shadoza wrote: »

The Shroud Hearth Barrow undaunted quest was broken this day. I think it was called Inflamed Pyres of the Rift. After lighting two braziers, Jakalor was supposed to appear and be decommissioned before the braziers went out. Jakalor was being shy. There were several players moving through but they were not getting Jakalor to come out. I left the game for a time, came back in and he still didn't show. I waited for a time, playing with my scribed skill but nothing came out. I was about to leave the dungeon unfulfilled, then noticed Jakalor finally appeared.

Is there something special that should have happened to make Jakalor appear or did I just get lucky this round?

He is just like any boss - on a timer. It's always been like this.

shadoza wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

The Shroud Hearth Barrow undaunted quest was broken this day. I think it was called Inflamed Pyres of the Rift. After lighting two braziers, Jakalor was supposed to appear and be decommissioned before the braziers went out. Jakalor was being shy. There were several players moving through but they were not getting Jakalor to come out. I left the game for a time, came back in and he still didn't show. I waited for a time, playing with my scribed skill but nothing came out. I was about to leave the dungeon unfulfilled, then noticed Jakalor finally appeared.

Is there something special that should have happened to make Jakalor appear or did I just get lucky this round?

He is just like any boss - on a timer. It's always been like this.

Really long timer. We, those that came and myself, waited more than 15 minutes and nothing happened.

15 min seems excessive. May be something happened, but in my experience in most cases I had to wait for him to appear when I had the daily there on my many toons.

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

Thank you for the swift response Gina! I'm glad to get confirmation and will view the Livestream with this in mind! I'm looking forward to the feature but I can be patient to see it done right.

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

New Answer from the Reddit AMA

ZOS_Finn on Reddit wrote:

Short answer is: Yes, we are working on it.

Longer answer: We have scoping and are aligning resources for this initiative and will share more when we have better timelines.

For the time being, I can say that the some core values for this are...

\- This is optional and no one will be forced into it
\- There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
\- We will NOT be separating players

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/8dqcougkjN

ZOS_GinaBruno on Reddit wrote:

Yes, it would include older content.

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/4BKTqd1Hai

These responses personally make me feel like the timeline has been pushed back but I'm not sure.

@ZOS_Kevin

Is this still slated for the current content pass?

Was it ever slated for the current content pass? I do not remember seeing/hearing any mention of it. Would be great to see a quote if it exists.

Yes. I asked about it coming out this year, 2025, after the April livestream. My question was referencing a statement made at the end of 2024 that we'd know more in 2025. And I was reassured that the current plan was still that it would come out this content pass.

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Thank you for the response. I guess my follow up question is if this is something still so early into prototyping, is this is something still planned to drop this year? I know last year, it was stated that it would be coming this year which lead to many of expecting news during the live. The new content cadence was stated to help with speed of releases so I wonder if this is still possibly coming this year?

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

As of right now, the goal is to still have this out during the content pass timeline. But if that changes, we will update once we have a clear picture if anything changes.

However, between the statements made in the AMA and the layoffs, I am not convinced that this is still the case. A lot has changed at ZOS and those statements make it sound like it's not that far in development.

@spartaxoxo Thanks a lot. I would be very surprised if we get this this year.

You're welcome. I'd be surprised too but I'd still like confirmation since we were told we'd be updated if things changed. Seems easy enough since the Livestream is this Thursday.

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

So sad to hear exclusion is coming. Keep expanding difficulty levels and handing out higher rewards and you are perpetuated the problem.

Tariq9898 wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

New Answer from the Reddit AMA

ZOS_Finn on Reddit wrote:

Short answer is: Yes, we are working on it.

Longer answer: We have scoping and are aligning resources for this initiative and will share more when we have better timelines.

For the time being, I can say that the some core values for this are...

\- This is optional and no one will be forced into it
\- There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
\- We will NOT be separating players

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/8dqcougkjN

ZOS_GinaBruno on Reddit wrote:

Yes, it would include older content.

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/4BKTqd1Hai

These responses personally make me feel like the timeline has been pushed back but I'm not sure.

@ZOS_Kevin

Is this still slated for the current content pass?

Was it ever slated for the current content pass? I do not remember seeing/hearing any mention of it. Would be great to see a quote if it exists.

Yes. I asked about it coming out this year, 2025, after the April livestream. My question was referencing a statement made at the end of 2024 that we'd know more in 2025. And I was reassured that the current plan was still that it would come out this content pass.

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Thank you for the response. I guess my follow up question is if this is something still so early into prototyping, is this is something still planned to drop this year? I know last year, it was stated that it would be coming this year which lead to many of expecting news during the live. The new content cadence was stated to help with speed of releases so I wonder if this is still possibly coming this year?

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

As of right now, the goal is to still have this out during the content pass timeline. But if that changes, we will update once we have a clear picture if anything changes.

However, between the statements made in the AMA and the layoffs, I am not convinced that this is still the case. A lot has changed at ZOS and those statements make it sound like it's not that far in development.

@spartaxoxo Thanks a lot. I would be very surprised if we get this this year.

You're welcome. I'd be surprised too but I'd still like confirmation since we were told we'd be updated if things changed. Seems easy enough since the Livestream is this Thursday.

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

So sad to hear exclusion is coming. Keep expanding difficulty levels and handing out higher rewards and you are perpetuated the problem.

It’s more inclusive. More players can play the game how they want. And it’s optional, no one is forcing you to participate in any overland difficulty.

Not inclusive. Where is the RPG players, the solo runners, the base new players in all these grand plans to appease the power happy? When was the last time you heard the development team promise new delves, public dungeons, or story based material. I didn't purchase the new chapter because all I heard promised was two dungeons and a trial. Group play.

Those that want to play the story and base are constantly asked to deal with those that want to be Elite at all costs. The ones that run by and one-hit the foes, bosses, whatever. The ones that herd mobs in the dungeons and in the quest areas for whatever resource they are farming that day. Why not have a version of group dungeons, arenas, and trials that are at the public dungeon level of difficulty so the base players can enjoy them? Why not have instances for dungeons and quest areas. There is a solo arena and there are instances in some quest areas, so why not provide more for those that are not into power but rather are into the story?

I think the people who complain about needing more difficulty are the same players that farm in newb zones like Bal Foyen. I saw two there this day each were over 2800 CP. They were not doing a quest, they were racing from one resource node to another, completing with low levels and each other. One of the two worked the same area for more than 20 minutes so it wasn't a casual find.

How is it inclusive when one side gets all the game and the other gets half? Group players can play in any of the options.
Those that do not group play are missing many dungeons and are at a disadvantage in PvP. Even the arguments here are one-sided. There certainly will be players coming at me with you choose not to play, the game isn't about you, there is plenty of base options . . . I have heard it all before. Certain types of players are getting all the favors and the rest are expected to be thankful for crumbs. Maybe the new difficulties should be sub-based then at least they are playing for the extras they're gaining.

I see ESO going from a MMORPG to a co-op tower game.

shadoza wrote: »

Not inclusive. Where is the RPG players, the solo runners, the base new players in all these grand plans to appease the power happy? When was the last time you heard the development team promise new delves, public dungeons, or story based material. I didn't purchase the new chapter because all I heard promised was two dungeons and a trial. Group play.

The new zone had a story that was teased as coming in new parts. It marks a big change to the game in that time is finally moving forward and this new expansion is a direct continuation of the main story in the base game.

Story mode for dungeons is also something they said they're looking into

The writhing wall event is also going to be a first of it's kind story event that we all play together.

Group Finder was introduced for players to find groups for specific activities even when they aren't in a guild. They have greatly expanded solo players access to trials in particular. No more being locked out of a trial skill style because you aren't in a trials guild.

Solstice had more solo content than group content arguably. It just depends on how you look at replay value.

A player choosing not to partake in content that was designed to be accessible to them (as all normal group content is and they continue to make improvements on that) is not the same thing as content designed from the ground up not to include them. Overland content is designed to be tutorial content with no difficulty variations for anyone who wants to experience beyond that. That will soon change to a more inclusive design.

shadoza wrote: »

Not inclusive. Where is the RPG players, the solo runners, the base new players in all these grand plans to appease the power happy? When was the last time you heard the development team promise new delves, public dungeons, or story based material. I didn't purchase the new chapter because all I heard promised was two dungeons and a trial. Group play.

The "chapter" this year includes the same 6 delves and 2 public dungeons. 3 delves and 1 public dungeon are available right now (been there, done them). The rest will be accessible when the wall that divides the island is destroyed (quarter 4 update I think). At least that is what I heard. The zone is definitely much smaller (which is very sad), but it does have all the side quests and the main story.

shadoza wrote: »

I think the people who complain about needing more difficulty are the same players that farm in newb zones like Bal Foyen. I saw two there this day each were over 2800 CP. They were not doing a quest, they were racing from one resource node to another, completing with low levels and each other. One of the two worked the same area for more than 20 minutes so it wasn't a casual find.

Farming is a traditional part of MMOs. Nothing is wrong with that. Those 2800 CP also bought the game and have the right to all the zones. If you were seeing bots then that would warrant a complaint for sure. For context: I just created my first toon on PCEU a couple of days ago. Very slow at everything (drives me nuts), but I did not have any issues with finding resources/competing with someone (and at this stage with an empty craft bag I collect everything that is not nailed down).

spartaxoxo wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

Not inclusive. Where is the RPG players, the solo runners, the base new players in all these grand plans to appease the power happy? When was the last time you heard the development team promise new delves, public dungeons, or story based material. I didn't purchase the new chapter because all I heard promised was two dungeons and a trial. Group play.

The new zone had a story that was teased as coming in new parts. It marks a big change to the game in that time is finally moving forward and this new expansion is a direct continuation of the main story in the base game.

Story mode for dungeons is also something they said they're looking into

The writhing wall event is also going to be a first of it's kind story event that we all play together.

Group Finder was introduced for players to find groups for specific activities even when they aren't in a guild. They have greatly expanded solo players access to trials in particular. No more being locked out of a trial skill style because you aren't in a trials guild.

Solstice had more solo content than group content arguably. It just depends on how you look at replay value.

A player choosing not to partake in content that was designed to be accessible to them (as all normal group content is and they continue to make improvements on that) is not the same thing as content designed from the ground up not to include them. Overland content is designed to be tutorial content with no difficulty variations for anyone who wants to experience beyond that. That will soon change to a more inclusive design.

I have heard all this nastiness already. "You choose not to group play . . . "

I'm not trying to be mean. They have done a ton of stuff recently to make grouping more accessible for solo players. The group finder was a huge deal in that, for example. It changed the PUG trials scene hugely. I actually got to do vet trials that I couldn't before. And players that were scared to try normal trials actually got stuff done they never thought they would. I met them in my pickup groups all the time. "I normally just quest. Can you explain how this works? Sure! So for this boss xyz." Happens all the time on console.

I also didn't state that there should be nothing for solo players and let you know about stuff that recently dropped and stuff that is planned. I honestly thought you'd be happy to hear about story mode for dungeons being a planned feature. 🤷🏿‍♀️

Yes, if it was not for the Group Finder, I would have never set foot in a trial. I still only go into older normal trials, but it was a huge step for me. I wanted a lead from one of them, so people on this forum were quite persuasive that it would be all right. And it was.

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

New Answer from the Reddit AMA

ZOS_Finn on Reddit wrote:

Short answer is: Yes, we are working on it.

Longer answer: We have scoping and are aligning resources for this initiative and will share more when we have better timelines.

For the time being, I can say that the some core values for this are...

\- This is optional and no one will be forced into it
\- There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
\- We will NOT be separating players

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/8dqcougkjN

ZOS_GinaBruno on Reddit wrote:

Yes, it would include older content.

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/4BKTqd1Hai

These responses personally make me feel like the timeline has been pushed back but I'm not sure.

@ZOS_Kevin

Is this still slated for the current content pass?

Was it ever slated for the current content pass? I do not remember seeing/hearing any mention of it. Would be great to see a quote if it exists.

Yes. I asked about it coming out this year, 2025, after the April livestream. My question was referencing a statement made at the end of 2024 that we'd know more in 2025. And I was reassured that the current plan was still that it would come out this content pass.

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Thank you for the response. I guess my follow up question is if this is something still so early into prototyping, is this is something still planned to drop this year? I know last year, it was stated that it would be coming this year which lead to many of expecting news during the live. The new content cadence was stated to help with speed of releases so I wonder if this is still possibly coming this year?

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

As of right now, the goal is to still have this out during the content pass timeline. But if that changes, we will update once we have a clear picture if anything changes.

However, between the statements made in the AMA and the layoffs, I am not convinced that this is still the case. A lot has changed at ZOS and those statements make it sound like it's not that far in development.

@spartaxoxo Thanks a lot. I would be very surprised if we get this this year.

You're welcome. I'd be surprised too but I'd still like confirmation since we were told we'd be updated if things changed. Seems easy enough since the Livestream is this Thursday.

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

So sad to hear exclusion is coming. Keep expanding difficulty levels and handing out higher rewards and you are perpetuated the problem.

We don't want to exclude anyone with this feature, and I'd like to reiterate the core values that Finn mentioned during the AMA:

• This will be optional and no one will be forced into it
• There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
• We will NOT be separating players

If people on different difficulties are in the same instances, why even add this feature?

You can already remove your gear and/or skills to increase difficulty.

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

Naftal wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

New Answer from the Reddit AMA

ZOS_Finn on Reddit wrote:

Short answer is: Yes, we are working on it.

Longer answer: We have scoping and are aligning resources for this initiative and will share more when we have better timelines.

For the time being, I can say that the some core values for this are...

\- This is optional and no one will be forced into it
\- There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
\- We will NOT be separating players

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/8dqcougkjN

ZOS_GinaBruno on Reddit wrote:

Yes, it would include older content.

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/4BKTqd1Hai

These responses personally make me feel like the timeline has been pushed back but I'm not sure.

@ZOS_Kevin

Is this still slated for the current content pass?

Was it ever slated for the current content pass? I do not remember seeing/hearing any mention of it. Would be great to see a quote if it exists.

Yes. I asked about it coming out this year, 2025, after the April livestream. My question was referencing a statement made at the end of 2024 that we'd know more in 2025. And I was reassured that the current plan was still that it would come out this content pass.

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Thank you for the response. I guess my follow up question is if this is something still so early into prototyping, is this is something still planned to drop this year? I know last year, it was stated that it would be coming this year which lead to many of expecting news during the live. The new content cadence was stated to help with speed of releases so I wonder if this is still possibly coming this year?

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

As of right now, the goal is to still have this out during the content pass timeline. But if that changes, we will update once we have a clear picture if anything changes.

However, between the statements made in the AMA and the layoffs, I am not convinced that this is still the case. A lot has changed at ZOS and those statements make it sound like it's not that far in development.

@spartaxoxo Thanks a lot. I would be very surprised if we get this this year.

You're welcome. I'd be surprised too but I'd still like confirmation since we were told we'd be updated if things changed. Seems easy enough since the Livestream is this Thursday.

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

So sad to hear exclusion is coming. Keep expanding difficulty levels and handing out higher rewards and you are perpetuated the problem.

We don't want to exclude anyone with this feature, and I'd like to reiterate the core values that Finn mentioned during the AMA:

• This will be optional and no one will be forced into it
• There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
• We will NOT be separating players

If people on different difficulties are in the same instances, why even add this feature?

You can already remove your gear and/or skills to increase difficulty.

Fair question. Caveat of "this is still in development" but part of this feature will include proper incentives to opting into more difficult content, without making it feel like you are being punished for not doing it.

But if the people with lesser difficulty can just do the content for you while you have higher difficulty enabled, doesn't it defeat the purpose of better rewards or whatever incentives you guys are planning on?

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

Naftal wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

shadoza wrote: »

ZOS_GinaBruno wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

ESO_player123 wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

New Answer from the Reddit AMA

ZOS_Finn on Reddit wrote:

Short answer is: Yes, we are working on it.

Longer answer: We have scoping and are aligning resources for this initiative and will share more when we have better timelines.

For the time being, I can say that the some core values for this are...

\- This is optional and no one will be forced into it
\- There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
\- We will NOT be separating players

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/8dqcougkjN

ZOS_GinaBruno on Reddit wrote:

Yes, it would include older content.

https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/s/4BKTqd1Hai

These responses personally make me feel like the timeline has been pushed back but I'm not sure.

@ZOS_Kevin

Is this still slated for the current content pass?

Was it ever slated for the current content pass? I do not remember seeing/hearing any mention of it. Would be great to see a quote if it exists.

Yes. I asked about it coming out this year, 2025, after the April livestream. My question was referencing a statement made at the end of 2024 that we'd know more in 2025. And I was reassured that the current plan was still that it would come out this content pass.

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Thank you for the response. I guess my follow up question is if this is something still so early into prototyping, is this is something still planned to drop this year? I know last year, it was stated that it would be coming this year which lead to many of expecting news during the live. The new content cadence was stated to help with speed of releases so I wonder if this is still possibly coming this year?

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

As of right now, the goal is to still have this out during the content pass timeline. But if that changes, we will update once we have a clear picture if anything changes.

However, between the statements made in the AMA and the layoffs, I am not convinced that this is still the case. A lot has changed at ZOS and those statements make it sound like it's not that far in development.

@spartaxoxo Thanks a lot. I would be very surprised if we get this this year.

You're welcome. I'd be surprised too but I'd still like confirmation since we were told we'd be updated if things changed. Seems easy enough since the Livestream is this Thursday.

Just to level set, while overland difficulty is in active development, it's not something that will be ready to be released before the end of the year. We're definitely excited to share more information on it as development progresses, though!

So sad to hear exclusion is coming. Keep expanding difficulty levels and handing out higher rewards and you are perpetuated the problem.

We don't want to exclude anyone with this feature, and I'd like to reiterate the core values that Finn mentioned during the AMA:

• This will be optional and no one will be forced into it
• There will be varied levels of difficulty players can opt into
• We will NOT be separating players

If people on different difficulties are in the same instances, why even add this feature?

You can already remove your gear and/or skills to increase difficulty.

Fair question. Caveat of "this is still in development" but part of this feature will include proper incentives to opting into more difficult content, without making it feel like you are being punished for not doing it.

If some consideration for content congestion isn't in the works, I'd be very surprised if the solution is effective at all. It won't matter that difficulty is increased on a personal level if even a single high level player is nearby and opts out of it.

Signals so far have strongly suggested that players won't be separated. How will the solution account for opt-out players negating the system entirely for opt-in players?

Presently, the only workaround while self-handicapping is to adventure exclusively in low-traffic zones and content. Will that still be necessary after the solution is implemented?

Glad to hear about the choices the team is making regarding overland challenge. Very glad. They align with my perception of the most reasonable solution to this issue. I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that it isn't coming this year. Hopefully it's early next year.

Can't wait to start enjoying overland.

SilverBride wrote: »

I feel like the new will wear off rather quickly and players will go back to easier difficulties, because no one wants to spend twice as long or more to accomplish the same thing.

Here we are again, where we propose the notion that the easiest or most efficient path is the most correct one. For you, it seems that it is. I'm sure that it is for many people. But the fact that this thread exists, that it's the largest thread on the forum, that this feature has been demanded for years, that there are multiple people asking for it in the AMA, that ZOS is working on implementing it, and that they have taken the time to really consider the proper implementation are all indicators that while you may feel this way, and others may as well, it's not a universally-held point of view.

"No one wants to spend twice as long" doesn't even take into consideration that it might not be about enemy durability. There could be a number of factors which alter the way a player approaches an encounter, which may make the game more interesting for someone like me. I fully intend to turn this feature on and never turn it off unless there is some insurmountable system issue which needs to be addressed. Keep in mind that the game we have right now is not fun to me and I do not play it.

SilverBride wrote: »

I'm not proposing that the easiest or most efficient path is the most correct one. Rich stated that "players are always going to do the thing that is the most efficient and is the least difficult thing for their time." in his stream when asked about a veteran overland a long time ago. I've also read posts where players stated that they would use easy difficulty for gathering mats and some other activities.

I think players should have to choose a difficulty and stick with it, rather than having customized difficulties for different activities. And if they want to change their difficulty they should have to buy a token from the crown store to do so.

Who cares how people utilize this system if it doesn't affect you directly? Why does it matter if people choose to turn it on and off at a whim? No TES game has ever done difficulty options that way, and so it wouldn't be in line with the rest of the franchise, but more importantly I feel like that would completely turn off a huge number of players from even considering the feature, because if they can't go back without a cost, they're not going to risk enabling it in the first place. It would be a largely wasted effort on the part of the dev team. I and people like me would still do it, but it would cut out a lot of players who might be curious but on the fence due to the consequences.

Honestly I'm a little surprised you're acting so negatively, as when this was discussed by Matt in his letter and subsequently during their April(?) livestream, you seemed pretty relieved about it. As if you were glad that it would finally be dealt with, over and done.