Episode 2 near an end and I have quests left... (spoilers)

[Rashar]

Hey folks, just wondering if I had missed anything. I got the following act 2 quests still in my log and the 1st act 3 quests have already appeared.

Act 2 quests in log:

Pursue rabiel into the eastern parts of the underdeep.
Be on the lookout for other gods, be it good or evil.

Also as a second question now that I am finished with episode two and have to pick a side and go to the CoD I am wondering what would have been the "best" order of doing episode 2? I had no idea at all and once I was in brunehorn I went down into the underforge, then rescued valent, saved gholla outlook and then decided to kill vlotgar. Now some areas seem to level with you and others don't. Also some areas and quests seem to give predetermined loot, like the staff of Nahanna which seems to be without a doubt the best staff you can get in episode 2 and if you beat Vlotgar in the hunting lodge the loot from the chest will also be best in slot during all of episode two.

Anyway just wondering since even with 2 episodes ahead I am already planning my next playthrough.

Thanks in advance,

Rashar.

[fallen]

Rashar - great post. The best order of E2 is hotly debated I think, as it is where the game really opens up. From the list you gave of quests you did do, it sounds like you've covered it. E3 will open up some new other story arcs, and a big funnel toward the CoD.

[En1gma]

Rashar , for almost every group, fighting your way to the Brayes territory first is the best route.

If you post a super quick group build (just the characters and their talents) we could help you figure out an optimal path

[En1gma]

To specify as to why I think the Lodges are the best way to go is because of their mid-late game armor and damage output. It's better to take them on first before they become tanks of epic proportions, especially on nightmare...

[matrim]

I personally choose a path of maximized experience. The main advantage to this being that some of the hardest ep 2 content is level capped and if you can do it while a higher level your survival rate is significantly better. Here we go...Ratkin side quest obviously and clear first zone > Krete area to the south but not the quest > darkswamp > crag's peak > prospector's path > turn around and do all of the Valent quest > clear bone pass (Braeys side) > ironwood ridge > Vlotgar > Choose Braeys for CoD > ironwood ridge (respawn) > get upgraded equipment > Krete chieftain quest > darkswamp (respawn at the start of ep 3) > prospector's path (respawn) > Underforge > Druid > Gholla Outlook

Advantages : Best exp route I have found, you run into the fewest level capped things and fight as many respawns as possible. Earlier access to episode 3 items, it's not the fastest by a long shot but it is while realistically taking advantage of all respawns (only zone missed that I know of is Bone Pass on Koda side). The biggest advantage IMO though is doing underforge at 25+ (The mobs cap at 26 for the first half and 28 for the last half on nightmare), that place has ended by far the most of my ironman nightmare runs and anything I can do to take a little kick out of it I will.

Disadvantages : Doing Druid and Gholla last is pretty hard. Those Krete in the swamp hit hard and often when they are 33+ (I can't remember if the zone is capped at 33 or not). Gholla is also brutal at that level as the Orcs have kept levelled (not capped like underforge). High level orcs hit really hard and doing Gholla this late can easily result in a death. The reason I feel that I can wait for it is that I know when and where spawns are going to be so I can maximize the free turns you get when reinforcements show up. The biggest disadvantage IMO being is that doing all those respawn zones (while great exp) is tedious and can take some of the fun out of that content. That is why episode 2 typically takes me 20-30 different play sessions to get through cause I just get bored and need to stop (although worth it when I can get a nightmare ironman group through safely).

[fallen]

matrim - very impressive! I've just cross referenced this against the level caps on different areas within the game and -- you've posted a great ordering!

+1

[Rashar]

matrim Thanks that will deffo help. +1!