Suggestion: Add ‘Solo mode’ to dungeons

Jimmy · November 2018

People need to stop treating an MMO like a Single Player game. I understand Elder Scrolls is historically a single player franchise but you need to adapt to the game instead of asking the game to adapt to you.

theyancey · November 2018

I support the idea of solo modes for dungeons. However I do not agree with the idea of structuring that to exclude most of us. Have a difficult vet mode and an easier story mode. That would provide the most content for the ZOS buck possible.

mairwen85 · November 2018

TheHsN wrote: »

WHOOOAAAa you ask to much FROM ZOS...

They broked the game already while they are trying to implement things. For adding solo mechanics they wil lose that dungeon ones and for all:D

Pls ask something that they can make it...
like nerf bosses healths or armors or their damages...

I dunno. Would a private option for public dungeons really be that hard to implement. Another workable scenario, I run Coa solo for practice, I don't get the undaunted rewards for completion though, don't care either. When I'm in it, others can travel to me... But locking them from doing that would = solo dungeon mode.

TheHsN · November 2018

mairwen85 wrote: »

TheHsN wrote: »

WHOOOAAAa you ask to much FROM ZOS...

They broked the game already while they are trying to implement things. For adding solo mechanics they wil lose that dungeon ones and for all:D

Pls ask something that they can make it...
like nerf bosses healths or armors or their damages...

I dunno. Would a private option for public dungeons really be that hard to implement. Another workable scenario, I run Coa solo for practice, I don't get the undaunted rewards for completion though, don't care either. When I'm in it, others can travel to me... But locking them from doing that would = solo dungeon mode.

So basicly what i said...

thorwyn · November 2018

I have a question for you solo dungeon suporters:
If ZON decided to implement solo version of existing dungeons, why would you play them, what would your motivation be?
a. to get the drops (monster sets etc.)?
b. to get the achievement (soloed 20 dungeons)?
c. to experience a new challenge?

MaxJrFTW · November 2018

No, ESO is an MMO not a single player game.

Ydrisselle · November 2018

thorwyn wrote: »

I have a question for you solo dungeon suporters:
If ZON decided to implement solo version of existing dungeons, why would you play them, what would your motivation be?
a. to get the drops (monster sets etc.)?
b. to get the achievement (soloed 20 dungeons)?
c. to experience a new challenge?

d. To finish the quests there. It's way more easier than pray for a group which is not impatient if I want to hear what the NPCs say and watch what they do.

thorwyn · November 2018

d. To finish the quests there. It's way more easier than pray for a group which is not impatient if I want to hear what the NPCs say and watch what they do.

That's actually a fair point there.

aubrey.baconb16_ESO · November 2018

MaxJrFTW wrote: »

No, ESO is an MMO not a single player game.

True, but many are here because ESO is a TES game. They are here for that, not because it is an MMO.

Merlin13KAGL · November 2018

Ydrisselle wrote: »

thorwyn wrote: »

I have a question for you solo dungeon suporters:
If ZON decided to implement solo version of existing dungeons, why would you play them, what would your motivation be?
a. to get the drops (monster sets etc.)?
b. to get the achievement (soloed 20 dungeons)?
c. to experience a new challenge?

d. To finish the quests there. It's way more easier than pray for a group which is not impatient if I want to hear what the NPCs say and watch what they do.

Are there at least 3 other people in the entirety of the game that feel the same?

If so, you have your method. If not, then it's clearly not a problem.

Your other option is to say something.

If you're doing the quest, if you'd like to listen to the dialogue, mention it upfront. Lots of groups will be accommodating, if they know. If nothing gets said (or nothing until the end), most will assume it's a standard random run and just clear.

As to the argument that you're obligated to group with other players to do content? You're not. You're not obligated to do that content. If you do want to do the content or you want the rewards that come with it, then grouping is not that much to ask.

Mayrael · November 2018

Sparr0w wrote: »

Just saying people have solo'd vSCP, vFL, vCoS so yeah...

Any vids? Especially I'm interested in vFL

mjharper · November 2018

idk wrote: »

mjharper wrote: »

Note: I am not recommending adjusting the difficulty of dungeons to suit solo players. Four-player dungeons could and should remain designed for 4 players. It is not my intention here to question the wisdom of setting DLC dungeons at ever-increasing levels of difficulty, excluding the majority of the player base.

Alternatively, ‘Solo mode’ for base-game dungeons could also be set to a ‘bridging’ difficulty, perhaps with ‘Normal’ difficulty being at the level of public dungeons, but again, with only one player able to access them. ‘Veteran Solo mode’ for base-game dungeons could then be set to the level of Normal 4-player mode. This would preserve difficulty difference between base-game and DLC dungeons, while making the process of soloing more accessible for mid-tier players.

Thoughts?

My thoughts is it does not seem sincere to "not recommend adjusting the difficulty to suit solo players" then turn around and suggest Normal difficulty could be set to the very low challenge of a public dungeon. Then to suggest nerfing vet solo mode to the challenge of a normal 4 man dungeon and go on to suggest monster helms should drop from this significantly easier mode really makes that first paragraph I quoted sound very insincere.

The two paragraphs above are most certainly in contrast with each other.

Yes, totally. But this paragraph was meant as an alternative. If it came across as insincere, sorry. It was just mean to be kicking ideas around, given that ZOS seem to want a difference between base-game difficulty and DLC difficulty. My main suggestion was not to change difficulty at all, at least for the base-game dungeons.

mjharper · November 2018

Jimmy wrote: »

People need to stop treating an MMO like a Single Player game. I understand Elder Scrolls is historically a single player franchise but you need to adapt to the game instead of asking the game to adapt to you.

Ironically, that's what solo players do. We adapt. We play 4-player dungeons solo because there is no content in the game, aside from Maelstrom, which caters to us in any way. I like soloing group content. The feeling when I soloed my first vet dungeon (Tempest) was awesome. But that isn't the point. The point is that the only real end-game content for solo play is actually group content.

Is it too much to ask that ZOS acknowledge this?

TheValar85 · November 2018

Agree. make it happen.

Sheezabeast · November 2018

I must confess, the mental image of someone soloing Darkshade 2 and getting Netch-slapped to death by swarming Netches in the Grobull fight makes me giggle.

AlnilamE · November 2018

OK, I'm not too familiar with the Wolfhunter DLC dungeons or the Dragon Bones ones, but from the rest, which dungeons outside of Direfrost, Fungal Grotto II and possibly Vaults of Madness have mechanics that prevent it from being soloed?

Abigail · November 2018

Couldn't agree more. I just added a request for solo dungeons on another thread (had not yet seen your post).

mairwen85 · November 2018

AlnilamE wrote: »

OK, I'm not too familiar with the Wolfhunter DLC dungeons or the Dragon Bones ones, but from the rest, which dungeons outside of Direfrost, Fungal Grotto II and possibly Vaults of Madness have mechanics that prevent it from being soloed?

Off the top of my head, CoA2, RoM, DSC2, CoS, Selene's Web... Maybe Arx Corinium... ICP, WGT

More will come to me in time.

Thing is, I don't think anyone is asking for a solo fang Lair (although with lowbies on normal you only really need other players for chain fodder), or MHK, just an alternative.

DMuehlhausen · November 2018

No, this is an MMO. There is suppose to be group required content at all levels of the game. If you want to solo everything go play Skyrim.

MMOs were at their best when there was challenging early, mid, and late content that required groups. They have become less and less fun to play when you don't even to interact with the 1000s of people running around you.

AlnilamE · November 2018

mairwen85 wrote: »

AlnilamE wrote: »

OK, I'm not too familiar with the Wolfhunter DLC dungeons or the Dragon Bones ones, but from the rest, which dungeons outside of Direfrost, Fungal Grotto II and possibly Vaults of Madness have mechanics that prevent it from being soloed?

Off the top of my head, CoA2, RoM, DSC2, CoS, Selene's Web... Maybe Arx Corinium... ICP, WGT

More will come to me in time.

Thing is, I don't think anyone is asking for a solo fang Lair (although with lowbies on normal you only really need other players for chain fodder), or MHK, just an alternative.

what part of CoA 2 requires 2 people?
RoM are you talking about the last boss and having to reveal the glowing statue?
I also can't think of any limitation in DSC2. Of course, Grobul is a DPS check, but that is not a 2-player requirement.
Selene's Web do you mean the fact that the last boss can cocoon you?
Arx does have a boss that pins you down, but I've never seen that dungeon mentioned in regards to not being soloable.
ICP I don't know either.
WGT - the Adjudicator? You can get out of the cells by yourself. The Planar Inhibitor? I'm not sure if she's soloable or not.

And what I'm saying is, if you want a solo challenge, then the majority of normal dungeons is already there for people. There are a couple that have requirements that could be adjusted, like the plates you have to step on in Direfrost, but that's about it.

mairwen85 · November 2018

DMuehlhausen wrote: »

No, this is an MMO. There is suppose to be group required content at all levels of the game. If you want to solo everything go play Skyrim.

Again, no one is saying solo everything. Try reading the thread instead of kneejerking your way through it. We all want to keep the group requirement for group content. However, the main gripe here is end-game solo content is sorely missing. The only available is the tedious, mundane, go here, do/kill/get that, come back (or the imaginative complex version where you have to get, kill, and do something). Murkmire added a quest which was 20 minutes talking to different npcs... Phfff... Solo able dungeons is the logical solution. Whether purpose designed or reimagined existing content (my preference is the former).

Also, running dungeons of that calibre will naturally result in better group players who better understand their class, skills, and limitations... And, have a keener eye for mechanics (and for lower level players all from the allowance of time and personal effort without the judgement of other players or the feeling of bringing the group down due to skill difference).

Ydrisselle · November 2018

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

Ydrisselle wrote: »

thorwyn wrote: »

I have a question for you solo dungeon suporters:
If ZON decided to implement solo version of existing dungeons, why would you play them, what would your motivation be?
a. to get the drops (monster sets etc.)?
b. to get the achievement (soloed 20 dungeons)?
c. to experience a new challenge?

d. To finish the quests there. It's way more easier than pray for a group which is not impatient if I want to hear what the NPCs say and watch what they do.

Are there at least 3 other people in the entirety of the game that feel the same?

If so, you have your method. If not, then it's clearly not a problem.

Your other option is to say something.

If you're doing the quest, if you'd like to listen to the dialogue, mention it upfront. Lots of groups will be accommodating, if they know. If nothing gets said (or nothing until the end), most will assume it's a standard random run and just clear.

As to the argument that you're obligated to group with other players to do content? You're not. You're not obligated to do that content. If you do want to do the content or you want the rewards that come with it, then grouping is not that much to ask.

It's theoretical in my case since I avoid any kind of group content as long as I can. I know I won't see those quests, and I'm not upset for that any more.

Juhasow · November 2018

More then half of currently existing vet dungeons can be done solo. It's around 20 vet dungeos to clear. I doubt that any of people that requests for that solo mode actually completed them all so what is even the point of that discussion ? You want challenge ? Visit that dungeons instead of forum. Instead of complaining that few dungeons cannot be soloed because of group requiring mechanics I reccomend visiting and trying to compete these which can.

mairwen85 · November 2018

Juhasow wrote: »

More then half of currently existing vet dungeons can be done solo. I doubt that any of people that requests for that solo mode actually completed them all so what is even the point of that discussion ? You want challenge ? Visit that dungeons instead of forum.

Editted to add: I appreciate what you're saying. Many of us are already doing this - - a real, considered alternative would, however, be a better option. What's the negative?

karekiz · November 2018

Veteran delve/public dungeon mode.

Delve = Normal dungeon difficulty
Public Dungeon = Veteran classic dungeon difficulty

Lumenn · November 2018

thorwyn wrote: »

Believe me when I say I'm not being aggressive, as I am genuinely curious. And I do appreciate that you stated it's your opinion. But why do you think playing an mmo means I must not only socialize(i do) but with people who also play the same game,(again, I do) same server, have the same times to play, and plan and organize said time just to hope to advance a character(gear etc) or be thrust in a PUG situation which COULD turn out ok, but could also turn into a debacle that nightmares are made from. Since the days of EQ1 I've heard "solo suxors" play single if you want to solo, it's in the name MMO you HAVE to group.

Why? MMO just means you all play in the same world. Why does it mean you have to staple someone to your rear end to advance? EQ was BAD about that, especially melee characters. ESO is better. But why is a group regarded as mandatory to advance, and not optional? Genuinely curious.

Noone said you are forced to do PUG's. As long as you are in an active guild, you should be able to find a group pretty quickly and without the waiting queue blues. Like I said, I'm soloing most of the time and enjoy doing so. If you think about it, how much of the entire content in ESO is solo? Basically everything except trials and dungeons is deisgned to be played solo. Why would you take away the remaining ... 2%? 5%?
To me, it adds diversity to the game. There is content where I have to kill stuff, where I have to sneak, where I have to solve puzzles and there's also some content where I have to find 3 other dudes to come along with me.
Now about the rewards: This is actually a relic from the past. Each and every MMO I have played over the years required people to do group stuff if they wanted to have a shot at getting the best possible gear. It is just another obstacle layer, because I know that I have to work on my group playing skills. Maybe I'm getting old and conservative.

Well, guilds would be under that whole social part before I said OR PUG. So in your opinion being forced to group adds diversity. I thank you for your response. Most times all I here is MMO means Group duh kinda thing. I like to group, I like to solo. In my opinion opening options to solo group content(if you can) would add more diversity. But again, I thank you for a well thought out response.

Juhasow · November 2018

mairwen85 wrote: »

Juhasow wrote: »

More then half of currently existing vet dungeons can be done solo. I doubt that any of people that requests for that solo mode actually completed them all so what is even the point of that discussion ? You want challenge ? Visit that dungeons instead of forum.

Editted to add: I appreciate what you're saying. Many of us are already doing this - - a real, considered alternative would, however, be a better option. What's the negative?

I strongly doubt that "many of You" completed even half of vet dungeons that can be soloed. That graphic You posted presents much better actual state of Your request which is basicly asking for something that is already in the game. The negative is : there are most important things in this game that developers should focus on then satysfying few special snowflakes and adding option to do something that is already doable.

El_Borracho · November 2018

Mayrael wrote: »

And let's point out that we don't want this "solo mode" to be any easier than the group one, just remove group forcing mechanics.

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this post. Wouldn't removing "group forcing mechanics" alter a significant number of dungeons and turn everything into a DPS race? For example, (I think) one of the Crypt of Hearts dungeons has a boss that wraps a player in spiderwebs who must be freed by a member of the group or die. Would you remove that? Because that is somewhat integral to the boss.

About a year ago, when I just started playing ESO I would have liked the idea of solo dungeons, as I was to much of a scrub to play group content. But now, after playing group content, all I find myself saying about solo dungeons is we have those already. And not to go too far, but a major reason to do a lot of these dungeons is to get gear to either (1) play end-game PVE trials and dungeons, or (2) play PVP, both of which are variations on group play. Do you really need monster gear to burn through overland quests?

BretonMage · November 2018

I really don't get why anyone would oppose this idea. Some of us like both ESO AND playing solo. If ZOS can give us an option for a solo mode without changing the other group modes, why should group players care? It wouldn't affect them at all. It's not as though you would suddenly lose huge swathes of the population to the dark nether solo regions; solo players will continue to play solo as we always have, but we'll just have more fun.

I would happily pay or subscribe for a solo mode.

Abigail · November 2018

BretonMage wrote: »

I really don't get why anyone would oppose this idea.

Because:

Many players have a last-decade notion that MMO means grouping to complete content.
Developers, mired in the same belief, mistakenly think a majority want group content.
Developers, with all the fervor of SJWs, think they're forwarding humanity by compelling disparate people into groups.

Game developers would do better if they provided players the means to participate as they please.