Need advice on choosing a class (Another newbie)

[Nakatim]

Hello. Let's start with the fact that I played a lot of classic MMORPGs (like WoW), but unfortunately, this game passed me by at the time.
However, when I found out about this game, I became very interested and immersed myself in learning about it.

Of course, asking “which class is the most fun” is pointless, since everyone has different criteria for “fun.” However, I will say what I personally like.
I have always preferred very complex classes with deep mechanics that are difficult to learn and play, even if they do not guarantee higher efficiency than simpler classes.
After reading this forum a little and especially after leafing through the guide by the respected Uchoo, I got a rough idea of how certain roles are played.

Although I want to focus on group content, and if (let's say) I choose the Tank class, I will do my job as well as I can, the solo potential of the class is also important to me.

Healing has never been my thing, so I'm not considering it.
Ranged damage dealers (RDPS) don't really interest me either, but I'm willing to consider them if any of them fit my criteria

I'm very interested in tanks in this game because of the combination of non-healing support and a lot of control.
As for tanks, although I understand that the role itself is quite complex and has a high skill ceiling, I am looking for the most in-depth and complex class:
Knight and Chosen, as I have read, are the simplest (albeit powerful).
I have read a lot about Ironbreaker and Blackguard being “piano” classes. In fact, they interest me the most. So, please tell me, what is the difference in playstyle in a group, and which is stronger in solo play?
Swordmaster is quite interesting. I've heard that he has the best solo potential among tanks and good group effectiveness. But how complex is he compared to IB and BG?

I'm also interested in melee fighters (MDPS). But I read on the forum that some (Slayer and Choppa) are very effective in a group, but don't perform very well solo. Others (Witch Hunter and Witch Elf) perform well solo, but are not needed in groups.
White Lion, although very strong, I don't consider because pets are not my thing. Purely for aesthetic reasons.
Of the MDPS classes, I am most interested in Marauder. On paper, Stance dance sounds very interesting, but is this class complex and deep enough? And does it perform well in solo play?


Thank you very much for reading. I hope to see you soon on the battlefield!

[AlexioRinaldi]

The best advice I can give you is to play with the classes in the order, since GMs seem to have a preference when it comes to "balancing" the game. It's very frustrating to see your favorite class end up in a trash can. Sorry for my English, I use a translator

[nocturnalguest]

First, for your questions - IB/BG are pretty proactive classes (BG to a lesser extent and also has slightly lower build/setup diversity then IB) that demand knowledge, experience. Usual rule of thumb is to learn general tanking on kotbs/chosen a little bit and then go for IB/BG. You will suffer after midtier as fresh 40 on IB/BG and to lessen that suffering its great to start with simple classes and then move step by step.
Second, if you dont have experience with old school PvP oriented MMO's like daoc all your previous modern experience is pretty much irrelevant. If you have GW2/ESO PvP experience it will kind of help, its different but close to RoR "hardcoreness".
Third, your general view if you read Entropy&Chaos guide + Uchoo guide is totally ok. Mara/WL both are really nice classes to start, they are swiss knives, good in any environment. Slayer/choppa are also great but soloing with them is really harsh. Slayer is least viable class to solo with in terms of efforts put/effieciency.
Fourth, this game is completely solo unfriendly. Solo roaming mode is considered as a great challenge of your skills&knowledge. There are way more challenging modes like 6v6 or prearranged 24v24 that are way more demanding but solo roam definitely comes 3rd by complexity. Thus, being a newcomer its adviced to first learn and master proper group gameplay and only once you figure ins&outs you go into lakes prepared. Experience of solo roaming as newcomer once you hit combat rank 16 and go into combined lakes T2-T4 is horrible misery. Even if you go on a most solo viable class (dps am/shaman, magus, we/wh). You will definitely not like it on any class, even most cheesy ones.
Also its very important to note that design&development are not focused into solo experience. Its out of the scope for devs, balance team and gms so whatever rant you may create upon "unfairness" from your pov will be just ignored.

[Farrul]

I have read a lot about Ironbreaker and Blackguard being “piano” classes. In fact, they interest me the most. So, please tell me, what is the difference in playstyle in a group, and which is stronger in solo play?
Swordmaster is quite interesting. I've heard that he has the best solo potential among tanks and good group effectiveness. But how complex is he compared to IB and BG?

Sounds like the Ironbreaker(SnB not 2H) is a good match for your preferences, it is good in both group content ( be it scenarios or large scale RvR) and does well in solo and duels.

As for SM, two patches ago this would be an accurate description, but this is no longer the case ( still strong vs melee, you just won't beat a Magus forget about it after being nerfed for two patches in a row lowering your resistances and damage( in a solo context) and you will struggle vs shamans(these two and Regen We's being the most common classes that you will fight in solo,). Best solo Tank is either Chosen now or SnB IB, possible kotbs could compete or even surpass after the latest patch, but has to be tested further.

I'm also interested in melee fighters (MDPS). But I read on the forum that some (Slayer and Choppa) are very effective in a group, but don't perform very well solo. Others (Witch Hunter and Witch Elf) perform well solo, but are not needed in groups.
White Lion, although very strong, I don't consider because pets are not my thing. Purely for aesthetic reasons.
Of the MDPS classes, I am most interested in Marauder. On paper, Stance dance sounds very interesting, but is this class complex and deep enough? And does it perform well in solo play?

Marauder is your class in this case, strong in group content and decent solo( although not among the top solo classes, still okay).