Today in ESO...

Phinix1 · June 2014

I started off leveling a bit in Shadowfen (solo'd a Wamasu along the way :P), then headed to Craglorn for the first time and quickly joined a group of 12 people running anomalies which leveled me ~600k in about an hour and allowed me to start using my veteran level 5 spell crit, health, and mana pots.

I then looted my first higher level motif (barbaric) from a random container in the Argonian city in Shadowfen, and while celebrating in chat noticed a friend had congratulated me. We subsequently grouped up, did some world bosses, dolmens, and public dungeons we hadn't done. We met another cool person on the way, and proceeded to hop over to Eastmarch and did the Hall of the Dead which was a total blast.

I also began to reconsider my previous position on veteran dungeons being way too hard when something suddenly occurred to me: I was ALWAYS the last in my pug to die, and when I did it was by standing there taking it because my group had died AGAIN. I seemed to be the only one blocking or roll dodging. I seemed to be the only one not dying to spider venom puddles or other avoidable mechanics.

I seemed to always be the one tanking even though I am a Sorcerer not spec'd for it (and no, not because I run around mindlessly attacking stuff). I also seemed to be doing about half of the healing even though again, I am not really spec'd for it. I have great CC (Restraining Prison, Crystal Fragments) and a pretty high crit rate (around 55% when things are in my CC), and between that and my vampire drain and bats, or Illustrious/Healing Ward and Atronach, Daedric Mines and Ward, I can tie up a lot of stuff to help ease pressure on the group.

I realize that while I am not the greatest mage in Tamriel I am reasonably skilled, and have just been getting stuck with really lousy pug experiences. Some day, I hope to meet some people that like running the veteran dungeons and really know what they are doing, because I am sure then I would enjoy those more as well.

As for Craglorn I am glad it is there for when I need to grind out the last of a level, and the group content is always fun.

I am also glad I have yet to even visit Cyrodiil at Veteran level 5, because when I do reach Veteran 12 it will be something new and will hopefully carry me over until they release more raiding, PVE, and RP type content like Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild.

Overall I am feeling pretty good about the future of the game. I hope the team aren't too disheartened by all the negativity (read: posts that say things like "this game is ***", "FTP in 10...", etc. For the record I DO support CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, and people with opinions of how to make things better.

).

<with everything else wrong with the world today> ... for me, ESO does make it a little brighter.

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Inappropriate Content and Language]

mndfreeze · June 2014

After all that reading all I got to say is.

I concur.

Srugzal · June 2014

Know what? I'll bet your experience is typical. When you're around idiots who pay no attention to game mechanics & combat tactics, you have a hard time. When you're with people who have a clue, it's a great ride. You have complete freedom to go where you want, do what you want, and seek out adventures.

Wow! That sure sounds like a well designed MMO, doesn't it? Funny thing about that...

stefan.gustavsonb16_ESO · June 2014

I have no problems enjoying group play, as long as the group is reasonably competent at playing or at least willing to learn. The group content of this game at VR levels is still fun. Yes, it's a bit over the top in terms of regular mob damage and health, but bring a few friends or hope for a good pug and it's perfectly possible to run the dungeons and have fun.

It's the taxing and humiliating solo PvE that wears me down. With the mostly deserted VR zones and the phasing system that requires any human companions to be on the exact same quest stage as I am to be able to help out, I have few other options than to do PvE solo.

I am still having a very good time with this game, but not by playing it the way it was meant to be played. I do not find VR zones the least bit fun, so I avoid them.

But please note that I do play on an almost daily basis, and I find lots of things to like about the game. I'm not a hater, but not an apologist either. There's no need to pretend that all is well, but I certainly don't feel like unsubscribing. Not just yet even if it stays exactly like this, and not for quite some time if things improve, as I hope they will.

twev · June 2014

I'm not the smartest or bestest player around, by far, but on average:
I live longer when I solo than a lot of the times that I've tried to team up with people (friends) and especially with random pugs.

There are times I either don't know what to do next, or how to handle a situation the most efficiently, but there sure do seem to be a lot of people who just don't pay attention or act like they have the slightest desire for the group to survive.

Again, I'm not the best, but I sure could use an NPC like 'Indaenir' from "The Blight of the Bosmer" quest backing me up more often than a lot of the players who claim to be actual people.

Blackwidow · June 2014

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

I hope the team aren't too disheartened by all the negativity.

Yes, let's hope the devs feel good about the job they have done so far, because rewarding mediocrity is what we do now.

I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO.

That does not take away the fact this game needs a lot of work. Calling posts that point out problems as negative is one of the problems on this forum.

Trying to fix the game is a positive thing.

nerevarine1138 · June 2014

Blackwidow wrote: »

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

I hope the team aren't too disheartened by all the negativity.

Yes, let's hope the devs feel good about the job they have done so far, because rewarding mediocrity is what we do now.

I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO.

That does not take away the fact this game needs a lot of work. Calling posts that point out problems as negative is one of the problems on this forum.

Trying to fix the game is a positive thing.

Relentlessly nitpicking subjective points of taste/opinion isn't a positive thing. It creates a toxic community and makes the developers' jobs a lot harder.

Blackwidow · June 2014

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Relentlessly nitpicking subjective points of taste/opinion isn't a positive thing.

Ironic, because that is what happens when people defend ESO blindly.

It creates a toxic community and makes the developers' jobs a lot harder.

Yes, it does.

KariTR · June 2014

Blackwidow, there is a difference between discussing negative issues, constructively, on threads made for that purpose and deliberate pissing on someone cornflakes just because they are having a good day in game.

@OP I had a good morning too. Got into game and grouped up with another few randoms for a Dolmen and it went so well we stayed together for another couple along with world bosses. And all that before 8am!

reggielee · June 2014

nice positive post and I am glad to hear you had a great gaming day. we all love it when our days go like that too.

then the rest of your post began to be a bit braggarty, I'm glad you have a build that works for you and you think you can handle game mechanics, but perhaps you havent come up against vet levels that can tax you yet. then perhaps you wont be so smug when you are doing everything as correctly as you can but it still doesnt work, maybe due to class nerfs, changes or unexpected glitches with your skills. and maybe just maybe you are shining due to some buff or synergy from your lousy pug groups/healers/mates.

I mean seriously... kudos to having a great time but you are not a god to gaming

Tavore1138 · June 2014

Did a handful of quests around Windhelm but I am limiting myself to just a few as I only have two areas left.

Got good refining luck with a couple of golds for metal & cloth.

Joined a couple of raids in Cyrodiil and scored a couple of kills.

Solo'd a lowish level dolmen for fun while farming ingredients.

Need to go and get a dungeon ticked off...

Ninnghizhidda · June 2014

It is always great to be with good people / friends / buddies in just any MMO, even the most grindy, pay-to-win cr*p out there, it makes all the difference.

Yes, ESO has its issues, we all know this now. But I will freely agree, that even so, playing through it with good company can make all the troubles look insignificant. Playing alone or with "bad" people just amplifies the sour experience. Like everywhere else.

Blackwidow · June 2014

KariTR wrote: »

Blackwidow, there is a difference between discussing negative issues, constructively, on threads made for that purpose and deliberate pissing on someone cornflakes just because they are having a good day in game.

Yes, there is. Do you know the difference?

He posted the comment about the negative posts. He could have left that out and it would have just been a nice story, but in the end he went negative.

I didn't *** all over his story. I even said, "I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO."

You guys need to let people speak their mind without attacking them.

If you notice, I never said one negative thing about the poster or his story.

Mablung · June 2014

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Blackwidow wrote: »

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

I hope the team aren't too disheartened by all the negativity.

Yes, let's hope the devs feel good about the job they have done so far, because rewarding mediocrity is what we do now.

I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO.

That does not take away the fact this game needs a lot of work. Calling posts that point out problems as negative is one of the problems on this forum.

Trying to fix the game is a positive thing.

Relentlessly nitpicking subjective points of taste/opinion isn't a positive thing. It creates a toxic community and makes the developers' jobs a lot harder.

And yet this is something you consistently do....

Phinix1 · June 2014

Blackwidow wrote: »

KariTR wrote: »

Blackwidow, there is a difference between discussing negative issues, constructively, on threads made for that purpose and deliberate pissing on someone cornflakes just because they are having a good day in game.

Yes, there is. Do you know the difference?

He posted the comment about the negative posts. He could have left that out and it would have just been a nice story, but in the end he went negative.

I didn't *** all over his story. I even said, "I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO."

You guys need to let people speak their mind without attacking them.

If you notice, I never said one negative thing about the poster or his story.

KariTR took the words out of my mouth. There is a fine line. I have no problem with constructive criticism, in fact I encourage it, and I don't even consider it to be "negative." I think most people would agree which is why I sort of left that to be taken for granted and didn't feel the need to derail another thread going into specific details and potential flame wars about what I specifically meant by "negativity" (which is what I said), NOT "negative posts" which is what you read.

Here is the thing though. When people get overly defensive and feel the need to come onto other people's threads and nitpick semantics like the whole world needs to hear what you have to say on every single post, it tends to get irritating and that fine line begins to get a little fuzzy.

As a man, sometimes you have to be strong enough of character to know when to let things go. I am not posting a fanboi rant here, I am not defending the company as being without blemish or saying nothing else needs to be fixed. Read some of my other posts. I get just as frustrated as anyone and have posted MANY suggestions for making things better.

But this isn't the sort of conversation that needs to be jumped on for not being constructively critical enough. This is the sort of post that I would say, unless you wanted to share something YOU enjoyed in the game, should probably just be skimmed over and then moved on from.

It takes a strong person with character to be able to see an opportunity to post something not related to the topic and will themselves not to. To let something go, and find a more appropriate place for your personal feelings and insights. Like YOUR OWN thread for example? If you have these strong feelings and insights, maybe you should make your own thread, that way people won't get offended by you posting off-topic reminders in theirs? People might respect you more for it, and you will be prouder of yourself in the long run.

Let me as you this. Why does every thread regardless of the topic have to be reminded that it is OK to be negative? No one is disputing this. If you actually read what I said I was casually commenting about NEGATIVITY, not "negative posts." Nothing to defend here, you simply misread what I said.

Have a nice day!

Worstluck · June 2014

Today in ESO..I logged on my VR12 to check my research. Opened the Cyrodiil map and saw my faction owned all keeps. I then realized that I have nothing to do with that character. Logged on my VR3 alt, feed his horse, collected some herbs, logged off. No desire to go through VR leveling again in it's current state. Logged on my low level alt, played for an hour...and then logged off.

I used to have your experience OP, it was great. I wish I could have it again

Phinix1 · June 2014

Worstluck wrote: »

No desire to go through VR leveling again in it's current state.

See, I am the exact opposite. I actually look forward to making alts.

I can see how some people might hit level cap and then feel burned out because there aren't any WoW style raids yet, and I look forward to these things as well. Still, I'm pretty happy with what IS available so far.

Try hitting some random dolmens and group public dungeons just to break things up a bit. These are really fun IMO.

Keep in mind, this is still only month 3. I am certain there will be massive 25+ raids in the future that people who crave this content can sink their teeth into.

ZOS_TristanK · June 2014

Hi, all. We want to pop in and remind everyone to please keep the conversation on topic and civil. We know that there will always be differences of opinions on the forums, please try and keep the conversation focused. As you are all aware, we do appreciate all constructive feedback from our players, and find great value in both the positive and the negative.

Blackwidow · June 2014

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

As a man, sometimes you have to be strong enough of character to know when to let things go.

Yet, you make a wall of post about this.

It takes a strong person with character to be able to see an opportunity to post something not related to the topic and will themselves not to.

It was on topic. I responded to something you said.

Why does every thread regardless of the topic have to be reminded that it is OK to be negative?

I don't think it is okay to be negative.

I see you took the time to throw a fit about my one post, but did not take the time to actually read it.

I was casually commenting about NEGATIVITY, not "negative posts."

Explain the difference.

Worstluck · June 2014

I did that already. I read all the quests, the lorebooks etc, got my Tamriel Hero, Savior of Nirn and Explorer titles. When I went through VR content the first time, it was a lot more balanced, and you didn't have bandits throwing daggers at you for 900 damage. Patch 1.1.2 messed a lot of things up. I am a hardcore ES player since Morrowind and make some mods too, but this game does not have the same feel to it for me. When Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood get implemented, I will be excited again.

Csub · June 2014

It took me several attempts before I got a group with which we could finish my first veteran dungeon

Phinix1 · June 2014

Csub wrote: »

It took me several attempts before I got a group with which we could finish my first veteran dungeon

Honestly, I think I will hold off doing any more veteran dungeons until I have a group of friends together I know well enough to be confident in their abilities. Trying to run veteran dungeons with pugs is one sure way to burn yourself out on this game fast! XD

Alphashado · June 2014

I actually really enjoy ESO Veteran content when I have a friend with me. Its feels right. Trash mobs seem to be perfectly balanced for two people that want a moderate challenge, yet aren't required to play perfectly in order to survive. It leaves a margin for error and therefor creates a more relaxed gaming experience. Even group content like zone bosses or Dark Anchors feel right. And they are a lot of fun and very enjoyable to me.

The problem is that people sometimes want to quest/explore alone. They don't always want to be in a group. They don't always want to ask for help. Nor should they. ESO offers nothing after lvl 50 for solo players except an endless grind through over tuned mobs that are more suited for a duo.

And even worse, Husbands and wives, friends and loved ones that want to help each other with quests often can't due to the way the game is phased. So not only are some aspects forcing you to solo, but you are forced to solo through difficult intense content.

The crux of the situation is that a good MMO offers something reasonable for both group and solo play. ESO has gotten it all mixed up. And that is why people are leaving.

Alurria · June 2014

Glad you are having a good time OP, that's what the game is suppose to do. Entertain you, I bet it makes the creators of this game feel good to know that many of us are having fun. Ignore the sprinkle of negativity....some people aren't happy if they are not seeming to suffer.

Cogo · June 2014

Great read OP. Could been nicer to "negative" posts though. Right or wrong, everyone should be able to voice their view. Even if some posts wants to transform ESO to WoW :-p

I have a great time in the game. 1-50 and even better at Vet 1, WOW! I really had to rethink and get even better to perform now.

One main problem in ESO, is not ESOs fault. This is an MMO, but people seams to have forgotten how to make a group without a group tool.

I started at launch, and I grouped through all levels, and now at Vet1, I group as well.

There is NO problem getting a group, if you simply try to get one. You know, try yourself, ask people, friends, guild, unknown, me?

jimbomobo · June 2014

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

Overall I am feeling pretty good about the future of the game. I hope the team aren't too disheartened by all the negativity.[/i][/b]

If you go to any MMO official game forum it's all the same. I think they know what's a genuine concern from someone who wants to play the game for what it is and a whine from someone who wants to play the game for what it's not (hopefully lol).

Blackwidow · June 2014

Cogo wrote: »

Great read OP. Could been nicer to "negative" posts though. Right or wrong, everyone should be able to voice their view. Even if some posts wants to transform ESO to WoW :-p

True story.

I have a great time in the game. 1-50 and even better at Vet 1, WOW! I really had to rethink and get even better to perform now.

What are you doing at Vet 1?

One main problem in ESO, is not ESOs fault. This is an MMO, but people seemed to have forgotten how to make a group without a group tool.

True, but a good tool would be nice.

I started at launch, and I grouped through all levels, and now at Vet1, I group as well.

I met a guy named dom a few weeks back. We do Vet quests together. Makes all the difference.

There is NO problem getting a group, if you simply try to get one.

Not really true. You have to get lucky.

You know, try yourself, ask people, friends, guild, unknown, me?

Still, there are days...

Shiroro · June 2014

I went back to do some quests I had skipped in VR5 or 6 the other day and there was actually a second person in the zone! He needed help with a quest and I was doing quests I had skipped out of frustration so I joined him (from shout in zone chat.)

I went to help with his quest first: phased out since I had already done it so I couldn't. He came to help with mine: phased out so we couldn't do it either. GG.

Things are not ok. This game cannot continue as a pay to play game as it is right now. Please stop saying it's ok and grouping is ok and dungeons are ok. They're not. You are doing a huge disservice to the community when you do so. Reddit deletes all negative posts about ESO now and we have no clue if Zeni reads in-game reports. Being positive is fine but shouting "L2P L2P NOOOOBS EVERYWHERE" is only useful if you want to see this game shut down completely within 3 years.

I like a lot of the upcoming changes and they need to continue with quality of life improvements. They can't stop here and they need to understand that.

Zhoyzu · June 2014

all my friends are gone

drogon1 · June 2014

AlienDiplomat wrote: »

Blackwidow wrote: »

KariTR wrote: »

Blackwidow, there is a difference between discussing negative issues, constructively, on threads made for that purpose and deliberate pissing on someone cornflakes just because they are having a good day in game.

Yes, there is. Do you know the difference?

He posted the comment about the negative posts. He could have left that out and it would have just been a nice story, but in the end he went negative.

I didn't *** all over his story. I even said, "I liked your story and I'm glad you had a good day in ESO."

You guys need to let people speak their mind without attacking them.

If you notice, I never said one negative thing about the poster or his story.

KariTR took the words out of my mouth. There is a fine line. I have no problem with constructive criticism, in fact I encourage it, and I don't even consider it to be "negative." I think most people would agree which is why I sort of left that to be taken for granted and didn't feel the need to derail another thread going into specific details and potential flame wars about what I specifically meant by "negativity" (which is what I said), NOT "negative posts" which is what you read.

Here is the thing though. When people get overly defensive and feel the need to come onto other people's threads and nitpick semantics like the whole world needs to hear what you have to say on every single post, it tends to get irritating and that fine line begins to get a little fuzzy.

As a man, sometimes you have to be strong enough of character to know when to let things go. I am not posting a fanboi rant here, I am not defending the company as being without blemish or saying nothing else needs to be fixed. Read some of my other posts. I get just as frustrated as anyone and have posted MANY suggestions for making things better.

But this isn't the sort of conversation that needs to be jumped on for not being constructively critical enough. This is the sort of post that I would say, unless you wanted to share something YOU enjoyed in the game, should probably just be skimmed over and then moved on from.

It takes a strong person with character to be able to see an opportunity to post something not related to the topic and will themselves not to. To let something go, and find a more appropriate place for your personal feelings and insights. Like YOUR OWN thread for example? If you have these strong feelings and insights, maybe you should make your own thread, that way people won't get offended by you posting off-topic reminders in theirs? People might respect you more for it, and you will be prouder of yourself in the long run.

Let me as you this. Why does every thread regardless of the topic have to be reminded that it is OK to be negative? No one is disputing this. If you actually read what I said I was casually commenting about NEGATIVITY, not "negative posts." Nothing to defend here, you simply misread what I said.

Have a nice day!

I find this position a little naive. The forums are in a real sense a battleground to get the Dev's attention to improve the game. Some folks become rude about it and this should never be tolerated. Others are passionate, and this can be mistaken for rude. Blackwidow was not rude to my mind.

The OP waded into this battleground and took up a position: everything is fine and the game's critics should be dismissed at some level by the Devs as extreme and unreasonable. To allow this voice to go unchallenged would feel like acquiescence to a player trying to grab the Dev's attention: it would cause the false impression that most players are happy with the game.

Forums are forums. They are the place to go to air your opinion. Don't expect to post some innocuous encomium to ESO game design and expect it to go unchallenged - then righteously attack the critic as somehow lacking personal dignity.

"As a man, sometimes you have to be strong enough of character to know when to let things go." - A full fine ale almost spluttered out of my nose and dribbled down my chin upon reading this line.

Phinix1 · June 2014

drogon1 wrote: »

The OP waded into this battleground and took up a position: everything is fine and the game's critics should be dismissed at some level by the Devs as extreme and unreasonable.

You are putting words in my mouth just to have something to argue about.

I NEVER said ANY such thing. In fact, if you guys would actually READ my replies, I went out of my way to try and explain in no uncertain detail how I DO support CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and that ALL I was referring to was posts like "this game is ***" and "FTP in 10" which offer NOTHING to the dialogue. I have plenty of critical posts myself.

[Moderator Note: Edited for off topic, personal jabs]