As a solo player I declare pvp to be dead

Camus · June 2015

I log in during prime time hours. Most servers are devoid of any fights at all. The one or two servers that may have people on them is just one faction of pugs vs one faction with a guild group or two, and we all know how that ends. (I'm not blaming guild groups. What ya gonna do, nerf coordination?)

Currently on US thornblade you might have 10 AD trying to take back a keep or two but since blue has an active emperor he just comes and solos everyone and there is not a damn thing you can do to stop him. Of course that is a whole other issue of how the emperor buffs were meant for a game where you have the epic hundreds vs hundreds fights that were advertised instead of 10 vs 10.

I finally cancelled my subscription a couple of weeks ago, I probably held out longer than most on that (but hey maybe not, any of you guys still subscribed?)
Over a year of pvp being completely ignored, no new content at all, more bugs being introduced and ignored than the ones that get fixed. Not to mention the exploiters that never get punished even though everyone here knows who they are.

Can't we at least take the number of servers down to 1 vet and 1 non vet? That may prolong the life of the game for another month or two, and we can foolishly hope that ZOS finally does something to bring people back during that time. They also need to kick the pve'rs out of the pvp zone. I'm sick of seeing a three bar pop on a server and yet there is less than 30 people pvping. Give the pve'rs a reason to you know..pve in a pve zone.

Snit · June 2015

Solo is very difficult. I almost always play in an organized group with my guild. When I do solo, I find that most opponents tend to travel in groups of 12, 24 or 'every single one of them.'

There isn't much you can do with that.

SIN-X · June 2015

sounds like you need a pvp game like COD or battlefield not a pve mmo with pvp in it. Also we cant combine the pvp groups because ZO$ wont spend money on Hi-end servers so they spike and crash and lag out as it is

Erock25 · June 2015

I've honestly been having a blast lately as a solo PVP player.

RedTalon · June 2015

Let me Guess PC and DC faction?

God_flakes · June 2015

It's not just DC. All factions seem to be dwindling. It just seems worse DC side because we were already low pop to begin with.

FriedEggSandwich · June 2015

SIN-X wrote: »

sounds like you need a pvp game like COD or battlefield not a pve mmo with pvp in it. Also we cant combine the pvp groups because ZO$ wont spend money on Hi-end servers so they spike and crash and lag out as it is

I came to ESO from Battlefield 4 when ESO launched. More BS in BF4 multiplayer than ESO; netcode is (was) worse, rage is more intense, more wtf moments, trolls are more common, community is more toxic etc. Haven't played in over a year so things might have changed, but I doubt it. DICE suck more than ZoS imo.

Heresiarch · June 2015

It can be really tough to find a good fight, solo or otherwise. Either we're dominating a campaign and neither of the other factions come out to play or it's happening to us and it's just as miserable.

Speaking from a solo player's perspective, I have a lot of fun with it, mostly, but our faction needs to be at least competitive on the server for it to be worth my time. When we're doing poorly, and the morale is low, it's just a big NOPE. Ain't gonna feed the AP tick over at that obvious AP farm, not gonna be prey for the gankers, either, if I can help it. Definitely not gonna tag along with pugs that will probably get me killed.

Not leaving a lot of options for me to help with while still doing my own thing (which is why I like to solo.) When we have healthy activity on the map, I can be useful and still follow my own direction instead of a team leader's.

I dunno... solo play is definitely difficult but CAN be a lot of fun depending on one's build, but it's also incredibly frustrating sometimes. And that has a lot to do with faction imbalance. Would a consolidation of campaigns be a solution? Maybe. But those long queue times would be detrimental for people who have limited schedules.

Lisbette · June 2015

Anyone that has to have 20 people behind them to kill someone is a baddie. No excuses, am I right?

Dru1076 · June 2015

Not sure that soloing is even meant to be viable in PVP. I haven't tried running around Cyrodil alone in a long time. Perhaps, and I say this a lot, there needs to be more alliance war content aimed at solo players or small groups. With such emphasis placed upon groups, the lag creating tactical zerg remains the smart play.

Soulac · June 2015

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Soris · June 2015

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

DeanTheCat · June 2015

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min

). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

Soulac · June 2015

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

Soris · June 2015

DeanTheCat wrote: »

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

What you said here is just ganking. That's whole new level imo.

Soulac wrote: »

Or just don't die.

I'm trying. But life is hard without and escape when the zerg arrives

DeanTheCat · June 2015

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

DeanTheCat · June 2015

Soris wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

What you said here is just ganking. That's whole new level imo.

It's still solo play, and one that is very effective at keeping you alive in my opinion, if you play your cards well. You can't honestly expect to live if you charge in solo vs the zergs that are proliferating Cyrodiil these days. Unless you are emp. Then anything goes

Soulac · June 2015

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

DeanTheCat · June 2015

Soulac wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

Soulac wrote: »

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people

I see a contradiction... But anyway, that's just arguing semantics now. You'll still need to stealth to some degree, and I know how you fight. It's a nice style in my opinion, but I'm writing the "Safer" route in my original post, as the OP seems to be complaining about a lack of solo PvP and that was more to illustrate that solo PvP is still around. And not everyone has the ping to pull off what you do on a daily basis.

You are still one of the best AD nightblades out there. *Offers Soulac a crate of Skooma and Milk*

blabafat · June 2015

Yep! Pvp is indeed dying. Cause it hasn't changed since launch, except for more lag, more zergs

Soulac · June 2015

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

Soulac wrote: »

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people

I see a contradiction... But anyway, that's just arguing semantics now. You'll still need to stealth to some degree, and I know how you fight. It's a nice style in my opinion, but I'm writing the "Safer" route in my original post, as the OP seems to be complaining about a lack of solo PvP and that was more to illustrate that solo PvP is still around. And not everyone has the ping to pull off what you do on a daily basis.

You are still one of the best AD nightblades out there. *Offers Soulac a crate of Skooma and Milk*

Well I don't run around in stealth, just staying. :P

Rylana · June 2015

I spend a good deal of my time running solo on NB, DK, and Sorc. The templar is just a healer so its either run with a group or just get beat on as I travel.

The stealth rule only really applies to the NB, and only because its a glass cannon build, classic gank and hide.

The sorc is another beast entirely. No stealth required, in fact stealthing would be a very bad idea since the last thing I need to run down on before I engage is stamina. Streak for days though.

The DK never stealths, never runs, never hides. LEEROYYYYYY JENKINSSSSS.

I find plenty of 1-3 mans to fight, I just have to keep moving around and avoid the line of travel to a contested keep, or stay well off the bulk of a siege line.

Do get zerged down sometimes, it happens, cant always know for sure how many are there, detect potions do have cooldowns and the like, but 9/10 times when i engage a single, they die or I can get out before all their friends come to back them up.

Garion · June 2015

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

Soulac wrote: »

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people

I see a contradiction... But anyway, that's just arguing semantics now. You'll still need to stealth to some degree, and I know how you fight. It's a nice style in my opinion, but I'm writing the "Safer" route in my original post, as the OP seems to be complaining about a lack of solo PvP and that was more to illustrate that solo PvP is still around. And not everyone has the ping to pull off what you do on a daily basis.

You are still one of the best AD nightblades out there. *Offers Soulac a crate of Skooma and Milk*

The type of solo play you describe is indeed viable, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the type of solo play that everyone enjoys. Skulking around and waiting for any easy one shot skill before disappearing might be fun for some people (and that's cool, I get it, and I respect that playstyle more than I will ever respect someone who runs with a blob) however for many people who want to enjoy solo or truly small scale it isn't very fun at all. It's very difficult to find regular small fights in the open world unless you are a ganker, and I think that was the point the OP is making.

Soris · June 2015

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

Soulac wrote: »

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people

I see a contradiction... But anyway, that's just arguing semantics now. You'll still need to stealth to some degree, and I know how you fight. It's a nice style in my opinion, but I'm writing the "Safer" route in my original post, as the OP seems to be complaining about a lack of solo PvP and that was more to illustrate that solo PvP is still around. And not everyone has the ping to pull off what you do on a daily basis.

You are still one of the best AD nightblades out there. *Offers Soulac a crate of Skooma and Milk*

Solo pvp is around ofc but it is rare unless you are the ganker type of player or have very specific build for that.
When fighting in a 1vX, possibilities of getting zerked or ganked is much greater than the possibilities of not being disturbed. This undermines the solo play and it absolutely sabotages the will of going outside alone.
This coming from a templar who isn't built for endless dodging nor vampire. My defence is my heals and shields which aren't the best of best when being beated by overwhelming adds. It's probably bit easier with sorc and nb which can easily disengage by default class skills.
So you either enter the bandwagon of fotm builds and classes to have a good solo roam experience or gtfo. That's why solo pvp is almost dead imo. Not dead but struggling.

Teargrants · June 2015

What are you talking about, I solo just fine all the time, soloing around w/ the 23 other solo players in my group.

DeanTheCat · June 2015

Garion wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Soris wrote: »

Soulac wrote: »

Solo is still possible, but small fights are hard to find.
To be honest, I never find other solo players who aren't gankers.. Mostly small groups of 3-5 and midfight the zerg joins the fun.

Solo is still possible when you play horse simulator. Otherwise it's not, as you said

I mean yeah if you have the nerves to wait 1 hour to find some good 1v1, 1v2-3 fights without zergs out of nowhere. It's so freaking rare.

Or just don't die.

DeanTheCat wrote: »

Cyrodiil basically has a few types of players:

1) Large group players (>=12), who are the ones responsible for the blobs and lagtrains that we see everyday. This sort of player usually slot as many AoEs as they can and clump together and start spamming.

2) Small group players (<12), who utilize terrain and superior mobility and coordination to out maneuver and flank larger groups. This sort of player usually has a balance between damage and survivability while not relying on stealth mechanics.

3) Solo players (1 - 2), who utilize stealth mechanics to the utmost possible degree as stealth is the only way they can survive as a solo player. They aim to kill fast, and vanish right after, as the less time they are seen, the less chance they are zerged down and killed.

Basically, if you want to run solo, mastery of stealth is a must. Otherwise an ally is pretty much mandatory to survival. The main asset of a solo player is their mobility and elusiveness, rather than brute force strength. I myself am a solo player, and you'll basically become a guerrilla fighter lurking around waiting for your chance to attack larger forces when they least expect it. Stealth is the only thing keeping soloists alive, as everyone else runs in groups and you need that element of surprise to take down enemy players before their allies can react. Non-stealth solo play isn't really possible, unless you are a sorc, in which you can just bolt away

Solo PvP isn't dead. It just requires a lot more personal skill then your average player has (Yes, even snipe gankers need to know when to hold their fire and use line of sight. The bad ones die every 5 min ). As everyone is human, we all make mistakes. Sit in stealth, bide your time, wait for your chance to strike. Punish every single mistake your enemy makes, and don't bite off more then you can chew. And always have a plan B. You'll still eventually be zerged down and killed, but at least you can take a few down with you before you die. That's a win in and of itself.

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people.
I barely use stealth since I'm WW and I don't think it's nessecary.. I use mobility instead.

You still need to use stealth to hide from the zergs

I don't see you running headfirst into them alone, essentially committing suicide. Mostly I see you running around unstealthed when there are only a few enemy players in sight. When it gets too many, even you bail and hide. So yes, stealth is still needed. (I'm talking about the times when you are completely alone, without allies for backup)

Of course I use stealth sometimes, not planning to get wrecked by a zerg.
But even against zergs I mostly use movement like shadow image to split them or troll them. Riding right next to the Raid is fun as well.
Fighting small groups itself is done by splitting and killing them one by one.

Soulac wrote: »

4) Solo players, who run around without stealth, using environment and given skills to kill people

I see a contradiction... But anyway, that's just arguing semantics now. You'll still need to stealth to some degree, and I know how you fight. It's a nice style in my opinion, but I'm writing the "Safer" route in my original post, as the OP seems to be complaining about a lack of solo PvP and that was more to illustrate that solo PvP is still around. And not everyone has the ping to pull off what you do on a daily basis.

You are still one of the best AD nightblades out there. *Offers Soulac a crate of Skooma and Milk*

The type of solo play you describe is indeed viable, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the type of solo play that everyone enjoys. Skulking around and waiting for any easy one shot skill before disappearing might be fun for some people (and that's cool, I get it, and I respect that playstyle more than I will ever respect someone who runs with a blob) however for many people who want to enjoy solo or truly small scale it isn't very fun at all. It's very difficult to find regular small fights in the open world unless you are a ganker, and I think that was the point the OP is making.

I understand what you are saying. I don't like the new "Fight a zerg by bringing an even bigger zerg" style of combat in Cyrodiil that has really taken root since round late 1.5 any more then you do. Still, it still comes down to individual definitions of what solo really means. Pretty much the only class that can still viably run out of stealth with a decent survival rate solo are Sorcs. Everyone who doesn't have a teleport on command ability has to resort to stealth. Which is what I'm saying really. It's getting really really hard, even for a stealth based build to stay alive.

Yesterday in EU-TB (The only campaign that has any action round my timezone sadly), I was whittling down the stream of AD who were riding the Sejanus express and the sheer number of players concentrated in that spot was astounding. 40-50 AD on one side, with an equal number of EP on the other hand. Both sides were spamming meteor on each other, and the ping was a constant 999+. With such numbers and such high ping, how is one going to even stay alive? That's not counting the army of snipers who seem to infest that area. For a whim, I casted Lingering Flare on one of the rocks that AD loves to use when fighting at BRK, and I counted no less then 10 snipers sitting on that tiny rock with camo hunter active. Needless to say, due to the fact that casting that flare reveals me as well, my death soon came after.

Teargrants wrote: »

What are you talking about, I solo just fine all the time, soloing around w/ the 23 other solo players in my group.

... /facepalm

EDIT: Spelling

Aquanova · June 2015

Lisbette wrote: »

Anyone that has to have 20 people behind them to kill someone is a baddie. No excuses, am I right?

I'd make an exception if that " someone " is the the emp and they know how to play.