OK, I'm a silver surfer, and I'm not much good at combat. What can I BE in this game?

Ilkuul · January 2021

Confession time! I'm a golden oldie trying to play a young person's game. I've done my best, but I've had to accept I'm never going to be much good at combat (that's in PVE, never mind PVP!). I enjoy the crafting system, but would like to do a bit more than "just" crafting. I like the quests, and collecting skyshards and applying skill points (with advice from a friend), and I LOVE exploring Tamriel (in areas where the mobs aren't too overpowering). With help from the friend I mentioned I've reached lev. 29. (We started at the same time, and he's already above CP160!)

So my question is, from you highly-experienced long-timers, what can I 'BE' in this game? Are there areas of involvement where someone like me could play a truly useful role, say in supporting others? Or some kind of solo endeavour I could pursue that would give satisfying rewards?

I really like this game, and would hate to give it up. I'd just be very grateful for ideas on what kind of realistic goals, within my slightly limited capabilities, I could pursue?

Thanks for your input!

Grandchamp1989 · January 2021

Currently healer is a flex spot that can do a bit of everything.

They do okey damage
They can heal their team
They can buff their team and provide ressources

If you're not sure I would personly go with healer and flex into what the team needs.

If damage is low you can do more damage to help out.
If they struggle with staying alive you heal more.

Ilkuul · January 2021

Grandchamp1989 wrote: »

Currently healer is a flex spot that can do a bit of everything...

Thanks—that's something that had occurred to me. It would mean joining a guild, I guess—which would be something new for me, as I've so far been playing solo apart from a few ventures with the one friend I mentioned. But I'd be happy to give that a go.

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

Sylvermynx · January 2021

Check out being a healer - though many areas of the game don't "require" a dedicated healer, certain things such as trials and vet dungeons still need them. Buffing group members and debuffing bosses is a healer's role - and that way your lesser combat ability can add to the dps but not be a serious downside for you.

Then there's housing. That can be real-world expensive, but you can start slow - with the free inn rooms for instance. You can find furnishing patterns in the world, and create furnishings yourself. Also there's the Thieves Guild DLC, which while not requiring no combat, does prompt one to sneak around without killing to do the heists and so on.

Also, over time you will get better at dps. I started over two years ago - and until a few months back I really didn't get the whole thing. Part of that is age: I'm 73, and my reflexes are pretty good but not THIS game's dps good; and part of that is my connection: I have only satellite with quite high ping (because I live in the back of beyond and while I love where I live, I don't have anything available other than satellite - or dialup....) It was so bad I couldn't get past Yahgrondu (the undead dragon in the S Elsweyr quest line) without help from a friend and her son - either of them could have done it alone in about a minute; me, well.... in that same minute I was dead - over and over again!

It's a great game for questing and exploration. Of all the things I've done here, I'm enjoying antiquities the most at the moment. FAR better than WoW's archaeology!

Grandchamp1989 · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

Grandchamp1989 wrote: »

Currently healer is a flex spot that can do a bit of everything...

Thanks—that's something that had occurred to me. It would mean joining a guild, I guess—which would be something new for me, as I've so far been playing solo apart from a few ventures with the one friend I mentioned. But I'd be happy to give that a go.

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

You can absolutely solo even if you can't light attack weave.

Youtuber's such as "Hack the Minotaur" focus mainly on solo builds. He got creative ones that do a lot of damage just by holding block and throw a few skills out every 10 seconds. I would advice checking him out!

Most solo builds you can't stand still and parse anyway because you have to be tank/dd/healer in one. So you have to adapt.

If you solo I would advice getting your hands on "Ring of the pale order" it's an Antiquity you have to scry up by finding 5 leads to it. Very strong ring for solo'ing stuff, heals you when you do damage. Most Solo guys use it.

Even if you don't have a "action pr minutes" of a 20 year old E-sport pro" you can still be incredibly strong in this game. There's many ways from proc sets, self healing rings, and debuffs and/or heavy attack build.

You'd be surprised how little it takes with the right setup.

emilyhyoyeon · January 2021

Based on what you describe, in terms of what combat content you could do, you would probably manage perfectly fine with normal dungeons, any role. Regular normal dungeons don't demand a lot from the DDs, tank, or healer, at least once you get a bit more familiar with the game and its combat.

There's also a lot of overland content with various difficulties. Playing solo, delves are the best starting point. Public dungeons are more difficult than delves. World bosses (skull & swords map icon) can be quite difficult to solo but are a nice solo challenge if you ever get to that point. All of these things can be done with groups of people too.

RashosMedaresh · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

Hack the Minotaur has some very good 1 bar builds for soloing that you might find useful.

idk · January 2021

I suggest trying different roles and find what you like most. Finding and joining a good active guild is the best course of action as we do get more out of the game when running with familiar people regularly.

I do hope you find the place that you enjoy.

Davor · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

So my question is, from you highly-experienced long-timers, what can I 'BE' in this game? Are there areas of involvement where someone like me could play a truly useful role, say in supporting others? Or some kind of solo endeavour I could pursue that would give satisfying rewards?

I really like this game, and would hate to give it up. I'd just be very grateful for ideas on what kind of realistic goals, within my slightly limited capabilities, I could pursue?

Thanks for your input!

I am confused a bit in what you want. Are you asking to be more PvP or I should say more involved with people? I can't help with that. Reason I ask is I thought maybe you were talking about what you can be in game as a single player, but reading it seems you want more people interaction.

What platform are you on? I just restarted playing again, and only a single player type person, but I always wanted to try playing with others. If you just want to play with others and just have fun doing quests, maybe add me. We can adventure together

I am not good at the game. I just play for fun. I usually get by doing most things story wise OK. I can't do dungeons alone, or anything like that. I once did a dolem alone, but once someone else came in, the two of us did it easily.

So if you like a partner when ever you need help, or just chat, or talk to, add me. I just restarted on PC, but I will go back to Xbox if you are on that. Playstation, I don't have.

Ilkuul · January 2021

Sylvermynx wrote: »

Check out being a healer - though many areas of the game don't "require" a dedicated healer, certain things such as trials and vet dungeons still need them. Buffing group members and debuffing bosses is a healer's role - and that way your lesser combat ability can add to the dps but not be a serious downside for you.

Then there's housing. That can be real-world expensive, but you can start slow - with the free inn rooms for instance. You can find furnishing patterns in the world, and create furnishings yourself. Also there's the Thieves Guild DLC, which while not requiring no combat, does prompt one to sneak around without killing to do the heists and so on.

Also, over time you will get better at dps. I started over two years ago - and until a few months back I really didn't get the whole thing. Part of that is age: I'm 73, and my reflexes are pretty good but not THIS game's dps good; and part of that is my connection: I have only satellite with quite high ping (because I live in the back of beyond and while I love where I live, I don't have anything available other than satellite - or dialup....) It was so bad I couldn't get past Yahgrondu (the undead dragon in the S Elsweyr quest line) without help from a friend and her son - either of them could have done it alone in about a minute; me, well.... in that same minute I was dead - over and over again!

It's a great game for questing and exploration. Of all the things I've done here, I'm enjoying antiquities the most at the moment. FAR better than WoW's archaeology!

Hey, Silvermynx, glad to meet you! I'm 72, so you’re actually older than me—it's encouraging to hear from an age-mate who's clearly doing well in the game! Your housing, thieves and antiquities suggestions definitely interest me. But it's also good to know that one can improve in digital combat, even at this stage of life!

TheImperfect · January 2021

The learning curve in combat has been hard (for me at least) so I wouldn't give up just yet, keep trying . Age might be a slight factor but with practice and good gear and learning your class and skills you can probably manage adequately. Housing is great if you like that, and takes a lot of time. I find pvp particularly difficult but again I don't have much practice and that would help. You don't have to be a combat master to enjoy the questing, just be proficient enough to get through. Antiquities hunting is good for making gold. You can become a trader using the guild traders.

Ilkuul · January 2021

emilyhyoyeon wrote: »

Based on what you describe, in terms of what combat content you could do, you would probably manage perfectly fine with normal dungeons, any role. Regular normal dungeons don't demand a lot from the DDs, tank, or healer, at least once you get a bit more familiar with the game and its combat.

There's also a lot of overland content with various difficulties. Playing solo, delves are the best starting point. Public dungeons are more difficult than delves. World bosses (skull & swords map icon) can be quite difficult to solo but are a nice solo challenge if you ever get to that point. All of these things can be done with groups of people too.

Thanks for those suggestions. Again, it's good to know that you feel people of moderate combat ability can manage normal dungeons. I've been avoding them so far, but I have managed several delves.

I've heard from others, though, that the dungeons/delves/bosses in Vvardenfell (where I started) are actually significantly more difficult than in other parts of Tamriel—would you agree? In which case I might be better off learning how to tackle them in other zones first?

Ilkuul · January 2021

Grandchamp1989 wrote: »

Ilkuul wrote: »

Grandchamp1989 wrote: »

Currently healer is a flex spot that can do a bit of everything...

Thanks—that's something that had occurred to me. It would mean joining a guild, I guess—which would be something new for me, as I've so far been playing solo apart from a few ventures with the one friend I mentioned. But I'd be happy to give that a go.

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

You can absolutely solo even if you can't light attack weave.

Youtuber's such as "Hack the Minotaur" focus mainly on solo builds. He got creative ones that do a lot of damage just by holding block and throw a few skills out every 10 seconds. I would advice checking him out!

Most solo builds you can't stand still and parse anyway because you have to be tank/dd/healer in one. So you have to adapt.

If you solo I would advice getting your hands on "Ring of the pale order" it's and Antiquity you have to scry up with finding 5 leads to it. Very strong ring for solo'ing stuff, heals you when you do damage. Most Solo guys use it.

Even if you don't have a "action pr minutes" of a 20 year old E-sport pro" you can still be incredibly strong in this games. There's many ways from proc sets, self healing rings, and debuffs and/or heavy attack build.

You'd be surprised how little it takes with the right setup.

Thanks for those ideas, especially the "Ring of the Pale Order", which sounds exactly the sort of thing I need!

Ilkuul · January 2021

RashosMedaresh wrote: »

Ilkuul wrote: »

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

Hack the Minotaur has some very good 1 bar builds for soloing that you might find useful.

Thanks—for me, one bar is good! I'll definitely look into that.

Ilkuul · January 2021

idk wrote: »

I suggest trying different roles and find what you like most. Finding and joining a good active guild is the best course of action as we do get more out of the game when running with familiar people regularly.

I do hope you find the place that you enjoy.

Thanks. I've been focussing just on one character so far (Wood Elf Templar); but as you say, it'll be good to try out others as well in due course.

Sylvermynx · January 2021

@Ilkuul - there are a lot of fun things to do in this game. And you know, there are probably some classes which are better for we who have reflex and/or connection issues. Overall, I do best with wardens and sorcerers - because the pets are handled server-side so my ping doesn't affect them so much. The biggest issue with pet classes here is that the pets don't grab aggro the way they did in WoW and RIFT (which I haven't played since 2013 and 2016, respectively).

And, if you didn't play TES4 (Oblivion) and TES5 (Skyrim), I would encourage you to play those games as well - they are single player, and give you a nice introduction to The Elder Scrolls world. Oblivion is a bit dated graphically by this time, and I still have a hard time with the "potato head" character look, but if you're on PC, there are addons to help with that.

[Edit for typos *sigh*]

DarcyMardin · January 2021

Except perhaps for clocking the highest DPS numbers or being super skillful at zipping all around in twitch-reflex heavy battles, you should be able to do almost anything in the game. I’ll be 73 in a couple of months and I’ve been playing since the start of this game. When I join in group play, I usually heal or tank because my DPS numbers don’t usually get into what I think of as respectable range for a DD, but I’ve always preferred support roles in gaming anyway.

Questing will be no problem once you get the hang of the game, and as your character gains strength and acquires more powerful gear, you should be fine participating in most activities that ESO offers. Crafting, exploring, antiquity hunting, and housing are all fun and don’t involve much in the way of combat. But if you do find you want to try group activities like vet dungeons and trials, there are guilds you can join with helpful people who can give you advice on how to improve. There’s a guild finder, too, in the game — that might be helpful. And some guilds post recruiting messages here in the forums.

There’s a lot of do in the game, so enjoy and have fun!

Ilkuul · January 2021

Davor wrote: »

Ilkuul wrote: »

So my question is, from you highly-experienced long-timers, what can I 'BE' in this game? Are there areas of involvement where someone like me could play a truly useful role, say in supporting others? Or some kind of solo endeavour I could pursue that would give satisfying rewards?

I really like this game, and would hate to give it up. I'd just be very grateful for ideas on what kind of realistic goals, within my slightly limited capabilities, I could pursue?

Thanks for your input!

I am confused a bit in what you want. Are you asking to be more PvP or I should say more involved with people? I can't help with that. Reason I ask is I thought maybe you were talking about what you can be in game as a single player, but reading it seems you want more people interaction.

What platform are you on? I just restarted playing again, and only a single player type person, but I always wanted to try playing with others. If you just want to play with others and just have fun doing quests, maybe add me. We can adventure together

I am not good at the game. I just play for fun. I usually get by doing most things story wise OK. I can't do dungeons alone, or anything like that. I once did a dolem alone, but once someone else came in, the two of us did it easily.

So if you like a partner when ever you need help, or just chat, or talk to, add me. I just restarted on PC, but I will go back to Xbox if you are on that. Playstation, I don't have.

Hey thanks, Davor! You seem to have had a fairly similar experience, and I appreciate the offer of grouping. My query was actually very wide, including both options—groups and solo. I have group sessions with my son (he's the "friend" I mentioned), usually once a week; and between times I play solo in the evenings or whenever I have time. The three of us could link up, if you like: I have a Mac, my son's got a PC, and we play on the EU PC/Mac server. Could be a problem if you’re in the States… Let me know if it would be possible.

validifyedneb18_ESO · January 2021

House decoration, crafting, you already have the massive amount of exploration and completionist content well under way but even if you ignore the more challenging stuff you will have barely scratched the surface in terms of things to do.

There are good low effort builds out there too, you won't find them on the most prominent build websites for the most part as they are less effective. But builds that don't need weapon swapping, use pets to do most of the work, or proc sets to chain aoe stuff down with minimal effort. Definitely good enough for normal mode dungeons, maybe you won't be able to manage some of the trickier dlc dungeons or trials but it will allow you to see most of it.

The vast majority of the player base is - frankly - *** at the game. But that's OK, they find plenty of stuff to do to occupy their time and enjoy the game (including making me suffer when they queue to do their random daily, lol)

Minyassa · January 2021

I second the Hack The Minotaur reference and those one-bar builds are fantastic for saving wear and tear on wrists and hand joints (I am no spring chicken myself!). I'm not the best at combat either but one-bar builds can be very helpful in learning rotations with simple ones first, and then you can expand later when you feel more comfortable with them and more familiar with skills.

I would definitely go to the "vanilla" zone first. People are right, Vvardenfell content is harder. If I were you I would go to your alliance's starting zone (Stros M'kai if you're DC, Bleakrock for EP, Khenarthi's Roost for AD) and do the main storyline and follow it in order all the way through the zones, and then do the other two when you are presented with the prompt to do so. You will pick up a lot of skill points that way and have more than enough practice at normal stuff before you jump into the DLC content.

And definitely join a guild! If you can find a social guild that does group content runs, that should be friendly people who will be more than happy to help you with a build or anything else.

Ilkuul · January 2021

TheImperfect wrote: »

The learning curve in combat has been hard (for me at least) so I wouldn't give up just yet, keep trying . Age might be a slight factor but with practice and good gear and learning your class and skills you can probably manage adequately. Housing is great if you like that, and takes a lot of time. I find pvp particularly difficult but again I don't have much practice and that would help. You don't have to be a combat master to enjoy the questing, just be proficient enough to get through. Antiquities hunting is good for making gold. You can become a trader using the guild traders.

Thanks for those thoughts. Glad to hear the learning curve can be overcome! I haven't tried Antiquities yet, or the trading route, so those are good suggestions that I'd like to follow up.

validifyedneb18_ESO · January 2021

I would add that my now long defunct veteran trials guild had a 70 year old member that was if anything one of our better players. Never say never.

validifyedneb18_ESO · January 2021

If your aim is to be useful to others, guilds need crafters, for the endless supply of potions and food they need for members, training gear and gear for newly capped characters etc..

Davor · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

[The three of us could link up, if you like: I have a Mac, my son's got a PC, and we play on the EU PC/Mac server. Could be a problem if you’re in the States… Let me know if it would be possible.

I forgot to say I am on the NA server. I live in Canada. I am 51.

I don't really know how to use the social functions here very well. Next time I go on, I guess I have to choose the EU server, correct? I believe, I will have to start over again there, since I never played. Will make a character and see how it goes.

The name I use is HsojVvad. I hope you know how to add me. I do have a head set. Can we use that on PC to chat? I know on Xbox it can be done, never did for PC.

If you have the patience for me till I get up to speed on how to use the social functions, I will gladly try out the EU servers and see how it goes.

Davor

Noggin_the_Nog · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

Confession time! I'm a golden oldie trying to play a young person's game. .... With help from the friend I mentioned I've reached lev. 29.

I really like this game, and would hate to give it up. I'd just be very grateful for ideas on what kind of realistic goals, within my slightly limited capabilities, I could pursue?

Welcome to ESO. It's a great game and entirely suitable for those in the best years of their life. I'm 70 and having lots of fun in all aspects of ESO.

My fingers may not be as quick as a 20 year old but that is not a barrier to virtually all content. It's only a difficulty if you try veteran content as a DD - Veteran Trials or Veteran Undaunted pledges. All other content should be achievable. For harder content I usually opt for a support role - tank or healer - it works well.

But look, you are level 29. There's so much to learn about the game, and to be honest there's so much the game does not tell you about effective play. Sets, food, crafting, potions, buffs and de-buffs, etc. A Guild can help - I'm in one specifically for older players, but having a few friends to join in small group play will be helpful.

The best idea for level 29 is to follow through the Main Quest and zone quests. Not Vvardenfell as its content is harder. So as a Wood Elf - AD, go to Khenarthi's Roost and then Auridon. You will learn alot about your skills on the way. I play a few Templars (all are High Elves) and it's a very forgiving class well suited for solo play.

I'd be happy to help in-game if you wish?

Have fun and stay safe out there.

AlnilamE · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

idk wrote: »

I suggest trying different roles and find what you like most. Finding and joining a good active guild is the best course of action as we do get more out of the game when running with familiar people regularly.

I do hope you find the place that you enjoy.

Thanks. I've been focussing just on one character so far (Wood Elf Templar); but as you say, it'll be good to try out others as well in due course.

I have 2 templars, one is a wood elf Magicka healer and the other is a redguard stamina DPS. Templar is a fairly user friendly class. The magicka version of jabs will heal you, and they have a number of skills that will buff your damage, regen or give you protection.

I'll also second(fourth?) Hack The Minotaur for builds and tips for simpler play.

Grandchamp1989 · January 2021

I would also love to promote the Youtuber Hack the Minotaur yet again for being a genuinely nice guy.

about a year ago I couldn't parse my way out of a wet paper bag. My parse was maybe 10-12k.

Made a video of my horrible parse and asked around for help.

Hack was the only youtuber who took the time to help me.

While I'm still not amazing my 60k+ is enough for 4 man content and a lot of none HM trials.

He seems genuinely interested in helping people so they can have access to all content in ESO. his one-bar setups are well known and will help anyone get through most content in ESO wether you're disabled, can't get rotations down or are very new at the game.

Can't say enough good things about him.

Hack is just awesome.

JKorr · January 2021

Ilkuul wrote: »

Confession time! I'm a golden oldie trying to play a young person's game. I've done my best, but I've had to accept I'm never going to be much good at combat (that's in PVE, never mind PVP!). I enjoy the crafting system, but would like to do a bit more than "just" crafting. I like the quests, and collecting skyshards and applying skill points (with advice from a friend), and I LOVE exploring Tamriel (in areas where the mobs aren't too overpowering). With help from the friend I mentioned I've reached lev. 29. (We started at the same time, and he's already above CP160!)

So my question is, from you highly-experienced long-timers, what can I 'BE' in this game? Are there areas of involvement where someone like me could play a truly useful role, say in supporting others? Or some kind of solo endeavour I could pursue that would give satisfying rewards?

I really like this game, and would hate to give it up. I'd just be very grateful for ideas on what kind of realistic goals, within my slightly limited capabilities, I could pursue?

Thanks for your input!

You can also try a build that may not do a million dps, but is very hard to kill. Templar, necro, and DK if you find the right combination of crafted armor and glyphs, along with food. You don't have to be spectacular at combat, just good enough that the enemy dies before you do. This is, by the way, for pve. Pvp advice will have to come from people who actually play it, instead of avoid it. If you're on pc/na I'd be happy to craft gear for you, or run a few public dungeons.

Ilkuul · January 2021

RashosMedaresh wrote: »

Ilkuul wrote: »

From your reply I'm guessing you don't see a solo role for a not-very-good fighter?!

Hack the Minotaur has some very good 1 bar builds for soloing that you might find useful.

Thanks—for me, one bar is good! I'll definitely look into that.

madman65 · January 2021

I`ll throw in my thoughts, I have an Argonian Necro Healer that just keeps on impressing me. Okay on Tanking, Good on DPS and Great as a healer.

Tanking: I only use very rare because it`s not optimal, Medusa/Jorvuld`s/Bogdan. I use when I have gamers that have not researched the mechanics.

DPS: Mother`s Sorrow/Perfected False God`s/Slimecraw

Healer: Jorvuld`s/Winter`s Respite/Bogdan

I know some gamers will say that`s not the best but it`s how you play and what`s comfortable.
Many times in a pledge me and the tank get things started, i`ll go in and set my Bone totem to stun mobs and the tank will start taunting and pulling.
I have beaten WB`s on solo with the necro so it`s a very fun build. Please be nice gamers, I know it`s not an OPTIMAL build. Just trying to help.

Ilkuul · January 2021

Hey, warm thanks to everyone who's contributed, you've made an old man's day! I feel very encouraged by all the options and help strategies you've shared—you've convinced me it is possible for a silver surfer like me to enjoy and make a success of ESO.

And I've definitely got the message that Hack The Minotaur is the place to visit!