New Player Seeking HelpFollow

**Scroll to bottom for short version**

Well, I'm not exactly new, I started playing the day WAR came out, tried out some classes, then gave up MMOs for COD:5.

Anyway, Im looking for some help with a few questions I have now that Im giving it another go.

When I used to play WAR, it seemed like PQs were what everyone was doing to level up, including myself since it was fastest it seemed. Nowadays, theres not a single PQ with people at it. Is keep raiding and RVR the best way to level now?

This leads me to my second point. Im sure the high level zones are crowded since its been awhile since release, but I rarely see anyone in the lower brackets. On my tier 1 character, I have seen one person in about an hour of playing. On my tier 2 character, I see 0 people doing PQs but can usually find a warband to RVR with at night, but in two nights of playing have yet to go from level 15-16.

Anyway, I know Im behind the growth curve of the game since I quit for a while, but when can expect to see people actually playing the game again? Scenarios used to be instant and now I can play for 2 hours straight and not join one.

**Recap**
1) Why are PQs abandoned?
Whats the fastest way to level? RVR?

2) What tiers are still populated?
Is it just my server maybe?

3) Any career that is in terrible shape right now?
AKA what should I avoid?


Thanks in advance, looking forward to getting back.

I think this is dependent on your server, but I'm gonna hazard a guess and say yes, the game is very pvp centric so, you're likely to find more people pvping. In t4 folks will be doing the harder pve content for the gear.

I understand some servers have pretty low populations. I play on Praag. Certainly t4, where I spend the bulk of my time, is healthily populated. I have a level 15 alt though that I log on occasionally. I do't pve with him, but usually am in a sc within 5mins of hitting the que.

Pve is still the fastest way to level, but you'll find yourself behind the curve on RR when you do reach t4. I understand doing all stages of a PQ are the best xp, but if you can't find people to do them that's not very helpful. Still there is more than enough solo type questing around to level up.
That would be server and time dependent.
Probably. Phoenix Throne, Praag, Dark Crag, Volkmar....in this order, I believe are best bets for a populated server.

I hear White Lions are wimpy. Bright Wizards are god-mode atm, Warrior Priests are reportedly op as well. But all careers go through balancing acts, so, I'd ignore 'current' balance issues and play a class you enjoy.

I have my Destro's on Dark Crag and Order's on Praag. I've also recently returned to WAR, picking up where I left off when it launched. Playing time is low, but I made it to tier two thus far. Started a couple new classes, I've seen a fare amount of players on these two servers in tier one. tier two is a ghostland so far.