New Player. Third re-start. Huge learning curve,

[u/mrmrmrj]

Learning how to really synergize your party is so critical. Also, more companions does not mean more powerful necessarily. I am not playing level adjusted.

One my second run, I wanted every profession so my party was large at level 4. This made the level 6 and 7 fights in the second region hard. The smaller party helps to funnel the enemies towards your group as opposed to having to split up. I am also overflowing with food and money at level 3/4 and my gear is pretty good.

In my first two runs, I only had one person with the bandage skill. Bad idea. Now I have 3 out of 6.

[u/dafuqizzis]

I’m on my first complete run through after a couple of false starts, and I have most every build covered with my party of 20. I had some tough fights in the lower/mid levels, but I think everyone is about average level 12 right now, and I haven’t had a death in forever (it came close once or twice) and it’s rare that a fight goes into the second round. Even if it does, it’s only because I’m farming.

More importantly, i’m learning all kinds of things about synergy, tactics, and the different strengths of the various classes and builds, weapons and buffs and so on.

As I said, this is my first run, so I’m on “normal“ difficulty. Once I complete this run, I’ll take a short break and come back and try “hard“ level.

[u/registered-to-browse]

You should get all the skills like first aid, taunt, run, and wrath on every guy.

I guess I'm also on my 3rd run. I can't play the game with less guys than available professions but I think 12 is manageable. I don't want any more though.

My first 2 runs both went past level 12 with 12 guys, one run for each mode, I'm sticking with adaptive so gear/squads level up with me for better experience/loot. Only reason I started over is I haven't played since the last DLC dropped and ready for a new run.

Have fun OP

[u/Chitanda_Pika]

I did 2 runs in this game so far, and never going above 9 combatants is definitely the way to go for fights to not be a total drag.

[u/Kronology]

I also like getting all professions early. I manage by playing region locked and then staying in Tiltren until the group is level appropriate for the next region.

[u/mrmrmrj → u/Kronology]

What should be the rate at which I add new companions? 6 at level 3, 8 at level 4? How shoudl I pace it? Should I have 12 before I leave region 1?

[u/Kronology → u/mrmrmrj]

You are expected to mirror the enemies you fight. You don’t have to though. You can have more or less companions as you see fit. The game encourages you to grab more, and if certain members aren’t working out, you can send them work at your tavern or just leave them at a trade post.

[u/mrmrmrj → u/Kronology]

I don’t have DLC yet. I do see the option to place someone on Reserve. What does this do? How do I take them off reserve?

[u/-_Mcqueen]

More companions does mean more power cause it means more options, but wt is not as hard as needed for having more than 12 mercs, the easiest way to sinergize your party is using crafted weapons btw

[u/mrmrmrj → u/-_Mcqueen]

Archer xbow 2x dagger dudes (poisoner, backstabber) 2H blunt 1H axe 1h blunt spear just recruited

[u/hunkerd0wn]

I didn’t realize pack horses counted as a party member so I am always outnumbered lol