Description
A Berserker is an offensive warrior but restricted by their inability to wear heavy armour they lack the durability of their tougher melee cousins. Berserkers specialise in dealing, not taking damage (similar to a rogue but one who attacks from the front) and will suffer when asked to stand toe to toe with an opponent. It is only when they are able to concentrate fully on inflicting damage that a Berserker shows their true worth, in a Warriors role they are often a poor substitute.
The real and only ability Berserkers have is in dealing damage, they are capable of causing more carnage than any other profession when at their best and at worst can rival a poorly equipped Rogue with ease. The only drawback of their Wizard like ability to deal damage, is their Wizard like ability to annoy the subject of their frenzy and while Berserkers do have a lot of hit points and can withstand blows significantly better than their spell casting counterpart, only the most experienced and well equipped can effectively shield their friends from the more powerful foes.
An experienced and alert Berserker is a mighty and useful ally, an inexperienced and unwary Berserker a liability but there can be no denying with a hefty two handed weapon (the only kind they can use) they have no equal. They also possess the complementary skill of being able to summon weapons to throw at their enemies which at later levels gain magical enchantments (such as slowing movement) that can greatly contribute to their flexibility in an otherwise limited role, albeit one they excel in.
Berserker Races
Barbarian, Dwarf, Ogre, Troll, Vah Shir
Stats
A Berserkers goal in every fight is to inflict more damage than anyone else can hope for and to help them achieve this they need high strength, though this statistic is quite easy to raise through enchanted items so increasing their toughness by raising stamina can be more advantageous. It should also be kept in mind all the races capable of producing them are naturally strong and hardy, regardless of any artefacts or enchanted items the individual may carry.
Berserkers will get the attention of their opponents quite easily early in their development and a high agility helps to avoid incoming blows. It is a secondary concern to strength and stamina but worth considering when choosing items with otherwise similar statistics. Berserkers are often seen carrying items which produce magical effects in combat; the frequency of these effects is partially determined by dexterity and increasing this statistic can make the effects more useful in fights of a short duration.
Tips
- Strength directly influences the amount of damage you can dish out, go for items which increase this statistic whenever possible.
- Total hit points are influenced by stamina, a few extra can make the difference between being face down in the dirt and surviving long enough for your opponent to be defeated.
- Many Berserkers favour weapons with magical effects, consider increasing your dexterity when you have the option.
- A Berserkers weapon is their best friend, invest most of your cash into buying the best available for your level as your armour shouldn't have a lot of work to do when you fill a damage dealers role.
Screenshots
With thanks to Frilok (Wood Elf *), ??? (???), ??? (???), ??? (???) and ??? (???) of the Karana server for being the Berserker screenshot models!
* Frilok's Elven appearance is the result of a magical item, normally Wood Elves can't be Berserkers
Sites
Casters Realm
http://eq.crgaming.com/creationguides/berserker.aspCreation guide for Berserkers.
Go Berserker
http://www.goberserker.com/An excellent resource for Berserkers, the forums cover everything your likely to need to develop your Berserker into a mean fighting machine.