One of the new features of Helm’s Deep is trait trees. Instead of the old trait system, in which you would earn and equip traits, which would then provide you benefits, all characters are now given access to 3 trait trees starting at level 7. By spending points in a trait tree, you upgrade abilities, learn new skills, and gain other bonuses, such as a larger morale pool, or a higher critical hit chance. This post will be a basic guide concerning these new trait trees.
When you first reach level 7, or open up your trait window for the first time (default hotkey is “J”), you will be prompted to choose a specialization. Make sure you take a moment to look over the various benefits and skills each specialization will offer you. By default, at least as a VIP, you have access to 2 trait tree builds at a time. Additional builds may be purchased for 100 Mithril Coins. Each upgrade in your specialization (blue, yellow, or red line) will cost 1 trait point. You can still spend points on upgrades and skills outside of your specialization, but they will cost 2 trait points instead of 1.
As you spend trait points, you will open up abilities farther down the trait tree. By spending points in a specific line, you will open up more upgrades within that line. By spending points in any line, you will open up upgrades found on the leftmost side of the trait window.
Upgrades found within your trait trees include new skills, upgrades to existing skills (+2 Split Shot Max Targets), and general upgrades (+5% Morale). Also, many skills that were previously earned simply by leveling up are now found as trait tree unlocks. Although it varies by class, blue line is generally a healing/mobility build, red line is for DPS, and yellow line is for tanking or utility.
There are a total of 65 trait points that can currently be earned:
- 45 from leveling up. You get 1 trait point at every odd level beginning at level 7.
- 8 from class deeds. Class deeds (such as use [skill] 100 times) have now turned into meta-deeds. Complete 3 specific meta-deeds to earn 1 trait point.
- 3 from class books (formerly legendary deeds).
- 3 from Moria: 1 for class quest, 1 for complete Vol. II Book 6, and 1 from the book you can get once you have reached maximum reputation with the Iron Garrison Guards.
- 1 from doing both level 45 class quests.
- 5 from Helm’s Deep quests: 1 each for completing All Roads Lead to Aldburg, The Road to Dunharrow, The Broadacres Betrayed, Woodhurst Has Fallen, and To Helm’s Deep.
