Time for a Little Truth

MarblePine204
MarblePine204
Soul Shriven
Yes. The dungeons are overpowered.
Let me repeat that. The dungeons are overpowered.
I have lost count of the number of times players have tried to draw attention to this. Each and every time there is someone to come along and shout them down on the forums.
I will not be shouted down.
I AM A VERY GOOD PLAYER. Repeat. Not blazingly exceptional, but a very good, solid, player. So don’t bother trying to put me down – it has nothing to do with what I am going to say. I’m simply not vulnerable to that sort of tactic, and I hope that everyone who was intimated by the type of post I’m talking about will take courage from me and try again to express their experience. In short, snarks need not apply.
There was a time in the game when I was able to complete the dungeons, with the exception of the two we all know were glitched for a very long time.
I am now unable to complete any dungeon on any level. Why is a level 47 boss putting out 58K damage?
Why is this an issue? Why not just be happy with what I can do?
Because I paid money for this game, that’s why. I not only paid for it once, with a vet level pc character, but again with a vet level XboxOne character. I brought over 12 Xbox friends to play the game when it hit XBoxOne. They also paid for the game. Every single person in my guild paid for this game. Many of us have also paid for Crown Store items and DLC. Cold, hard, cash. Some of us, myself included, also pay for ESO Plus membership.
So, yes, we expect ALL aspects of the game to be obtainable, even if we aren’t “elite” players. Elite players are not the only ones who have paid for this game. To be blunt, I don’t care what territory any single player is trying to protect when posting what I would describe as bullying and intimidation tactics in response to other players attempting to communicate frustration with OP bosses.
And it doesn’t change the fact that nothing in the game should be withheld from a cold, hard, cash payer of the game. This is a video game, and it is ultimately in the end a question of economics. The game is intended to generate cash in exchange for entertainment. Where there is cash, there is a consumer base. Consumers are entitled to expectations.
If a player finds a particular aspect of the game to be more than their skill level can conquer, the fact that this game is an MMO means that it is embedded in the game that such a player should be able to seek assistance from other players in order to accomplish a goal. When three Vet players (including a VR16 capable of defeating Wamasu, Welwa, scorpion, and other Craglorn hordes solo) cannot complete a dungeon set to the lower player level in order to assist said player, something is very wrong. The most recent experience my group had with this definitely wasn’t the first but is very possibly the worst experience we have ever had. And we have all been very willing to work harder, try harder, read about builds, gain XP, experiment with strategy. And not one of us has even once seen a legendary reward. The saddest thing for me is that one of our group, who has been with this game since it launched on PC, has lost faith in its development as a result and not returned to it since.
As for that part of the community that wants harder content in the game, there is nothing wrong in that. They have also paid for the game, and their expectations are that it provide a greater challenge to their skill level. What I am saying is unacceptable from any player in an MMO community is the attitude that only their expectations matter.
And yes, MMOs do try to do everything. Because economics dictate they have to, and that's why input from ALL levels is crucial for long-term success.
Again, why is this an issue? Who cares?
Well, let’s try some facts, shall we?
Fully three quarters of my guild no longer plays. I belong to other guilds that are experiencing the same problem. And that’s another, extremely large, reason why it’s a problem.
Where is the long-term sustainability of an MMO that drives players to quit in frustration and walk away feeling ripped off? Where are the DLC profits going to come from? Where are the Crown Store profits going to come from? Where are the numbers of players a successful guild needs to be out there happily grinding items and gear to contribute to their guild(s) and trader(s)? There are ultimately only going to be just so many new players buying the game for the first time before there aren’t enough left to support the sustainability factor in the long term, let alone the expense of new content development.
Derision from any player toward another is alienating and toxic. What makes it even worse is how completely unnecessary it is. Most players don’t care if someone is better than them when that player is generous of attitude. They would rather learn from someone like that, and try to emulate their success. Obtainable success.
So I say let’s work together. Let’s get down to facts, and propose a realistic balance.
Let’s talk about how to structure rewards in a way that doesn’t withhold, because it’s very clear the withholding approach simply isn’t working. It’s patently obvious a noticeably large percentage of players have been pushed further than they’re willing to tolerate and are moving on to other games.
What would work? Adding a third tier to the system? Normal, Veteran, Hardcore level selections when entering a dungeon? What kinds of rewards could be implemented for the Hardcore level that would be satisfying to those players? Leaderboards currently exist, but what about leaderboards that actually mean more than numbers? Leaderboards that serve the function of a round robin, so to speak, leading to a broadcast public tournament competition? Sponsors for cash prizes? And reducing the OP for the Veteran level from where is stands now, actually taking it back down to a level where completion and access to the gold rewards is within the realm of practical achievability again? Not handed out on a platter, but realistically achievable?
Let’s lobby for and build the community up as a whole, and stop nitpicking irrelevancies. I, for one, LIKE this game. A lot. I want it to be around for a long time. I want playing it to continue to feel rewarding, and frankly, right now, it’s lost a lot of its luster for me. I’d like to get that luster back, before I end up quitting too.
  • Theodorus
    Theodorus
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    Dude, that thing reads like the Unibomber's Manifesto.

    Break your thoughts up into small, digestible portions.
    Walking Dead survival tip ... just run faster than Otis
  • Furor
    Furor
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    TLDR; You know White Gold Tower and Imperial City Prison both got nerfed right?
    Furor Darkblade - VR16 Nightblade - Daggerfall Covenant
  • Uriel_Nocturne
    Uriel_Nocturne
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    Wow.

    While I was able to digest all of that, you're literally all over the place with your thoughts, OP. You started out with dungeons, then got lost about a third of the way through writing that...

    twitch.tv/vampire_nox
    PAWS (Positively Against Wrip-off Stuff) - Say no to Crown Crates!


  • GuyNamedSean
    GuyNamedSean
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    I've had problems with PUGs, yeah, but in dungeons (even Veteran) with guys that I knew and played with for a while I've never had trouble. Granted I haven't done the Veteran IC dungeons or Veteran City of Ash (due to never actually have friends online anymore), but even with PUGs every time I enter a dungeon it goes smoothly if we all communicate.
    Former Guildmaster of the Legion of Mournhold
    XBL: GuyNamedSean
    PC: GuyNamedSeanPC
  • Frawr
    Frawr
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    Try to reduce the amount of rhetoric and hyperbole in order to make it more succinct and easier to read.

    Yes, it is hard. Good.

    I agree that all players' expectations are valid. I am sure that you would agree that allowing 1 single piece of content that is actually difficult is a reasonable sacrifice that the rest of the player base can make in order to allow the more 'practiced' players a little challenge.

    You will now benefit from being able to complete white gold tower and prison vet modes.

    Calling it 'veteran' was probably a mistake since 'veteran' is a title that absolutely everyone (eventually) obtains, rather than a mark of experience or ability. I agree that a different title would have been more sensible (e.g., Hard Mode).

    paying money entitles you to access the content. It does not entitle you to 'win' the content; that part requires effort.

    Keep working and you will get there!
    Edited by Frawr on November 4, 2015 6:00PM
  • Divinius
    Divinius
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    I was able to digest all of that...
    Cool. Could you sum it up for those of us who's brains were melted by about a third of the way in?

    Edited by Divinius on November 4, 2015 5:57PM
  • Bogdan_Kobzar
    Bogdan_Kobzar
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    post contents deleted
    Edited by Bogdan_Kobzar on November 10, 2015 2:31AM
    "Being honorable might make you a good man, but it doesn't make you right. Be a better world if it did."
    Be mindful of Community Rules
  • MarblePine204
    MarblePine204
    Soul Shriven
    I've had problems with PUGs, yeah, but in dungeons (even Veteran) with guys that I knew and played with for a while I've never had trouble. Granted I haven't done the Veteran IC dungeons or Veteran City of Ash (due to never actually have friends online anymore), but even with PUGs every time I enter a dungeon it goes smoothly if we all communicate.

    Great. You're operating on that level, so you may have exactly the point of view from which I'm seeking legitimate input. Too many players are being left behind. What thoughts would occur to you that would help rebalance?
  • nimander99
    nimander99
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    I'm not much of a group player, I'm a lone-wolf (if you will) so I don't have the mechanics of any dungeons memorized, BUT, I still haven't failed to complete a dungeon (vet or no vet) with a pick up group since I started playing this game at launch. That's not to say we did it in one go but we did get her done.

    That's not said to invalidate your frustrations, they are, after all, your frustrations... it's said to tell you one simple fact;

    L2P ;)
    I AM UPDATING MY PRIVACY POLICY

    PAWS (Positively Against Wrip-off Stuff) - Say No to Crown Crates!

    ∽∽∽ 2 years of Elder Scrolls Online ∼∼∼
    "Give us money" = Box sales & monthly sub fees,
    "moar!" = £10 palomino horse,
    "MOAR!" = Switch to B2P, launch cash shop,
    "MOAR!!" = Charge for DLC that subs had already paid for,
    "MOAR!!!" = Experience scrolls and riding lessons,
    "MOARR!!!" = Vampire/werewolf bites,
    "MOAARRR!!!" = CS exclusive motifs,
    "MOOAARRR!!!" = Crown crates,
    "MOOOAAARRR!!!" = 'Chapter's' bought separately from ESO+,
    "MOOOOAAAARRRR!!!!" = ???

    Male, Dunmer, VR16, Templar, Aldmeri Dominion, Master Crafter & all Traits, CP450
  • Xjcon
    Xjcon
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    What is it you are having trouble with? It's not clear. A lvl 47 boss that does that much damage is most likely a Damage over time with some sort of mechanic that needs dealt with. Since we can't tell what or where your referring to there is no way to help.

    After I finished reading your book. I agree that ZOS has certainly missed the mark in several ways, or is it that other games sent the mark so high? If this game came out in early 2000 it would have had the Numbers WoW has.

    Some of the harder content in this game is slightly fun but more frustrating then is honestly healthy.
    Edited by Xjcon on November 4, 2015 6:19PM
    Briza Do'urdenx V16 Dunmer DK
    Jcon V16 Orc DK
    Vierna Do'urdenx V16 Bosmer NB
    Jarlaxle Baenrex V16 Dunmer NB
  • Chibs
    Chibs
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    I feel I'm a slightly above average player and the only dungeons that were truly challenging we're Vet CoA, Vet WGT, and Vet ICP. No offense you might have a l2p issue. If the dungeons were any easier I would quit ESO, truly. You're crazy if you think Vet spindleclutch is actually hard. Same goes for normal Selene's Web.
    TLDR; l2p......
  • Cuyler
    Cuyler
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    Divinius wrote: »
    Cool. Could you sum it up for those of us who's brains were melted by about a third of the way in?

    TL;DR -

    Problem: Guilds are dying because content is to hard and/or not rewarding enough.

    Solution: Add a three tier system: Normal, Veteran, Hardcore (I prefer heroic ;) )

    I agree to an extent, this solution is what has been proposed by a lot of players now. Although personally, I wouldn't be handing out legendary rewards on normal modes unless it was a 0.0000001% drop chance. For example, I could get behind an uber small chance at maelstrom weapons from the normal difficulty of the new arena.
    Edited by Cuyler on November 4, 2015 6:20PM
    Guild: STACK n BURN (gm) PC - NA
    CP 810 18 Maxed Characters:
    "How hard can u guar?" - Rafishul[/spoiler]
  • Furor
    Furor
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    Cuyler wrote: »

    TL;DR -

    Problem: Guilds are dying because content is to hard.

    Solution: Add a three tier system: Normal, Veteran, Hardcore (I prefer heroic ;) )

    I agree to an extent, this solution is what has been proposed by a lot of players now. Although personally, I wouldn't be handing out legendary rewards on normal modes unless it was a 0.0000001% drop chance.

    But all the casuals won't get to experience Heroic...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, AND Nightmare...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Nightmare...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, Nightmare, AND Hell...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Hell....


    Furor Darkblade - VR16 Nightblade - Daggerfall Covenant
  • Hiero_Glyph
    Hiero_Glyph
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    Conquers wrote: »
    can i have your stuff?

    He doesn't have any stuff... the dungeons are too hard.
  • GuyNamedSean
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    Great. You're operating on that level, so you may have exactly the point of view from which I'm seeking legitimate input. Too many players are being left behind. What thoughts would occur to you that would help rebalance?

    Honestly, I don't see a problem in the realm of difficulty. Easy things are easy, hard things are hard. The main challenge in balance to me is incentive based. Grinding is rewarded more than taking your time and enjoying yourself.

    A good example is PvP. Grinding AP is more lucrative than winning the campaign. Rewards should be reworked in my opinion.
    Former Guildmaster of the Legion of Mournhold
    XBL: GuyNamedSean
    PC: GuyNamedSeanPC
  • Cuyler
    Cuyler
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    Furor wrote: »

    But all the casuals won't get to experience Heroic...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, AND Nightmare...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Nightmare...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, Nightmare, AND Hell...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Hell....


    LOL I see what you did there. :trollface:

    The key would be to only add a title and leaderboard to Heroic mode with zero actual reward other than epeen. aka. things casuals don't care about. It could have the veteran gear rewards as well for example. That way they only have interest in the previous difficulties, while the hardcore players have their challenging content and epeen to swing around.
    Edited by Cuyler on November 4, 2015 6:26PM
    Guild: STACK n BURN (gm) PC - NA
    CP 810 18 Maxed Characters:
    "How hard can u guar?" - Rafishul[/spoiler]
  • Xjcon
    Xjcon
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    Furor wrote: »

    But all the casuals won't get to experience Heroic...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, AND Nightmare...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Nightmare...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, Nightmare, AND Hell...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Hell....


    I've never heard anyone complain they can't complete the hard modes. They still get on the leaderboards with a completion but the hardcore players get to shine by posting a much better score by simply doing Hardmode.

    Briza Do'urdenx V16 Dunmer DK
    Jcon V16 Orc DK
    Vierna Do'urdenx V16 Bosmer NB
    Jarlaxle Baenrex V16 Dunmer NB
  • Hateanthem
    Hateanthem
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    Furor wrote: »

    But all the casuals won't get to experience Heroic...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, AND Nightmare...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Nightmare...

    So we should implement Normal, Veteran, Heroic, Nightmare, AND Hell...


    But all the casuals won't get to experience Hell....



    TryHard Awards.
  • DenMoria
    DenMoria
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    WOW! That's a wall of text. I made it about 1/2 way through and had to give up as it got blurry.

    Let me see if I've got this from the first 1/2. The Dungeons are too hard. Okay, valid point that, if a V16 can't make it through, it's too hard. Okay, I get, if a level 41 boss deals 54K in damage it's too much (YES! For goodness sake! Who could stand up to that!), but, honestly, is it really that bad?

    I'm not even a very good player. Solid, but cautious and not the confrontational type if I can avoid it. I just know that, if I'm not good enough to win, then I need to either a) Go back and get stronger or b) Work on my mechanics.

    Honestly, this is the first time I have heard this complaint in this context. Battle leveling when grouping? Sure, valid complaint in another thread. DPS impossible to stand up to, especially with large mobs groups, sure, understood, but this?

    A small favor though. If you post like this in the future, could you place an extra line between each of your paragraphs, please? It would be far easier to read before I pass out from vertigo.

    JMHO
    Edited by DenMoria on November 4, 2015 6:33PM
  • dmegnin
    dmegnin
    Soul Shriven
    I'm just curious here; could gear and build be the main difference between OP's experience and that of "I'm slightly above average and everything is easy for me?"

    OP, what gear and class are you running with?

    "slightly above average" (anyone in that category), what's yours?
    Edited by dmegnin on November 4, 2015 6:35PM
  • anitajoneb17_ESO
    anitajoneb17_ESO
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    Divinius wrote: »
    Cool. Could you sum it up for those of us who's brains were melted by about a third of the way in?

    It says : content's too hard for most players, incl. him, don't try and tell him he's simply not good enough because this argument doesn't apply to him, he plays on XBox, we must think of something together because many players are leaving, let's implement 3-level-system (easy-hard-very hard) for dungeons and think of the reward system.

    OP, you're referring to a level 40ish boss hitting for 50K+ damage ? when did that happen and where and how ?

  • Stonesthrow
    Stonesthrow
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    OP… I suggest you break up and organize your thoughts and try to refrain from telling people how to think, feel, listen and react before explaining yourself. Even in a haphazard trainwreck of a rant such as this, you will tend to get better responses from people.

    Anyway, if you or your friends are dropping because something is too hard, it is most likely you, not the game. Anything that is crazy hard and NOT because it is bugged gets a nerf fairly quickly in Tamriel. How do i know this?

    I am barely an above average player and have only run into a half dozen that I found difficult. And they SHOULD be difficult for me because I mainly now play a Templar - Tank/off heals or Heals/off tank - stam/magicka messy combo. This is by NO MEANS AT ALL a good way to play, but I find it very interesting and am fairly good at it... aka "You wouldn't copy MY build to be better at ESO".

    I am no ones first choice for kickball but can get things done and I can complete a vast majority of this game's content.

    Good luck.
    Edited by Stonesthrow on November 4, 2015 6:38PM
  • Hateanthem
    Hateanthem
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    *After fifth wipe on boss*

    "OK...the bosses health isn't moving, he isn't dying fast enough. Healer is going oom and that shield around the boss isn't breaking. We need more dps. Hey dk...whats your build bud?"

    "I'm a dps THATS A LITTLE TANKY."

    "...wut does that mean?"

    "Heavy armor, sword and board, even stat points, I use my whip alot"

    "Do you run a dps meter?"

    "Yah"

    "What kind of dps do you pull?"

    "Sometimes I Crit for 12k"

    "Cool beans, what does your dps meter say most of the time?"

    "It doesn't matter I Crit hard"

    "Crits and dps are different. I don't think we have the dps to break the shield. I think your dps is a little low. As a tip I recommend choosing magicka or stamina, and not wearing heavy armor for PvE content when doing dungeons. We can craft some for you real quick I'd you need..."

    "This is a TES game and I'll play however I want, just pull the boss."

    *DPS has been kicked from group*
  • Morimizo
    Morimizo
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    I would humbly suggest not attempting one of the Orsinium Trial, erm, World Bosses by yourself, OP. I've never seen the ground so red from stupid circles as I did at the Unfinished Dolmen...sheesh...

    I completely agree that there should be difficulty scaling, in as many instances as possible, because they can never make it hard enough for the elites, nor fair/reasonable enough for everyone else.
  • Conquers
    Conquers
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    Hateanthem wrote: »
    *After fifth wipe on boss*

    "OK...the bosses health isn't moving, he isn't dying fast enough. Healer is going oom and that shield around the boss isn't breaking. We need more dps. Hey dk...whats your build bud?"

    "I'm a dps THATS A LITTLE TANKY."

    "...wut does that mean?"

    "Heavy armor, sword and board, even stat points, I use my whip alot"

    "Do you run a dps meter?"

    "Yah"

    "What kind of dps do you pull?"

    "Sometimes I Crit for 12k"

    "Cool beans, what does your dps meter say most of the time?"

    "It doesn't matter I Crit hard"

    "Crits and dps are different. I don't think we have the dps to break the shield. I think your dps is a little low. As a tip I recommend choosing magicka or stamina, and not wearing heavy armor for PvE content when doing dungeons. We can craft some for you real quick I'd you need..."

    "This is a TES game and I'll play however I want, just pull the boss."

    *DPS has been kicked from group*

    tbh yeah you should play the way you want, but still there should be limitations. that dps in heavy armor should consider being a tank instead if he wants to be "TANKY."
    VR 16 Orc Stamina Dragonknight

    We need a loot currency system in this game!
    forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/230549/currency-system-for-dungeons#latest
  • Hateanthem
    Hateanthem
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    Conquers wrote: »

    tbh yeah you should play the way you want, but still there should be limitations. that dps in heavy armor should consider being a tank instead if he wants to be "TANKY."


    Hate to say this...but this is your average ESO player.
  • Conquers
    Conquers
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    Hateanthem wrote: »


    Hate to say this...but this is your average ESO player.

    Idk if you referring to me as your average eso player or the dps wearing heavy armor,
    if referring to me, then well...i would hope so?
    if referring to them....thats upsetting, and probably why PuGs fail so often for me on console, i kind of just sit back dumbounded at some players farting through easy mechanics because of their gear not allowing for the mini mistakes that optimized gear would allow. i would take a heavy armored dps that follows mechanics rather than a medium armor stam dps that stands in the red
    VR 16 Orc Stamina Dragonknight

    We need a loot currency system in this game!
    forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/230549/currency-system-for-dungeons#latest
  • Tannakaobi
    Tannakaobi
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    I just think that every dungeon should have three levels, easy, medium and hard. Then everyone is happy, no one misses out and the top players have a challenge.

    and then when 'bad' players demand that the harder dungeons are made easier because they can't manage it, they should politely be told to **** off! and the same goes for people complaining about them being too easy.

    Simples!
  • Lokey0024
    Lokey0024
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    This is what happens when content goes from stupidly easy to difficult. The very good players of the stupidly easy content have to reevaluate their role and either step up their game and the game of the group, or fail.

    Im gunna take a crack at this case. You recently rnged kena shoulders and need the helm.
  • Gidorick
    Gidorick
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    Little truth... HUUUUUUUUUUGE WALL OF TEXT!!!
    What ESO really needs is an Auction Horse.
    That's right... Horse.
    Click HERE to discuss.

    Want more crazy ideas? Check out my Concept Repository!
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