Should the numbers be even for each class

[asdar]

HA, Engr, LA, Med, Max, Infil

I probably won't ask this the right way, but here goes. Say there's 600 players should they even out at 100 each?

100 infiltrators seems crazy to me, but if there's not 100 does that mean the class is underpowered?

All averages here, not meant to mean should they force this.

Max's, LA, HA I see as pretty even numbers.
Engr and medic I see as separate, but the two of them even.
Infiltrator the smallest number.

What do you all see as the optimum class distribution.

[Ratstomper]

I think HAs and LAs will be the most commonly played classes and I think that's how it should be. Can't fight the war without the grunts. The nature of engineers and medics and infiltrators (and MAXes too) being more specialized means they won't need to be a prevalent as the basic combat classes.

That said, there's plenty of overlap among most of the classes. They can all fight pretty effectively in addition to their specializations so it leaves a lot of wiggle room for what is required and what is actually in the field.

In order of most common to least common for what I think will be most effective:
LAs and HAs
MAXes
Engineers
Medics and Infiltrators

[PhoenixDog]

I can't see this happening. Why limit what we play? I plan on being Light Assault most of the time in game, and hardly ever (if ever) a MAX. I was always in Agile in PS1 and hardly ever spec'd into MAX. My cert points will be into Light Assault and maybe a bit of Engie/Medic. I don't plan on being a heavy gunner of any sort as it's never been my playstyle in shooters.

So with that said...If I die and suddenly there are no more LA's available...Why limit me in what I spec'd into and enjoy playing, for something I don't enjoy and will hinder my outfit/faction? Not to mention if HA's can't pilot vehicles...What if I need to spawn as LA to bring out a vehicle my outfit needs at that time?

[Senyu]

I see more playing LA and HA the most but I don't think each class has to be equal in numbers nor have a limit. Versatility is strength in this game and if 100 people went into one class they would all die pretty easily due to having to counter only 1 thing. In a game like this I really wouldn't worry about to much of one class having the most because they will all have their roles and players who will use them.

[zomg]

I propose Highlander

[Gonefshn]

Need more support roles.

Definitely don't need as many infiltrators. Snipers aren't going to push the line very much.

HA will be very important, more so than MAX I would say.

[Ratstomper]

Originally Posted by PhoenixDog

Why limit me in what I spec'd into and enjoy playing, for something I don't enjoy and will hinder my outfit/faction? Not to mention if HA's can't pilot vehicles...What if I need to spawn as LA to bring out a vehicle my outfit needs at that time?

I don't think were talking about enforced class amounts, just optimal class variety.

EDIT: That said, it will also highly depends on the situation. We'll need more engineers in vehicle battlefields than in more infantry based ones, for instance.

Originally Posted by Gonefshn

Need more support roles.

Definitely don't need as many infiltrators. Snipers aren't going to push the line very much.

HA will be very important, more so than MAX I would say.

Snipers have just as much of a job in pushing a line as any other infantry. The difference is that snipers can be alot more effective with smaller number for softening defenses than HAs/LAs can at pushing a battleline.

[Alduron]

There should be the exact amount of each class that is needed.

I would imagine at 10 people per squad you'd have a general squad makeup (no specialization) of something like:
1-2 Medics
1-2 Infil
1-2 Engineers
1-2 MAX
1-2 LA
Fill empty with HA

So in a lot of squads you could run something like:
1 INF 1 MED 1 LA 1 ENG 1 MAX 5 HA
1 INF 2 MED 1 LA 1 ENG 2 MAX 3 HA
2 INF 1 MED 2 LA 2 ENG 1 MAX 2 HA

TL;DR: You want DPS classes with sprinkled support where needed.

[super pretendo]

just because massing one type of unit is a bad idea doesn't mean the unit is bad. Just make the infiltrator have a niche

[Ratstomper]

Originally Posted by super pretendo

just because massing one type of unit is a bad idea doesn't mean the unit is bad. Just make the infiltrator have a niche

Currently, I see infiltrators keeping slightly ahead of the squad to sabotage base defenses and soften hardpoints with sniperfire and gadgets. Then once they get to an objective, the infiltrator will probably be the hacking specialist. Just because they're "snipers" doesn't mean they'll only be crouched on a hill outside a base like in PS1.

[Gonefshn]

Originally Posted by Ratstomper

Snipers have just as much of a job in pushing a line as any other infantry. The difference is that snipers can be alot more effective with smaller number for softening defenses than HAs/LAs can at pushing a battleline.

They definitely serve a role in pushing the line but if you have too many it creates stagnation thats why they should be fewer.

[Jennyboo]

You forget how much each class can customize to meet the player style I think that will help even things out.

[kaffis]

In the sense of "watching metrics to alert us to balancing problems?"

No, I don't think even class distribution is optimal, nor should it be. Infiltrators are a niche, and that's okay. HA will probably be the backbone of most diversified and flexible squads, and that's alright, too.

I could easily see a good platoon leading an interior assault comprise 9 HA, 6 MAXes, 5 Engineers, 4 Medics, 4 LA, and 2 Infiltrators, and that being considered a very solid and well-rounded lineup.

I'd hate for observers or devs looking at a distribution like that and saying "Hmm. HA is obviously way OP, look how many people are playing it and how few Infiltrators there are!"

[Gonefshn]

Originally Posted by Jennyboo

You forget how much each class can customize to meet the player style I think that will help even things out.

True. Classes have more than one role so to speak but ultimately you will want the medics to actively heal and revive, the engineers to pay attention to MAXs and vehicles and repair. People to drop ammo etc.

The customization for weapon type wont change anything about the role. Ultimately I would hope to see people really play into their role and not decide to play medic and run and gun ignoring others.

[jabber]

each team will have 300 infiltrators all sitting in a dark corner of the map.