What attracts you to a guild?/ What helps you stay?

Icy_Waffles

Just curious. We all have had guild issues. I’m curious. What do you look for and what keeps you around?

Dojohoda

The absence of rl political talk.
The balance of positive/negative comments with it being more positive than negative.
The members being engaged in calls for grouping for group content and having many members online.

phaneub17_ESO

Solo player. No guilds! Make gold the old fashion way, its slow only 150k a day but its all mine and I earned it!

Enemy-of-Coldharbour

• Nice players/officers
• No dues/minimums
• Welcome atmosphere

SilverBride

• A leader who has the time and skills to keep things running smoothly.
• Enough guild chat that it's not a ghost town, but not constant.
• No politics.
• No hostility.
• Varied guild events so there is something for everyone.

aurelius_fx

When there are active (at least on weekends) higher ups that show genuine passion and thoughtful care for the well being of the environment and its members, no matter the sort of guild. I'm biased towards smaller guilds, though.

Icy_Waffles

aurelius_fx wrote: »

When there are active (at least on weekends) higher ups that show genuine passion and thoughtful care for the well being of the environment and its members, no matter the sort of guild. I'm biased towards smaller guilds, though.

Just for clarification: meaning you PREFER smaller guilds?

AuraoftheAzureSea

That's an interesting question! I think the answer is going to depend on what in game "need" was going to get met.

When I was interested in end-game content, my criteria for a trials guild was a lot different than my criteria for a social guild. What I wanted in a trials guild was: a clear schedule with clear requirements, members who were competent/skilled without the elitist vibe pitfalls that often come with endgame groups, a rotation that allowed new members to get an opportunity to do trials/have spots/learn without sacrificing the guild's ability to actually complete content, etc. etc.

I do think there are a lot of trials guilds that meet those requirements. The reason I didn't stick around in them because I left the game due to an inability to find a social group to stick with.

As far as social guilds go, I have memories of the first MMO I played that was heavily social with a small player base - very active and small enough where you'd recognize the names of people wandering around who played at the same time as you, even if you weren't in any kind of organized group together. I spent a lot of time looking for small, active guilds where you actually got to know people and do things together in a way that wasn't just self serving/mutually convenient.

The closest I got to that was a fairly friendly larger-ish guild, but that "close social" aspect really only applied to the inner clique and was largely limited to officers. They weren't unfriendly by any means, but there was always this sense that the roster was full and they loved to help out and do superficial activities with members, but they weren't really there to make friends. I spent nearly two years in that guild and even after becoming an officer, it hit me that nobody there really knew much of anything about me, even though I was often in voice chat multiple times a week with them. When I left the game, I didn't keep in contact with any of them (although I did try, at first). That was a far cry from the experience I was looking for from my first MMO - I am still in contact with some of those folks a good 15+ years later.

So, yeah. For me? I wasn't really looking for a guild. I was looking for game friends to do things with, and a guild just seemed like the clearest way to find that. It ultimately did not work. And without a social group, after I exhausted endgame content I was interested in, I didn't see much of a reason to continue playing a social game. Why play ESO when I could play modded Skyrim? Why spend tons of money on housing that no one will see, when I can do that for free in a single player game? Plus, I was pretty miffed about game changes (re: my unending complaints about nightblades), but that was more the straw that broke the camel's back in the end. I very likely would have stayed if I had a good guild!

Destai

A good helpful culture with frequent and varied events. Or a guild trader in a major city. It's fun to game with people who're more about fun - like creating unique experiences like jumping puzzles in their houses - than number crunching high-end raid. Fundamentally, I like gaming with people where I can make crass jokes about the game world and do random adventures. That's what keeps me playing the game, that's what keeps me in a guild.

My favorite guild was during quarantine, perfect mix of social people, fun events, and a fostering environment. Sadly that guild disbanded due to bad leadership and I had to find a new home.

Now, I'm in three guilds and two are mostly social. One is a long time social guild made up of some folks from that quarantine guild, so there's a sentimentality to it. I also like that it doesn't have the raffle spam that so many guilds think are fun. Only downside is it's not as active I'd like. The second is a more active social guild with regular events. Raffle spam aside, there's always something going on here and most people are cool. I also joined a trading guild so I can make the big bucks when I get good drops or craft furniture.

My guild needs are:
1. Good social environment. I cannot play with people are who are PC, well mannered, and uptight. Humor is required.
2. Crafting Hall. Yes, I have explored the world a thousand times over but I want one guild hall to craft my armor and retool to my toons.
3. Regular events. Skyshard Runs, World Boss Wedsnesday, progression trial nights, all of that jazz is good. I am an altoholic, so these are a great way of making repeated content a fun experience.
4. Discord. Such a great tool, great way to communicate with folks offline and get to know each other.

GenjiraX

Communication. Guild Masters who pay attention to what’s going on and keep members up to date through MOTD, for example. Difficult for bigger guilds but makes a guild feel friendly and welcoming. I’m only in one guild on PC and I love our GM.

Also, none of that weekly dues nonsense. I will donate gold as and when I can. I don’t need yet another game demand.

Ken_Koerperich

Wouldn't know. Joined one Guild, who turns out, only use Discord.

I being old as dirt, still use a flip phone, and only own a Console, that doesn't allow this.

So, it appears that I'm running w/ a GHOST Town Guild.

Let alone, even in game, when I play, there are only BOTS running around farming ore.

Went to Auridon 4 different times through my session today, and the most ppl I seen at the WP, was 3, least being just myself.

ROLF!

So I'm a poor choice to give an answer.

Toodles!

Andyhunter21

Im Gay. Im in a few LGBT guilds. People are supportive, friendly, funny and nice.

Danikat

I was going to say I just look for a relaxed, friendly group I can chat with when I'm online and who will help each other out when needed, but as I was thinking through my past experiences with guilds I realised I do have some specific requirements.

Top of the list is that a large part of the discussion, ideally the majority, is done through in-game guild chat. I do use Discord but I usually can't use voice chat (even listening without saying anything) and I don't want to have to keep swapping to another program to read or type.

They also need to understand that there will be entire weeks when I'm not online and I may not be able to notify the leader in advance, but it's been years since that was an issue in any game.

I also avoid guilds which require their members to participate in events if they're online because I have limited time to play and I don't want to be told what I have to do with it. Again that's rarely an issue but it has come up.

Ideally I prefer guilds which aren't entirely reliant on the leader to function. If everything goes quiet and there's no activity unless 1 specific person is online that's not a good sign to me. For a start it means unless my schedule matches theirs exactly (which will never happen) I'm going to be in a dead guild at least some of the time. But more importantly sooner or later something will happen to that person - they'll get a new job or a kid or their computer breaks down or they simply get burned out from being expected to always be online and always 'on' entertaining all these other people and quit the guild or the game and when that happens the entire guild is going to collapse because it's all reliant on the one person to function.

Unfortunately it's not always easy to identify guilds like that quickly, but when I've found myself in one I tend to assume it's going to collapse sooner or later and try not to expect too much from them.

Viewsfrom6ix

I'm a solo player and a trader and only join guilds for their trader.

What guilds attract me?
If they can consistently maintain a trader at a high traffic location.

What keeps me around?
If they can consistently maintain a trader at a high traffic location. I am leaving one today because we've gone from consistently in Vivec City to Leyawiin for two weeks in a row.

Dues and min sales don't bother me at all since my sales cover it naturally.

My guild chat is almost always turned off so I never notice if there are any drama or hostility.

francesinhalover

I have been kicked from every single guild i have been too, so i'm not sure anymore.
I guess trading guilds with low fees. those are useful. and guilds full of people in case i have a question.

whitecrow

I just like a social guild where the folks are nice and not uptight but not immature either. I've been in trial guilds, fishing guilds, trading guilds, but it's the people that matter the most.

Thannazzar

Dojohoda wrote: »

The absence of rl political talk.
The balance of positive/negative comments with it being more positive than negative.
The members being engaged in calls for grouping for group content and having many members online.

This, especially the first one, happy to hear about your build or ingame discussions but really not interested in guildies sociopolitical opinions.

A guild that makes bunny hopping a boot able offence always makes me want to stay too.

AuraoftheAzureSea

Thannazzar wrote: »

Dojohoda wrote: »

The absence of rl political talk.
The balance of positive/negative comments with it being more positive than negative.
The members being engaged in calls for grouping for group content and having many members online.

This, especially the first one, happy to hear about your build or ingame discussions but really not interested in guildies sociopolitical opinions.

A guild that makes bunny hopping a boot able offence always makes me want to stay too.

If a guild booted people for jumping around there's a real chance I would be compelled to do so until I was kicked. I just wouldn't be able to help myself.

LightYagami

If officers are friendly, I'll stay.
I don't like guilds keep making announcements in guild chat with bots and running guilds like companies with cold policies and no friendly interactions.

Ken_Koerperich

Please give me a list of NA PS5 Guilds that are "social, use in game chat, and dgaf" about attending "Night Events" since I play in the AM....

Thanks!

Icy_Waffles

I really am liking the feedback everyone. I’ve been following along. I appreciate the insight. Keep em coming!

omegatay_ESO

I use guilds for three reasons.. Free ports, the data I need for the trade market add-ons, and crafting tables. Don't do raffles, auctions (rip off usually, regardless the reason) etc.

PizzaCat82

Icy_Waffles wrote: »

Just curious. We all have had guild issues. I’m curious. What do you look for and what keeps you around?

I would stay in a guild that did things together. PVP, Trials. Hardmode dungeons. Leveling alts.

If we had a trader it would be great, if we didn't it wouldn't really matter. I'd donate to that guild. It'd be worth it.

Instead I'm in several trading guilds and several personal guilds. I pay my 15k a week. I don't participate in auctions. I don't participate in raffles or giveaways. I don't talk in the chat. No one wants to do trials or pvp.

Icy_Waffles

Great insights. It should be obvious to some I am considering making a guild. Trying to do some research before I launch it. Make sure my bases are covered.

notafinerughiss

Our lovely guild tabard

Ken_Koerperich

Some input considering other games I've played:

1) Free
2) Active Chat BUT not Political/Racial/Sexual....Game stuff ONLY
3) Actives in all Time Zones
4) Helpful Vets
5) Free Crafting Assistance
6) Events That Cover All Time Zones
7) Groups That Know How to Shard Run Quickly
8) Groups That Will Help Non PvP Oriented Players Get Content/Skills
9) In House/Guild Giving Of Gear, as Most Vets Don't Need The Stuff, nor the $$ from items
10) Casual Friendly

Remember, most players aren't HC, and are just in game to socialize, & leave their R/L shiiiit behind for a bit.

Good Luck!

oldbobdude

For me, two different needs. My trading guild is just that. They give me a trader in a decent spot and I give them income via their cut.

I also belong to a social guild. What I like about my guild is casual but doing dungeons and trials (normal, vet and hard). Enough experienced people to help along the lesser experienced by teaching mechanics and strategies.

Officers and rank and file are active in activities. Tonight we did all the DC world bosses and earned our weekly endeavor. Typically a normal and vet dungeon with pledges, and a trial. And one "overland" activity. Each week.

Lots of jokes and laughs on voice chat. Fun! That's what I'm looking to participate in.

LadyLethalla

As an Australian who can't find a guild in my timezone on PC EU, I can't join events (at least in winter time). But I'll stay in a guild with a lot of members who chat a lot in game.
I don't have time to keep up with Discord though, so if the majority of the socialising goes on there, I miss out.

newtinmpls

Well for the trading guild, I want a decent one with low or acceptable dues

For a social guild one where folks say hi have chats, have events and are basically friendly and reasonably cheerful in chat

For a PvP guild one that has events, is somewhat active, answers questions, gives advice when I need it and am clueless

And I got seduced by a fishing guild, because, well fishing - although there is a lot of overlap for social.

RevJJ

A good combination of "hardcore" and casual players, but only if the hardcore players are not dismissive of casual players but help them out.

Also, people who don't take themselves too seriously.

Starlight_Whisper

A cool name...I leave guilds with nonsensical names