Over 1000 mobs killed, 3000+ mats harvested, 35+ hours of gameplay, and I got 6 ink

CrashTest · June 13

This is a screenshot from two tracking addons I use. One addon tracks mobs killed across your entire account and the other tracks nodes harvested per character, so it doesn't show all the other mats I harvested on different characters and got zero ink. Also not shown is the mats I don't track with the addon, so I've pulled well over 3k mats total from non-survey nodes.

I got 0 from killing mobs. You can add another few hundred to the total kill count that the addon shows bc it doesn't show everything I've killed since unlocking ink drops. It only shows how many I've killed since installing the addon. I've killed all kinds of overland, dungeon, and trial mobs even 1hp trash critters. Not a single ink. I know bosses are broken, but are all mobs broken too?

I got all 6 inks from harvesting nodes. 2 of those 6 inks were double drops from a single node, so in reality only 4 nodes gave me ink.

Is this really working as intended? To spend nearly the equivalent of a real life work week playing and get so little ink?

Necrotech_Master · June 13

mobs are not broken, ive gotten 1 or 2 drops total from mobs, but thats also since i got scribing done on day 1 of release

based on some current estimates, the drop chance currently estimated that ive seen reported is 0.5%, but that honestly feels high for the insanely low drop chance of inks from npcs

random node harvesting seems to also be horrifically low, in my experience looting a number of random nodes between POIs and during quests yielded nothing, i had to spend at least 30 min doing nothing but farming nodes in craglorn and i got 2 drops (i got 2 nirncrux drops in the same time frame)

from what ive seen the drop rate on ink is equal or worse than that of nirncrux

Nharimlur_Finor · June 13

I don't understand what you're showing here. You say '3000' and that's what seems to tally with what you're shown.
Or did you mean 3000 nodes?

Necrotech_Master · June 13

LaintalAy wrote: »

I don't understand what you're showing here. You say '3000' and that's what seems to tally with what you're shown.
Or did you mean 3000 nodes?

3000 mats is ~600 nodes (5 units of mats per node without plentiful), there is some variation there, but i would assume around 500-600 nodes based on that mat supply

Nharimlur_Finor · June 13

CrashTest wrote: »

snip
so it doesn't show all the other mats I harvested on different characters and got zero ink. Also not shown is the mats I don't track with the addon, so I've pulled well over 3k mats total from non-survey nodes.
snip

The total picture of the results of 35 hours of harvesting mats remains unclear.
Based on the screenshot only, then 6 seems perfectly reasonable to me.

RomanRex · June 14

ink drops are horrendous. was made known in pts but nothing changed. boss drops are still not working iirc.

AndyMac · June 14

I've had 4 ink drop completely randomly during normal gameplay - one from a West Weald public dungeon mob, one from a Glenumbra public dungeon node, one from a random overworld node and one from an IC mob.

I'm not that concerned by the drop rate as the skills just don't seem that great tbh. I'm not seeing them featured by the build theorycrafters I follow - so I am happy to store my random drops up hoping for a Scribing buff that makes some of the skills actually worth slotting.

Orbital78 · June 14

I have so many inks I don't know what to do with them, I have been selling them to help support my trade guilds. Had stalls in Skingrad on launch, Poggers. Make sure you are slotting plentiful harvest and sacrifice a few monkey's or goats to appease the RNG gods. I have scored inks mostly from harvesting but I have found them killing random mobs, including the mobs that are on the path to the Scholarium. I and others have also found them from urns and other containers. The only thing is to wait and see what bosses will drop them and how often. If they make them much more common I may have to start deleting them or selling to vendors if the trade price goes down much more.

OsUfi · June 14

I have 12, all from the quest line? Played for 40+ hours since release. The ink grind is either really bad or broken on my account.

Either way, glad I wasn't to excited about scribing.

Dagoth_Rac · June 14

The same drop rate as potent nirncrux, but drops everywhere and from everything, not just Craglorn wood/ore/cloth nodes, sounds fine. Casual players are going to scribe the few skills they think sound cool, then never touch the scribing system again, but 1 out of every 200 nodes will continue to give them luminous ink until the heat death of the universe. Chapter's been out like a week. Unless ZOS add luminous ink to master writs or alchemy recipes or something, there is soon going to be lots of unwanted ink in the game economy. It will be like Kuta soon enough.

ArchMikem · June 14

I could venture a guess the intention behind the drop rate was so it forced players to view Scribing as a long term system, and not something you could easily max in a couple weeks or a month, and then get bored. I'm sure they are well aware just what kind of Grinders/Farmers that play this game.

EF321 · June 14

LaintalAy wrote: »

CrashTest wrote: »

snip
so it doesn't show all the other mats I harvested on different characters and got zero ink. Also not shown is the mats I don't track with the addon, so I've pulled well over 3k mats total from non-survey nodes.
snip

The total picture of the results of 35 hours of harvesting mats remains unclear.
Based on the screenshot only, then 6 seems perfectly reasonable to me.

Yep, misleading thread title.

Ardriel · June 14

Same awful droprate for me. 1 ink in 3 hours.

Please make it drop from crafting survey nodes. That would be very helpful. There are some players here who also have a real life and not 24h per day left for farming.

Ingroll · June 14

17 drops. 10 from nodes, 7 from mobs. Just questing, no grinding. Picking up ressources on the go.

Nharimlur_Finor · June 14

Ingroll wrote: »

17 drops. 10 from nodes, 7 from mobs. Just questing, no grinding. Picking up ressources on the go.

So no problem, then?

Mathius_Mordred · June 14

2 hours of node farming got me 17 inks from about 800 nodes. 1 ink from killing thousands of enemies and one from a steam vent in a delve. Nodes seem ok, mobs seem broken and we know bosses are broken.

Ingroll · June 14

LaintalAy wrote: »

Ingroll wrote: »

17 drops. 10 from nodes, 7 from mobs. Just questing, no grinding. Picking up ressources on the go.

So no problem, then?

I think the droprate is to low or there should be other sources to get them (rewards or other). But i think the availability will be bigger in a couple of weeks. I sold most of mine while the prices are high and plan to buy/find those i need when i have a plan regarding scribing. Hopefully drop rate will be adjusted at that time.

Aurielle · June 14

I love how everyone stating that node drops are fine are those who are having good luck. My experience has so far been more like the OP’s. Thousands of mobs killed, plenty of random nodes harvested between quest locations, many hours played, very little ink to show for it. The only time I got a decent number of ink drops was after spending 45 minutes in Bleakrock Isle doing my least favourite kind of “content” — mindless speed harvesting. I got five ink in that run (two of which were double drops from Plentiful Harvest, so it was technically only three drops).

Gating scribing behind two mostly RNG grinds is just infuriating. There are so many skill combos I’ve wanted to try, but have had to hold off on, due to the lack of ink (and the lack of scripts on my alts). The way scribing has been implemented is baffling.

“Thanks for the $40, here’s a new system for you! You can try it out fully a few months down the line, when you finally have all the scripts and ink you need. Enjoy your grind, and don’t forget to check out the Crown Store!”

licenturion · June 14

I have been doing my usual gameplay things 1 to 2 hours past week (since I unlocked scribing).

Haven't spend any ink yet, nor did I actually use scribing. I have collected 23 ink within plus minus 10 hours of standard gameplay.

Seems OK'ish too me personally. I don't use alts but when I use scribing I probably just need only a few things to enhance my build.

derkaiserliche · June 14

Dont forget that you can just buy inks too. They arent that expensive from guild traders.

Aurielle · June 14

licenturion wrote: »

I have been doing my usual gameplay things 1 to 2 hours past week (since I unlocked scribing).

Haven't spend any ink yet, nor did I actually use scribing. I have collected 23 ink within plus minus 10 hours of standard gameplay.

Seems OK'ish too me personally. I don't use alts but when I use scribing I probably just need only a few things to enhance my build.

Once again, another instance of someone saying it’s OK because they’re personally having decent luck.

This is the problem with RNG-based systems and insanely low drop rates. You’ve had a decent run of luck so far, but that could change for you. I’ve personally collected 11 ink in total with more total gameplay hours than you (not counting the initial 12 from the quest). You’ve gotten almost twice that amount… The system is pretty unfair.

DinoZavr · June 14

Considering ink drops per hour is that viable tactics: create new level 3 toon, do the quests, get 12 inks, delete toon, repeat?

Nharimlur_Finor · June 14

Aurielle wrote: »

I love how everyone stating that node drops are fine are those who are having good luck. My experience has so far been more like the OP’s. Thousands of mobs killed, plenty of random nodes harvested between quest locations, many hours played, very little ink to show for it. The only time I got a decent number of ink drops was after spending 45 minutes in Bleakrock Isle doing my least favourite kind of “content” — mindless speed harvesting. I got five ink in that run (two of which were double drops from Plentiful Harvest, so it was technically only three drops).

Gating scribing behind two mostly RNG grinds is just infuriating. There are so many skill combos I’ve wanted to try, but have had to hold off on, due to the lack of ink (and the lack of scripts on my alts). The way scribing has been implemented is baffling.

“Thanks for the $40, here’s a new system for you! You can try it out fully a few months down the line, when you finally have all the scripts and ink you need. Enjoy your grind, and don’t forget to check out the Crown Store!”

Just to clarify; I'm currently reinstalling my game. I don't plan on buying Gold Road anytime soon.
So, I'm not harvesting anything currently; nor selling anything.

No-one is forcing anyone to play in any manner whatsoever.

If you don't like the grind, stop and do something else.
If you think that the product is faulty, you could always apply for a refund.

licenturion · June 14

Aurielle wrote: »

licenturion wrote: »

I have been doing my usual gameplay things 1 to 2 hours past week (since I unlocked scribing).

Haven't spend any ink yet, nor did I actually use scribing. I have collected 23 ink within plus minus 10 hours of standard gameplay.

Seems OK'ish too me personally. I don't use alts but when I use scribing I probably just need only a few things to enhance my build.

Once again, another instance of someone saying it’s OK because they’re personally having decent luck.

This is the problem with RNG-based systems and insanely low drop rates. You’ve had a decent run of luck so far, but that could change for you. I’ve personally collected 12 ink in total with more total game play hours than you (not counting the initial 12 from the quest). You’ve gotten almost twice that amount… The system is pretty unfair.

I put 'personally' in bold for a reason...

I do find it a bit weird people seem to want to have everything unlocked one week after release. Console players don't have the DLC yet.

Did people get all the antiquities in week one for example? Or did you get all your companions max level in the first week? This expansion is supposed to be the main content for almost a whole year for most players. I think people aren't supposed to have done everything within a week in an MMO. I also don't think you need all the skills or items all at once at the same time. By the time you have experimented with one thing for a while you probably have enough ink to try something else. Or is it you just want to 'fill bars' as quickly as possible to feel satisfied?

But again, this is my personal thought. I acknowledge other people feel different about this.

Pelanora · June 14

LaintalAy wrote: »

Aurielle wrote: »

I love how everyone stating that node drops are fine are those who are having good luck. My experience has so far been more like the OP’s. Thousands of mobs killed, plenty of random nodes harvested between quest locations, many hours played, very little ink to show for it. The only time I got a decent number of ink drops was after spending 45 minutes in Bleakrock Isle doing my least favourite kind of “content” — mindless speed harvesting. I got five ink in that run (two of which were double drops from Plentiful Harvest, so it was technically only three drops).

Gating scribing behind two mostly RNG grinds is just infuriating. There are so many skill combos I’ve wanted to try, but have had to hold off on, due to the lack of ink (and the lack of scripts on my alts). The way scribing has been implemented is baffling.

“Thanks for the $40, here’s a new system for you! You can try it out fully a few months down the line, when you finally have all the scripts and ink you need. Enjoy your grind, and don’t forget to check out the Crown Store!”

Just to clarify; I'm currently reinstalling my game. I don't plan on buying Gold Road anytime soon.
So, I'm not harvesting anything currently; nor selling anything.

No-one is forcing anyone to play in any manner whatsoever.

If you don't like the grind, stop and do something else.
If you think that the product is faulty, you could always apply for a refund.

why are you on this thread

Anifaas · June 14

derkaiserliche wrote: »

Dont forget that you can just buy inks too. They arent that expensive from guild traders.

150k to 250k per ink according to Tamriel Trade Centre this morning.

Ingroll · June 14

Anifaas wrote: »

150k to 250k per ink according to Tamriel Trade Centre this morning.

Starting at 39k if you sort by price.

EDIT: EU price

Grizzbeorn · June 14

I've had one drop from a mob, one from a backpack, and one from an urn; three total ink drops.

Nothing from resource nodes, yet, and I grab every one I see.
Does ink drop from all resource nodes? Runestones, Ore and Seams, Wood, Cloth-plants, Alchemy (mushrooms, flowers, water nodes)?

Nharimlur_Finor · June 14

Pelanora wrote: »

LaintalAy wrote: »

Aurielle wrote: »

I love how everyone stating that node drops are fine are those who are having good luck. My experience has so far been more like the OP’s. Thousands of mobs killed, plenty of random nodes harvested between quest locations, many hours played, very little ink to show for it. The only time I got a decent number of ink drops was after spending 45 minutes in Bleakrock Isle doing my least favourite kind of “content” — mindless speed harvesting. I got five ink in that run (two of which were double drops from Plentiful Harvest, so it was technically only three drops).

Gating scribing behind two mostly RNG grinds is just infuriating. There are so many skill combos I’ve wanted to try, but have had to hold off on, due to the lack of ink (and the lack of scripts on my alts). The way scribing has been implemented is baffling.

“Thanks for the $40, here’s a new system for you! You can try it out fully a few months down the line, when you finally have all the scripts and ink you need. Enjoy your grind, and don’t forget to check out the Crown Store!”

Just to clarify; I'm currently reinstalling my game. I don't plan on buying Gold Road anytime soon.
So, I'm not harvesting anything currently; nor selling anything.

No-one is forcing anyone to play in any manner whatsoever.

If you don't like the grind, stop and do something else.
If you think that the product is faulty, you could always apply for a refund.

why are you on this thread

To experience this hysterical over-reaction:

Ingroll wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

150k to 250k per ink according to Tamriel Trade Centre this morning.

Starting at 39k if you sort by price.

EDIT: EU price

Neither poster has clarified if these are actual sales; or just speculative listings.

Players are spoiled for choice:

Pay 200K+ and have it now.
Pay 39K and have it now.
Run around like headless chooks and maybe find one for nothing.
Sit at home not participating

Whilst it's not listed, 6 days in hospital with pancreatitis is an option, just not recommended by anyone.

Drinks_from_Ponds · June 14

The ink drop rates are fine as they are. We need people to play the game and giving everything away right away drives players away.

Aurielle · June 14

licenturion wrote: »

Aurielle wrote: »

licenturion wrote: »

I have been doing my usual gameplay things 1 to 2 hours past week (since I unlocked scribing).

Haven't spend any ink yet, nor did I actually use scribing. I have collected 23 ink within plus minus 10 hours of standard gameplay.

Seems OK'ish too me personally. I don't use alts but when I use scribing I probably just need only a few things to enhance my build.

Once again, another instance of someone saying it’s OK because they’re personally having decent luck.

This is the problem with RNG-based systems and insanely low drop rates. You’ve had a decent run of luck so far, but that could change for you. I’ve personally collected 12 ink in total with more total game play hours than you (not counting the initial 12 from the quest). You’ve gotten almost twice that amount… The system is pretty unfair.

I put 'personally' in bold for a reason...

I do find it a bit weird people seem to want to have everything unlocked one week after release. Console players don't have the DLC yet.

Did people get all the antiquities in week one for example? Or did you get all your companions max level in the first week? This expansion is supposed to be the main content for almost a whole year for most players. I think people aren't supposed to have done everything within a week in an MMO. I also don't think you need all the skills or items all at once at the same time. By the time you have experimented with one thing for a while you probably have enough ink to try something else. Or is it you just want to 'fill bars' as quickly as possible to feel satisfied?

But again, this is my personal thought. I acknowledge other people feel different about this.

I don’t expect to have it ALL unlocked at once, but I do expect to be able to do at least SOME experimentation at this point. After a week, I’m only able to scribe a whopping 7 combinations (edit: oops, 6 — only have 20 ink) on my main. The alts all have to wait until I start getting duplicate scripts. There are close to 4000 possible combinations with the current system…. At this rate, how am I ever going to even begin to test out the most viable skills for my builds for my main and 6 alts, even after a year of Gold Road’s release? Then you have to consider that they’re planning to add more grimoires and scripts with future content…

If they want people to actually use this system and play around with it, the drop rate has to increase.