Ways To Make Sacred 2 "New" Again

[Hooyaah 2,972]

I am aware that there are many who have played Sacred 2, but after some time the game became less exciting, due partially to repetition and subsequent familiarity. There have been discussions in this regard before, but rather that bump an old thread, I thought best to start this discussion fresh and offer several suggestion of my own. There are things that I have found that have helped me continue to enjoy the game and many of you have done the same or similar things, some of which are obvious, yet I thought that by mentioning so many in one place others would find ways to make playing Sacred 2 fun, rewarding, and interesting once again. This thread is for they who feel the need to do so or have suggestions that may aid others who do.

 

First, I would like to mention perhaps the most obvious way to achieve the aforementioned goal is to play the Gold Version with the latest community patch. For one thing it adds quite a bit of dimension and some new quests to the game as compared to vanilla Sacred 2 Fallen Angel. Doing so, you will be set up to select and ready to add some impressive Mods that really change the game and offer the opportunity to transform the game in numerous ways. If you wish for a quick way to see and navigate to some outstanding Mods, simply look at the huge stack of them in below (one may also find them in Flix's custom signature). It is noteworthy that by using the GME, Mods do not have to be permanent as they may quite easily be “switched on and off.”

Diablo 2 Fallen Mod Sacred 2 Enhanced Spells Mod Flix's Music Mod for Sacred 2
Elite Mounts Mod Sacred 2 Character Editor List of Mods and Modding Guides
Sacred 2 Nexus Sacred 2 undressed Mod Community Items Mod

 

Perhaps the Mod most worthy of mention is Flix's Enhanced Spells Mod. It changes enough in the game to make things quite interesting immediately. The Combat Arts for each of the characters get a new look, but most importantly, each character gets some changes to a few of their CAs that really make thing exciting, such as hurling opponents with the concussive force of specific and powerful CA executions. These changes to the build options for characters makes for an important way for things become new and exciting. The game may become indeed monotonous for the non-adventurous player who focuses solely on one character and one or two different builds. More on this point later, I shall surely mention. More info here: Sacred 2 Enhanced Spells Mod 1.4

 

The Special Mounts Mod is also an exceptional Mod worthy of mention because each character has the availability of several new mounts which allow them to add to the previous available choices. One character I oft gravitate to is the High Elf; she has the choice (with this Mod) of several specialized dragons that actually fly (up to approx seven meters above the ground; the fight animation is marvelous) and a Hippocampus, the twin of the legendary, "lonely Hippocampus." For more examples, please check here: Elite Mounts Mod

 

Seek new goals in the game that you may decide upon for yourself. One that I have found that works for me is to shop for specific items and jewelry in particular. Because the merchants all around Ancaria will reward the player who completes many quests with rare (yellow) items it is likely that they will vend, with the Bargaining Skill selected, rings and amulets with significant enhancements. For example, Fire, Magic, Ice, & Poison +X% rings that double what is normal for a given level are offered after quite a number of quests have been completed and the region in which they are finished seems to make no difference at all in relation to where they are offered for purchase. Shop for the items that best compliment the build you are working with, of course.

 

I promised that I would address more on the issue of trying new characters and new builds. So, for each that you have played and new ones that, for whatever reason you haven't attempted one may wish to venture into a new selection. I have found that characters that I was hesitant to try before somehow ingratiated and engrossed me as soon as I "adopted" them. There too, the game seems so much different as one trys out a new character and their builds.

 

Yet another way to make the game interesting is to download some new items. I believe that most of the weapons, shields, jewelry, etc. Is now available for download and there is so much to try that will compliment ones character and build. There are two new pieces of jewelry and one sword that was recently made available that are very powerful “developer only” items. In fact, that they will never drop in the game unless, if at some point in the future, they are patched in.

 

Try changing the Game settings to alter the camera so that the zoom curve is different. Although as one gets closer to a "zero zoom curve" it becomes more difficult to move through the game you may find, nevertheless, just the correct angle that enhances the visual aspect in such a way that suits you and changes the game for its betterment. You may also wish to turn off the Buff Display or other settings to make things look a bit different.

 

Are you playing the game on the highest settings? If you have a newer PC and/or a new GPU you may find that the amazing amount of difference in the detail is quite significant from when you played it before on lower visual settings. I found that just adding a new, mid to top of the line Nvidia GPU makes a big difference in the look of the game and the appearance of foliage, ground, etc. and in the textures throughout the game as well.

 

If you have either tried all or most of the above suggestions, or if you are still looking for something else to add freshness, try the Diablo 2 mod. It is truly a stunning and fun new game in and of itself and we have many to that for it. Flix is one of them and he is continually working on it to improve this incredible Mod and push it well beyond its already remarkable state. I don't know how it is possible to make it much more inviting that it already is.

 

I have little doubt that there are those of you who have other ideas for making the game Sacred 2 feel new, different, fun, and exciting. I welcome everyone who so wishes, to share your ideas and opinions here.

[Androdion 898]

Well, I'm playing the game again thanks to you so I believe I should make a post here as well.

 

Those developer items you posted really made my head go around in circles, thinking about the possibilities that could come from using them in this or that way. Like you said, playing the game with different stuff and in different ways is one way to keep it fresh and interesting. Another way is to try to perfect a build-type to best suit your gaming style. I've played melee HE for almost as long as I've played Sacred 2 and yet it was only recently that I've noticed just how much more interesting the game would become if I changed this and that. I've read a lot of different guides and more or less extracted bits and pieces of many to make my own build gain its proper form. Finding ways to better twist the game in your favour is an added bonus for endurance playing.

 

Sometimes someone just posts something. Like the other week, a poster here talked about dual-wielding with damage lore and weapons with all types of damage to better exert secondary effects from all channels on each hit. Sounds sweet right? How come I've never thought about it?! It's these small details in gameplay style that really make the game have its longevity.

 

Like I said to you via PM, I haven't even tried out half the character classes in the game. So yeah, there's a whole lot to do in Ancaria and in a lot of different ways.

[desm 330]

Modding must be indeed the best way to refresh the game: for example, modifying the policies, the musics, the camera (not only by the default options but with the optionscustom.txt which is by far more powerful),... to our tastes.

 

Seeing wonderful screenshots and beautiful comments (like you know so well how to do Hooyaah) is for me another way to want to play again.

Edited September 14, 2016 by desm

[Hooyaah 2,972]

Well, I'm playing the game again thanks to you so I believe I should make a post here as well.

 

Those developer items you posted really made my head go around in circles, thinking about the possibilities that could come from using them in this or that way. Like you said, playing the game with different stuff and in different ways is one way to keep it fresh and interesting. Another way is to try to perfect a build-type to best suit your gaming style. I've played melee HE for almost as long as I've played Sacred 2 and yet it was only recently that I've noticed just how much more interesting the game would become if I changed this and that. I've read a lot of different guides and more or less extracted bits and pieces of many to make my own build gain its proper form. Finding ways to better twist the game in your favour is an added bonus for endurance playing.

 

Sometimes someone just posts something. Like the other week, a poster here talked about dual-wielding with damage lore and weapons with all types of damage to better exert secondary effects from all channels on each hit. Sounds sweet right? How come I've never thought about it?! It's these small details in gameplay style that really make the game have its longevity.

 

Like I said to you via PM, I haven't even tried out half the character classes in the game. So yeah, there's a whole lot to do in Ancaria and in a lot of different ways.

 

 

 

^ I agree that reading posts by other players which detail the way they build their characters is a great benefit. Although one may not wish to follow each change someone else has tried it is a great way to get some fresh ideas and start the excitement by testing new builds and even new characters. I'm pleased to know that I helped you get back into the game. If you feel motivated to do so, we may benefit, were you to post one of your favorite builds, whether the new one you are working one or something that you found success in doing before. Thanks, Androdion!

Edited September 14, 2016 by Hooyaah

[Androdion 898]

Well, I thought about posting a guide before so it's definitely a possibility. I'll need some help with the graphics though.

 

I'm also thinking about uploading the templates I created, level 75 campaign blank toons with Niob access.

[Hooyaah 2,972]

Modding must be indeed the best way to refresh the game: for example, modifying the policies, the musics, the camera (not only by the default options but with the optionscustom.txt which is by far more powerful),... to our tastes.

 

Seeing wonderful screenshots and beautiful comments (like you know so well how to do Hooyaah) is for me another way to want to play again.

 

Thanks for the kind words, Desm. It's enjoyable to share moments that I have captured in the game with others and I'm happy to know that my screenshots and narratives regarding them are so appreciated. I suppose that they are, in a way, like looking in an old photo album The memories which may be recalled and brought to life yet again.

 

There is an old discussion regarding changing the camera settings in the optionscustom.txt file. Although I don't know if these suggestions would work with the Community Patch and subsequent updates. Still here's the link: Guide to Customizing the Camera View

[Hooyaah 2,972]

Well, I thought about posting a guide before so it's definitely a possibility. I'll need some help with the graphics though.

 

I'm also thinking about uploading the templates I created, level 75 campaign blank toons with Niob access.

 

I may be able to assist with the graphics. "Blank toons with Niob access", you say? You must surely be a wizard indeed.

[Androdion 898]

Nah, just a really stubborn guy.

 

Take a peek at this thread, specifically my last post. Character Editor sure is a powerful tool I say!

 

[Hooyaah 2,972]

Androdion, you sure invested a whole mess of time and hard work into this accomplishment, not to mention all the typing. I truly appreciate what you did, you have submitted, arguably, one of the greatest downloads of all. I submitted a review and if it makes the cut you will find that I am pining for a Light Campaign level 75 no-skills Niob capable High Elf. At least now, I think with your instructions, I could likely do it myself.

 

[Androdion 898]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to do so. Though if you really need it to I can dispense a few minutes of my time and do it for you.

 

It's a pretty easy process though, I thought it would be more complicated but once you posted that level 75 blank Elf I suddenly found out I had the missing data to fill in the blanks. So kudos to you I guess, since I couldn't had done it without it.

 

Also, thanks a lot for your kind words. It's actually my first "active contribution" to the forum, despite posting here, and I was reluctant do drop an upload without any kind of gear other than the sets. And since I use my shared chest to provide the same basic equipment to every build I have (or start, with these templates) it became kind of tricky to put the same gear in each chest. But I guess that as it is it's already a cool thing to have.

 

I'm back to melee HE too thanks to these. I just started Platinum like I would start Silver and I'm having a blast. Skipping Silver and Gold and rushing one campaign to properly start in Niob makes it that much more enjoyable.

[Hooyaah 2,972]

Yes, it is easier that I expected too, but with the Character Editor it's actually fun too. I built one but I forgot to save it for future skill selection and development of alternate builds, what with all my excitement to test it out. However, thanks to your instructions, I can do it all over again without any problem.

 

You are most welcome, indeed as I believe that it is important to recognize and commend someone who had done something so worthy of merit. You are spot on when you say that the unskilled Niob characters are a cool thing to have, with or without any gear, etc. The download is a true prize in and of itself. I'm pleased that you are having such fun again as I like seeing people enjoying the game; that's one reason that I uploaded the developer's "secreted" files. I have never tried a melee High Elf for she has no dual wield capability and only one Combat Art that employs a weapon to inflict damage. That's one great thing about the game their are seemingly endless possibilities that can be utilized, developed, and tweaked.

 

 

[Androdion 898]

I think that melee only HE is a bit of an starter character, but I have so much fun going against the grain while playing it that I just don't care!

 

Let me explain. You use Magic Coup for melee so you need not care about a weapon skill, attack speed or penalties due to weapon level. You also don't need to worry about secondary effects or socketing any damage type because the damage will always be converted into physical/magic due to using the CA. Most of the aspects that would shun off a beginner are suddenly removed from the equation and you can concentrate mostly on playing the game without much micromanagement. But once you realize how the game works and its mechanics you can then take even more advantage of it. For instance I'm using Shadow Step as a primarily offensive spell. Kudos to the user who posted a guide about using it as a primary damage source, he influenced my use of it.

 

Yes the game sure lets you play in innumerous different ways, even when the build is pretty much the same (I've done melee HE with and without Ice as support, with and without shields, with and without... oh you get the point).