Hoplite

[Yeldur]

I've been playing Hoplite for a while now through Kanker, but I'm wondering whether the build path I'm using is correct, I'm currently using this guide as a basis and adding the extra 5 levels on to whatever I feel is relevant, however, 2012 is four years ago, and I'm wondering whether the guide is even relevant anymore (In terms of builds, not information)

I can't really confirm or not whether the builds are good as I'm not that skilled in building hoplite as I've never really played them, any experiencing hoplites mind seeing of this guide is still useful in terms of builds?
http://forum.melee.org/guides/the-sword-and-spear-way-hoplites-guide/

[WITCHCRAFT]

The main difference I see between now and 2012 is that you are more likely to fight 1v1 than in a group due to smaller server populations. I'd consider investing somewhat more into a 1H weapon unless your polearm is 4d or otherwise "duel-worthy" (that mil fork is a mad dirty duelin' weapon).

Pick shield and armor based on how you want to look, not stats. Adjust to lighter or heavier after you play a while and get a feel for your current gear.

My favorite spear is the red tassel spear, it has 98 speed and 150 length loomed. That's really good for dueling with your shield sheathed.

[Yeldur]

The main difference I see between now and 2012 is that you are more likely to fight 1v1 than in a group due to smaller server populations. I'd consider investing somewhat more into a 1H weapon unless your polearm is 4d or otherwise "duel-worthy" (that mil fork is a mad dirty duelin' weapon).

Pick shield and armor based on how you want to look, not stats. Adjust to lighter or heavier after you play a while and get a feel for your current gear.

My favorite spear is the red tassel spear, it has 98 speed and 150 length loomed. That's really good for dueling with your shield sheathed.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks for the info! I've used Mil fork in the past and have done very well with it, the difference though is that I don't have it loomed whereas I have an Ashwood Pike loomed from the Templar Armoury.

[WITCHCRAFT]

Ashwood pike is the one most people say is the "best" if you had to pick just one weapon. It does everything you want from your pointy stick. War spear/red tassel spear are both top tier if you prefer 4D polearm instead of 1H alt weapon.

Just pick up as many different kinds of polearms as you can, try them all. And don't feel like you're "wasting" your shield skill by spawning with something like a poleaxe or naginata or whatever. My favorite part of hoplite builds is the flexibility.

Svaerdstav is an interesting one that didn't exist when that guide was written. It is the same length and speed as the ashwood pike, but has excellent swings when your shield is sheathed.

[Yeldur]

Ashwood pike is the one most people say is the "best" if you had to pick just one weapon. It does everything you want from your pointy stick. War spear/red tassel spear are both top tier if you prefer 4D polearm instead of 1H alt weapon.

Just pick up as many different kinds of polearms as you can, try them all. And don't feel like you're "wasting" your shield skill by spawning with something like a poleaxe or naginata or whatever. My favorite part of hoplite builds is the flexibility.

Svaerdstav is an interesting one that didn't exist when that guide was written. It is the same length and speed as the ashwood pike, but has excellent swings when your shield is sheathed.

Thanks for that, I always worry about wasting my shield skill because I see this as a pure support class, but in low population (I.E. Night time in the UK with about 10-20 people) I frequently get stomped on.  I'll be sure to look into the Svaerdstav as well, thanks very much for the information!

[Yeldur]

;(

[//saxon]

Just ask DenBitre_KingGylpe, guy has been playing hoplite since 2010. Never seen him play anything else.

[Yeldur]

Just ask DenBitre_KingGylpe, guy has been playing hoplite since 2010. Never seen him play anything else.

I'll shoot him a message, cheers Saxon; although I have absolutely no idea how to contact him, can't seem to find him on the forum :X

[Yeldur]

Just realised I'm being stupid and using the search function and not the fucking message button.

Sometimes I really just don't have a clue what I'm doing lol..

[Teeth]

Hoplite is dead compared to the era that that guide was written in. The game has been sped up through the steeper wpf curve, higher speed ratings for many weapons and higher level builds. Stab stun from hitting blocks has not been reduced in the same proportion, so you can get punished with unblockable hits much more often now. I haven't played in a while mind you, but I would adapt the builds from that thread towards the AGI side of things. I recall that wpf reduces the duration of stab stun, but I am not entirely sure.

[Yeldur]

Yeah I figured that was how it would play out, cheers for confirming my suspicion Teeth :p

[Bronto]

Funny you should ask about hoplites. This is one of my builds at level 33:

Attribute points:0
Strength:15
Agility:26
Weapon points:0

One Handed:166
Polearm:143

Skill points:2

Weapon Master:8
Athletics:8
Shield:5+
Power Strike:5

I'll probably either go 6 shield and 9WM/ath once I hit 34. I've always preferred this style of build for being a hoplite because you're fast enough to get out your 1h if you find yourself in a 1 v 1 situation. I'm using an Ashwood pike, not because it's the best, the best is light lance; but it's what I have loomed currently. As a side arm I either use my italian falchion or arab cav sword. Knightly heater shield and super light armor to utilize my speed and compensate for the extra weight of the shield.

I just woke up so please forgive my ramblings but that's that. Good luck.

[Yeldur]

Don't worry about it Bronto, I understand the idea of an agi based Hoplite for sure, my current build is a bit more balanced in terms of STR and AGI, I'm also using an Ashwood pike but that's purely because it's the only Hoplite worthy thing in the armoury.

Here's my current build:
https://i.gyazo.com/4171e9777517ff614d101b66ccc2b5c7.png

And here's my armour setup:
https://i.gyazo.com/312b21111e0dc87c1970ec069c50e5de.png

(Here's the names:

Helmet: Visored Sallet with Coif (+3)
Body: Master Templar Armour (+3)
Gloves: Mail Gauntlets (+3)
Boots: Light mail and plate boots (+0)

Primary weapon: Ashwood Pike (+3)
Shield: Elite Cavalry Shield (+3)
Secondary weapon: Rondel Dagger (+3)

Keep in mind that every piece of +3 equipment with exception of the Rondel dagger is from the Templar armoury, thus the armour is subject to often change due to the fact that Templars seem to drag everything from peoples inventories every couple of days (Probably due to the fact I have so much stuff from the armoury )

[Jona]

I am currently enjoying my glass cannon hoplite build, 21-27 with 7PS, 9WM, 9ath, and 4shield. You can hit really hard if you have a good speed bonus and stab at their head, but you tend to get 1-2 shot wearing medium armor (56 body armor), which is kind of a big downside and definitely doesn't make this build for everyone. This build pairs well with a shorter/more powerful stabby weapon like the battlefork since your speed makes it so you can close the gap quickly enough to stab them and  fall back. With a shorter weapon you tend to end up in less-favorable positions as a hoplite since you're basically on the frontlines and can get 1v1ed or gangbanged if you aren't careful enough... just have to be ready to abuse that shield bash+instant weapon swap combo to stay alive... one missed nudge and you'll likely be dead instantly. It's very much a high-risk high-reward playstyle, and you can even use the same build but use a svaerdstav instead to be a little safer by s-keying more. I personally max out pole wpf, since 1handers can hit hard enough and are fast enough with no dedicated wpf, but you can get a really nice split between the two with 9WM if that's more your style.

[Yeldur]

I am currently enjoying my glass cannon hoplite build, 21-27 with 7PS, 9WM, 9ath, and 4shield. You can hit really hard if you have a good speed bonus and stab at their head, but you tend to get 1-2 shot wearing medium armor (56 body armor), which is kind of a big downside and definitely doesn't make this build for everyone. This build pairs well with a shorter/more powerful stabby weapon like the battlefork since your speed makes it so you can close the gap quickly enough to stab them and  fall back. With a shorter weapon you tend to end up in less-favorable positions as a hoplite since you're basically on the frontlines and can get 1v1ed or gangbanged if you aren't careful enough... just have to be ready to abuse that shield bash+instant weapon swap combo to stay alive... one missed nudge and you'll likely be dead instantly. It's very much a high-risk high-reward playstyle, and you can even use the same build but use a svaerdstav instead to be a little safer by s-keying more. I personally max out pole wpf, since 1handers can hit hard enough and are fast enough with no dedicated wpf, but you can get a really nice split between the two with 9WM if that's more your style.

I'm guessing you're lvl 38 or something due to the whole 21/27 with such high stats, I don't think I could close in on that build without being a much higher level, but it still intrigues me, I can probably tweak it for 35 or something and test it out on Ladoea.