The last time MMORPG took a look at Runes of Magic (RoM), the game was recently released and still very much up for debate as far as value verses other MMO options. However, RoM is a 100% free-to-play game (with an item mall, of course), which is certainly a budget friendly investment if you’re looking for a new gaming option. In the two years since our last look at RoM, quite a few impressive changes and additions have been implemented. But does this one hold its own against the other F2P titles—and P2P options—also available?
The RoM Dual Class system.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of RoM is the Dual Class system. Each character is composed of two classes, which are selected from a somewhat disappointingly small pool of 8 options, effectively giving you two characters in one. How this works is you select a starting class, which is automatically your “primary” class, and quest or grind up to level 10 with runes of magic gold. Once you hit this first milestone, you can select your “secondary” class. The only limitation is that Priest and Knight are Human-only, whereas Druid and Warden are Elf-only, so never shall the four intertwine. Elves and the Elf-only classes were implemented after the initial RoM release, and I found the Elven starting lands seemed slightly more advanced and polished than the Human ones.
After you’ve selected your secondary class, you must visit your complimentary house maid in order to swap the combo. Until your now-primary class is the same level as your now-secondary class, you cannot access all of the bonus abilities. Although many players choose to keep their character classes within 10 levels of each other at first, I found that many players over level 40 with rom gold neglect their secondary class until they reach level 62—the highest level currently available. You will have access to some of your secondary class abilities as you level your primary class, but not all of them. I was disappointed that the dual class system doesn’t give you general access to at least the weapon and armor proficiencies of both classes; my Druid/Scout could use bows, but not leather armor, for example.
However, it is a refreshing change from many MMOs which offer only talent trees and minimal customization per character, you can buy runes of magic gold and gives bonus versatility and variety to each character slot. The additional “Elite” abilities, which are available depending on your primary/secondary combination, give even more bonuses based on your two class choices.
