB.

CH is one of the strongest solo-roam classes in the game. BO is still viable though, even if he isn't one of the stronger classes at it.

- ease of finding a spot in rnd groups and guilds

You'll never have a problem finding a spot as either class, as support classes are always in high demand. Considering you've already put more work into learning how to tank before you've downloaded the game than some players do in their entire playtime, I'm sure you'll be most welcome wherever you go.

I'd personally recommend joining Discord wbs when you can. You'll learn how to play the game properly there over joining random pugbands. You'll see them advertised regularly in the LFG channel. If you don't want to talk you don't have to, just listen. Tanking in this game is the most fun when you're playing with a well-coordinated warband/6-man.

- viability in PvE (if that's even a thing to talk about)

Most PvE is done with a solo 2h tank. Both are viable for this content as the downsides of 2h BO don't apply as much here.

I know this isn't as big of a breakdown as you may have liked, but playing the classes yourself is going to be the best bet, as until you do that and get a feel for them, it's all just theory.

Once again, welcome to RoR. If you have more questions as you go, don't hesitate to ask on the forums or Discord. The community has loads of players willing to help. But stay away from advice chat in-game if you can, as there are some....interesting opinions in that chat

EDIT: If you do decide to go BO, there is some great advice in this thread: viewtopic.php?t=54756

[Xumae]

Play a 2h BO and destroy noobs with 3 hit combo in t2-t3 scenarios.