Thanks for all the replies. My main concern with scoundrel was with difficulty but after reading the comments they have been alleviated. Scoundrel it is

Thanks for your reply. Well my friends are on republic side so hence I have to choose from there. I agree (from what I've read) with you on commando. He's off the table mainly because of stealth. I really want to try a stealth class this time. Any shadow/assasins out there with tips? As I said I'm mainly concerned for the class soloing capabilities.

Hello, I've recently resubscribed to try the game once more and I'm in the process of picking a class. I'm thinking of choosing scoundrel for three main reasons. 1st is stealth, 2nd is the story (I prefer it from being a force user) and 3rd is the fact that he can heal. It's the role I would like to fill if I get bored of dpsing (don't think so but you never know). However, I've read several posts that say scoundrel is a difficult class to play and master. I'm a casual player and I think I'm quite good at understanding a class. Coming from a warlock background (wow) though I do not wish to choose a class that becomes increasingly difficult and frustrating over time. My second choice is jedi shadow (because of stealth) but I'm worried about his soloing capabilities due to the fact that he gets a healing companion late in the game. I mostly solo and like the challenge (heroics, the random champion encounter, etc). On top of that I don't like the idea of tanking. The 3rd choice is commando but again from what I've read they are not so good at pvp (which is what I'll mostly do at end game). Ow, and they don't have stealth. Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.

Thanks, I was thinking of heading that way. However, as I said, I'm more of a dps guy - at least when it comes to fp and wz. I'm looking at healing for the ability to solo heroics and the odd champion mob you encounter whilst exploring.

Thanks for the answer but I'm still a bit confused. Medical probe? You mean kolto probe? What are the backstab and medical brew talents? Can't seem to spot them :s From the tactics you explained, I should focus on dpsing rather than healing my companion? My main concern is versus tougher mobs in heroics or the random champion you encounter whilst exploring. I've tried dpsing and healing my companion but it doesn't work. Tried focusing healing on the same mob and it went smoothly.

I've recently started playing an operative (currently lvl15) and I'm a bit lost on how to spec him. I want to have a dps role in flashpoints and warzones but as I figured out I need to take on a healing role for pve soloing (random champion encounters, heroics, etc). Should I use a hybrid (healing up to kolto or surgical probe?) or will a full dps tree with the first points spent in incisive action be enough? If I use a hybrid is my damage output gimped too much? I don't care about topping the dps meters rather being able to defeat someone without support if the need arises. Any tips/suggestions? Thanks

True, I've also heard that heroics become impossible as you level up so the idea is flawed. However what about random champion/elite mobs you find whilst exploring? I saw a video of a mercenary soloing 2 champions simply by cc'ing one and nuking the other. Once again, I do not want things to be easy, but simply not impossible.

I'm talking about mercenary/sniper - I'm not considering other classes.

I appreciate all the answers. Still torn however I agree that sniper is more interesting, both as story and more importantly its strategic approach. I guess I could team up for the heroics and from what I heard heroics at later levels are virtually impossible for any class. But what I enjoy most is to explore and take down the occasional tough mobs I encounter who from what little I have seen in this game are plenty. Being gimped in that section somewhat ruins the experience.

Yes, but what about handling champions, etc? heroics? I don't care about fast leveling really...

Very concise answer, thanks

I've decided that I will stick to the ranged class I usually play but this time will avoid force/magic users. I'm torn between mercenary and sniper. Both are great from an rp point of view (though I dislike the bounty hunter's voice and even though excited by the secret agent concept don't like to be a lackey for sith lords). Regarding play style I like the option to heal but in the end I'll play as a dpser. I don't mind the cover system, admittedly I've only played up to lvl10, although it bugs me when I get knocked back and have to reenter cover. Does this get worse? What will make me decide, and this is where I want some opinions, are the soloing capabilities of each class. I mostly play solo and really enjoy the challenge of completing heroics and bringing down tougher mobs on my own. So, between those two, who has the better potential on solo game play? One thing that draws me closer to sniper is the fact that they are few in relation to the bh and force users and most importantly are harder to master. I used to play a warlock which was a difficult class but when used properly, a beast. Thanks

I've decided that I will stick to the ranged class I usually play but this time will avoid force/magic users. I'm torn between mercenary and sniper. Both are great from an rp point of view (though I dislike the bounty hunter's voice and even though excited by the secret agent concept don't like to be a lackey for sith lords). Regarding play style I like the option to heal but in the end I'll play as a dpser. I don't mind the cover system, admittedly I've only played up to lvl10, although it bugs me when I get knocked back and have to reenter cover. Does this get worse? What will make me decide, and this is where I want some opinions, are the soloing capabilities of each class. I mostly play solo and really enjoy the challenge of completing heroics and bringing down tougher mobs on my own. So, between those two, who has the better potential on solo game play? Thanks

Yes, because of the story. It ruins any element of surprise I might have. But if you say its fairly obvious from the beginning then no biggie. Thanks for the reply

I was thinking of rolling a jedi shadow. However, a friend of mine revealed to me who the final boss is....... no comments....... Is it still worth it to roll one? Thanks p.s. ow and please no more spoilers