There's a lot of negative opinions regarding hunters on this forum, and that's fair considering this isn't a great patch for archers. However, much of this is framing the viewpoint around the potential hunters/archers in general had in later DAoC patches and with a different RA system than what will be available in the 1.65 system this server utilizes.

For example, hunters will not do well as a solo character going out to milegates. With see hidden and camo on a 10 minute timer that resets after each engagement, it's probably only going to be worthwhile to head out in that capacity every 30 minutes (with camo/truesight/purge available - and even then that will take a long time to get to). However, hunters would be good in a stealther group as bait and ranged support.

With that in mind, what do you think would be ideal hunter specs for situations where they actually can be fun and useful. How would you spec and utilize a hunter in keep take/defenses? for zerg following/adding? for solo pve farming? I'd be interested in hearing some positive takes and ideas, not the same negative outlooks everyone seems to be piling on when discussing archers on this server.

Even if it ´s a bit outdated I would highly recommend this thread besided the known fact, that archers will have no easy life on uthgard. But they can still make their way if smart played.

https://www.uthgard.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=30564&hilit=Hunter+guide

I play a hunter as sub toon need best stufff available charge and pots and some luck ........

bigdaddy wrote:For example, hunters will not do well as a solo character going out to milegates. With see hidden and camo on a 10 minute timer that resets after each engagement, it's probably only going to be worthwhile to head out in that capacity every 30 minutes (with camo/truesight/purge available - and even then that will take a long time to get to). However, hunters would be good in a stealther group as bait and ranged support.

With that in mind, what do you think would be ideal hunter specs for situations where they actually can be fun and useful. How would you spec and utilize a hunter in keep take/defenses? for zerg following/adding? for solo pve farming? I'd be interested in hearing some positive takes and ideas, not the same negative outlooks everyone seems to be piling on when discussing archers on this server.

What you said is true about this being a rough era for Hunters. I played it mostly solo with no buffbot, in a world of buffbots. So while considering which class I will play at this launch, (with Hunter being my main so long ago on Nimue) it did occur to me this bot-less OF of Uthgard will be less brutal for Hunters than the one I experienced. My favorite build was 50 spear 34 BC (for the speed) and I think 35 Bow for RF. I was able to have lower Stealth since I had a pretty good RR by then and built the bonus into my SC'd set. Hunters are the crappiest archers of the three realms. Spear is the strength so I maxxed it--enemy stealthers hates it! The rear style with 5 sec stun is particularly useful and fun! If your dog can split parry for you (hmm I recall there being an issue with that at some point) that will help land those heinous anytime spear styles. And beyond 35 bow you don't get a whole lot compared to putting the pts into spear or BC. Oh, and it is insanely fun to roll up on milegates with a Skald *hug Renshai* and pop truesight. Am I talking myself into doing this again??

---> Shifa Sharp

It seems everyone's view of hunter is focused on it's place in the stealth wars. The beauty of 1.65 and OF is that there are many other opportunities to to be effective and have fun. You have to remember that anytime there is a major siege, there is a supply line. Often solos and duos can be found, just hide along the route. It may seem kinda low, it is what it is, but you get rp's for ganking greys. Terrorizing xp spots is pretty fun. Just hanging out in Hib, where Hibs have to run through their entire frontier to get to emain can pay off. Crafters have to run out to a keep for the highest level of crafting. Another opportunity. You don't have to hang out at the mile gates or participate in the stealth wars. In all these scenarios, the hunter is more than effective and fun.