Group Finder Enhancements Required

MangoSsk

It seems to me every time I'm looking for a group for daily pledges they will always take a Vet16 over anything lower. When I use group finder I have to wait hours for a group. This is forcing me to quit the game and I really want to play but it seems all I can do is grind all the way to Vet16. I'm sure this was not the creator's intention. After the group finder was expanded on all 3 factions it is still difficult to find a group.

MangoSsk

Nobody else has this issue? *Bumped*

Kattemynte

I made a similar post earlier, been in the finder a few times for an hour or more and still nothing.

Humatiel

Vet 16 can be achieved in two weeks, that being said I find players are usually quite agreeable to run with lower veteran ranks so long as its not a vr1. The only stipulation I have to that would be the obvious VCOA/VICP/VWGT where vr16 does not ensure completion but not being vr16 almost assures a wipe(in pug don't rage please).

If you're interested in content like pledges their are many PvE guilds that are geared toward that type of mid-level focus, you may have better luck in that environment once people see your willing to be a team player.

Edit: My mistake for not looking at your signature, four of your five characters are below vr5 so I can understand the issue you're having. Look at it this way, comparatively a vr1 is the same as a level 3 in non vet (3.125 conversion). so at your best your a level 12 nonvet, inviting a level 12 to a nonvet dungeon is iffy at best and the same principle applies here. Guilds are happy to group with you regardless of your level but in PuG first impression is the only impression, and to that end your lower level (from a socially acceptable standpoint) is an almost insurmountable obstacle.

Kattemynte

I think the point trying to be made is that for lower level character who learn that they get 3 new dungeons to try ever so often that they still cannot use the dungeon finder to: A. Run the dungeon for the quest and skill point, B. Get the daily reward that is about 3/4 of a level.
If the OP is correct and Vet16 players have priority, I would not doubt that a tank could use the finder, run a dungeon and then do another one using the finder and get in with the same players as they were vet16 and have priority. One of the issues this game has is that tanks are very far and few between, even less use the finder as they are in guilds.

Humatiel

dtsv217_ESO wrote: »

I think the point trying to be made is that for lower level character who learn that they get 3 new dungeons to try ever so often that they still cannot use the dungeon finder to: A. Run the dungeon for the quest and skill point, B. Get the daily reward that is about 3/4 of a level.
If the OP is correct and Vet16 players have priority, I would not doubt that a tank could use the finder, run a dungeon and then do another one using the finder and get in with the same players as they were vet16 and have priority. One of the issues this game has is that tanks are very far and few between, even less use the finder as they are in guilds.

While your right that it's an issue, its a community choice and not a ZoS problem (for once). The community has clearly decided that if you're trying to do the pledge then you need to be on a higher level toon and to that end I see no realistic solution outside of joining guilds and leveling up through them.

Kattemynte

I think you are misinterpreting the discussion, this is about the random group finder tool and not being put in a group. You are talking about premade groups looking for players at higher levels.

For example, I made an alt that is level 32 damage dealer. I am not able to do pledges yet so while I am grinding I put myself in the random dungeon finder. The finder does not place me in a group even after an hour of waiting. This has nothing to do with pledges.

Humatiel

It seems to me every time I'm looking for a group for daily pledges they will always take a Vet16 over anything lower

I believe you might be, he references "They" which I assume means the PuG. We are referring to players kicking lower level players in favor of higher level players. Unless I am in left field of course...if OP can clarify?

Lithium Flower

It does have a lot to do with pledges. 90% of the dungeons attempted on any given day are the ones that are required for pledges. 90% of the players in LFG are those looking for pledge groups.

Group Dungeons/Vet Dungeons are not leveling content. They are testing grounds for all the skills a player has mastered to various degrees. They are much more difficult than questing, zone delves and public dungeons. Most players know this and therefore want to group with members who they can trust will be prepared to complete the dungeon. This means proper gear, food, knowledge of mechanics, general experience with the game, etc. Players that are low level are naturally lacking in these things even with the level scaling. A good player in unoptimised gear and few abilities unlocked upscaled will be able to compensate with their experience and skill but a new player, even one that is battle leveled is lacking in all these skills.

Generally, most players who look to do dungeons are looking to get their pledges out of the way for the day and want as smooth a run as possible. They don't want to take a chance with a new group or spend lots and lots of time in trial and error.

New players leveling up their first character want to do dungeons for the first time and it is very disappointing when experienced players don't have the patience to show them the ropes but that's just a fact of life. No one is entitled to someone else's time and effort. You have to put in effort to gain credibility and trust.

There isn't anything ZOS can do to ameliorate the situation further. They have given all the tools they can, they have incentivised altruistic dungeon runs. The rest is up to the community.

My advice for new players is this:

1. You have to level up. Being v10+ will maximise your chances of getting into dungeon runs. Nothing is going to make a bigger difference to your acceptability. You will also gain invaluable insight into mechanics, have plenty of time to level up abilities, get proper gear and food and be prepared to run dungeons.

2. Get proper, role appropriate gear: Random dropped pieces even of epic quality don't really cut it for group dungeons. You need crafted and dropped sets that complement your trinity role. You need a good understanding of how to perform your role too whether its damage dealing, tanking or healing. If you show up to be a Damage Dealer with a sword and shield, most groups will drop you like a hot potato even if you were doing fine in quest content. You have to be using blue or epic food appropriate to your role.

3. Learn mechanics - Ask yourself if you dodge out of red circles, block, interrupt casters, apply dots to maximise damage, do healing, know how your skills buff allies and debuff enemies. Observe mobs/enemies you encounter and develop an innate understanding of their common abilities - which types of mobs knock down, which CC, which heal, etc

4. Find a guild that does the type of content you're interested in. Make friends and add them to contacts. A group that knows you are familiar with mechanics are far more likely to take you with them as a lowbie player than a bunch of strangers with no idea how prepared you are.