Feldon 
In a perfect world, SOE would have the vast resources it would take to go back through EverQuest II’s 9 years of content and rework it so that it’s all fresh, challenging, and relevant again.
But we live in the real world, and for many new and returning players who want to play with their friends, level 1-85 is now a relic, a reminder of days when heroic bands of gnolls traveled the Antonican countryside flattening all who stood in their way. The meaningful, perilous, and team-building adventure in that challenging content has faded with the passage of time and increase in stats. Today, levels 1-85 still have a great story to tell for those who wish to take things slowly, but for many new and returning players, they stand as a contextless roadblock between them and playing with their friends.
3 years ago, Dave “SmokeJumper” Georgeson publicly floated the idea of Insta-85 characters. He was shouted down, and clearly the EQ2 community wasn’t ready. But in the intervening years, it seems players have come around and recognized that level 1-85 has become a solo tutorial at best which ill-prepares players for playing their characters in any kind of challenging setting, whether that’s advanced solo, grouping OR raiding.
So fast foward to today, and the exact details of Heroic Characters — aka Insta-85 Characters — have been posted on EverQuest2.com for all to read. My impression of the program is positive and, at first blush, SOE has clearly learned from past “Winback” programs.
Heroic Characters are open to all players!
whether you’re…
- an established player who wants to try out your 10th alt
- considering returning to the game after a year or two off and don’t want to spend hours solo questing to catch up with your friends
- a newish player wanting to really try out the game without having to first grind thousands of mobs or solo quests.
That this is open to all players should go a long way towards eliminating the past ill feelings as some players were showered with rewards, while veterans were left out. This isn’t the first such turn, as we’ve seen an increasing appreciation of Subscribers with programs such as “Gold Rush“. Those players who pay $15 month-in and month-out may not splurge for big ticket Marketplace items, but they’re here year-after-year, supporting SOE.
After the jump, Holly’s producer’s letter and the Heroic Characters FAQ…
Holly’s Producer Letter from the EQ2 Forums:
Calling all heroes!
We are putting in the final touches for Heroic Characters and we’re excited to be able to give you some news about them.
Before we get to how Heroic Characters work, let’s talk about why we are doing it. Primarily, we created this new feature because you asked us for it! At SOE Live, on forums, in one-on-one conversations, and lots of other ways, we’ve heard variations on similar ideas.
Former players don’t want to play catch-up to Level 95, existing players don’t want to start over at Level 1 with their friends, and some players just want to get into high-end guilds and raids because that’s what they love to do. There’s been a lot of great feedback that led us to create Heroic Characters.
The goal is to provide a fun and easy option for existing and returning players to play or experiment with our characters and have immediate access to high-level content. And we think we’ve created a great program for everyone!
First, for a limited time, players can create a Heroic Character for free. Oct. 1 until Oct. 15 is our “Hero’s Call” event which invites new players to create one free new Heroic Character per household. Existing accounts can create or upgrade to a Heroic Character for free too!
Additionally, Heroic Characters can be purchased at any time from our store. The options include: Try Before You Buy, New Heroic Character, and Upgrade Existing Character.
1) Try Before You Buy: This option offers one full level of play from Level 85 to 86 – which takes a typical player several hours – with 100 Alternate Advancement (AA) points to test out a class of your choice at a high level. The Free Trial includes a flying mount, armor, consumables, and a few restrictions.
2) New Heroic Character: A full Heroic Character can be purchased at Character Select or while playing as a Free Trial character. It includes level 85, 280 AAs, all items included in the Free Trial, and is unrestricted.
3) Upgrade Existing Character: The Upgrade option allows you to select any existing character at any level and upgrade it to a Heroic Character. All upgraded characters receive level 85 and are increased to 280 AAs, but not beyond. If you are above level 85 and have more than 280 AAs, you won’t receive additional levels or points, but will get a bundle of items that includes the flying mount, armor, and consumables.
For more details on each option, click here.
HOW TO ACCESS HEROIC CHARACTERS
Access to “Try Before You Buy” and new Heroic Characters can be found at the Character Select screen. The “Create Level 85 Heroic” button opens a window showing the benefits of the Free Trial and New Heroic Character options.
Existing characters, as well as Try Before You Buy ones, can be upgraded to a Heroic Character from the “Select Character” list by clicking on an upgrade icon next to each character. (I’d show you this, but we’re still putting the final UI together now!).
In addition to that, an in-game Marketplace item can be bought (and gifted) to upgrade an existing character to a Heroic Character. The Character window also has an icon you can use to upgrade too.
HEROIC HOTBARS!
We also have a new mode for Heroic Character hotbars to help returning players adjust to the number of combat arts/spells. It starts with one hotbar of core spells and/or combat arts to help you quickly learn and get into the swing of things. We add hotbars one at a time soon thereafter after to help you ramp up. Expert players can quickly get out of this mode at any time by modifying their UI.
MORE NEWS TO COME
So that’s the majority of the details for the Heroic Character feature. We’ve got a lot more to talk about too. Next week we’ll get into our Age of Discovery expansion changes as well as the 280AA bauble being available for sale on our marketplace for SC. Then, of course, we’ll jump into ToV details!
We hope to see you in game on Oct. 1! We will all be playing!Holly Longdale
Sr. Producer
EverQuest II
The Heroic Characters FAQ from EverQuest2.com:
What are Heroic Characters?
Heroic characters are an exciting new feature for EverQuest II that will allow returning players quicker access to high level areas and existing players the ability to try out different classes or avoid content they’ve completed many times. Players may select any class to begin at level 85 with a full complement of gear, food, drink, and ammo to get you started.
What are my options for Heroic Characters?
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
“Try Before You Buy” characters start at Level 85 with a flying Pegasus mount, Level 85 armor, food, drink, ammo and a few potions. Beginning in Iceclad in Velious,there is a new quest which gives an update on the world storyline and prepares the hero for adventures ahead. To support this, EverQuest II: Destiny of Velious expansion content will be included free for all players when Heroic Characters launch.
These Characters start with 100 AAs already assigned using a Solo Character Advancement template. Also, each class will have many of its iconic buffs pre-cast upon arriving in Velious. Easy- peasy, lemon-squeezy.
There are a few restrictions however. After a full level of Try Before You Buy, these characters will stop earning combat experience when they reach level 86. Once they are logged off after reaching level 86, they are locked and can’t be logged in again unless they are upgraded to a full Heroic Character at the Character Select screen.
Some restrictions for the Try Before You Buy characters are in place to prevent issues for the community at large. These characters can’t trade, use shared banks, mentor, duel bet, send or receive attachments in emails, and a few other things, like combat experience being set at 100%. We are still defining some of those finer details to maintain a fun experience for everyone.
NEW HEROIC CHARACTER (3500 SC)
If you already know the class you want to play and want to bypass the Try Before you Buy option, you can acquire a Heroic Characterand start at Level 85 with 280AAs assigned through a Solo Character Advancement Template, the Pegasus flying mount, armor, food, drink, and potions, and start in Iceclad in Velious. Full Heroic Characters are not limited by level provided you have the expansions required to reach maximum level.
UPGRADING EXISTING CHARACTERS (3500 SC)
Existing characters can upgrade to a Heroic Character instantly no matter what their level or AA points and be set to Level 85 and 280AAs (unless the character is already above those). All upgraded characters will receive the mount, armor, food, drink, and potions in their inventory.
Can I upgrade an existing character?
You can absolutely upgrade an existing character. Once you’ve done so you’ll be granted level 85 and your AA’s will be raised to 280 not to mention receive handy items to help you along.
What equipment comes with the “Try Before you Buy” Heroic Character?
A lot more than a wooden training sword! Your level 85 character will be ready to go with the following:
- A set of Level 85 weapons
- Level 85 jewelry
- Level 85 armor
- 20 Food and Drink
- Ammunition for Fighter and Scount Ranged Weapons
- 6 24-slot bags
- Variety of Potions
- A Pegasus Mount
- Renaming potion for your character, just in case!
How long can I play my Try Before You Buy character?
Your character can be played as much as you want until level 86 at which point it will become “locked” until the Heroic Character purchase is made. If you decide you don’t like the class, you can always start up a trial with a new class until you find one that fits your play style!
Are there limitations on AA’s?
With a “Try Before” you Buy Heroic Character your will have access immediately to 100 AA’s already assigned using the Solo Character Advancement template.
Once you purchase or upgrade an existing character to a Heroic character, you will have 280 AA available and the ability to earn a maximum of 320 AA.
How much do Heroic Characters cost?
You have the option to create a “Try Before you Buy” character at no cost. Creating a Heroic Character without any level or AA restrictions or upgrading an existing character is available for 3500 SC.
I have received a free Heroic Character as a new or existing customer. How does that work?
Players with a free Heroic Character will see all options to create or upgrade a full Heroic Character flagged with “free” text in the Character Select screen.
Do I get the same items when I upgrade as I would if I made a new Heroic Character?
When you upgrade an existing character to a Heroic Character you will receive all gear, abilities, and the flying mount.
Where can I access the Heroic Characters?
Access to the “Try Before You Buy” and full Heroic Characters can be found on the Character Select screen. There are new “Create Level 1” and “Create Level 85 Heroic” buttons available which will allow you to create your choice of character. You may also access the upgrade option for your existing character in the Select Character list or through buying a Heroic Character upgrade item from the Marketplace.
Why are you adding Heroic Characters to the game anyway?
In response to both former and current player feedback, we wanted to provide an opportunity for players to return to EQII without worrying about an overwhelming level gap. We’ve also been asked by all kinds of players for a way to try out high-level classes before committing valuable time to leveling one.
Ultimately we want a fun and easy option for everyone to play or experiment with our various classes and have immediate access to high-level content.
When will Heroic Characters be Available for Purchase?
You will be able to purchase a Heroic Character beginning October 1st.
Won’t a new or returning player be overwhelmed at 85?
This is certainly not our goal! To counter this potential issue, we’ve added “Heroic Hotbars” which will help returning players adjust to the number of combat arts/spells. It will start with one hotbar of core abilities and add more to help progress players into everything their class has to offer.
I know how to play EverQuest II Already. Do I have to use these Heroic Hotbars?
No you do not! You can disable the hotbars whenever you want and go into our standard UI by modifying the UI and confirming that you are ready to switch.
Will I be able to play the Channeler as a Heroic Character when Tears of Veeshan launches?
The Channeler will not be available as a Heroic Character when the expansion launches but will be made available at a later date.
How many Heroic Characters can I have?
You are not limited on how many Heroic Characters you can own on your account!
They need to have all pre-85 language done. Epic weapon done.
Not really, waiting until 85 to do your epic is…well not entirely trivial, but in theory, if you get a bunch of these wandering around all of a sudden, finding help gets easier.
In theory. We all know how it tends to go…
I bet you’ll see the myth update available on Station Cash at some point =p
ok, realllly, we NEED to be able to do heroic crafters also! just my opinion thanks!
Feldon, do you know if you need to purchase a new character slot (if you are out) in order to purchase or get the free heroic? Is the additional slot included with the new character.
I believe to purchase a new instant-85 would require you having or obtaining an open slot first. The upgrading of a toon to 85 would not require a new slot.
You’re most likely right but I thought for the price it would be nice if it included the slot. I can’t believe I am even considering a free one as it is. I have too many toons already.
over two months subscription time to get one toon insta-85. As a vet this seems a rip off to me. if it were $10 ok I could buy that but once again this is no MICROtransaction.
As a vet, you likely don’t need/want this feature.
I have received a free Heroic Character as a new or existing customer. How does that work?
Players with a free Heroic Character will see all options to create or upgrade a full Heroic Character flagged with “free” text in the Character Select screen.
SO who are the players that get a free one? Says “new or existing customer”?
I want to play a Scount! I’m picturing a debonair aristocrat in a cape dual wielding rapiers or dueling pistols!
https://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/index.php?threads/producer-letter-about-heroic-characters.539674/page-3
From the boards:
>>To make it very clear…
Hero’s Call is a limited- time “create one free Heroic Character” promotion that will run from Oct. 1 to 15. During this time, the promotion allows the following:
1.New accounts created as of today (Sept. 23, 2013) and later can create 1 free Heroic Character per household, i.e. as of today, don’t expect to create 30 new accounts and expect each one to get a free Heroic Character during the promotion period.
2.All existing accounts created on or before yesterday’s date (Sept. 22, 2013) can create or upgrade to one fully unrestricted Heroic Character for free. For example, if a family has 5 accounts they play with that were created three months ago, each account will have access to one free Heroic Character from Oct. 1 to 15 only.
3.After Oct. 15, the free Hero’s Call promotional offer goes away and both new accounts and existing accounts will not have access to the “One Free Heroic Character Hero’s Call” offer.
4.After the promotion ends on Oct. 15, all new or upgraded free Heroic Characters created from Oct. 1 to 15 will remain fully unlocked and won’t lose any functionality or features.
Hope that helps.
Holly Longdale
Sr. Producer
EverQuest II <<
THanks. And I thought i was a thorough reader. Totally did not see that
It was actually a couple of pages down and not in the original letter 8)
What if we have two Gold accounts in good (…long…) standing? Is that one 85 per account?
yes
LOL two months having fun leveling a new character from scratch or pay two months sub to have a generic one created. I know which I will take. Sort of cuts out the market for power leveling, which is nice.
A few questions though will these new “heroic characters” have a level 85 tradeskill too? Or will that have to be done separately if you want it. What about the secondary skills like tinkering and adorning?
How about low level recipes? What level are the abilities/spells? Apprentice, Journeyman, Grandmaster? What about those few low level abilities/spells every class has what level will they be on creation?
I actually think they did a good job with this. I’m looking forward to getting my free one – and I may even buy one. I’ve been wanting to try a defiler and a ranger – and even created the toons and got them to lvl 20 – but lost all desire for the grind after that.
I’ve leveled many a toon to max level – so I’m ok with skipping a few steps along the way.
And I’m ok with not having languages, L&L, epic – will give me something, but not too much to do with the toon.
I understand both sides of the arguement. I was mad at first butnow I’m on the fence. Lets see how it plays out. Personally I would have offered this as a returning player reward only. Perhaps after 2-3 of that THEN make this announcement.
Thank God they give you 280 aa’s – its not the levels thats a problem its the mountain of aa’s in my opinion.
AA’s never bother me, you get them up really quick in SS grind group
under 200 points you almost 1 point per group
And yeah they seriously need to up the xp you get from combines in tradeskilling – 95 levels of doing the same thing over and over doesn’t teach you anything you don’t learn in the first 5.
you got a good point there,
LOL, You must not do Rush Orders. I can burn a on from 1 – 95 in a day of double xp easy with rush orders.Without double xp it takes a little longer but I ding every 2-3 rush orders usually. So A level every 20 or so minutes is wayyyy faster than normal leveling.
Anything free is a nice option and of course I have no issue with people wanting to buy one or SOE selling them. But, 1-85 is the easy stuff. So fast to do. To me it’s the 90-95 that’s so boring.
I just want the stuff off the free heroic character to give to my other characters. Does anyone know whether the mount etc is tradeable?
I guess they would not take actions against players offering leveling services unless they find out about leveling-offering players taking real money instead of the in-game currency.
Imo the 3500 is heavily overpriced plus they already effectively banned powerleveling by disallowing mentoring (and locking experience at 100%) using 2 accounts (in heroic 1 normal). So this whole feature seems to benefits mostly those players who want to get certain classes known better.
The one time “Free” and the Paid for Heroic Characters are not limited from Mentoring and XP lock. It is only the “Try Before You Buy” characters that are.
Honestly, 3500 Station Cash doesn’t sound too bad when you consider the cost of just a mount on station cash.
I’m honestly looking forward to these. There is a class or two that I have been interested in playing, but I just can’t bring myself to grind yet another alt up to level. I will probably buy one new Character and upgrade and existing one that has been languishing at 40 for years.
I have a friend who’s girlfriend just started playing the game and will be using the free upgrade so they can play together on toons other than his low level alts.
I would agree, 3500 SC is not bad at all. In fact if you thnk of it from a gold account standpoint. You could get a free 85 toon every 7 months…
Curious if this includes transmuting since this is a pain to go back and do after the event – far easier to level it as you go.
Maybe we should ask for our epics, a full set of top tier raid gear, full crafting, and vet bonus while we are at it. :/
This has actually made me think about coming back, which is surprising.
I haven’t played in about 5 months, I think … and part of that was the fact I had to grind up an alt if I wanted to play a different class, so this was a good idea on SOE’s part.
A nice way to start on another server, as well. I agree, 3500 station cash, although steep, is certainly worth hours of my time being bored PL or just grinding through the same quests over again.
Maybe they will sell transmuting and crafting options later.
@Kruzzen
You forgot a castle, cause I want one of those too… with a red velvet dungeon and laughing parrots. Yea *ponders* I want that too if I buy a Heroic toon. And the ability to install any one toon at will for a 24 hour period (like sk fd but without the X to pop back up. It IS 3500 SC after all; you could buy a car or at least pay rent for a couple of months with that right? (LOL I.e. I agree with your sarcasm wholeheartedly)