Doing quests the TRUE way

Sosderosii · May 2017

Hello Everybody!

I have been thinking about this for a long time but today I made the decision to do quests without any marking on map, compass or in the world.
This is something I was planning at latest for Vvanderfell but some experience beforehand is a good thing, this one thinks.

I appreciate that the journal gives a lot of info on quests and also the discussions with the NPC's.

I know there are others who do this and I have some questions for the veteran adventurers (ideas from players who quest with markers on are welcome as well):

What do you do when you can' find the person or objective despite searching for a lot of time?
I am thinking of a few solutions for this one, like:
-asking other players in the area who are in the current stage quest
- finding a guild of players who also quest without markers and do this in a group to minimize the work(would also mean that the group would have excellent
communication and patience to say what they have found and wait for the others to come take a look and advance the quest stage alongside)
- talking to X number of NPC's after searching for Y minutes and hitting some dice to decide if the NPC told me where to find the person, after which I take a
short look at the quest marker on the map(I don't like this but after talking to 20 people that know the person I search for, one of them would mark his position
on the map, no?)
- leave it as an unfulfilled quest(nobody is perfect, right?)

Other tips and experiences are greatly appreciated!

Edit: -Just found that walking conterintuitively improves patience when moving through a place with many npc's that need inspecting and talking to
-Writing the important topic from the conversations with NPC's on paper is useful a lot of fun

Coggage · May 2017

God no, I just click as rapidly as possible through all the quest waffle and head to the markers. I've played mmorpgs for 18 years now and quest text is just "blah blah" to me now. I've never encountered a quest in any game that couldn't be quickly sorted this way.

I have to say that ESO's quests are much better than any other game's quests - heck, I have actually given some a speed-read, which for me is quite against the grain - but I'm basically a "head to the marker and BOOM" kind of player now.

Mojmir · May 2017

yea thats what we need, make things even more lengthy and tedious

Beardimus · May 2017

I get ur concept OP. People moan quests are dull, yet batter thru them not reading anything. Clearly, for me anyway, that does make them dull just like Add ON's seem to for the PC crew. It becomes join the dots.

Slow play for content like that makes the content go WAY further and be of more interest. So fair play giving it a go

zaria · May 2017

Beardimus wrote: »

I get ur concept OP. People moan quests are dull, yet batter thru them not reading anything. Clearly, for me anyway, that does make them dull just like Add ON's seem to for the PC crew. It becomes join the dots.

Slow play for content like that makes the content go WAY further and be of more interest. So fair play giving it a go

This, understand rushing if you want to take even an alt trough the main quests for the skillpoints else I do quests to relax, you can always grind if you want to level fast.

Violynne · May 2017

Sosderosii wrote: »

I have been thinking about this for a long time but today I made the decision to do quests without any marking on map, compass or in the world.

Did ZoS add Sadist as a class because you'd have to be one if you're going to do this.

For the majority of quests, I can see disabling the marker as being somewhat challenging/fun, but for the rest? Oh, hell no! Imagine how long you'll be search for that "gemstone in a bag that's over a hill, inside a tree root but to get to it, you must first find someone's dog"?

Even if you try to "immerse" yourself by asking those who've done the quest, that's still going well out of the way to get something simple done (because the bag was in the tree behind you as you accepted the quest).

I couldn't play this game without the "get your tail over here" handicaps.

Otherwise, I'd still be on Khenarthi's Roost looking for one of those accursed spell books.

Kode · May 2017

Good for you, don't let people dampen what you find fun. There is more than 1 way to skin a cat.

What you propose wont make sense to 95% of players though, so I wouldn't expect much support there. You might try to join a roleplaying guild and use that as one of your outlets.

The problem with ESO is that it is fundamentally not built for that play style so I am sure you are going to run into problems frequently. Hell, I don't roleplay but I do listen to quest text on the first go and sometimes it makes little sense and is completely illogical. I don't think the people who write the quest to the game actually understand the quest sometimes because it is probably lore written by a different person who passes it along for them to write it into the game.

F7sus4 · May 2017

I've read all the stuff on my first character. Now playing 5th... Sorry - I'm not going through it again.

Balamoor · May 2017

I don't know if I would call anything the true way, it's different ways for different folks. I enjoy the quest take my time with them as does my friends who play with me, we don't rush through dungeons or trials, we have fun. I couldn't play with the rushers that click through content then scream about nothing to do on the forums, but I also realize the way I play would drive some folks bonkers.

It's all relative....relatively speaking of course.

Sosderosii · May 2017

I understand your concerns about this taking too long but hear me, I'm doing it purely for fun, on a maxed out character while having dungeon finder turned on.
And I am also making more money per time spent this way as I now observe every resource node and chest.

DragonBound · May 2017

Coggage wrote: »

God no, I just click as rapidly as possible through all the quest waffle and head to the markers. I've played mmorpgs for 18 years now and quest text is just "blah blah" to me now. I've never encountered a quest in any game that couldn't be quickly sorted this way.

I have to say that ESO's quests are much better than any other game's quests - heck, I have actually given some a speed-read, which for me is quite against the grain - but I'm basically a "head to the marker and BOOM" kind of player now.

The secret world and star wars would like a word with you.

DragonBound · May 2017

zaria wrote: »

Beardimus wrote: »

I get ur concept OP. People moan quests are dull, yet batter thru them not reading anything. Clearly, for me anyway, that does make them dull just like Add ON's seem to for the PC crew. It becomes join the dots.

Slow play for content like that makes the content go WAY further and be of more interest. So fair play giving it a go

This, understand rushing if you want to take even an alt trough the main quests for the skillpoints else I do quests to relax, you can always grind if you want to level fast.

This.

DMuehlhausen · May 2017

I use to set EQ 2 to only give me exp for quests. So none of the enemies you killed a long the way gave you anyway.

It was fun at times, but was really hard to stay on the level curve.

Magdalina · May 2017

This actually sounds fairly fun, good luck OP

It's bit more like what Skyrim was? I mean it had some indicators I think but not quite "go to that very spot, take the thing the arrow points at and take it to where the next arrow points". Been a while since I played Skyrim though

I believe you could do most quests that way, a lot of them make sense or are like "follow the npc who leads you where you need to get"...some aren't though, like "go pray at these 4 random altars in totally opposite ends of Auridon" x_x Those seem specifically made with pointers in mind, not sure how you'd find them otherwise.

For what it's worth, my first playthrough I found a the skyshards (except Cyrodiil ones) the old fashioned ways, without looking up locations or using addons. Was actually really fun to follow the in game hints

I also kinda of wished ESO didn't have such precise quest indicators sometimes but didn't bother turning them off myself

shreek1 · May 2017

If you want to really immerse yourself you can read each lore book thoroughly as well.

Sosderosii · May 2017

Magdalina wrote: »

This actually sounds fairly fun, good luck OP It's bit more like what Skyrim was? I mean it had some indicators I think but not quite "go to that very spot, take the thing the arrow points at and take it to where the next arrow points". Been a while since I played Skyrim though

I believe you could do most quests that way, a lot of them make sense or are like "follow the npc who leads you where you need to get"...some aren't though, like "go pray at these 4 random altars in totally opposite ends of Auridon" x_x Those seem specifically made with pointers in mind, not sure how you'd find them otherwise.

For what it's worth, my first playthrough I found a the skyshards (except Cyrodiil ones) the old fashioned ways, without looking up locations or using addons. Was actually really fun to follow the in game hints I also kinda of wished ESO didn't have such precise quest indicators sometimes but didn't bother turning them off myself

I don't know if it's like Skyrim because I didn't play it( When I got computer capable I was already on ESO) but it's simmilar to Morrowind with the exception that you can't ask NPC's about the subject and the quest journal only keeps the last entry in ESO.

Many people here say there are no enough information on the quest without markers and that is exactly what I thought of before but now that I play this way, I find that there is quite a lot of helping info that I now start paying attention to.
Maybe TRUE way was exaggerated and what I meant to say by that was difficult, investigation way.

@shreek1 I collect them but the places I find them are usually very dangerous to sit down and start reading so I will read them in my house once I finish arranging my reading area.

Rouven · May 2017

Sing along, you know the tune ...

And now, the endgame is near;
And so I grind the final level.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll buy an xp-scroll, from the devil.

Icons on maps, they are all full.
I've killed mobs on every highway;
And more, it was never dull,,
I quested the true way.

Respecs, oh I re-skilled;
But then again, too few to mention.
I followed the weirdest build
All stamina ones without exemption.

I planned each charted skyshard;
Each mage guild book along the byway,
And more, more wayshrines it is,
I quested the true way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I had more adds then I could chew.
But hang in there, through the sustain,
I ate it up and went magicka.
I faced tanked it all and I stood tall;
And quested my way.

I've got stuck, I've emoted and cried.
I've had my lags; my share of revivals.
And now, as patches subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
"Oh no, oh no not me,
I played it my way".

For what is a character, what has he got?
If not his pixels, then he has naught.
To chat the things, to truly brag;
And not the words of one who gets teabagged.
The record shows I took the bugs -
And quested the true way!

Yes, it was my way.

Thanks to OP for the spiration!

Loves_guars · May 2017

While I never tried to do this in ESO, after replaying TESIII, it is what I'm going to try too!

Sosderosii · May 2017

Rouven wrote: »

Sing along, you know the tune ...

And now, the endgame is near;
And so I grind the final level.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll buy an xp-scroll, from the devil.

Icons on maps, they are all full.
I've killed mobs on every highway;
And more, it was never dull,,
I quested the true way.

Respecs, oh I re-skilled;
But then again, too few to mention.
I followed the weirdest build
All stamina ones without exemption.

I planned each charted skyshard;
Each mage guild book along the byway,
And more, more wayshrines it is,
I quested the true way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I had more adds then I could chew.
But hang in there, through the sustain,
I ate it up and went magicka.
I faced tanked it all and I stood tall;
And quested my way.

I've got stuck, I've emoted and cried.
I've had my lags; my share of revivals.
And now, as patches subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
"Oh no, oh no not me,
I played it my way".

For what is a character, what has he got?
If not his pixels, then he has naught.
To chat the things, to truly brag;
And not the words of one who gets teabagged.
The record shows I took the bugs -
And quested the true way!

Yes, it was my way.

Thanks to OP for the spiration!

What a creative poem, you are very talented!

max_only · May 2017

I try my best to do this all the time for all my characters. Sometimes I have to give in though.

I saved up over 50 treasure maps and well over 50 crafting surveys across multiple bank mules and tried to "find them naturally". I gave up after 3 zones. I have such Huge Respect for the people who originally figured them out.

Also I can't understand the people who click through quests without reading and then come on the forums to complain about something that is resolved in the quests. (Like people who complain it's not a mature enough game or there isn't enough content or this or that lore thing is unrepresented).

kargen27 · May 2017

My first character I did all the guild quests the main story and as many of the side quests as I could find without any add-ons. I looked up the location of two skyshards online but found the rest just roaming around. I missed a few lore books. I only road my horse in Cyradiil so I would be sure not to miss anything. My 2nd character I got an add-on that showed lore books and skyshards but still stumbled around for the quests. Third character I loaded up on add-ons and skipped the quests that were more than a little tedious.

I noticed once I started using the add-ons that my first had missed a few side quests. I tried then to go back and do them. A couple I was never able to do.

I'm really glad I went slow my first time through. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the game I would have missed if I just rushed from quest to quest using markers.

zyk · May 2017

This is how most RPGs used to be. I prefer it. But the problem with doing it in ESO is that the game isn't really designed/tested to be played that way. It doesn't change the fact you're just doing a series of uninteresting scripted fetch quests that seem templated.

You will run into issues when you need to complete activities in certain predefined areas if you cannot see the circles on the map.

Lavennin · May 2017

Haha good luck. The NPCs are horrible with directions. I remember one pointed me to a cave "to the north, not far from here" and I ended up traveling half of the map. They have a funny sense of distance.

Another told me to find something behind him and it's actually in front of him.

ParaNostram · May 2017

I take my time, listen to the dialogue, and figure things out. ESO's writing quality has been going up since Wrothgar and it already had some good moments in the base game. Rushing through for the digital carrot at the end of the quest stick, well... It feels weird.

Especially when there are some actual puzzles in the game (which is good because TES III Morrowind had some real brain teasers). Taking your time and smelling the roses is often times the best idea, leading to a lowered chance of feeling lost as well as helping the quests feel less samey. I mean technically all quests fall into certain categories be it in a single player game or a multiplayer game, the difference (and the devil) is in the details.

Linaleah · May 2017

I enjoy the quests. I don't enjoy being lost because descriptions of where i'm supposed to go are less then ideal. so I listen to dialogues, pick options that fit my characters, when there are options to chose, and once I'm onto the part where I'm supposed to go kill 10 fozzles? I use markers and maps to speed that part up so that I could go back to more of a story. personaly

I do prefer to solve puzzles myself though, i may look u the solution if I just can't figure out the pattern, (happens occasionally, I sill have no clue as to what the reasons behind puzzle solutions in that one wrothgar public dungeon are), but overall, i prefer to figure puzzles out myself.

sdtlc · May 2017

If you wish to do it this way, to it, but don't call it the true way.
I was listening trough every quest on my main, alts just press trough and pick up and do quest when passing the area.

Lavennin · May 2017

The one time I tried to speed through a quest I got punished. It was the two brothers delve quest I believe, one is looking for a cure for the other. I <persuade> to skip a step and it didn't end well for them.

Funny how I kept thinking about it. I mean quite some NPCs didn't get what they want because of my choice, but this one in particular got to me. I guess it's because they were right about me: I didn't bother to spare that bit of extra time to help them.

Nestor · May 2017

Back in Morrowind and Daggerfall, we were given quests, some vague, sometimes even misleading directions and sent on our way. No Quest Markers, No Compass Markers, just us and the world and some needle in the ash fields to find. I remember wearing out the game guide going through the maps to find things. It was fun.

Now, with quest markers, we are basically given a guided tour of the quest. Is it more or less fun this way? That is for each person to answer.

As for finding the quest objectives, there are plenty of websites out there that can give you hints. UESP is just one of them.

Sosderosii · May 2017

Nestor wrote: »

Back in Morrowind and Daggerfall, we were given quests, some vague, sometimes even misleading directions and sent on our way. No Quest Markers, No Compass Markers, just us and the world and some needle in the ash fields to find. I remember wearing out the game guide going through the maps to find things. It was fun.

Now, with quest markers, we are basically given a guided tour of the quest. Is it more or less fun this way? That is for each person to answer.

As for finding the quest objectives, there are plenty of websites out there that can give you hints. UESP is just one of them.

Maybe Morrowind is why I like quests this way. I like to be more actively involved in the quest and taking the time to search for that item in some bag somewhere in the area like someone else said is a big part of the quest solving and fun for me.

I know that having everything marked can give you the feel that you are playing a special character and can even roleplay as someone who has paranormal powers(aside from the in-game abilities) but I think everybody should at least give it a try once when they have time to spare(like waiting on the dungeon finder like I did) and see if they like it or not.

I'm determined to quest in Vvanderfell in this style (the first time) and if you'll see an Argonian in glass aromor riding a guar at walking speed, it's probably me.

Vipstaakki · May 2017

Coggage wrote: »

God no, I just click as rapidly as possible through all the quest waffle and head to the markers. I've played mmorpgs for 18 years now and quest text is just "blah blah" to me now. I've never encountered a quest in any game that couldn't be quickly sorted this way.

I have to say that ESO's quests are much better than any other game's quests - heck, I have actually given some a speed-read, which for me is quite against the grain - but I'm basically a "head to the marker and BOOM" kind of player now.

I feel sorry for you and anyone else who skips the dialogue. It is actually pretty good unlike other MMO's.

Danikat · May 2017

I really like this idea, but with my horrible sense of direction it'd be a disaster. Even with the compass and a mini map there's a good chance I'll head off in completely the wrong direction and get lost. Playing with just the compass would be my version of this.

But if it's what it takes to get people to read/listen to the quest dialogue and actually follow what's going on then I think it's a good idea.