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Losing interest in DDO, due to how hard it is to find groups.
JK-Kanosi
Member Posts: 1,357
I'm playing on the Sarlona server and I have been in a guild since I resubbed a month and a half ago. I'm level 11, with 1151/1750 favor after a month and a half, and I am on anywhere from 3-5 hours a day.
My goal for my first character is favor first, xp second, and to experience all the content I can in the game, while not having to repeat anything other than to get the favor needed from the quest.
So of course, I can join the Gianthold groups and all the other groups that run the same quests over and over again, but I look for and start groups for whatever is around my level that I still need favor for. I spend hours upon hours during the week doing nothing online, waiting for people to join my group, or a group to start that I haven't done the quest on Elite already.
I'm getting tired of all the waiting around. I'm starting to lose interest and I am unsure if I will resub after my second month is over.
Is anyone else having trouble finding groups on Sarlona?
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
Comments
Is your guild very active? If not, with your playtime you might consider joining a very active guild that has a lot of people on. Maybe that will help you group with guild members.
Surely if you find a very active guild they will have members with your playstyle. Some guilds just don't do PUGS for various reasons.
Have you posted this on the main forums? You could post this in the main DDO forums in Sarlona section and see what people have to say.
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
Some people in my guild are pretty active. Those that are, are either too low or too high to group with now. Sometimes we have 20+ members on, and other times only 3. At any rate, I wouldn't leave this guild for anything, because they are the largest and most active RPing guild on the server. I've spoke with many people in-game about this and I don't get immature responses or anything. People just prefer to do other high xp quests, that are above their level, while I prefer to do all quests and I make sure things are around my level.
Honestly, the fact that this game is solely a grouping game is what's hurting it. If I cannot find a group, I cannot play. Naturally, people will figure out what is the most efficient quests to do and stick to those, shunning the rest of the content they'v'e done on previous characters before. This is m theory on why I am not getting any takers on the groups I start. Probably because they know something about the quest I do not and are stearing clear of it. Or they are too busy in Gianthold to be bothered with the other quests. Another theory is that a lot of the population left after their month ended after resubbing for the Monk Module.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
Not to mention you are probablly the worst point level-wise to find groups. I am afraid it is going to suck until you get up around 13th-14th especially when you are particular with groups.
Haven't played Sarlona so cannot comment on the pop there, I am on Arggo (well and Khyber but haven't played there in awhile) and I am really not having problems grouping.
I've been hearing I was at a bad point, level-wise, since level 7. Pretty bad when the majority of the levels in-game isn't good for finding groups in a grouping game.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
I've been hearing I was at a bad point, level-wise, since level 7. Pretty bad when the majority of the levels in-game isn't good for finding groups in a grouping game.
The problem is a majority of the players have capped characters and with many of us multiple ones. It does make it a little more difficult to get groups due to the xp penalties/cutoffs.
Easiest way is to start your own groups. People will join, don't be as picky about classes you require (there are almost no quests that require any particular class). There are a lot of people out there that do not like to start groups (me included) and wait for other ghroups to start. Also many people like myself will be doing stuff on another character and check the LFM page once in awhile to see if there are any interesting groups for our lowbie characters.
It may not suit your playstyle or character build, but I found it quite a rewarding experience running quests (few levels lower if required) solo or duo, on the harder settings. The runs are slower and you get to soak up the detail, that is often glossed over grouping in quests.
I've been hearing I was at a bad point, level-wise, since level 7. Pretty bad when the majority of the levels in-game isn't good for finding groups in a grouping game.
The problem is a majority of the players have capped characters and with many of us multiple ones. It does make it a little more difficult to get groups due to the xp penalties/cutoffs.
Easiest way is to start your own groups. People will join, don't be as picky about classes you require (there are almost no quests that require any particular class). There are a lot of people out there that do not like to start groups (me included) and wait for other ghroups to start. Also many people like myself will be doing stuff on another character and check the LFM page once in awhile to see if there are any interesting groups for our lowbie characters.
I'm not sure if you missed it or what, but I said in my OP that I start groups. I don't discriminate against classes or anything like that. First come first serve is my mantra concerning that. The problem is that I get NO ONE that wants to join my groups. I see groups for VON 1-4 a lot lately and Gianthold. At least those are the ones close to my level range. I refuse to do Gianthold yet, because they are level 13 quests and I am only lvl 11. No use in doing content that was meant to give me xp at lvl 13 when I have a lot of lvl 11 quests that I have never done before that can give me xp now. I've done VoN 1-4 already and doing it again would just give me xp. I really want favor AND xp, because I want to unlock my 32pt build.
I've been starting groups on my own since level 3. Up until level 7, they were easy to fill, but that could be because those are the levels people test build or because it was closer to when the Monk Module was released. I continued to start groups from 7-9, but it was hard to fill those. I eventually got through those levels. Now at level 11, it seems like there isn't a population on the servers. But yeah, I start groups on a daily basis, no one joins them anymore, that's the problem.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
I agree and would do anything that nets me favor. The problem is find a person to duo with.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
I've been hearing I was at a bad point, level-wise, since level 7. Pretty bad when the majority of the levels in-game isn't good for finding groups in a grouping game.
The problem is a majority of the players have capped characters and with many of us multiple ones. It does make it a little more difficult to get groups due to the xp penalties/cutoffs.
Easiest way is to start your own groups. People will join, don't be as picky about classes you require (there are almost no quests that require any particular class). There are a lot of people out there that do not like to start groups (me included) and wait for other ghroups to start. Also many people like myself will be doing stuff on another character and check the LFM page once in awhile to see if there are any interesting groups for our lowbie characters.
I'm not sure if you missed it or what, but I said in my OP that I start groups. I don't discriminate against classes or anything like that. First come first serve is my mantra concerning that. The problem is that I get NO ONE that wants to join my groups. I see groups for VON 1-4 a lot lately and Gianthold. At least those are the ones close to my level range. I refuse to do Gianthold yet, because they are level 13 quests and I am only lvl 11. No use in doing content that was meant to give me xp at lvl 13 when I have a lot of lvl 11 quests that I have never done before that can give me xp now. I've done VoN 1-4 already and doing it again would just give me xp. I really want favor AND xp, because I want to unlock my 32pt build.
I've been starting groups on my own since level 3. Up until level 7, they were easy to fill, but that could be because those are the levels people test build or because it was closer to when the Monk Module was released. I continued to start groups from 7-9, but it was hard to fill those. I eventually got through those levels. Now at level 11, it seems like there isn't a population on the servers. But yeah, I start groups on a daily basis, no one joins them anymore, that's the problem.
I understand. My girlfriend and I play together, both our characters are lvl 15, so we actually have 1/3 of group ready to go. We often start groups for what we want to do (such as Coalescence Chamber, a shroud flagging quests, that no-one would join last night).
We play late at night being New Zealanders. We only have a limited amount of time to play, being very busy people. So it is very frustrating when we don't get a group, or it takes a long time to get a group. This happens on semi-frequent basis, probably about 1/4 of the time.
I like that DDO is a grouping game. I think by being 'forced' to group, the game has developed the best community and group dynamics out of any of the games I have played. However, in a grouping essential game, every effort needs to be made to make grouping easier.
I believe they should do another server-merge. So, people who want to the more 'obscure' quests, like yourself, are able to have a bigger audience to pick from. While people like my girlfriend and I, will have more late night players to play with.
I do know that this maybe unpopular, as most primetime players would have no problem grouping for the quests they want to do.
BoBo
What time do you usually play? My non-pd favor guy is on Sarlona, a 13 dwarven ranger named Hrmph.
And on Tuesday nights you might be able to hook up with the Dancing Dead, It is a group of non-pd alts of members of the Extreme Explorers permadeath guild that plays on Tuesdays and they are currently in the 9-13 level range.
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DDO Permadeath guilds
I play everyday. Monday, Tuesday, Thurs and Friday I play during the day PST (12-5pm). Wed. (12-11pm at most), Saturday & Sunday (12-11pm at most). I think I've played with your character before, because I recognize his name. My character's name is Validorn.
I'm thinking of going over to CoX due to the recent announcement for one, and for two, because I can solo missions when I don't have a group.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
I would prefer a more positive approach than server-merges, firstly a big marketing push, followed by a look at the way filler content can be added to give something to do between real quests. IMO explorer areas are under utilised, and too honest (kill, explore, rares) , those bits are made trivial by their presentation. In other MMOs those would be wrapped with some story and you would be sent in and out of the explorer area to kill, find and combat rares. Turbine need to do this, maybe even turning these instances in to zones rather than instances.
Here is a quick example of how it could work I posted on the EU forums.
I played CoX for a couple of years, it is a nice enough game. However the ability to solo all the missions comes at the expense of them be pig boring and extreme deja vu.
Personally I would rather wait to do a proper quest with a decent combat engine, than have vanilla quests and instant action. Although I understand your annoyance, that would be too big a step backwards for me.
I've been hearing I was at a bad point, level-wise, since level 7. Pretty bad when the majority of the levels in-game isn't good for finding groups in a grouping game.
The problem is a majority of the players have capped characters and with many of us multiple ones. It does make it a little more difficult to get groups due to the xp penalties/cutoffs.
Easiest way is to start your own groups. People will join, don't be as picky about classes you require (there are almost no quests that require any particular class). There are a lot of people out there that do not like to start groups (me included) and wait for other ghroups to start. Also many people like myself will be doing stuff on another character and check the LFM page once in awhile to see if there are any interesting groups for our lowbie characters.
I'm not sure if you missed it or what, but I said in my OP that I start groups. I don't discriminate against classes or anything like that. First come first serve is my mantra concerning that. The problem is that I get NO ONE that wants to join my groups. I see groups for VON 1-4 a lot lately and Gianthold. At least those are the ones close to my level range. I refuse to do Gianthold yet, because they are level 13 quests and I am only lvl 11. No use in doing content that was meant to give me xp at lvl 13 when I have a lot of lvl 11 quests that I have never done before that can give me xp now. I've done VoN 1-4 already and doing it again would just give me xp. I really want favor AND xp, because I want to unlock my 32pt build.
I've been starting groups on my own since level 3. Up until level 7, they were easy to fill, but that could be because those are the levels people test build or because it was closer to when the Monk Module was released. I continued to start groups from 7-9, but it was hard to fill those. I eventually got through those levels. Now at level 11, it seems like there isn't a population on the servers. But yeah, I start groups on a daily basis, no one joins them anymore, that's the problem.
Yes you are correct, I was at work and kinda skimming. Sorry I missed that, hmmm well it is hard sometimes to get people to break away from the standard quests people like to run. I really hope they do something to bring a lot of new blood into the game as that is what I see the problem as.
I have 4 characters: sorc4,clr3,clr9,rgr6/fgt1. None of them can find groups at peak.... If I wait long enough I can get a party for something I've already done 2 or 3 times on that character. I was very positive about returning and Im starting to even think about playing PnP DnD as DDO has really got me into it but when it comes to paying to sit lfg I dont see the point.
Also, Im talking about the european servers - there are only two and another merge is required but then once that server goes empty then the game is dead for europe. I see no guilds actively recruiting either and when I ask people about their guild they say they have to pug all the time. This game has a really bad population problem and if you find someone you dont get along with then god help you with trying to avoid them.
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Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
You know, maybe the smart thing to do would be just to focus on leveling up, for now, and then work on favor after you get closer to cap. Then, you could solo (or you and I could duo) a good number of the quests that it's hard to find groups for.
I haven't been on in a while because of a screwed up sleep schedule and a whole lot of business that plopped itself on my doorstep. Had four computers to work on in the last week and a half. And now I've been offered a job in Colorado...
Anyway, I'm still in the range of levels you can group with, albeit barely. You've been playing a whole lot more than I have. Nonetheless, I'll be around if you need help adding numbers to your group list.
I still have to finish up a couple of those computers, and I have to get packed for moving to Colorado, but I will do my best to be more active. It'd suck if you quit, 'cause it's nice having a couple of active members in our guild.
Which of the EU servers are you on?
That probably would be the smart thing to do, but you know me. I play games the way I want, because I pay the subscription fee. I'm not going to let other people dictate the quests I'm going to run, because they did it too many times before, isn't enough xp, or great loot or whatever other reason they can think of.
I also have been thinking on this for a while now. Probably ever since level 8 (several weeks ago) when grouping started getting scarce. My whole reason for leveling Validorn up was to unlock 32 pt builds so I can create another character, and for what? To have the same tough time finding groups 7-11? I'm not a powergamer, but I do game a lot, so I don't think DDO will make me happy at the rate it is going. Some other game will provide me with more entertainment for my money than DDO will, because I sit around for the majority of the time waiting for a group to form or for people to join my group.
I reactivated my CoX account yesterday and used one of the promotional keys on the forums here to extend my 30 day subscription to 45 days. Great value for the money I think and I love playing around with the character creation system.
Perhaps I will come back after the next Module is released, because that seems when players resub most often. Maybe then I can find groups for what I want to do. Good luck in Colorado, it's a beautiful place to live, I envy you. Keep in touch.
MMORPG's w/ Max level characters: DAoC, SWG, & WoW
Currently Playing: WAR
Preferred Playstyle: Roleplay/adventurous, in a sandbox game.
Yeah, I guess it would kinda suck to have to change your style just to continue playing. I really wish the experience vs. difficulty would scale better in DDO, but it doesn't, making people a lot more likely to do certain quests.
[edit] Oh, also, I figured I would mention that you probably wouldn't be going for favor with your second toon, since you will have already unlocked 32 point builds at that point. That should make grouping easier, because you don't have to finish all those quests - there's just not much reason to. [/edit]
By the way, we are apparently doing VoN 5-6 this weekend. Or, at least, we are attempting to do so. I am excited to do VoN 5-6 with a decent group - I hope it works out.
The main problem I experience is a sheer lack of different levelling routes. If I picked the perfect build (for me) as my first build on DDO and could get away with only experiencing each dungeon once then I'd probably have a different perception of the game but the complexity of DnD demands re-rolling and DDO offers little for the frequent re-roller. Also, the 'all or nothing' approach to XP is usually the final straw - when you do stray to the difficult but rarely played quests you find that they're so hard that they take a whole evening to complete or you have to give up after 2 hours.
I know Im whining but there's a point where I just stop and think "Im not having fun whether there's money involved or not".
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Note: PlayNC will refuse to allow you access to your account if you forget your password and can't provide a scanned image of the product key for the first product you purchased..... LOL
You can always set up/join a static group to run characters through all the content. There is a guild on Sarlona specifically for organizing static groups.
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DDO Permadeath guilds
Can you explain this a little more? What is a static group?
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
Can you explain this a little more? What is a static group?
It's a group who creates characters that are to only group on certain days of the week, and only with each other. For example, if I were to create a static group, I'd find a bunch of people and create a character with them. We all decide to log in every Monday at 8PM CST and play for two hours. So every Monday at 8PM CST, I log in with that same character and get together with the same group of people.
I would ONLY play with those people on that specific character. My other characters can do whatever they want, but because that character is in a static group, it cannot group with other people, because it has to stay at their level.
Yes, they only play the characters with that specific group, but I mentioned it because they each have a specific goal or playstyle. You may be able to get a weekly (or several times a week) group together for favor and quests that the pugs don't run by setting it up on the forums.
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DDO Permadeath guilds
Wow that sounds like something I would be highly interested in. I am going to have to look into this. Thank you both for the explanation.
I love the game, but like the OP I kinda want to see all of the game not just the good loot or exp ones over and over.
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Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.