PTS Update 26 - Feedback Thread for Antiquities

Sturmfaenger

At night it is VERY good to see - same effect than the antiquities digging heap.
I just can't tell if this is with one or two skillpoints investment, because I cannot open the dropdown menu for any skills on PTS since last monday.

Batgirl32

First time I speak to Gabrielle - When I choose the option "What have you been doing since we last met" we go through that conversation but once complete there is no option to start the Antiquarian Eye lessons. You must close the conversation and start again.

Batgirl32

Learning to Scry from Gabrielle "Scry for Gabrielle's bottle of proving." Suggest adding a "Hint: Select Journal, Antiquities to begin scrying" or something like that. It was not clear how to begin.

Batgirl32

Scyring with a controller - The gem at the bottom shows to click the X button, however it is the A button that you click to collect the pattern group.

Batgirl32

Scrying in the Courtyard - since it's basically the tutorial I would again suggest here "Hint: Use Antiquarian's Eye from Collections" or "Hint: Quick slot Antiquarian's Eye from Collections and use." Something along those lines.

Batgirl32

Scrying in the Courtyard - I quick slotted the Antiquarian's Eye and used it. I got a glowing circle about half way up the birch tree but nothing else. I had to relog and start that portion of the quest again to be able to see the dirt mound.

Also the Antiquarian's Eye cooldown continues about 5-7 seconds past when the glowing circle disappears. Would be great if they were the same length.

In the mini-game, the Foci point is hard to see perhaps a different colour or brighter so it stands out more. As well in the mini-game perhaps suggest wording like "Starting a the crystal in the bottom of the screen, click a matching group of patterns to create a path to the Foci to unlock it. One you've unlocked your first group of patterns choose an adjacent group of patterns (does not have to match previous pattern symbol) to keep heading towards the Foci."

Once in the dig site for Controller/Gamepad - Show RT to use the Antiquarian's Eye and LT to use the Brush tool. Needs more explanation - Click RT to select the Antiquarian's Eye and click A to use the eye (Same on Brush side). Also, I did not realize at first that there were 2 different levels of rocks to make 2 layers of dirt to uncover. Perhaps change the colours of one layer to make it stand out more. Clicking Y for more info did not bring up any additional information.

Batgirl32

Once I completed the tutorial scyring and it says look for leads - Perhaps add a hint here for people to check their Journal since there is one item they can try to scry/dig up immediately. Before I remembered seeing it, I had a quick flash of disappointment since I thought I would have to go spend hours trying to find a lead before I could try scrying again as I did not want to forget the lessons I had just learned on how to scry.

goldenarcher1

Sturmfaenger wrote: »

At night it is VERY good to see - same effect than the antiquities digging heap.
I just can't tell if this is with one or two skillpoints investment, because I cannot open the dropdown menu for any skills on PTS since last monday.

Many thanks for that.

Batgirl32

Scyring out in the world - Since you have to hit the eye often to look for the dig site, the cooldown is way too long, 5 seconds would be plenty since it is pointing you in a direction and you will have to hit it again shortly afterwards each time to get directions. And as mentioned earlier the scry blue bubble disappears well before the cooldown finishes.

Scyring out in the world - make the direction the orb is pointing you in more obvious, it's barely visible. Perhaps make the "arrow" longer so it you can see what direction it is pointing.

In the Dig Site - I'd also suggest making the counter for how many scry/dig opportunities you have larger / more visible. It is hard to see at the top of the page and is very small.

In the Dig Site - Says to find Bonus Items with your remaining time. Where is the timer? Or does it actually mean the remaining chances indicated by the bar counter at the top. If it is the bar and not a timer, that wording should be clarified.

Codex - I noticed some items have codex 1/3. Perhaps an explanation that you can scry the same items you have leads for multiple times to get all of the codi for that item. I've unlocked 3/3 of an item, does anything special happen or is it just a completionist goal for people like me?

Achievements "Scholar of the Circle" - Just curious, if the 2 main people that lead you through the Antiquities tutorial are female, why is the icon for this achievement a man. (Just thought I'd put that thought out there for consideration).

I've now done scrying and digging a few more times and love it. Definitely some improvements to tutorial and general explanation in screens, which I heard mentioned in the Twitch stream. Will definitley retry it again once the next patch is out to review the updates.

Batgirl32

As a controller/gamepad player a more fluid use of controls in the dig site would be RB for the scry, LB for the hand brush, LT for the trowel, etc (I am only level 2 so far so I'm not sure what other controls will be used). I find (personally at least) I go to hit RB & LB for first level motions then RT & LT for secondary motions

Batgirl32

A question about Leads - can different characters pick them up an share them across account or are they character bound?

Batgirl32

Another question about Leads - It unlock leads do characters have to have unlocked the Antiquities skill line or can they just find them without that skill line?

Batgirl32

Scrying items - Perhaps a note somewhere that you scry items in the zone they are located. I didn't realize that until I visit the zone and started looking for leads.

Batgirl32

Digging - Do not see a timer for digging while in the dig sites.

Ilsabet

Batgirl32 wrote: »

A question about Leads - can different characters pick them up an share them across account or are they character bound?

Whenever any character finds a lead, the lead goes into the journal and is accessible by any character on the account. Any character can scry the unlocked leads, as long as they have done the tutorial and have the scrying skill line unlocked.

Batgirl32 wrote: »

Another question about Leads - It unlock leads do characters have to have unlocked the Antiquities skill line or can they just find them without that skill line?

Any character can find leads, even if they haven't unlocked the skill lines. The discovered leads go into the journal and can be pursued by any character on the account.

Glurin

Batgirl32 wrote: »

Digging - Do not see a timer for digging while in the dig sites.

That's because it's not really a timer. It's a counter. You have x amount of actions at the dig site. I think right now with one point in the passive you have 75 if I remember correctly. Each time you brush away some dirt or use the scry option, it subtracts one point from that counter.

As the counter reaches zero, the screen grows darker, simulating that you're running out of daylight. Use up all your actions, screen goes to nighttime and the dig fails.

indigorune

Glurin wrote: »

Batgirl32 wrote: »

Digging - Do not see a timer for digging while in the dig sites.

That's because it's not really a timer. It's a counter. You have x amount of actions at the dig site. I think right now with one point in the passive you have 75 if I remember correctly. Each time you brush away some dirt or use the scry option, it subtracts one point from that counter.

As the counter reaches zero, the screen grows darker, simulating that you're running out of daylight. Use up all your actions, screen goes to nighttime and the dig fails.

This is a great explanation. ZOS should use something similar in the game to explain.

The first time I did a dig, I was going really fast because I thought it was "timed". It should not be referred to as a "timer" unless they explain in it like this.

SantieClaws

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Batgirl32

New Antiquities Tutorial Feedback (from EU Server, Patch 6.0.2):

- Need a hint in Quest to open the Journal, Antiquities to begin scrying. I only knew what to do because I did it on NA server. I had to explain it to people while testing on EU server.

- Second screen in tutorial once you complete your first scrying with the eye disappeared after about 5 seconds, which was not enough time to read the information.

- Dig site: Need a prompt to click A (on a controller) to use the eye or digging tools. Currently you would think to press the same button that is associated with the particular tools to make them work as that is the only button prompt you receive.

- Antiquarians Eye, Gem at Bottom: It is now all the same colour making it difficult to see how many turns you have left when scrying. It was better in the previous version when the empty part was darker and the remaining turns were brighter.

- Antiquarians Eye, X button (controller): Underneath the gem at the bottom it shows to press. Nothing happens when I press X. I have to press A to use my scrying turn to unlock the facets pathway.

- Journal, Antiquities: Icons for the different areas where items are available to scry are still missing

- In the field, Blue Globe: The direction indicator from the blue globe needs to improved. I would suggest making the beam longer so that it is easier to tell which direction it is pointing.

- Timer on Antiquarians Eye: Still too long. 5-7 seconds would be ample since you use it to get the direction and then run off in the direction it indicates. Then you have to wait to use the eye again if you need to check your direction.

- Digging "Timer": It seems weird to refer to it as a timer when in fact digging is not timed at all. Calling it a timer will likely make people think it is like a treasure chest where you have a certain number of seconds to unlock the chest. I would suggest changing the terminology from "timer" as it is misleading.

- As a controller/gamepad player a more fluid use of controls in the dig site would be RB for the scry, LB for the hand brush, LT for the trowel, etc (I am only level 2 so far so I'm not sure what other controls will be used). I find (personally at least) I go to hit RB & LB for first level motions then RT & LT for secondary motions.

- Scyring Location: Scried in W. Skyrim once with no problem. Second attempt at correct location as per the map would not work. It would not let me use the Antiquarian's Eye. I had to log out & back in for it to work. (Bug report submitted) Third time without logging out in between worked fine.

- Digging Tool - Trowel: I would suggest moving the trowel charger above/near the trowel tool so that it is clear it is related to that specific skill.

- Excavation site treasure: I was at a dig site in W Skyrim and uncovered the antiquity and 3 bonus chests but only received 2 bonus loots. (Bug report submitted)

- Feedback/Bug: Suggest an option specifically for Antiquities. It was difficult to choose options to ensure you would get the feedback.

ixie

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

captioanima

ixie wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

I´m with you two!
I showed a friend of mine who is ONLY into PvP and Housing some of the furniture I found (since I love this new system and tested around) and he loved some of the special stuff. Mind you, the SPECIAL furniture, the "end-game" stuff!
And now he´s forced to grind (almost) the ENTIRE skill lines? Go on quests he has no interest in to go to places? Go fishing which bores him to death? Hunt down leads for gods know how many hours?
I´ve loved this game for years now, and this chapter has NOTHING which I even remotely hate, but forcing people to grind for hours or give up forever?
Not cool ---.---

A possible solution: Why not bind the first one you find, and keep the others free? The leads aren´t exactly growing on trees or conveniently stick on next boulder, so those who want to fill the codex or sell them have to grind for the damn thing anyway! That way there´d be people playing the antiquity-system, and for those who don´t want, there are a few items on the market with ridiculously high prices.

Greetings from Germany, and stay healthy folks

Olauron

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Agreed. The main problem is leads are not guaranteed. Right now it is simply impossible to plan something with antiquity furnishings. You can't be sure that you get the required number of items ever. When furnishings are not bound, you can find some and buy some.

Batgirl32 wrote: »

- Digging Tool - Trowel: I would suggest moving the trowel charger above/near the trowel tool so that it is clear it is related to that specific skill.

This charger is both for Trowel and Heavy Shovel.

indigorune

ixie wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

It also limits the life and usefulness of the feature. Once you get everything you want, why would you touch it until something new comes out?

But if you have the ability to sell or trade these items, it suddenly becomes much more appealing and the people who are interested in it will want to do it more.

Delpi

After the last update, I still cannot see the antiquarian's eye. The light doesn't show up in the dig site (I tried all dig sites...). It does anything at all. (Mac/osx platform)

KMarble

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

ixie wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

captioanima wrote: »

ixie wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

I´m with you two!
I showed a friend of mine who is ONLY into PvP and Housing some of the furniture I found (since I love this new system and tested around) and he loved some of the special stuff. Mind you, the SPECIAL furniture, the "end-game" stuff!
And now he´s forced to grind (almost) the ENTIRE skill lines? Go on quests he has no interest in to go to places? Go fishing which bores him to death? Hunt down leads for gods know how many hours?
I´ve loved this game for years now, and this chapter has NOTHING which I even remotely hate, but forcing people to grind for hours or give up forever?
Not cool ---.---

A possible solution: Why not bind the first one you find, and keep the others free? The leads aren´t exactly growing on trees or conveniently stick on next boulder, so those who want to fill the codex or sell them have to grind for the damn thing anyway! That way there´d be people playing the antiquity-system, and for those who don´t want, there are a few items on the market with ridiculously high prices.

Greetings from Germany, and stay healthy folks

Olauron wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Agreed. The main problem is leads are not guaranteed. Right now it is simply impossible to plan something with antiquity furnishings. You can't be sure that you get the required number of items ever. When furnishings are not bound, you can find some and buy some.

n0tthesun wrote: »

ixie wrote: »

SantieClaws wrote: »

Making the furnishings bound? No no nooo. This takes away much of the fun for this one. While there were only a couple of things this one liked for herself there were many she would have sought out to give to freinds.

And is selling a little thing now and again to make enough just to feed your orcs such a terrible thing?

Yours with paws
Santie Claws

Totally agree, making the furnishings bound changes this from a fun activity to a grind to get the few things you want.

It also limits the life and usefulness of the feature. Once you get everything you want, why would you touch it until something new comes out?

But if you have the ability to sell or trade these items, it suddenly becomes much more appealing and the people who are interested in it will want to do it more.

I quoted some of the posts because they all have very relevant points.

I understand that some of the antiquities are tied up to achievements, and by making them BOP, it MIGHT compel people do the the necessary content. Make those bound, but not all of them.

Every quarter we get a new DLC/expansion that brings new furnishings, and many people who buy them, then go on to sell the furnishings of this new zone to the people who, for whatever reason, did not get that chapter. Why can't the same principle be applied to the antiquities (if it isn't tied to an achievement, make it so it can be traded)?

Another point I'd like to bring up is that there might be people who will go after antiquities for the lore, but it takes digging the same item three times to get all the related lore.
If those furnishing antiquities aren't bound, the person who is only looking for the lore will get the pleasure of collecting what they like (lore knowledge) and possibly get some gold for their time - and it IS going to take a lot of time.
But if those furnishings are bound, people trying to complete the lore will find themselves with three of the same item and with no other option* but to destroy the items.

Suggestion: either make the leads into something that can be traded and keep the antiquities bound (please don't. This is the kind of side activity I'd enjoy IF I could make a profit. I like housing, but don't like to hoard, and I try to create completely different environments when decorating a house, so repeated items don't appeal to me much), or keep the leads as they are and allow us to trade the antiquities.


*There is another option, which makes little to no sense for someone who isn't into housing, which would be to keep on buying houses just to store the items they get. Since we've been told that the antiquities system will apply to all past and future content, a time will come that more houses will become necessary.

Malkorga

As of patch 6.0.2, when i am walking through Solitude near the antiquities courtyard i can hear Claudette giving her tutorial. This happened each time i walked by, about 5 times in a half hour.

I will say that i like how the antiquities journal updates and marks new items, thank you for that!

Khaleesi8688

I just want to point out to Zos that if you guys keep making everything bound like the antiquities furnishings, event rewards, etc, you are shooting yourselves in the foot. I'm sure being able to gift things from the crown store has increased crown sales so wouldn't you want to increase ways for players to earn gold?

kalunte

Hi there, it might be a known issue already but since i'm not into reading all posts i'll just add my 2cts here:

There is a problem with Antiquity progression: one way to progress is to "earn" Leads, but if you character already progressed through previous content it might be granted leads for free.
The problem is that those "previously earned leads" do not count as "Leads earned" for the achievment and you cant even buy it anymore so basically; it makes ppl lose some experience points.

i did not may my way to antiquities lvl10 but i wouldnt surprise me if those missing points were preventing some player to reach maximum lvl because of points they cant have at all.

check that please, either remove "free leads" or at least allow us to buy them even if we have them already.


have fun everyone.

Batgirl32

Batgirl32 wrote: »

- Digging Tool - Trowel: I would suggest moving the trowel charger above/near the trowel tool so that it is clear it is related to that specific skill.

This charger is both for Trowel and Heavy Shovel.[/quote]

Thanks, I hadn't gotten that far in the skill line. I would suggest then that perhaps those two tools are on the same side of the screen so that it is more obvious that it is for those two items.

Transairion

I'm worried about this system losing a lot of replayability if most (all?) housing items you dig up are now Bound to you: there's only so many lootable items and after you're got "one of everything" or all the lore if you're after that too... what then?

Will it just be occasional Ancestral motifs you can sell on to other players + "treasures" worth 200 gold as the only reason to keep digging? Some people will what 20 of the same housing item, sure, and keep chasing those but I'm not really like that. If I can't trade/sell most furnishing onwards there won't be much point I fear.

.... I don't really want it to end up like fishing, where you get 12 new fish every zone DLC/Chapter and then you're done for the next 6 months.