I am currently playing through IWD2 as a solo half-orc barbarian, played the previous games, IWD, BG 1 & 2, with a half-orc berserker and was aiming to continue on with a similar character.

Up to the Goblin fortress and its been quite tough going so far. Managing to get through but it seems to be requiring more re-loads than the first game.

Has anyone else played through this with a solo barbarian or fighter, and what was your experience? Any tips or suggestions?

Up to the goblin warrens, starting to get the hang of it now, still hard going though, such large groups all charging at once.

I never soloed the game (my smallest party was a duo), and never played a Barbarian either, so I can't give you any specific tips on that I'm afraid.

However, AFAIK the general consensus is that the first part of the game (up to and including the Goblin Fortress) is the hardest.
So if you managed to get past that, you should be fine... :P

Thats good to know.

By any chance does anyone know if constitution of 20 or more provides hp regen?

Just tested the hp regen with 20 con, still only recover 1 hp after an 8 hour rest.

Completed the goblin fortress. Really challenging but fun.

I found the outside areas to be more difficult than the interior. Inside the fortress there were some narrow points where they could be funneled and taken out one at a time in melee, after taking out spellcasters and archers from range first.

I've got 4 weapons and shields equipped, one sling, and one weapon of each damage type. The main tactics I'm using are first in each battle to take out spellcasters, then archers, then melee. If theres somewhere narrow I'll funnel them in so only one or two melee can attack whilst hitting the spellcasters and archers from range with my sling, then take the melee enemies out with a melee weapon. If the area is too open to funnel them I'll maneuver to avoid as much damage as possible and use hit and run tactics either with sling or melee weapon.

Potions are very useful, the various aoe pots and such are very helpful in tight situations.

If I've taken a lot of damage rather than using potions I head back to a healer to save on potions, I use the potions to keep my hp at a reasonable level whilst moving through the level, when it gets too low I'll head back to get healed.

Just came across a periapt of wound closure, it gives the holder hp regeneration, heals 1hp slowly over time, heals a lot when resting for 8 hours. Great item, will be spending more time at full hp from now on, saves on potions and healing from npc clerics.

Like said, the first chapter is usually the hardest... normally.

But unlike IWD1, IWD2 has challenge rating mechanisms, meaning when you level up,
you start getting less and less XP for killing lower level opponents. Meaning soloing wont give you
6x the experience of a single character, not even close. This will really start hurting you later on.

You will maintain a higher than expected level, and you will just float in gold,
being able to afford everything. But... that might not be enough. Or maybe it will.

Keep us posted.

Up to the entrance to the ice palace, the area of the crash site had some good encounters but wasn't too difficult. The area outside the palace has been quite challenging, with some of the enemies dealing a lot of damage. The most challenging ones though were Sherincal and the 4 dragon cult necromancers with the golem running in to help them.

Sherincal hit hard in melee and I couldn't scratch her from range, only my sure striking short sword seemed able to hit her or elemental damage from some of my weapons. Managed to get a few hits in before she landed any blows luckily and then it was toe to toe from there, survived with about 10 hp out of 240. I took out all the other enemies first then faced her one on one.

This is so cool! Keep me informed!

Part way through the Ice Palace, just reached 1001 kills, Sherincal is toughest enemy killed, it was the Support Beam for ages lol.

I really do love the elegant simplicity of the Barbarian. Get lots of strength, boost it even higher by raging, beat the shit out of your enemies with the biggest sword you can find.

Almost finished the ice temple, chapter 2 has been a good area, some tough encounters but mostly fairly straightforward.

One of the things I do like about these games is the interesting characters you meet, and the areas are all very fun to explore.

Working my way through the battle squares ranks, have done 6 of 10, getting level 5 (7 squares) for each rank but have only been receiving gold and a gem after each, isn't there supposed to be items as rewards for some of the ranks? Or is it random?



Just had a search online about the battle squares, I though it meant complete a game with 7 squares to complete the rank, but you have to win a seperate game with 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 squares to get the top prize.

Battle Square Master!

Some of the enemies in the battle squares were pretty tough, could deal some damage and take some too. Completed ranks 6, 10 and 3 first for those items, the club of disruption was very useful and helped with the other ranks.

The club of disruption, brilliant short sword +5 and the abishal hide armour were the best items for my character, the exp as well made it worth while.

On to chapter 3!!