How far did you already get into EA?

Billium813

Arc 5+

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I do agree that overall, the playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through the lower Arcs. However, there are still players reporting issues and struggles with Arc 2 and 3. I think many players who are voting in these low Arcs are struggling mostly from a solo perspective and that really changes the numbers. Solo is definitely harder then Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

MidniteOwl1913

Arc 2

Braffin wrote: »

MidniteOwl1913 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I'm pretty sure they have nerfed some of the bosses, maybe not Tho'at, but a number of the A-list random bosses.

I didn't notice any changes and read nothing about that in patch notes either (besides the adjustments to companions of course).

Probably you just got accustomed to those fights by practicing and therefore find them easier now.

Like many things I doubt they documented it. And it is hard to be completely objective, but I do believe that in the first arc at least, accommodations were made. For me, it's an order of magnitude easier but I only ever had problems with the randoms bosses.

Braffin

Arc 5+

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I do agree that overall, the playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through the lower Arcs. However, there are still players reporting issues and struggles with Arc 2 and 3. I think many players who are voting in these low Arcs are struggling mostly from a solo perspective and that really changes the numbers. Solo is definitely harder then Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

I agree, solo is definitely harder than duo or with companion. We see that on leaderboards for example and I dare to say, everyone who did both will confirm this impression.

There are also objective criteria for this statement, with being able to resurrect each other in a duo is only the most prominent example.

I don't think, that solo players are having more issues than players with companions. Sure it's harder to succeed, as you'll have less favourable mechanics at your disposal, while the only advantage you gain in doing so is to be qualified for solo leaderboards. People interested in this part of IA are usually highly skilled, most others will bring a companion imo.

That's why I think zos did right in specifically buffing companions and if further tweaks are necessary I'd also look for this group.

That's also a problem regarding polls btw: There are many players using companions and consider their runs solo. While that's not wrong regarding "not-multiplayer" (at least imo), it's not solo difficulty-wise but something in between the latter and a full human group. So I expect a poll regarding solo experience to be highly innaccurate.

Billium813

Arc 5+

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I do agree that overall, the playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through the lower Arcs. However, there are still players reporting issues and struggles with Arc 2 and 3. I think many players who are voting in these low Arcs are struggling mostly from a solo perspective and that really changes the numbers. Solo is definitely harder then Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

I don't think, that solo players are having more issues than players with companions. Sure it's harder to succeed, as you'll have less favourable mechanics at your disposal, while the only advantage you gain in doing so is to be qualified for solo leaderboards. People interested in this part of IA are usually highly skilled, most others will bring a companion imo.

That's why I think zos did right in specifically buffing companions and if further tweaks are necessary I'd also look for this group.

I will admit that I have no experience with IA with Companions. I just don't really like Companions in the first place, so I don't have any leveled or with gear. Plus, Companions are kind of a liability with their poor AI and more for newer players (in general). I would be interested in understanding how Companions hold up in IA with things like Marauders and most bosses, including Tho’ at Replicanum.

I just really think the whole picture matters and I'm interested in the heart of the issues players are having. When a player says they can't get past Arc 3 with a Companion, is it because Companions just can't Tank Tho’ at Replicanum? I mean, it makes sense because Companions LOVE standing in the bad, this fight has some high, ramping damage AOEs. Are Marauders an auto Thread loss? That makes sense too... It just seems like Companions may be setting players up for failure because they are INHERENTLY not able to complete Arc 3. Like they have an unavoidable expiration Arc... That's one point.

That's just companions though, which I see as little more then Solo+. True solo is also difficult. So you look at the poll results so far, you see a completion drop off at Arc 3-4 and almost 40% of players somehow stuck in Arcs 1-3. Sure, there are many reasons for that (like time being a big one where players just stop), but 40% is alot! Then, I start wondering how much of that 40% is solo players? Because an Arc 3 true Solo is not the same as an Arc 3 Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

What if that 40% was more like 10% if you take out solo? That would mean something like 80%+ players in Co-op (not companions imo) are getting to Arc 4+ just fine. That's interesting imo and goes to show how much harder Solo is.

Personally, I think Solo needs better rewards. Currently, you get the same Fortune return for more risk and challenge. Just my opinion.

Braffin

Arc 5+

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I do agree that overall, the playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through the lower Arcs. However, there are still players reporting issues and struggles with Arc 2 and 3. I think many players who are voting in these low Arcs are struggling mostly from a solo perspective and that really changes the numbers. Solo is definitely harder then Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

I don't think, that solo players are having more issues than players with companions. Sure it's harder to succeed, as you'll have less favourable mechanics at your disposal, while the only advantage you gain in doing so is to be qualified for solo leaderboards. People interested in this part of IA are usually highly skilled, most others will bring a companion imo.

That's why I think zos did right in specifically buffing companions and if further tweaks are necessary I'd also look for this group.

I will admit that I have no experience with IA with Companions. I just don't really like Companions in the first place, so I don't have any leveled or with gear. Plus, Companions are kind of a liability with their poor AI and more for newer players (in general). I would be interested in understanding how Companions hold up in IA with things like Marauders and most bosses, including Tho’ at Replicanum.

I just really think the whole picture matters and I'm interested in the heart of the issues players are having. When a player says they can't get past Arc 3 with a Companion, is it because Companions just can't Tank Tho’ at Replicanum? I mean, it makes sense because Companions LOVE standing in the bad, this fight has some high, ramping damage AOEs. Are Marauders an auto Thread loss? That makes sense too... It just seems like Companions may be setting players up for failure because they are INHERENTLY not able to complete Arc 3. Like they have an unavoidable expiration Arc... That's one point.

That's just companions though, which I see as little more then Solo+. True solo is also difficult. So you look at the poll results so far, you see a completion drop off at Arc 3-4 and almost 40% of players somehow stuck in Arcs 1-3. Sure, there are many reasons for that (like time being a big one where players just stop), but 40% is alot! Then, I start wondering how much of that 40% is solo players? Because an Arc 3 true Solo is not the same as an Arc 3 Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

What if that 40% was more like 10% if you take out solo? That would mean something like 80%+ players in Co-op (not companions imo) are getting to Arc 4+ just fine. That's interesting imo and goes to show how much harder Solo is.

Personally, I think Solo needs better rewards. Currently, you get the same Fortune return for more risk and challenge. Just my opinion.

We are in the same boat then, as I never use companions. I didn't even unlock their passive boons (or whatever they are called). Simply not interested.

The vids some players provided looked solid tho, with companions taking almost no dmg from standing in stupid. So it seems possible to build for that.

But, I can't test that for myself without levelling and equipping a companion.

Araneae6537

Arc 3

Wooo, now arc 5! Got Inkslayer tonight with Sharp at my side!

Braffin

Arc 5+

Araneae6537 wrote: »

Wooo, now arc 5! Got Inkslayer tonight with Sharp at my side!

Gratz to this well-deserved vistory!

Araneae6537

Arc 3

Braffin wrote: »

Araneae6537 wrote: »

Wooo, now arc 5! Got Inkslayer tonight with Sharp at my side!

Gratz to this well-deserved vistory!

Thank you! And thanks to the community that has given me so much advice and encouragement along the way!

Vulkunne

Arc 1

One of them little flying gnomes beat me up and ran off with my lunch money... em does that count?

Those little dudes are tougher than they look omg.

Ilsabet

Arc 3

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

Braffin wrote: »

Billium813 wrote: »

I really wish I could take something from this poll, but since Solo/Companion and Co-op are mixed together, I can't really read too much into the results here. I guess it's still interesting to see a majority of players are getting to Arc 5+, regardless of Solo or Co-op. I wonder how many that are getting stuck on Arc 2-4 are only voting as solo? Perhaps we need another poll so that players can specify and we can get new data since players are getting comfortable with how to run and may want to revote?

I disagree. While it would be interesting to see how far players are going solo/with companion/duo in their respective polls (feel free to create them btw), this options are available to all players (well, except companions. Access to them is gated behind specific chapters.). So I don't think it's necessary.

If a player decides to run solo exclusively, that's their decision and says nothing about IA itself. We also don't ask how far are players going without using any gear above green quality and a maximum of for example 240 CP, do we?

That said, the poll is highly outdated as a lot of participants already reached higher Arcs and reported their success.

Overall it's safe to state, that the general playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through lower Arcs after some struggles during the initial phase of learning and getting accustomed (which is expectable and unproblematic for more challenging content in general).

I do agree that overall, the playerbase doesn't have major issues with succeeding through the lower Arcs. However, there are still players reporting issues and struggles with Arc 2 and 3. I think many players who are voting in these low Arcs are struggling mostly from a solo perspective and that really changes the numbers. Solo is definitely harder then Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

I don't think, that solo players are having more issues than players with companions. Sure it's harder to succeed, as you'll have less favourable mechanics at your disposal, while the only advantage you gain in doing so is to be qualified for solo leaderboards. People interested in this part of IA are usually highly skilled, most others will bring a companion imo.

That's why I think zos did right in specifically buffing companions and if further tweaks are necessary I'd also look for this group.

That's just companions though, which I see as little more then Solo+. True solo is also difficult. So you look at the poll results so far, you see a completion drop off at Arc 3-4 and almost 40% of players somehow stuck in Arcs 1-3. Sure, there are many reasons for that (like time being a big one where players just stop), but 40% is alot! Then, I start wondering how much of that 40% is solo players? Because an Arc 3 true Solo is not the same as an Arc 3 Co-op with a dedicated Tank.

What if that 40% was more like 10% if you take out solo? That would mean something like 80%+ players in Co-op (not companions imo) are getting to Arc 4+ just fine. That's interesting imo and goes to show how much harder Solo is.

To add to your analysis, another element to consider is that "what's the farthest arc you've reached" can be very different from "what arc can you comfortably and consistently reach." My record is Arc 9 with a very strong dedicated tank, but I'm never going to get there again. Without a player partner I usually tap out somewhere in Arc 3 if I even bother to go that far after doing the daily. So any poll(s) that wanted to accurately gauge player progress would have to take a whole bunch of stuff into account.

Warhawke_80

Arc 1

It didn't take long for me to figure out it wasn't what I play MMORPG's for...but I'm glad some veteran players have more to do.

SilverBride

Arc 2

Another update - Got to and beat Arc 4 Tho'at with my friend today, so made it to Arc 5. I am getting much further than I thought I ever would.

AvalonRanger

Arc 3

Just I can't maintain my concentration more than 2 hour.
EA is too much long playing time length.
Once my partner player and me beat arc3 last boss, but mostly only 2arc.