Consular/Weaponmaster vs. Guardian/Jedi Master

[Warden Brows]

Now, I've heard lots of arguments as to which of these makes a better character, and in the end, I do not think it matters much. Both are about equally strong endgame. I do not have hard numbers to deal with here, so let me give you a few of my observations.

Both methods turn your character into an absolute Force-wielding monster by the end of the game. One of my favorite techniques is to hit a room with Stasis Field and then unleash Force Storm. Freeze 'em and fry 'em, as I like to put it. I have watched saves both ways to see how many, on average, enemies save by the time you are at the Trayus academy, as well as how the character performs throughout the game. Both times I built the character the same as far as stats, feats, and Force powers go.

The Consular path seems to have some major benefits, with its Force Focus feats. The problem I encountered is that during the time you are still using the class, enemies almost always save against your powers anyway because you are still too weak. On Peragus and Telos, I found the extra Force powers and Focus to be little use, especially given how low your FP reserve is at that level. Of course, by end game, almost nothing saved against Force powers and I absolutely raised hell. Another technical thing of note: Weaponmasters get fewer feats than Guardians, so couple that with Consular and you get fewer overall. I also found one huge, glaring weakness: Since Consular is weaker in combat, and your Force powers usually do not work in the beginning, you may find yourself too weak to deal with some of the enemies you face. This is the only class I have played since starting the game where I have had to redo a few early battles due to player death.

The Guardian path, in contrast, seems much more balanced and solid. You have the skills with a blade to deal with things early on (where powers are useless anyway), and combat is easy. By the time you go Jedi Master, your offensive powers are already starting to have an effect. In the Trayus academy, I actually believe Guardian/JM did better than Consular/WM as far as Force saves go. Usually as a JM I would be able to freeze an entire room the first try (even Sith Marauders). As a Consular often 1 or 2 would save. The melee background you get as a Guardian stays with you, so you are still great in lightsaber combat as well. I believe I did better in the final battle this way.

Ultimately, it's however you want to play it. Guardian/Jedi Master IS more balanced towards the progression of the game, however, since it gives you the right skills at the right times. The saves were something of a surprise, but I suspect it has to do with one of the JM special feats. If you want to power play or have a fun character, go Guardian/Jedi Master. If you want a challenge, go Consular/Weaponmaster.

[slapandtickle]

yeah as a consular/ JM I found I had too many force powers.

[Djengo Torx]

my first game was guardian/master. that was pretty sick.
melee cpabilities of a god and so much force i couldn't spend it all.

[Brockaine22]

In my opinion the main difference is guardians start out powerful and gain less strength as they level up (the only difference between lvl 10 and 30 for a guardian/weaponmaster is a few dmg feats and better weapons in my humble opinion)...whereas consulars start out very slow and seem weak but by lvl 15-18 (depending on LS or DS) you are a terror on wheels
by lvl 30 i seriously think my consular/jedi master could have taken my guardian/weaponmaster easily...i went for dual wielding sabers on both and my consulars defense was significantly higher (something like 30 compared to 45) and the consular/masters melee damage was slightly less...small enough difference that it was the same ammount of attacks per enemy to kill...with force enlightenment my consular simply owned everything...even sion could not harm me while i EASILY landed stasis field and other powers on him...my guardian/weaponmaster took heavy damage at times from ssion/kreia and rarely landed force powers on them...both because of no force focus and much lower wisdom

guardians are nice cause of an easy early game but by your third planent a consular will pass them in power is my opinion