Taking Your DDO Bard To Party

In this chapter of our Bard Playing Series, we will be highlighting group tips that will assist you in uncovering the tricks of the trade for fitting into the right groups. Playing a Bard in Dungeons and Dragons Online is a little different than any other class.  As written in previous issues, the Bard is seen as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” which means you may get a group invite for multiple reasons.  This article aims to give new Bards some helpful hints on performing in groups.

Tip 1: Play your songs
Many new players misuse their songs, or don’t use them at all.  You typically want to spend all your song points by the time you get to a refreshing stone or pool.  New Bards will only get to play one or two songs before getting to the stone, but veteran Bards can play quite a few songs before running out.  Simply perform your songs to keep your buffs on your group at all times.

Tip 2: Announce your preferred role
Because a Bard is so versatile at their roles, it’s important that the group understands you as a player, not a class.  If your familiar with healing, and can do it well, than let the group know that you prefer to buff and heal; alternatively, if you’d much rather fight than heal, state that you have more experience – and gear – for fighting than healing.  A good group leader will use his team’s strengths for the dungeon ahead, not just their class type.

Tip 3: Assist, don’t dominate
Often times a new Bard will try to over-perform in a group, and they’ll assume they’re the best damage dealer or the best healer.  A Bard’s greatest strength is their overall utility to a group:  buff, crowd control, and versatility.  A Bard should play their songs to improve a group as a whole, and support those with primary roles.  For example, let the Cleric heal the hardest, but help spot heal the rest of the members in your group.  Everyone has a role in a group, and yours is to help the others perform to their fullest.

Stay tuned to MMOFury as we bring you more helpful tips on all things MMORPG.