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Wolfwing's Guide to ESO Player Guilds
Wolfwing
✭✭
Hello to all!
I've created this guide in response to a thread that was written on the PvE Guild Recruitment forum asking for advice on player guilds. I've pretty much just copied and pasted my response to that thread here, seeing as the response was fairly comprehensive. I hope this is helpful to new MMORPG or MMO players who have never been in a guild or have very little experience in one. In case anyone wants to look at the original thread, it is here.
What is a Player Guild?
A group of players who join under one banner, they are ultimately drawn together for a myriad of reasons; including but not limited to gaming preferences, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, and personality traits.
Why would I want to join a player guild?
Well, typically players want to join guild for a myriad of reasons. As mentioned above. An example of why some players join:
-Gaming Preferences (PvE, PvP, raids, crafting, trading, RP, etc.)
-Similar real life circumstances (age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, etc.)
-Personality traits (Some want similarly competitive people, others want laid-back people who can take a good joke, etc)
-A certain atmosphere (Some people want a relaxed environment, others want a competitive environment, others want a strict rigorous guild etc)
-Advice/Knowledge of the game
-Sometimes guilds also offer items, equipment, and various other benefits.
Now why you would want to join a guild is another question entirely.
Where is the best place to look for a guild? Forums, websites, etc.
Currently the forums are the best place to look. There are other wikis and such, however there is no general consensus on which is best. You could always try the zone chat, however it is less likely that you will join knowing everything about them from their 3-6 sentence advertisement.
Currently, the guild recruitment forums are divided into three subdivisions by play style, PvE, PvP, and RP. More on the differences between the three below.
How do I join a guild?
Varies depending upon the guild. Every guild has it's own recruitment process. To give some typical methods:
-Some require you to apply and fill out an application form
-Some simply ask for your in-game name/user id and you can join
-Others ask for a rigorous application and are very selective
-And others still ask for you to chat with them for a bit in order to get to know you before adding you.
How do I choose which guild to join?
First and foremost you definitely want a guild on the same server as you. If you are not on the same server, unless you swap you won't be able to join them in game.
After that, ask yourself what is important to you as a player and a person. Do you want to PvE with a few people? Do you want to just socialize and make some friends? Do you prefer crafting and want to join a guild of crafters that can potentially help you level your professions? Or do you want a group of like minded people? Do you want a guild full of jokers or a serious bunch of raiders? Do you want to join a group that specifically identifies as a certain type of group (LGBT friendly, under 30, 18+, female only, etc). People who typically search for the latter often feel discriminated against by the majority of society and want a "safe" place to coexist.
Ultimately you need to ask what do you want to achieve in game and what kind of people you tend to like. You should probably research the guild you are joining before hand.
How do I find a guild that fits with what I want to get out of the game?
You must discern what you want/need and then find other like-minded individuals. See above question for more details.
What's the difference between PVP, PVE and RP guilds?
PvE (Person versus Environment)- Guilds that label themselves as PvE focus on questing, dungeons, and other static elements of the game.
PvP (Person versus Person)- Guilds that label themselves PvP focus on playing against other players. In this game that means that your faction (AD, EP, DF) is challenging the other faction in specific instances where you can duke it out against real players.
RP (Role-play)- These guilds take immersion into the game as it is lore-written very seriously. Your character that you created is a person with their own background, personality, and history. When you chat/play it is from your character's perspective and voice, not your own. Real life talk is generally speaking greatly discouraged.
Why should I choose a faction specific guild - or why I should not?
Well, players typically choose a faction specific guild because it insures that more people will be able to play with you for quests/dungeons or at least know what you are talking about when discussing a PvE element. Faction also determine PvP elements to a certain extent. It's really up to you to decide if you care or not.
What do I need to do when I join to get the best out of guild membership?
I would advice socializing and getting to know people. There really is very little point in joining a guild if you completely ignore the guild chat, unless you simply want access to the guild bank and the guild store.
What are the commitments of joining a guild? eg time, forum activity, etc,
Depends upon the guild you join. That's why its important to do at least a minimal amount of research about the guild you want to join.
How does joining a Player Guild actually translate into the mechanics of gameplay? eg joining a party, PvP, party dungeons, etc.
Depends on what kind of guild you join. Naturally a hardcore PvE guild is not likely to want to join you for PvP or raids. However, in my opinion a good guild/a good match can drastically improve most aspects of game play.
How do guild shops work?
Guilds must have 50 members minimum to access the guild store. In order to see what is in the store, one must go to the nearest bank and after talking to the NPC clerk one simply selects the Guild Store option. The guild store should shortly load up, don't worry if it looks blank, all one needs to do is hit the search button (R key) or add some filters to pull up the results. This will bring up the current items for sale. You can filter the results by price or by name. There are two other tabs at the top right of the guild shop window; the sell tab and the listing tab. The sell tab allows you to search your inventory, alter the price, and then sell an item. The listing tab simply shows what you have for sale in the guild store, for how much, and for how much longer it will be up assuming no one buys it. You can also cancel the listing in the latter tab as well. Only guild members can access the guild store, which is why trading only guilds have popped up. In the absence of a Auction House (AH), the players of ESO have figured out how to create miniature AHs. Aside from being convenient, there is another reason to start a guild like those; a portion of one's profit/sale goes to the guild owners (House cut/House Tax).
Aside from the 50 member minimum, one's rank within the guild determines if you can access the guild store as well. Check the guild window (G button on keyboard) and then check your guild permissions. This window will show you what your rank is (on the Roster) and what permissions your rank has (Ranks tab). Most guilds want even their newest members to be able to buy from the guild store, so likely you won't have a problem anyway.
How does the voice chat (that some guilds 'advertise') work - eg Ventrillo, Team Speak, Skype and do I need to use it?
Ventrillo, TeamSpeak, and Skype are all third party programs that are not related to ESO or any other MMORPG. Players use them however for convenience, as it is generally easier to speak than type in the middle of spamming buttons on a raid. While some guilds use them simply to socialize, it is almost a necessity if the guild plans on doing PvP or raids. Skype is more of a general voice program not specifically for gaming; you are more likely to hear background noise and some feedback depending on each player's equipment (mic/speakers/headset). Teamspeak and Ventrillo were specifically made for gamers, they tend to only "activate" when a player speaks and thus cut out some of the unnecessary chatter and background noise. However setting them up can be trickier than Skype or other general voice chat programs.
As far as actually using them, one generally needs to install them onto their computer, make sure the settings are correct, and then make sure you can contact/join the desired person's call/server.
There are other chat programs available aside from those three, each with their own pros and cons. Check with your prospective guild and see what they use.
Here are the download links for Skype, Teamspeak, and Ventrillo. Additionally, I have included the link to an excellent Mumble guide.
Skype
TeamSpeak
Ventrilo
Excellent Mumble Voice Guide by Icy
And if I can't find a suitable guild, what do I need to know before starting my own guild?
You need to know everything above as well as how to understand/deal with people. You need to have an open mind and realize that everyone comes from different walks of life with radically different life experiences. Even in guilds that look for similar people, no two people are going to be alike. You need to know how to mediate tough situations, because sometimes things in game upset people and other times members may come online already agitated from real life issues beyond your control. You need to know how to advertise and address people respectfully when asking people to join your guild. You need to know how to be assertive, understanding, professional, adaptable, and friendly. You also need to have a deep understanding of game mechanics, game trends, and human nature.
Edited by Wolfwing on 18 April 2014 23:55 I've created this guide in response to a thread that was written on the PvE Guild Recruitment forum asking for advice on player guilds. I've pretty much just copied and pasted my response to that thread here, seeing as the response was fairly comprehensive. I hope this is helpful to new MMORPG or MMO players who have never been in a guild or have very little experience in one. In case anyone wants to look at the original thread, it is here.
What is a Player Guild?
A group of players who join under one banner, they are ultimately drawn together for a myriad of reasons; including but not limited to gaming preferences, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, and personality traits.
Why would I want to join a player guild?
Well, typically players want to join guild for a myriad of reasons. As mentioned above. An example of why some players join:
-Gaming Preferences (PvE, PvP, raids, crafting, trading, RP, etc.)
-Similar real life circumstances (age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, etc.)
-Personality traits (Some want similarly competitive people, others want laid-back people who can take a good joke, etc)
-A certain atmosphere (Some people want a relaxed environment, others want a competitive environment, others want a strict rigorous guild etc)
-Advice/Knowledge of the game
-Sometimes guilds also offer items, equipment, and various other benefits.
Now why you would want to join a guild is another question entirely.
Where is the best place to look for a guild? Forums, websites, etc.
Currently the forums are the best place to look. There are other wikis and such, however there is no general consensus on which is best. You could always try the zone chat, however it is less likely that you will join knowing everything about them from their 3-6 sentence advertisement.
Currently, the guild recruitment forums are divided into three subdivisions by play style, PvE, PvP, and RP. More on the differences between the three below.
How do I join a guild?
Varies depending upon the guild. Every guild has it's own recruitment process. To give some typical methods:
-Some require you to apply and fill out an application form
-Some simply ask for your in-game name/user id and you can join
-Others ask for a rigorous application and are very selective
-And others still ask for you to chat with them for a bit in order to get to know you before adding you.
How do I choose which guild to join?
First and foremost you definitely want a guild on the same server as you. If you are not on the same server, unless you swap you won't be able to join them in game.
After that, ask yourself what is important to you as a player and a person. Do you want to PvE with a few people? Do you want to just socialize and make some friends? Do you prefer crafting and want to join a guild of crafters that can potentially help you level your professions? Or do you want a group of like minded people? Do you want a guild full of jokers or a serious bunch of raiders? Do you want to join a group that specifically identifies as a certain type of group (LGBT friendly, under 30, 18+, female only, etc). People who typically search for the latter often feel discriminated against by the majority of society and want a "safe" place to coexist.
Ultimately you need to ask what do you want to achieve in game and what kind of people you tend to like. You should probably research the guild you are joining before hand.
How do I find a guild that fits with what I want to get out of the game?
You must discern what you want/need and then find other like-minded individuals. See above question for more details.
What's the difference between PVP, PVE and RP guilds?
PvE (Person versus Environment)- Guilds that label themselves as PvE focus on questing, dungeons, and other static elements of the game.
PvP (Person versus Person)- Guilds that label themselves PvP focus on playing against other players. In this game that means that your faction (AD, EP, DF) is challenging the other faction in specific instances where you can duke it out against real players.
RP (Role-play)- These guilds take immersion into the game as it is lore-written very seriously. Your character that you created is a person with their own background, personality, and history. When you chat/play it is from your character's perspective and voice, not your own. Real life talk is generally speaking greatly discouraged.
Why should I choose a faction specific guild - or why I should not?
Well, players typically choose a faction specific guild because it insures that more people will be able to play with you for quests/dungeons or at least know what you are talking about when discussing a PvE element. Faction also determine PvP elements to a certain extent. It's really up to you to decide if you care or not.
What do I need to do when I join to get the best out of guild membership?
I would advice socializing and getting to know people. There really is very little point in joining a guild if you completely ignore the guild chat, unless you simply want access to the guild bank and the guild store.
What are the commitments of joining a guild? eg time, forum activity, etc,
Depends upon the guild you join. That's why its important to do at least a minimal amount of research about the guild you want to join.
How does joining a Player Guild actually translate into the mechanics of gameplay? eg joining a party, PvP, party dungeons, etc.
Depends on what kind of guild you join. Naturally a hardcore PvE guild is not likely to want to join you for PvP or raids. However, in my opinion a good guild/a good match can drastically improve most aspects of game play.
How do guild shops work?
Guilds must have 50 members minimum to access the guild store. In order to see what is in the store, one must go to the nearest bank and after talking to the NPC clerk one simply selects the Guild Store option. The guild store should shortly load up, don't worry if it looks blank, all one needs to do is hit the search button (R key) or add some filters to pull up the results. This will bring up the current items for sale. You can filter the results by price or by name. There are two other tabs at the top right of the guild shop window; the sell tab and the listing tab. The sell tab allows you to search your inventory, alter the price, and then sell an item. The listing tab simply shows what you have for sale in the guild store, for how much, and for how much longer it will be up assuming no one buys it. You can also cancel the listing in the latter tab as well. Only guild members can access the guild store, which is why trading only guilds have popped up. In the absence of a Auction House (AH), the players of ESO have figured out how to create miniature AHs. Aside from being convenient, there is another reason to start a guild like those; a portion of one's profit/sale goes to the guild owners (House cut/House Tax).
Aside from the 50 member minimum, one's rank within the guild determines if you can access the guild store as well. Check the guild window (G button on keyboard) and then check your guild permissions. This window will show you what your rank is (on the Roster) and what permissions your rank has (Ranks tab). Most guilds want even their newest members to be able to buy from the guild store, so likely you won't have a problem anyway.
How does the voice chat (that some guilds 'advertise') work - eg Ventrillo, Team Speak, Skype and do I need to use it?
Ventrillo, TeamSpeak, and Skype are all third party programs that are not related to ESO or any other MMORPG. Players use them however for convenience, as it is generally easier to speak than type in the middle of spamming buttons on a raid. While some guilds use them simply to socialize, it is almost a necessity if the guild plans on doing PvP or raids. Skype is more of a general voice program not specifically for gaming; you are more likely to hear background noise and some feedback depending on each player's equipment (mic/speakers/headset). Teamspeak and Ventrillo were specifically made for gamers, they tend to only "activate" when a player speaks and thus cut out some of the unnecessary chatter and background noise. However setting them up can be trickier than Skype or other general voice chat programs.
As far as actually using them, one generally needs to install them onto their computer, make sure the settings are correct, and then make sure you can contact/join the desired person's call/server.
There are other chat programs available aside from those three, each with their own pros and cons. Check with your prospective guild and see what they use.
Here are the download links for Skype, Teamspeak, and Ventrillo. Additionally, I have included the link to an excellent Mumble guide.
Skype
TeamSpeak
Ventrilo
Excellent Mumble Voice Guide by Icy
And if I can't find a suitable guild, what do I need to know before starting my own guild?
You need to know everything above as well as how to understand/deal with people. You need to have an open mind and realize that everyone comes from different walks of life with radically different life experiences. Even in guilds that look for similar people, no two people are going to be alike. You need to know how to mediate tough situations, because sometimes things in game upset people and other times members may come online already agitated from real life issues beyond your control. You need to know how to advertise and address people respectfully when asking people to join your guild. You need to know how to be assertive, understanding, professional, adaptable, and friendly. You also need to have a deep understanding of game mechanics, game trends, and human nature.
Wolfwing
The Ironglaive of the Fangs of Ironglaive
The Ironglaive of the Fangs of Ironglaive
5
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Stautmeister✭✭✭Very nice guide
although it would be amazing if you could add some info about trading/crafting guilds and perhaps add a link to where you can download the different voice coms? An orc marrying a wood elf?! Enjoy your Borsimer mutants!2 -
Icy✭✭✭✭That's an excellent idea about the voice comms guide. I've now posted one for Mumble. http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/80835/voice-comms-mumble-configuration_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Greetings, Outlanders from -Icy (@IcyIC)twitch.tv/IcyICyoutube.com/HulloItsIcy(not ZOS_Icy)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________1 -
Wolfwing✭✭@kstauthamerb16_ESO Thank you very much! I can easily add the download links. What kind of information were you looking for about crafting and trading guilds? Is there any particular question or piece of information you were looking for?
@Icy I shall link your Mumble guide in my guide. I really liked how detailed your guide was.Wolfwing
The Ironglaive of the Fangs of Ironglaive0 -
Icy✭✭✭✭@Wolfwing Thank you ^_^_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Greetings, Outlanders from -Icy (@IcyIC)twitch.tv/IcyICyoutube.com/HulloItsIcy(not ZOS_Icy)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________0