Free to Play DDO Point walkthrough

What exactly do I need to do to earn the most free Turbine Points (TP)? In what order should I go about it? And now that I have TP, what should I do with it? These are the primary questions every Free-To-Play (F2P) wants to know the answers of. The simple guide below has been provided to help you unlock the most from your game in the shortest amount of time, in order to receive the greatest benefits. However, any areas discussing the DDO Store and current prices can vary, new things may be added and old items and adventures removed. Any prices listed, are as of this date and do not reflect any future prices or discounts offered.

In the end, it is really up to you, as the F2P player, to decide how to spend both your actual time and TP (Turbine Points - a Dungeons and Dragons Online store currency).

In the beginning ...
Step One: Download the game.

Step Two: Setting Up Your Account.
 * Open up the Turbine Launcher program. There should be a shortcut on your Desktop for this with the DDO symbol.
 * Set up your account. Once you set up your user name, password and anything else they require to set up your account, you'll eventually come to a list of 8 servers:
 * 1) Argonnessen
 * 2) Cannith
 * 3) Ghallanda
 * 4) Khyber
 * 5) Orien
 * 6) Sarlona
 * 7) Thelanis
 * 8) Wayfinder

You'll need to know and use every one of these servers, in order to gain maximum TP for the DDO Store. Each time you create a character, you should write down the name of the server, the name of the character, and what class/ level that character is. If you don't, you may find yourself spending a lot of time hunting down that character you wanted to use. You may wish to have a separate sheet of paper for each server, since you'll be creating a LOT of temporary characters before you're finished gathering your TP.

Now, select a server and get ready to create your first character. The Launch Program will close, and the character creation screen for that server will open up, usually to Full Screen mode. Press (Alt+Enter) for windowed mode and back. Each server has it's own list of character slots (up to 3 free slots per server), but you can open up more slots later on in the DDO store. For now, don't spend any TP. We're looking to unlock many of the main features of the game before then.

Step Three: After the Opening Cinema - Create Your First Character Let's keep this simple, as this character may not become your Primary Character on that server later on. We're looking to earn TP - lots of TP - as quickly as possible, so the character doesn't matter much at this point. Later, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of character creation to your heart's content, but for now, let's go over your F2P options, since most of the creation items will be locked for only VIP/Premium use, and cost TP or a special in-game reward to unlock them.

- F2P Character Options - The following options are available to all F2P players at the start: (Press the 'Create' button on the right side to start.)

Section I - Style:
 * Choose from Melee, Spell, or Specialist. (The Fourth Style, Iconian, will be locked)
 * Male or Female?
 * Click 'Next'

Section II - Class:
 * (Melee) Choose from Fighter, Barbarian, or Paladin. (The Monk Class will be locked)
 * (Spell) Choose from Sorcerer, Cleric, or Wizard. (Favored Soul, Druid, and Warlock classes will be locked)
 * (Specialist) Choose from Ranger, Rogue, or Bard. (The Artificer Class will be locked)
 * Click 'Next'

Section III - Path:
 * For each class, you'll be given three path choices to choose from. Or you can try to create your own path using the Customize command. Use one of the pre-established Paths for now, since the customization feature is for advanced players. Selecting the subtabs to the right of the screen will let you see more information about that Path, including the basic character's stats, such as STR (strength).
 * Click 'Next'

Section IV - Race:
 * To start, you can choose from only 4 different races: Human, Elf, Halfling, or Dwarf. (The Races: War-Forged, Half-Elf, Drow Elf, Half-Orc, and Gnome will be locked. Other Races not included on this list will also be locked, such as Deep-Gnomes.)
 * Click 'Next'

Section V - Look: This will send you back to the character list page for the server. Select your new character, click 'Enter', and it will send you into the game itself - straight into your first quest: The Grotto, which is DDO's basic tutorial for how to the game functions.
 * This is your limited vanity section. What do you look like?
 * Next is the difficult part. You must choose a first name that has NEVER been used before on this particular server. It provides a Surname section, but that doesn't seem to have any effect on your character creation. Once you've bounced a dozen names around until you've found one the server will accept.

Example: For our first character on one of the servers, we went with a Melee (style), Paladin (Class), The Flame of Justice (Path) (because it has a healing ability in the first couple of levels), a Human (Race) (since it gets a larger range of choices for the Dragonmark later, if I keep the character), and clicked the Randomize option for looks, before selecting a name that works. Remember, this is a temporary character, and may not be the primary one I use for this server later on.

However, none of this matters at the moment, since we're looking for a character who will unlock Stormreach Harbor, which is the section following the Korthos Island we find ourselves shipwrecked on. A good Melee-type should live long enough to do just that.
 * See Game mechanics

Getting established

 * To begin with, using the character you just created, simply run The Grotto and the first three quests. Get help and aim for 'Elite' completions on each of the quests. You can't reach Elite on 'The Grotto', as it can only be run once by each character (Solo/Casual).
 * Once you've done this, go to the Main Menu (found by clicking the DDO icon in the lower left of the screen).
 * Since we're switching servers, click 'Exit'. This will close the game. Each time you want to change servers, you'll have to exit the game and reopen the game launcher again, since it doesn't select the server within the game itself.
 * Repeat all of the above until you have completed the process with all 8 servers.

If you want, you can always come back to these characters and continue to play using them.

Turbine Point running
You now have 8 characters (one on each server). The character with the highest Favor total on that server is considered your Primary character for that server when it comes to TP rewards. The first time you reach a bonus TP reward in Favor on a server with one character, you can not gain that reward a second time when another character reaches the same reward level (ie: Drow unlock). Some Favor rewards are character specific, so you can gain those once for each character, such as the Bank Bag expansion for the character, not the account. This is explained in greater detail on the Turbine Points page.

Now:
 * Select a server and create a new character.
 * When you log into the server with the new character, you should be given the option to 'Skip the Korthos Island quests and jump straight to the Stormreach Harbor quests'. You can always come back to Korthos Island later.
 * Once in the Harbor, you only need to run a couple of low-level quests before you hit 100 Favor.
 * Again, aim for Elite mode on each of the Quests, unless they are solo quests, to gain the maximum Favor Points for that Quest. You don't gain any more Favor than the maximum and each time you gain Favor on that Quest replaces the Favor point total for that quest you had earlier. There are plenty of players willing to help out. If you can't find a group, press 'P' button and see who else may be running the same quest.
 * Hitting 100 Favor with this character will give you the base Favor reward of 25 TP (every 100 Favor pts).
 * Check your mail in-game to see your TP reward. TP rewards go to the total account and are not dependent on keeping that character. Once you reach the 100 Favor with the 2nd or even 3rd free character on that server, you can then delete those temporary characters. If you don't like any of those you currently have, go back to the character creation screen and create one you're willing to play for a long period of time. Play this character out to level 4.
 * You can now delete all the characters on that server, except this one. Use this character to continue to increase your maximum individual character Favor level. You'll eventually expect to reach or exceed level 20+ with this character.
 * However, keep creating new characters. Raising them up to 100 Favor each, and gaining 25 TP each time. Then deleting that character, and repeating. You can only get the bonus Favor awards with your primary character, but these temporary characters provide you with a quick way to earn TP endlessly.

Free sources of Turbine Points

 * The Monster Manuals are a good source. Unfortunately, this is one of the things you need TP to unlock before you can use any of them, other than the basic manual that you start with. So hold on to your TP for now.
 * Favor Rewards - Primary Character per server: this is the character with the most Favor on that server. As mentioned, once the character with the highest favor point total reaches the next reward level, none of the other characters on that server can gain those Bonus awards a second time.
 * Favor Rewards - TP Running: Requires the continues creation of a new character, reaching minimum Favor Point level of 100+, deleting that character (after you've claimed your rewards - if necessary), and repeating this process.
 * Rare Event Awards - sometimes the company gives out rewards for the top ranking players per server of a special event. This almost never happens.
 * Occasionally, an error in the game can cause the company to give TP to players in compensation for lost characters or items. Extremely Rare.
 * Rumor has it that there may be other means to gain Free TP. These are unverified.

What should I spend Turbine Points on?
The DDO Store has a great number of things you can spend your TP on. But there are only three things you should actively consider:
 * Whether it's just for the individual character
 * Just for the server
 * (or) Will it unlock items for the entire account (every server)?

Always keep an eye out for discounts, since these can reduce the total cost of an item by 25% or more.

As of today's date (2016.06.15), these are the TP prices of the most common desired items:

THE DDO STORE:
 * Once you open the store, you will be able to see your total TP amount, displayed to the top left of the window.


 * Here are the main items you'll be saving your TP for (but may not include everything):

1. Account > Adventure Packs > Low Level:
 * (250 TP) Shan-to-Kor Pack
 * (350 TP) The Necropolis, Part I - (sometimes sold as The Necropolis package, containing the whole group of this adventure)
 * (350 TP) The Sharn Syndicate
 * (350 TP) Devil's Assault
 * (450 TP) Sorrowdusk Isle
 * (450 TP) Phiarlan Carnival
 * (550 TP) Tangleroot Gorge
 * (695 TP) Three-Barrel Cove
 * (850 TP) Delera's Tomb

2. Account > Adventure Packs > Mid Level:
 * (350 TP) The Restless Isles Pack
 * (350 TP) The Necropolis, Part 2 - (sometimes sold as The Necropolis package, containing the whole group of this adventure)
 * (350 TP) The Necropolis, Part 3 - (sometimes sold as The Necropolis package, containing the whole group of this adventure)
 * (350 TP) Devil's Assault
 * (450 TP) The Red Fens
 * (450 TP) Sentinels of Stormreach
 * (450 TP) The Ruins of Threnal
 * (450 TP) Attack on Stormreach
 * (495 TP) Trials of the Archons
 * (650 TP) The Temple of Elemental Evil
 * (750 TP) The Vault of Night
 * (950 TP) The Ruins of Gianthold
 * (950 TP) The Demon Sands

3. Account > Adventure Packs > High Level:
 * (250 TP) The Reaver's Reach Pack
 * (350 TP) The Dreaming Dark
 * (350 TP) The Path of Inspiration
 * (450 TP) Harbinger of Madness
 * (450 TP) Heart of Madness
 * (450 TP) Reign of Madness
 * (450 TP) The Devil's Gambit
 * (550 TP) The Devil's of Shavarath
 * (550 TP) The Druid's Deep
 * (650 TP) Secrets of the Artificers
 * (750 TP) The High Road of Shadows
 * (850 TP) The Necropolis, Part 4 - (sometimes sold as The Necropolis package, containing the whole group of this adventure)
 * (995 TP) The Vale of Twilight

4. Account > Adventure Packs > Epic Level: 5. Account > Adventure Packs > Challenges:
 * (550 TP) Shadow Under Thunderholme Pack
 * (650 TP) Haunted Halls of Eveningstar
 * (650 TP) Eveningstar Challenge Pack
 * (1295 TP) Vaults of the Artificers Challenge Pack

6. Account > Races and Classes: (Unless stated otherwise in the DDO store, Races and Classes will unlock them for ALL the servers, not just one.)
 * (995 TP) Artificer Class - can be a Cannith Favor reward per server.
 * (995 TP) Drow Race - can be a Total Favor reward when one character reaches 400 Favor points on that server.
 * (995 TP) Favored Soul Class
 * (995 TP) Half-Elf Race
 * (995 TP) Warforged Race
 * (1295 TP) Bladeforged Iconic Hero
 * (1295 TP) Deep Gnome Iconic Hero
 * (1295 TP) Gnome Race
 * (1295 TP) Half-Orc Race
 * (1295 TP) Morninglord Iconic Hero
 * (1295 TP) Purple Dragon Knight Iconic Hero
 * (1295 TP) Shadar-kai Iconic Hero
 * (1395 TP) Warlock Class
 * (1495 TP) Druid Class

7. Account > Shared Bank: (Store has several upgrades other than these that are sometimes offered, but you'll have to look to see what is current.)
 * (495 TP) Shared Bank: Platinum Vault
 * (95 TP) Shared Bank: Platinum Vault Upgrade I
 * (1495 TP) Shared Bank: Item Storage (20 slots)

8. Account > Monster Manuals:
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 1
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 2
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 3
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 4
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 5
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 6
 * (595 TP) Monster Manual Volume 7

9. Account > Enhancement Trees:
 * (495 TP) Harper Agent Enhancement Tree

10. Account > Epic Destines:
 * (995 TP) Epic Destinies - unlocks this for any server

11. Account > Veteran Status:
 * (995 TP) Veteran Status Characters (Level 4) - Unlocks for ALL servers
 * (1495 TP) Veteran Status Characters (Level 7) - Unlocks for ALL servers

12. Account > Additional Upgrades:
 * (1495 TP) 32 Point Build Characters
 * (795 TP) Hall of Heroes Passport

13. Cosmetics and Pets: completely up to you as some of these are only available on the DDO Store and not in the game or character creator, but they don't usually unlock the item for the entire account, just for one character on one server. Hairstyles are all around 75 TP, for example. As for the weapons and armor, basic weapons are often far better than those you can buy on the store. Pets can be earned as rewards for completing the Monster Manuals, and as other rewards, but a few are unique to the store. Again, pet's are a single character, single server item from the store.

This is most of the major items currently on the DDO Store, which should be considered for TP. As you can see, they can be fairly expensive, so deals are a must when available for the F2P player. It's is important to note that unlocking the Adventure packs are a priority, as may be the Monster Manuals, since both offer additional opportunities for additional TP rewards.

14. A couple of other character-specific items to keep in mind which can help your Primary Character on that server in the long run:


 * Under Guilds & Hirelings > Hirelings > Hireling Folders: There are currently four different types - Small, Medium, Large, and Huge Hireling Contract Folders for (95, 195, 395, 595 TP) each. Just one of these is great to prevent clutter of your character's inventory.


 * Also, look under Storage & Bags to see what are available, as you CAN'T get the largest ones of these in the game, but MUST buy them from the DDO Store. Again, it is up to you as to whether it is worth the TP cost, verses the storage space for your Primary Character.


 * Lastly, the Reincarnation items are required later on in the game, when your character needs to undergo a True Reincarnation. These may or may not be available in the game itself.

Conclusion
From time to time the prices change as to what is offered in the DDO store in exchange for TP. As a F2P player, this can't be helped. It is best to become either a VIP or a Premium player over-all, since this also opens up the Astral Exchange and many of the Adventure Packs without having to purchase them separately. But F2P can be done, although it's very challenging.