Veteran Dungeons Aren't as Bad as I thought

Tornaad

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

FeedbackOnly

Try them in scale on how they are listed. Kepo building yourself up

Tornaad

FeedbackOnly wrote: »

Try them in scale on how they are listed. Kepo building yourself up

I had strong groups for most of the dungeons, even with the Hard mode on, but when I got to the Depths of Malatar, I was running with a much weaker group and the party died a few times just from the mobs (and random AOE's). That time we did not do the hard mode. I think every other dungeon we did the hard mode.

While I expect to still have many runs like that, I am fine with starting to run Veteran Dungeons on a regular basis.

FeedbackOnly

Zuboko wrote: »

FeedbackOnly wrote: »

Try them in scale on how they are listed. Kepo building yourself up

I had strong groups for most of the dungeons, even with the Hard mode on, but when I got to the Depths of Malatar, I was running with a much weaker group and the party died a few times just from the mobs (and random AOE's). That time we did not do the hard mode. I think every other dungeon we did the hard mode.

While I expect to still have many runs like that, I am fine with starting to run Veteran Dungeons on a regular basis.

They are fun.

Jeremy

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

It depends on the specific dungeon. Not all veteran dungeons are created equal. Some are relatively easy where as others are pretty rough. So I'd be curious to know which one you did.

As far as Depths of Malatar, it might not have just been that you had a weaker group. Because that dungeon is pretty difficult with some hard hitting attacks and demanding mechanics. The challenge is all over the place when it comes to Veteran dungeons. They really need to be separated into two different categories so players can better judge what they're getting into.

jedtb16_ESO

FeedbackOnly wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

FeedbackOnly wrote: »

Try them in scale on how they are listed. Kepo building yourself up

I had strong groups for most of the dungeons, even with the Hard mode on, but when I got to the Depths of Malatar, I was running with a much weaker group and the party died a few times just from the mobs (and random AOE's). That time we did not do the hard mode. I think every other dungeon we did the hard mode.

While I expect to still have many runs like that, I am fine with starting to run Veteran Dungeons on a regular basis.

They are fun.

yup they are. run with a good team.

colossalvoids

Welcome to the fun part!:)

They're not as hard as some people like to paint, especially after years of release when half the group is very familiar with encounters. I'd even suggest going the day of release when 99% of players have zero idea of what's coming, the time I like the most personally for pugging.

Grandchamp1989

Zuboko wrote: »

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage

Applauds for facing your fears and doing a vet dungeon.
ideally you'd want to buy a 3 million dummy for ingame gold and hit it till it dies. That will give you a number.
If your number is 20k or higher you're in a decent spot.

Less than 15k I personly wouldn't put my team mates through a vet run unless I'm a tank or healer.

PrimusTiberius

They're not when everyone is doing their job and understands mechanics, they're actually quite fun, just keep that in mind when when reading the forums

Curryganz

had to go through a couple of them, COA2 and Scalecaller for the masks and yeah, they were fun. Scalecaller took forever though. Tried to solo FG1 on Vet, could probabvly have done it but it would have taken like, one hour. Nah

Remathilis

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Sylvermynx

Nice for you! I just don't have any interest remaining in group content of any kind - burned out completely in my decade in other games.

Endgame for me is crafting and housing.

ixthUA

Base game vet dungeons mostly have no challenge, just more HP for bosses. 150-250 cp DDs, doing 7-10k DPS, have no trouble completing them. And if its vet DLC they usually fail after 1st or 2nd boss, due to lack of DPS.

Grandchamp1989

ixthUA wrote: »

Base game vet dungeons mostly have no challenge, just more HP for bosses. 150-250 cp DDs, doing 7-10k DPS, have no trouble completing them. And if its vet DLC they usually fail after 1st or 2nd boss, due to lack of DPS.

Just imagine a 14k group DPS in vet City of Ash 2 xD

Would take the better half of an afternoon.

Chapilliams

ixthUA wrote: »

Base game vet dungeons mostly have no challenge, just more HP for bosses. 150-250 cp DDs, doing 7-10k DPS, have no trouble completing them. And if its vet DLC they usually fail after 1st or 2nd boss, due to lack of DPS.

7-10K dps. Jeez! Do you have hours to waste on one dungeon? xD

Nestor

Original Zone Vet Dungeons are a fun Challenge. Bring a Trinity.
Original Zone Vet II Dungeons are much harder, if you ignore mechanics. Your Tank and Healer need to know what they are doing.
DLC Vet Dungeons, bring your A Game and have a group with a real tight Trinity role, best if you run with a group you know.

Trinity means Healer, DPS and Tank

ixthUA

Chapilliams wrote: »

7-10K dps. Jeez! Do you have hours to waste on one dungeon? xD

Average 40 minutes.
But in normal dungeons situation is worse.
Fake tank who ignores trash and rushes to the boss, dies, rushes again.
2 newbie DDs who cannot keep up and not sure where to run, occasionally dying to trash.
Me not sure what to do.

Oreyn_Bearclaw

Remathilis wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Jump into VMA. It will be rough, but you will be an infinitely better player on the other side of it. You can't be carried through VMA (not suggesting you were in other stuff, but the point stands), and it really will make sure you have a grasp on the game mechanics needed for just about any PVE content. After that, "vet" wont scare you anymore. It will just be what you run.

Tornaad

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Remathilis wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Jump into VMA. It will be rough, but you will be an infinitely better player on the other side of it. You can't be carried through VMA (not suggesting you were in other stuff, but the point stands), and it really will make sure you have a grasp on the game mechanics needed for just about any PVE content. After that, "vet" wont scare you anymore. It will just be what you run.

I've been heavily thinking about that, I just want to figure out what works for me and my playstyle as a good build first. I've been a very casual player.

Grandchamp1989

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Remathilis wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Jump into VMA. It will be rough, but you will be an infinitely better player on the other side of it. You can't be carried through VMA (not suggesting you were in other stuff, but the point stands), and it really will make sure you have a grasp on the game mechanics needed for just about any PVE content. After that, "vet" wont scare you anymore. It will just be what you run.

Excellent advice.
Clearing vMA makes you a much more complete fighter.

Personly I think clearing vMA or vVH should be mandatory for DDs before they que for vet.

Oreyn_Bearclaw

Zuboko wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Remathilis wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Jump into VMA. It will be rough, but you will be an infinitely better player on the other side of it. You can't be carried through VMA (not suggesting you were in other stuff, but the point stands), and it really will make sure you have a grasp on the game mechanics needed for just about any PVE content. After that, "vet" wont scare you anymore. It will just be what you run.

I've been heavily thinking about that, I just want to figure out what works for me and my playstyle as a good build first. I've been a very casual player.

Do it. Dont go in with some off the wall build. Use a proven build for you class, and take it slow. Come prepared with gear, food and potions. Take it a few rounds/stages at a time. Worst thing that happens, you die. Nobody will know or care. I don't want to turn this into a VMA guide, but certainly reach out if you get stuck. Some general advice beyond coming prepared:

-Each stage has a unique mechanic that will kill you. Identify it and respect it. If you cant identify it, google it. Heck, here they are:

--Stage 1 - Moving ground AOE, dont stand in it.
--Stage 2 - Spinning blades, levers stop them.
--Stage 3 - Stranglers and electric water, kill them fast.
--Stage 4 - Spheres that go to the center, kill before they get a shield and start shooting you
--Stage 5 - Trolls that break islands, kill them fast.
--Stage 6 - Pillar/web mechanic (this one is probably the most complicated), use hoarvers to uncover pillars.
--Stage 7 - Poison Mushrooms (probably the most random, RNG, based), dont get hit by them, if you do, cleanse at pool.
--Stage 8 - Take out pillars before boss/mini boss rounds, interrupt flame spinners
--Stage 9 - Gold Ghosts, collect three for a massive AOE stun, also Crem guards are a pain at first, circle and make them a high priority.

-Always look at your death cap. You can't adjust if you don't know what is killing you.
-Use the sigils. No shame in using them early on. They respawn each round, so use them frequently. By your third or 4th clear, you will probably forget they are even there.
-Take it slow. Don't play angry or tired. It saves progress between stages, so if you hit a wall, take a break.
-Best Defense is a good offense. No, don't go in on a glass cannon the first time, but favor offense. Just be sure you have a good passive heal, and a good burst heal or shield.
-Kill Priority is important. As a general rule, Stage mechanics, Healers, Archers, Mages, Melee 2h/DW, Sword+Board, in that order.
-Stand your ground. Most stages of the arena are best tackled by camping one spawn point with 2-3 ground DOTs, and ranging other adds as they come to you.
-Roll dodge is life. No, dont spam it, but If you find yourself taking a lot of ranged damage, one roll dodge buys you 2 seconds of immunity. Use it wisely.
-Ring of Pale Order is really handy. Probably a good argument to actually learn without it, but that might be a little masochistic these days. Haha

Once you clear VMA, your combat skills will be infinitely better in both PVP and PVE. There is no better training tool in this game. I think it is better for that purpose than Vateshran. One thing Vateshran has the VMA doesnt is a necessity for a little more sustained DPS, VMA favors burst, but ultimately, I think vet Vateshran is easier and doesnt do as good a job of teaching you the other areas of combat. I would recommend starting with VMA.

Oreyn_Bearclaw

Grandchamp1989 wrote: »

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

Remathilis wrote: »

Zuboko wrote: »

I started playing ESO in August 2016, and until this weekend I had only ran one veteran dungeon, but I don't count that one because I did almost nothing and the group, I ran with just wanted to run another dungeon and I was simply along for the ride.

ESO is the First MMO I have ever played, and it will likely also be the only MMO I will ever play. So, when I got started and heard about how hard veteran content was, I set an unreasonably high standard for what I felt I should do before running veteran content. I wanted to run through every dungeon on normal level without dying before I tried a single veteran dungeon. Over time, that evolved to wanting to run as many normal group dungeons as I could solo before running any veteran dungeons.

This weekend on a whim, (despite not being anywhere near my goal) I went ahead and tried veteran dungeons, technically, for running my pledges (something I rarely do) I decided to queue up for both the normal and veteran versions of the dungeon. And as I was running through the dungeon, I even ran through most of the last bosses on hard mode and I did alright.

Sure, I felt like I was a new player again, struggling to do any damage, but I don't really have an optimized build so that is to be expected.

So, to anyone out there also new to the MMO genre, I will just say, don't be afraid to push a little and try something you think you are not ready for. The worst that can happen is you die a few times and confirm what you fear. The best that can happen is you open a whole new part of the game for yourself and have a load of fun in the process.

I'm like you; I have avoided Vet content up to this last undaunted. I was afraid since I have difficulty weaving that I'd be a liability. However, I'm at 1300 cp, have a monster set (bought from the gold vendor), trial gear (farmed on normal), a maelstrom staff (farmed on normal) and all gold everything but jewelry. I figured I couldn't be all that big a drag.

Random dungeon. First try: Fang Lair.

I ran it. I died several times to mechanics. I chugged expensive potions on cool down. And I had some great pug players helping out. So we did it after a few wipes to the dragon. I survived.

After that, I've done the pledge vet dungeons of the day for all but the DLC dungeon. I'm not dying, except to total wipes and resetting for glorious scrolls, and I'm having fun. Not sure about vet trials or arenas yet, but I've made the jump to vet dungeons at least.

Jump into VMA. It will be rough, but you will be an infinitely better player on the other side of it. You can't be carried through VMA (not suggesting you were in other stuff, but the point stands), and it really will make sure you have a grasp on the game mechanics needed for just about any PVE content. After that, "vet" wont scare you anymore. It will just be what you run.

Excellent advice.
Clearing vMA makes you a much more complete fighter.

Personly I think clearing vMA or vVH should be mandatory for DDs before they que for vet.

Will never happen, but you aren't wrong. Vet Dungeon Finder would be a much better place if stormproof was a barrier to entry.