Hey folks,

A little of backstory first. When all these classic RPGs were released a couple decades ago I was a bit too young to be playing video games but my cousin used to spend countless hours, especially on BG2 and I would also spend time watching him play. Fast forward to present day and I got an urge to play the games that he used to play, out of nostalgia I guess mostly.

I have already loaded most of the addons from the guide found here and I am ready to go.Even though I have a good idea of what I am getting myself into (all these hours of watching didn't go to waste hah) I am practically a noobie when it comes to actually playing the game. Therefore, I wanted some suggestions on what class/character to start with.

The reason why I am asking such a thing is because I'd like to play something that will keep my interest during my play-through and will feel engaging and "epic". I started off with a ranger because that's what I enjoy in most RPGs but I quickly realised that the play-style is much different from what I had in mind. More to the point, f I remember correctly there used to be an awesome sword in BG2 (Carsomyr was the name I believe) which felt really epic to acquire and use but that was obviously not usable by ever character.

So, to conclude my question; What would be a nice, engaging character to start the game with, that can have a strong impact and feel powerful as well as utilise important gear? Also, do racials matter immensely or are they there for fluff?

Thanks for your time.

"Epic" this, and "epic" that. What does that even mean? If that's all that matters to you, you need to rethink the game you want to play. If all you are interested in is the best weapons and armour, then the only class to go for is thief, because they eventually get the 'Use Any Item' high level ability. I can't advise you any further, because as I said, I don't even know what you mean when you use the word 'epic' the way you do.

Since a ranger wasn't to your liking, would that mean being a fighter isn't to your liking? For Carsomyr you would need to be a paladin, which sort of is a fighter, but eventually with spells to cast too.

What it basically boils down to is what type of character you like to play. Fighter, thief, mage, priest, or something else/more specific?

Just be aware that a mage can be a bit tricky to play as a beginner, especially if you plan to play BG1 too (sounds like you want to jump straight in at BG2 though), because they have few hitpoints and die easily. Personally I really like mages. They become very powerful by the end, which fits with the story the game is trying to tell.

There are some very powerful weapons in the game, but you'll usually find somebody able to wield them without setting up your character specifically for that purpose.

First, you can play more than 1 custom character. Start the game in multiplayer, create multiple characters, save. Move the save from multiplayer folder to single-player fold. You can have any party combination you want.

Second, for new players, your main character should have warrior class. This include paladins and single or multi class fighter or ranger. You will have more HP, can wear better armor, hit better with weapon.
good classes for beginners:
inquisitor: good at removing buffs from enemy mages, make them easy prey
berserker: berserk gives a boost and great immunities
undead-hunter / cavalier : they are good paladin kits that have good defensive bonus, and have some divine casting
ranger/cleric or fighter/cleric: if you like divine spells
fighter/mage or fighter/illusionist: if you like arcane spell

racial bonus is reasonably important.

There are lots of neat story arcs and things to see and do with different classes. Luckily, you get 5 add-on characters at a time with their own stories and abilities. So you'll get to taste just about everything. So go with whatever class sounds the most fun to you.

Kensai are weak in the beginning but end up very strong.
I like playing the Bard the most b/c pick-pocket is super-useful, the songs are very useful, and he can stay out of danger pretty good (keeping you from getting end-of-game screens).
Wizards are always fun b/c you can put together the ultimate spellbook and become very powerful.
I even enjoyed the Beastmaster, although that class brought in many new challenges.

So far, I've enjoyed every class (except probably mage slayer b/c I rely too much on potions). So pick what sounds neat, and then read the manual. Look at how your stats affect your abilities and get your stats just right to make you awesome.

Most of all, have fun! (wait, most of all, save often)

Any warrior class with 3 points in Two Weapon Style always feels epic.

I think the OP is looking to get the most out of his first play through when he says "epic" but hey, what do I know?

@OP

Just play the game, you're going to screw things up in your first playthrough anyways. Also, the BG series has lots of replay value so if you see problems with your first playthrough, a second playthrough won't be too hard to do. I know what it's like to want to get the most out of your first playthrough but by asking the community, you are either going to get advice contrary to your playstyle, spoilers as well as setting yourself up for disappointment. In other words, I wouldn't bother asking. Just enjoy the game.

For the meantime, here's something to consider. We cannot read your mind, we don't know what you like, we don't know what suits you, we don't know what you mean by epic, we don't know what you'll consider an engaging character, we don't know what you consider to have a strong impact and feel powerful (the set XP cheat?), we don't know what you consider important gear, hell, we don't even know if you'll enjoy BG at all. Try and be a little more specific because with the way the OP is worded, the only thing you're going to get in this thread are opinions which you may not agree on.