A new mentality for doing quests as a solo first-lifer.

[Yulrem]

Do not listen to those who rush for xp and loot!!! This game has stories, characters, jokes, puzzles most of them are unique and very exciting. Enjoy the game! Forget the math!

 

[1Th13rteen3]

sadly with 207 past lives in the game, people don't have time to do anything but r1 zerg because of its vastly superior xp/min

if only SSG could implement a catch up mechanic that is more than 8 lives

also r1 will always give more xp than full clear on normal. the ftb is too much

I understand this, but not everyone has 207 PL's and not everyone can zerg. This causes a schism. When a new player starts the game fresh into harbor and they see someone running something on reaper, even if they know and understand what reaper means - hopefully joining to maybe contribute something, its usually a lesson in frustration. Which is what more or less this thread is about. So for new players I, very reluctantly say this: "run everything on normal, dont even open the LFM screen lol".
Of course I am not commanding they do that, its just advice or a tip - solely to keep them from getting frustrating and quitting within the first day if they are anything like me.

 

[1Th13rteen3]

Do not listen to those who rush for xp and loot!!! This game has stories, characters, jokes, puzzles most of them are unique and very exciting. Enjoy the game! Forget the math!

I straight up might join your guild (if possible). I am in <Level Us>, but they dont talk much so not much that i've seen so not much interaction. Shipbuffs are good and all, but I don't wanna be in a guild just for the buffs (kinda feels like I am using them). We don't have to group or anything, but a guild of like-minded people who can vent with me on the stuff in this game would be kool.

 

[Yulrem]

I straight up might join your guild (if possible). I am in <Level Us>, but they dont talk much so not much that i've seen so not much interaction. Shipbuffs are good and all, but I don't wanna be in a guild just for the buffs (kinda feels like I am using them). We don't have to group or anything, but a guild of like-minded people who can vent with me on the stuff in this game would be kool.

You are very much welcome!

 

[DBZ]

30. Iconics can't tr until 30.

Can open elites as soon as you hit 20 and epics

 

[QuantumFX]

A few thoughts based on your OP and responses:

• Some folks may describe your playstyle as "flowersniffing", which is actually a good way to learn the game. Learning what's in every nook and cranny lets you learn what's needed and what's optional. Just don't forget what you did .000000005 seconds after completing a quest.
• The reason why "The juice ain't worth the squeeze" is that you're on the easy heroic XP table. DDO had a guy level from 1-20 using only Korthos and landscapes a decade ago. The players who are running R1 to cap aren't on the same XP table, and are on a speed mission for past lives. That's a terrible way to learn quests.
• IMO, Thrane is probably not your best bet for the playstyle you prefer. The players, who could very easily be labelled "power gamers", seem to have migrated there over the summer. Based on some Reddit posts of a power gamer who regrets his decision, Cormyr is probably a better choice for your playstyle. You could look at DDO audit to compare the LFMs on each of the servers to see if this would be a better choice for you.
• All the tomes you "need" are available outside the DDO store, you just need to be dedicated and patient to earn them. You should have access to 7,500 favor via the content coupon and all the 99 DDO point expansions. That's +8 tomes for each stat over 6 lives. +3 skill tomes can be acquired by running epic sagas. You also earn a lot of DDO points doing this.
• Stick with your builds until level 34. You'll learn that builds have level ranges where they rule and level ranges where they suck. Knowing this, learning from it, and being able to reevaluate it, will make you a better player.

 

[1Th13rteen3]

A few thoughts based on your OP and responses:

• <snip>
• All the tomes you "need" are available outside the DDO store, you just need to be dedicated and patient to earn them. You should have access to 7,500 favor via the content coupon and all the 99 DDO point expansions. That's +8 tomes for each stat over 6 lives. +3 skill tomes can be acquired by running epic sagas. You also earn a lot of DDO points doing this.
• Stick with your builds until level 34. You'll learn that builds have level ranges where they rule and level ranges where they suck. Knowing this, learning from it, and being able to reevaluate it, will make you a better player.

I am only interested in TRing to get some PLs so leveling is smoother, more streamlined. Getting to a point where I can "zerg stuff" means I can get favor and exp faster, so this to me - getting PLs as fast as possible is the focus. I've already bought all the 99 point expacs, just gotta churn the content. There are other things I want to buy with the favor (like races, enhancement trees, classes (like alchemist!), so I wont be able to buy all +8 tomes. Also not all builds are requiring those tomes, but if you looked at all builds AS A WHOLE that are posted, they either need tomes, or PL's or both, or neither. Some people say "tomes/PL's not required but help", equates to "this build will probably suck without these", and maybe that's y fault but it just feels like "MOST" and I put this into quotes for a reason, builds require stuff thats out of reach for a new player. Very little builds are starter in nature without PLs needed and without tomes needed. Sure PL's/Tomes will literally help ANY build (LOL?) So I don't know why some builds even require those things. But I get it, for someone who has hundreds of PLs they probably have all those things are are like "kool, my already uber @55 can run this build and solo the abbot at level 1! Nice!", but for the majority of us who see such builds and are new players we are basically like "meh" and move on. A couple of decent starter builds that require no fluff have been posted, but those have been on race/class combinations that are not desirable to me and my playstyle. I like playing a trapper because traps are the friggin bane of my existence and I dont like melee that much because usually melee = gonna get up close and get the hell beat out of ya. But this current build I am playing is a dagger vistani arti 4 CLR dark apostate (for undead shade form immunities) and its going pretty decent. If I get knocked unconscious I have 170 unconscious range and have DDoor (human dmark enhancement) and its a fun build. It's just terrible for R1.
I agree with what you say about builds coming into their own and to just be patient, definitely agree with ya there. Not sure if I want to play to cap though (34+), we will see.

 

[Mornyngstar]

sadly with 207 past lives in the game, people don't have time to do anything but r1 zerg because of its vastly superior xp/min

if only SSG could implement a catch up mechanic that is more than 8 lives

also r1 will always give more xp than full clear on normal. the ftb is too much

NO to catch up mechanic! Even if you give someone every single past life and every single piece of gear will they be able to instantly run R10 Raids? That is a no, they haven't learn strategies, techniques or even what combos to do. Will you then have DDO add scripts so people then can use a single click to "make it easier" for new players?

The answer to the problem is to get MORE players over time to join the game so that we have people at all levels of playstyle. That way the just past new players (moderate?) can then start to teach them and learn from the more advanced players and the advanced players can learn from the veteran ect.

Also note that not everyone is interested in completionist, R10, endgame.

 

[woq]

Just don't forget what you did .000000005 seconds after completing a quest.

I lost :( remembering things, my nemesis.

 

[Hafeal]

OP, good for you!

Playing solo these days is the only way I get thoroughly enjoy all the little things the game offers, especially for new content. There are so many cool environments, commentary, NPC names, and clever things that get ignored in the zerginess. For example, running to waterworks 1 & 2, there is a named troll - with a fire trap that can used to kill it. Ever seen anyone do it? Probably not since 2006, but its fun. Plenty of that in the game if you look for it.

Kudos to enjoying the game on your own terms.

 

[Archest]

dont use a prebuilt character. stay within the class selected make your character pure. you can earn +2 tombs for each ability for each life.
You dont have to Epic reincarnate. TR at 20 for a past life. learn the play style you like.
I like castor , pale master for self healing in reaper .
use a weapon for reapers. incorporeal bane ghost touch force damage is universal damage with no immunity.
I use a sword and board (AC) with wizard eldritch knight tree and a scepter with two handed fighting and weapons feats pale master
I like to be able to take a hit when in melee range and fighting retreat if possible.
pick the spells that suit your caster schools.
increase the spell power and the critical hit and damage of those elementals.
if there is a spell resistance check then increase enchantment and spell penitration.
concentrate on your spell school as well as your melee power for melee short range fighting damage.
Harper tree is a good tree to increase melee capability for a pure wizard.

 

[1Th13rteen3]

The answer to the problem is to get MORE players over time to join the game so that we have people at all levels of playstyle. That way the just past new players (moderate?) can then start to teach them and learn from the more advanced players and the advanced players can learn from the veteran ect.

I think this is the actual answer, the secret sauce. The problem with this is twofold, a trickle of new players, just enough to barely see any LFMs up by any, considering they actually post (which I can probably count on two fingers how many times I have seen this as 99.9999999999% of the time its R1's!), and so those players who dont want to solo join those R1's and the get severely annoyed and the ragequit. I mean this is hyperbole ofc but I am sure it does (maybe often?) happen. I dont have access to the metrics for obvious reasons and so SSG can only comment for sure how much (NEW) player retention is happening. From the optics of things though, unless I am missing something - its not looking good. Little to no NEW players on twitch streaming, only usually veterans - little to no viewers on such streams, and little to no interaction just in general chat. I dont know why SSG isnt trying to advertise to get new players, but to me (and this is a shot in the dark) it feels like they are "just comfortable with the current players they have", which is ironic considering the issues with CS and transfers, lag, etc etc.

No one Most people aren't going to want to play a 20 year old game with very old server architecture that rubber bands, lags, and has the issues this game has been having. I think out of maybe 100 players who would be playing MMO's the only players that would choose THIS mmo, would be people who are like "hey ive heard of this game but never played before - the ratings arent that great, but hey let's give it a try" and then they either try it, maybe stream it, hate it and quit, or stay/get heavily vested in it (maybe even financially) and they stick around. But let me tell you, I play a LOT (I am on MOONSEA) and I rarely if ever see any new players running around. I have made some non-R1 groups and I think one guy who was pretty deep in PLs might have joined because he was bored soloing or wanted to get that specific quest done or wanted some social interaction, but that happens almost never. Usually if people DO join any of my LFMs which is rare, they are very R1 capable and go do their thing. Usually they hang out around me and dont run ahead, but most peeps just wanna get the quest done, and that's fine.

But I agree with your assessment that we need more new players. Like WAY more. I know the free codes are a draw, and I very much thank SSG for those codes, free and cheap content - as it has helped me a LOT but I dont know if those codes alone are going to get us enough fresh new blood.

 

[Yulrem]

OP, good for you!

Playing solo these days is the only way I get thoroughly enjoy all the little things the game offers, especially for new content. There are so many cool environments, commentary, NPC names, and clever things that get ignored in the zerginess. For example, running to waterworks 1 & 2, there is a named troll - with a fire trap that can used to kill it. Ever seen anyone do it? Probably not since 2006, but its fun. Plenty of that in the game if you look for it.

Kudos to enjoying the game on your own terms.

Would be a bit better alongside other like-hearted players. If it wouldn't be so difficult to find eachother...

 

[Yulrem]

I think this is the actual answer, the secret sauce. The problem with this is twofold, a trickle of new players, just enough to barely see any LFMs up by any, considering they actually post (which I can probably count on two fingers how many times I have seen this as 99.9999999999% of the time its R1's!), and so those players who dont want to solo join those R1's and the get severely annoyed and the ragequit. I mean this is hyperbole ofc but I am sure it does (maybe often?) happen. I dont have access to the metrics for obvious reasons and so SSG can only comment for sure how much (NEW) player retention is happening. From the optics of things though, unless I am missing something - its not looking good. Little to no NEW players on twitch streaming, only usually veterans - little to no viewers on such streams, and little to no interaction just in general chat. I dont know why SSG isnt trying to advertise to get new players, but to me (and this is a shot in the dark) it feels like they are "just comfortable with the current players they have", which is ironic considering the issues with CS and transfers, lag, etc etc.

No one Most people aren't going to want to play a 20 year old game with very old server architecture that rubber bands, lags, and has the issues this game has been having. I think out of maybe 100 players who would be playing MMO's the only players that would choose THIS mmo, would be people who are like "hey ive heard of this game but never played before - the ratings arent that great, but hey let's give it a try" and then they either try it, maybe stream it, hate it and quit, or stay/get heavily vested in it (maybe even financially) and they stick around. But let me tell you, I play a LOT (I am on MOONSEA) and I rarely if ever see any new players running around. I have made some non-R1 groups and I think one guy who was pretty deep in PLs might have joined because he was bored soloing or wanted to get that specific quest done or wanted some social interaction, but that happens almost never. Usually if people DO join any of my LFMs which is rare, they are very R1 capable and go do their thing. Usually they hang out around me and dont run ahead, but most peeps just wanna get the quest done, and that's fine.

But I agree with your assessment that we need more new players. Like WAY more. I know the free codes are a draw, and I very much thank SSG for those codes, free and cheap content - as it has helped me a LOT but I dont know if those codes alone are going to get us enough fresh new blood.

You are going through the same thought process as I was a year ago. Like likely many others before us for two decades who also chose to lay down LFMs to avoid veterans and play solo in peace. They know, they have the data, got many of this kind of posts for decades and nothing has changed. Yes, they very much prefer to please veterans, that small but sure paying playerbase, than admit their wrongdoings, rule in favour of new players, god forgive apologise, and do something to attract more. Old game, old graphics is not an excuse. 8bit games thrive.

 

[Wanfanel]

I remember run some Hardcore with low level. they not much more difficult than elite but for reaper you needed have ghost touch for starter you can craft at Borderlands level 2 weapon. Close combat usually is much harder than distance.

 

[QuantumFX]

Would be a bit better alongside other like-hearted players. If it wouldn't be so difficult to find each other...

That was why I suggested Cormyr earlier. It started as an event server, and the 64 bit migration passed them over because of a perceived lack of names. That history, and the DDOAudit of the LFMs, make it look like a prime location for players that are interested in the more casual playstyle. I'm sure Thrane has a bunch of friendly players who will enjoy helping new players acclimate, but it'll probably be on the R1 zerg to cap path.

 

[Archaic]

The secret to getting a lot of past lives early is run older quests above your level on normal. Then hard and elite when you get to the level you can handle them. Once you get a few past lives appropriate gear, or the crafting skill to make what you need as you go, you can start challenging yourself to go harder.

 

[Blaster]

Defeatism and self-victimization… that’s a mentality… I guess. It’s something I’ve never considered or utilized myself, but you do you.

 

[1Th13rteen3]

I remember run some Hardcore with low level. they not much more difficult than elite but for reaper you needed have ghost touch for starter you can craft at Borderlands level 2 weapon. Close combat usually is much harder than distance.

As a dark apostate + VKF i've had ghost touch for a while. Its not so much the reapers that are the issue - its literally everything else. (Overpowered traps, overpowered red crown champs, etc etc etc). mostly it isnt so much the mobs even, the traps are pretty rough, but a lot of time R1's have zergers and when they zerg and leave a LOT of mobs up (trying to optimize time spent in the quest) they leave a lot of trash up that seemingly straight up BEELINES to the weakest person in the instance. I kinda feel like theres some arbitrary code (again hyperbole speaking) that causes some mobs to focus the weakest player on the roster, but maybe thats just confirmation bias talking.

 

[1Th13rteen3]

The secret to getting a lot of past lives early is run older quests above your level on normal. Then hard and elite when you get to the level you can handle them. Once you get a few past lives appropriate gear, or the crafting skill to make what you need as you go, you can start challenging yourself to go harder.

Yup! I had considered running everything on normal +2 levels. so say run a level 5 quest on normal as a level 3. Problem with that is, with trap DC and mob DC unless you are just a melee or possibly range, this makes it pretty difficult. Hires do help yes, immensely, but hires are gated to your level. So a level 3 would only be able to have a level 3 hire. I agree and understand that more numbers means better firepower, but I am afraid running a normal quest on +2 levels might be a bit iffy, except for maybe later levels where you have more options and your build gets more fleshed out.