Calling all people who eschew Maxing and just Play

FortheloveofKrist · May 2016

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

Taleof2Cities · May 2016

Refreshing to see posts like this ...

... as compared to all the other over the top complaint threads about how a player's build was ruined and said player can't change with the new patch.

Ser Lobo · May 2016

Each of my characters was a backstory well before they were a character. Eventually, after finding that I simply don't *enjoy* playing other classes, I remade them all into Nightblades.

I focus a lot more on what works for me, than changing myself to what works best. I don't follow or even care about the meta, just that I can play and have fun doing it.

frostitomik · May 2016

I use daggers for pvp.

Moonscythe · May 2016

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

Each of my characters was a backstory well before they were a character. Eventually, after finding that I simply don't *enjoy* playing other classes, I remade them all into Nightblades.

I focus a lot more on what works for me, than changing myself to what works best. I don't follow or even care about the meta, just that I can play and have fun doing it.

I hear that. I just can't be anyone other than myself. Contrary to you, I have the most trouble trying to be a NB in ESO even though it is a variation of a preferred play style. I think because I still don't have the hang of dual blades and bow just doesn't work as well as it did in Skyrim. Ah, well, it is what it is and as long as I can play a mage, I'm happy. I did make a new Templar to be a fire mage and she's working out okay. It took a while to get used to the mage in ESO. I'm ordinarily a fire flinger and have never gone in for summoning or shock but it's growing on me. I could not care less what other players do with their game time so long as they are not determined to be obnoxious to the ones wandering around looking lost.

Moonscythe · May 2016

frostitomik wrote: »

I use daggers for pvp.

That's very nice. Thank you for sharing. Do you go naked, too?

leshpar · May 2016

I can't have fun unless I am playing something that appeals to me. I don't care if its not the best of the best. I play what I enjoy and make it work the best that I can. My character means something to me and I work it kinda like a D&D character with a backstory and everything. Even if I never RP in the entire time I play this game I still know where my character comes from.

DUTCH_REAPER · May 2016

Did you go on PTS and mess around with the new hybrid craft able set? i got some guildies who are excited about that set and have the same outlook on the game as far as play style as you do.

Curtdogg47 · May 2016

I like to have a great setup that works for how I like to play. So its a combo of mix and matching to get the build just right for me. There is also a little back story element to my character and so I like the build to work with that as well.

GivvumBoane · May 2016

I don't deal with pvp at all. I played my first NB as a straight stealth ninja. I didn't bother with the number crunching to pick up .5% here and there. Pop out of cloak, smoke a dude, then vanish again. Pretty fun playing him out that way, but left me kinda squishy. All medium gear, with no siphon abilities. Spec'd full shadow. It was a 1v1 beast.

Alurria · May 2016

I play my character for me, not for anyone else. I make choices based on the information I have available about skill and how I would utilize it during play. I like to wander around and discover places. Do what makes you happy, I personally don't need the best gear or to be master of everything to find enjoyment in playing.

It's fine other people want to have the best, I'm just not one of them. I found some spontaneous role play going on and par took in it. To me that was worth my time and effort. To put aside my daily life and take on my characters was so much fun. That makes ESO come alive to me.

Jazbay_Grape · May 2016

I leveled up to 50 while only wearing clothes

GivvumBoane · May 2016

Jazbay_Grape wrote: »

I leveled up to 50 while only wearing clothes

Lol bet that was fun

Volkodav · May 2016

Count me in there as a non-endgamer or non stat maxer.
I dont do all that point chasing,or gear chasing.I dont PvP either. I dont want to get to the ensd for a while.I did that already with my vets,and found it to be rather uninteresting after that.Cadwell's Silver and Gold are all the same quests I had done before,so I havent even bothered with them.
I fish a lot,and sell the Perfect Roe I get.I also go after every book and achievement I can find. I have a mod that shows all Lore books,so I can find them easily.GETTING to where they are can be a challenge sometimes.
I also hunt for maps that you get in containers like chests,or troves.
These things are my breaks between questing. Lately even more than questing.lol.
Oh,and I run all Stamina Nightblades for most of my characters.

disintegr8 · May 2016

I play stamina characters because I have always enjoyed 'getting into the thick of it'. I have never really tried magicka based characters as they do not appeal to me. I have two stamina nightblade DPS and 2 stamina dragonknight tanks. I might role a healer to see what the other side feels like but even that might be a magicka based nightblade rather than a templar as I currently only do PVE.

The only v16 gear my v16 tank has is a monster helm, shoulders and weapons that I have picked up in dungeons and undaunted chests and I have only upgraded her weapons to legendary. Other than that she runs around in V14 and v15 purple gear.

Samwell Slayer · May 2016

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

It's perfectly fine in my book up to a point. If you are not doing your best to do as much as you can for your groups, then I don't want you in my group. It's not personal. I actually love playing with new players who are doing their best but still have trouble killing skeevers.

If you're not grouped with me go ahead. Do what you want. You want to be a Samurai? Then just use one sword. Whatever. Have fun. Just don't be a pug in my group or you'll get kicked.

jircris11 · May 2016

honestly i take my time leveling. i mix RP and even exploration in to it. makes it more enjoyable and honestly i have never been a min maxer, thus why i can play an assassin sorc XD

Oreyn_Bearclaw · May 2016

First TBS is probably better than hundings in a proper group setting so nice job min/maxing. Haha.

I think the vast majority of people play like that. I did for the better part of a year. I was a dagger and bow NB at launch and it was a long time before any min/maxer would even consider it to be viable.

That being said, at some point a little min/maxing goes a long way. The vast majority of this game can be completed with almost no thought to a build. Hovever, if you want to be competitive at end game, "play the way you want" sort of flies out the window.

Samwell Slayer · May 2016

Oreyn_Bearclaw wrote: »

First TBS is probably better than hundings in a proper group setting so nice job min/maxing. Haha.

I think the vast majority of people play like that. I did for the better part of a year. I was a dagger and bow NB at launch and it was a long time before any min/maxer would even consider it to be viable.

That being said, at some point a little min/maxing goes a long way. The vast majority of this game can be completed with almost no thought to a build. Hovever, if you want to be competitive at end game, "play the way you want" sort of flies out the window.

Just made a post about TBS vs Juli for group play.

KK, done advertising for myself. Bow was not viable for pve for a year, and they changed it so that it is. The fact that you were using bow for a year before that does not mean you had some great insight, it just means you used bow back when it sucked. No offense.

GivvumBoane · May 2016

I feel that if I need to pull out a calculator to be competitive, then I'm no longer enjoying the game. Hence, I prefer cooperative play as opposed to competitive.

Ser Lobo · May 2016

Samwell Slayer wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

It's perfectly fine in my book up to a point. If you are not doing your best to do as much as you can for your groups, then I don't want you in my group. It's not personal. I actually love playing with new players who are doing their best but still have trouble killing skeevers.

If you're not grouped with me go ahead. Do what you want. You want to be a Samurai? Then just use one sword. Whatever. Have fun. Just don't be a pug in my group or you'll get kicked.

You've been fair about it, so will I.

Knowing that my chances of running into someone who takes it a bit too serious in every group is high, I tend to avoid PUGs. I prefer guildies who understand that you can complete even most veteran dungeons without being min-maxers or trying too hard. So focusing so much on what other players are doing or not doing isn't part of my style.

Like you, I just won't deal with it. Nothing against that person, but when they start talking about someone else's rotation or gear, I've grown to the point of just either leaving group or kicking that player.

Most advice we give is meant to be helpful. But start telling other players what the ideal way to play is in my group, and get kicked.

GivvumBoane · May 2016

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

Samwell Slayer wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

It's perfectly fine in my book up to a point. If you are not doing your best to do as much as you can for your groups, then I don't want you in my group. It's not personal. I actually love playing with new players who are doing their best but still have trouble killing skeevers.

If you're not grouped with me go ahead. Do what you want. You want to be a Samurai? Then just use one sword. Whatever. Have fun. Just don't be a pug in my group or you'll get kicked.

You've been fair about it, so will I.

Knowing that my chances of running into someone who takes it a bit too serious in every group is high, I tend to avoid PUGs. I prefer guildies who understand that you can complete even most veteran dungeons without being min-maxers or trying too hard. So focusing so much on what other players are doing or not doing isn't part of my style.

Like you, I just won't deal with it. Nothing against that person, but when they start talking about someone else's rotation or gear, I've grown to the point of just either leaving group or kicking that player.

Most advice we give is meant to be helpful. But start telling other players what the ideal way to play is in my group, and get kicked.

This.

DocFrost72 · May 2016

Half and half. Can't bring myself to make a magicka imperial or a stamina breton, but there are limits to how much I 'minmax'. I use 2h instead of Dual wield, cause I like not dying. I don't craft potions, even though alchemy is at 50. I don't care to get every enchantment just right, some of my nightblade's weapons are still purple and unenchanted till I figure her out more.

All in all, there are plenty out there, keep rocking you brother.

Enemy-of-Coldharbour · May 2016

I've never cared about being the best player with the best gear. I play to have fun.

Tholian1 · May 2016

My build has always been for my character and not what the current flavor of the month build is. Daggers and bow for my NB assassin since the beginning. I like questing but avoid doing group content since so many players expect perfection from others and get insulting when that perfection isn't achieved. Better to just play solo so I can play how I want to play, like I do in any Elder Scrolls game.

And when the crafting bags finally go live, I will start gathering resources like crazy again.

Volkodav · May 2016

GivvumBoane wrote: »

I feel that if I need to pull out a calculator to be competitive, then I'm no longer enjoying the game. Hence, I prefer cooperative play as opposed to competitive.

Cooperative play is a lot more fun to me than competitive play.

If you were to ask me my stats,Id have to say I have no clue. Dont know how many CPs I have either.
And that's fine by me. I just play using my bow and dual wield swords to get through my quests.
And so far,I havent been kicked out of any groups I joined.Instead they joined me as friends and told me that whenever I wanted to run any dungeons again,just ask.

Samwell Slayer wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

It's perfectly fine in my book up to a point. If you are not doing your best to do as much as you can for your groups, then I don't want you in my group. It's not personal. I actually love playing with new players who are doing their best but still have trouble killing skeevers.

If you're not grouped with me go ahead. Do what you want. You want to be a Samurai? Then just use one sword. Whatever. Have fun. Just don't be a pug in my group or you'll get kicked.

The Op was just asking people what they do to entertain themselves when not PvPing or questing.
Rather than wanting to know about whether someone would want them in a group because they choose to have their own play style.

GivvumBoane · May 2016

Tholian1 wrote: »

My build has always been for my character and not what the current flavor of the month build is. Daggers and bow for my NB assassin since the beginning. I like questing but avoid doing group content since so many players expect perfection from others and get insulting when that perfection isn't achieved. Better to just play solo so I can play how I want to play, like I do in any Elder Scrolls game.

Totally agree. Ran bow as my main on my NB until lvl 50. Molag Bal was giving me problems. Did a respec into dual wield and equipped daggers. Been rockin the fangs since

Samwell Slayer · May 2016

ruze84b14_ESO wrote: »

Samwell Slayer wrote: »

FortheloveofKrist wrote: »

There have to be other players out there who do not try to get the best gear, best setup, max stats, and simply attempt to play, have fun, and find their own entertainment.

For example: I recently made a TBS set in all Akiviri med armor for my V16 Orc stam NB. Had to make the Soul-shriven 2H sword to match (since it's really the only samurai looking sword). And even though it certainly doesn't have the damage ability of my Hunding setup, I find that I'm getting much more enjoyment out of it. I use mostly 2H abilities since they feel more like swordplay, and I stopped animation canceling because it feels more realistic since I can see the actions. Sometimes I like to hunt squirrels and rabbits and pick flowers, cause my Orc is the strong silent type, but he is also pragmatic and sensitive. Basically I'm playing up the Samurai persona, and yes I know that's not the lore but who cares.

Does anyone else follow a similar (yet your own) path? Nothing against people who want the baddest setup and skills, but it started to become a drag.

So what do you do to entertain yourself besides questing and PvP? Fishing expeditions? Talk with everyone in town? Steal ingredients to make stacks of food to sell? I want to hear ideas, because I want to try them out. Especially the bizarre ones.

Do tell...

It's perfectly fine in my book up to a point. If you are not doing your best to do as much as you can for your groups, then I don't want you in my group. It's not personal. I actually love playing with new players who are doing their best but still have trouble killing skeevers.

If you're not grouped with me go ahead. Do what you want. You want to be a Samurai? Then just use one sword. Whatever. Have fun. Just don't be a pug in my group or you'll get kicked.

You've been fair about it, so will I.

Knowing that my chances of running into someone who takes it a bit too serious in every group is high, I tend to avoid PUGs. I prefer guildies who understand that you can complete even most veteran dungeons without being min-maxers or trying too hard. So focusing so much on what other players are doing or not doing isn't part of my style.

Like you, I just won't deal with it. Nothing against that person, but when they start talking about someone else's rotation or gear, I've grown to the point of just either leaving group or kicking that player.

Most advice we give is meant to be helpful. But start telling other players what the ideal way to play is in my group, and get kicked.

This is a great post! I wish I were like you, it is a game after all, and I totally take it too seriously, lol.

.

Bonzodog01 · May 2016

I don't really see the appeal of min/max - I'm not a dungeon runner, and very much a completionist. I have no desire to go chasing "end game" gear.

I did slightly concede to the min/max paradigm when creating my current main - A Dunmer Magicka Templar DPS mage. With their racial bonuses to fire, I figured it would give a little extra. Also, Dunmer is one of my favourite races. I also got someone to craft her a proper set of armor - Seducers/Torugs pact. However, I fast realised that for someone exploring and questing, that robes are at best impractical. So, with the release of TG, the set she got was styled in the mercenary jerkin fashion, which seems a lot more practical to me. I may go with Ancient Elf for the next set, as it has a warmer look to it, and looks more guild like, but very practical at the same time.

However, I gave a backstory, and gave a fitting in-lore name. I made her part of House Virian, but fighting for DC initially, as she grew up in the Alik'r Desert. However, she considers herself more of a Mercenary for hire, and will fight for who-ever has the best cause or pays the right money. She *really* dislikes those high-elves though, and whilst she is currently running a few tasks for Queen Ayrenn, she feels she is constantly having to make sure she is ok, much like a big sister. She feels Ayrenn just...I don't know...is a little weak?

She was always impressed with the Redguard, and has always felt that High King Emeric had the right idea all along. Does not like King Jorunn, though she knows the Ebonheart will soon require her help. She feels he is a little too aggressive.

She is looking forward to finally meeting up with some of her family, and has heard much of Naryu.

newtinmpls · May 2016

Well one of the most fun (see my sig for ridiculous back stories) is arguing back and forth in chat with my buddies in character. I play a Male orc Sorc/Battlemage (DPS, but primarily with steel tornado & wrecking blow) who is married in-game to the female Breton Templar Healer and they go back and forth about how Lorbash had better not be so familiar with her, and "are you wearing your ring of Mara"? Much more fun when the whole group gets into it.

OTOH, playing my not-especially realistic "goblin" character, Broken Branch Toothmaul is a blast (Templar; rolled as a bosmer 'cause 'goblin' wasn't a choice). she loves her mount "big brown horse" although for unknown reasons, some of the folks I've/She's been gaming/adventuring with insist on calling him "The Shetland War Pony"

and uses bow and that skull-headed flame staff (with poison glyphs) even though they are not the most high-damage weapons.

I rolled up a dunmer DK who spent most of her leveling in IC, and then found that "a friend" had adopted her....and won't go away.

GivvumBoane · May 2016

Bonzodog01 wrote: »

I don't really see the appeal of min/max - I'm not a dungeon runner, and very much a completionist. I have no desire to go chasing "end game" gear.

I did slightly concede to the min/max paradigm when creating my current main - A Dunmer Magicka Templar DPS mage. With their racial bonuses to fire, I figured it would give a little extra. Also, Dunmer is one of my favourite races. I also got someone to craft her a proper set of armor - Seducers/Torugs pact. However, I fast realised that for someone exploring and questing, that robes are at best impractical. So, with the release of TG, the set she got was styled in the mercenary jerkin fashion, which seems a lot more practical to me. I may go with Ancient Elf for the next set, as it has a warmer look to it, and looks more guild like, but very practical at the same time.

However, I gave a backstory, and gave a fitting in-lore name. I made her part of House Virian, but fighting for DC initially, as she grew up in the Alik'r Desert. However, she considers herself more of a Mercenary for hire, and will fight for who-ever has the best cause or pays the right money. She *really* dislikes those high-elves though, and whilst she is currently running a few tasks for Queen Ayrenn, she feels she is constantly having to make sure she is ok, much like a big sister. She feels Ayrenn just...I don't know...is a little weak?

She was always impressed with the Redguard, and has always felt that High King Emeric had the right idea all along. Does not like King Jorunn, though she knows the Ebonheart will soon require her help. She feels he is a little too aggressive.

She is looking forward to finally meeting up with some of her family, and has heard much of Naryu.

The Skald King's voice bugged me. While I do like the voice actor, his voice didn't seem fitting for the character. His dialog seemed to overemphasize the wrong parts. He seemed to be struggling.