[Graydon]

Just curious as to how this game is? Is it anything like FFXI? WoW? I'm interested in trying it out possible on one of those private servers.. just wanna know what the game is like. I've read the L2 site, but they don't mention anything like the NEED to group up and xp, etc.

Would be cool if I could get some input here about the game.

As well, if you know any awesome private servers, that would be cool too.

[Soupbowl]

The legit game has a crazy grind, you can solo to the end but it will take along time, parties are faster. Graphics are good and the PvP is fun but it is so raped by botting its not even funny.

[Graydon]

I'm thinking of trying it out on a private server. Anyone have any good recommendations?

[Sonos]

this one is almost universally hated unless you are a korean human.

[Aluvien]

Private servers might give you a general idea of the game. I've played on private servers long time ago and now I got a friend that plays on legit servers. Well, the real game is A LOT better than the pirate one, there are tons of stuff you'll never see if you don't pay to play, like skills, equipment, general features.
Problem about L2, in my opinion, is that it's all about extreme grinding. Leveling up takes AGES, there ain't much to do besides EXP, farming and sitting your character for days into one of the main cities to sell the stuff you got.

There are some events, like Raid Bosses: big mobs that usually require a lot of people to kill. The rewards from these mobs are usually good, but the problem is that you will die (a lot) fighting them, losing tons of EXP and money ('cause you're gonna use A LOT of consumables).
Besides that there are Sieges, a large scale battle where a clan tries to conquer a castle controlled by another clan. Those seem to be actually fun to play but I've never done one myself.

Not to mention L2 is really a Bot's dream land. There are bots everywhere, in every area, of every level. From the low level farming bots who will go back to the starting city to attack the guards and lose levels so they can keep farming there, to the high level bots who roam around the end game areas slaying mobs for money and loots to sell on ebay.

I wouldn't recommend it 'cause it's very simple and repetitive (sp), but if you want, give it a try on a private server. Who knows, you might like it <.<;