Please make the Infinite Archive styles class-free again

Omegacron · April 2024

When the class styles came out with the Infinite Archive, they weren't bound to class at the Outfit Station. You would have to earn them on that class, but once you knew the style, you could use it on any class. I was trying to get the Nobility in Decay set so I could use it on my nightblade... and then when U41 hit suddenly they were restricted by class. That hurt me, ZOS... it hurt me a lot. I may need a therapist now.

Given that you still have to GET them on the specific class, please (PLEASE PLEASE) switch the outfit styles back to account-wide like they were before. Class-locked styles were a nice experiment, but if comments on the forum - or my own opinion - is any indication... no one likes the change.

Enemy-of-Coldharbour · April 2024

Agreed.

NotaDaedraWorshipper · April 2024

They being restricted goes against phrases they have said ESO is and has been for years. Like any of our characters can already make outfits that got symbols, emblems etc of factions, cults, occupations etc they are not, so why are we stopped now.

Only reason I can think of for restricted them, is because you get the glowy set effect if you use 5 parts or such of the style in your outfit. But why not just make an effect-less version? Might even be wanted for people who don't want it on the class the set is for.

I was looking forward to several pieces from a couple of the styles, all to use on a character that was not of the class the style is now restricted for.

Sakiri · April 2024

Yall just want the nb helm.

I think it's fine how it is. The sets are locked, it makes no sense that the styles wouldn't.

I'd rather them make a mask that looks similar.

colossalvoids · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

I'd rather them make a mask that looks similar.

Textures are so low res that it pains to use it lol, I'd be down for a better one surely.

Foxxal · April 2024

Yeah it's really awkward as it stands. I use a Templar but play him as a sorcerer using mage guild skills, so being stuck using the Templar motif is just not very roleplay friendly. There's no real need for it, and I'm less inclined to actively farm for these style pages in the archive now.

Very silly design choice on par with companions not being allowed to use helmets for 'immersion' which resulted in 30+ identical Bastions sitting next to each other in big towns.

PapaTankers · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Yall just want the nb helm.

I think it's fine how it is. The sets are locked, it makes no sense that the styles wouldn't.

I'd rather them make a mask that looks similar.

Damn right I want that nb helm!

Dragonnord · April 2024

I think it's fine as it is now. If ZOS changed it 1000% intentionally, then I'm sure they have a valid reason.

Also, they NB helm? The one that always look like Void Pitch black even if you dye it with Julianos or Mable White? Meh!

jaws343 · April 2024

I'm fairly certain the class set style pages have always been restricted. Considering the patch dropped on Xbox last week and literally from day 1 the style pages are class restricted for use.

Dagoth_Rac · April 2024

jaws343 wrote: »

I'm fairly certain the class set style pages have always been restricted. Considering the patch dropped on Xbox last week and literally from day 1 the style pages are class restricted for use.

You could use them on any class on PTS. ZOS made the change before it went live, though. I think that is part of why this hurts. People were enjoying the fashion possibilities on PTS and then it got taken away. Might have been less disappointment if they had been class-locked from the start, rather than letting them act like other styles during initial testing.

Necrotech_Master · April 2024

jaws343 wrote: »

I'm fairly certain the class set style pages have always been restricted. Considering the patch dropped on Xbox last week and literally from day 1 the style pages are class restricted for use.

before the U41 pts and U41 release, in the outfits section of the collection menu you could see and "preview" all of the class styles on any class

the restriction was added during the U41 PTS without any real explanation as to why

Sakiri · April 2024

The only thing people even want is that mask.

They're not going to make them unlocked just so you can be a rogue.

Trejgon · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Yall just want the nb helm.

I think it's fine how it is. The sets are locked, it makes no sense that the styles wouldn't.

I'd rather them make a mask that looks similar.

I don't care all that much about NB, helm, but any style would be improvement over monolith of storms style for my sorc.

If I could use them on her, I'd prolly get them. since I can't I just don't play the archive, because what would be the point....

Omegacron · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

The only thing people even want is that mask.

They're not going to make them unlocked just so you can be a rogue.

As I said in the original post, I wasn't after the nightblade set. I wanted the necromancer set FOR my nightblade. The necromancer set looks fairly similar to the Nightingale armor from Skyrim... which was awesome. I also loved the shoulders, which look like the Covenant Champion style but using skulls instead of lions. It fit perfectly with my vampire assassin's current outfit.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Omegacron wrote: »

When the class styles came out with the Infinite Archive, they weren't bound to class at the Outfit Station. You would have to earn them on that class, but once you knew the style, you could use it on any class. I was trying to get the Nobility in Decay set so I could use it on my nightblade... and then when U41 hit suddenly they were restricted by class. That hurt me, ZOS... it hurt me a lot. I may need a therapist now.

Given that you still have to GET them on the specific class, please (PLEASE PLEASE) switch the outfit styles back to account-wide like they were before. Class-locked styles were a nice experiment, but if comments on the forum - or my own opinion - is any indication... no one likes the change.

Absolutely. Completely agree.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

The only thing people even want is that mask.

They're not going to make them unlocked just so you can be a rogue.

Why shouldn't they? We earned these darn things let us use them in a manner that befits the time and effort put into gaining them.

Sakiri · April 2024

Because the sets are locked.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Because the sets are locked.

Makes no sense to lock a style, especially when this has never been the case before. This also goes against the entire point of having motifs in the game.

This is a reason why I have avoided IA so far and will continue to do so. I don't need something I can't use, I don't need other players telling me I don't need to use this a certain way. If we're gonna go that route fine but count me, my time and my money out. This will turn alot of people off.

Sakiri · April 2024

Then don't do archive. I find it fun and do it regardless.

They want only that class to use that style.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Then don't do archive. I find it fun and do it regardless.

They want only that class to use that style.

So anyone who does not agree with a rule that sets artificial and unnecessary boundaries should not run the content. You know what, as long as that is the case I agree Sakiri. And I will simply disregard the content.

Also, uh... anyone else see how this is dividing the fanbase and adding alot of tension?

Sakiri · April 2024

People just won't accept the devs decisions.

Thats the problem. They have their reasons, but players can't accept it.

Not all content is for everyone. For example, I detest pvp. I just choose not to partake.

This isn't a bad thing that needs changing.

Not trying to come across as a jerk, just trying to show another point of view.

Most of the sets look nice, but the bonuses are trash for some at least. Thematically, they were designed to fit THAT class. It makes complete sense to me that they locked them.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

People just won't accept the devs decisions.

Thats the problem. They have their reasons, but players can't accept it.

Not all content is for everyone. For example, I detest pvp. I just choose not to partake.

This isn't a bad thing that needs changing.

Not trying to come across as a jerk, just trying to show another point of view.

Most of the sets look nice, but the bonuses are trash for some at least. Thematically, they were designed to fit THAT class. It makes complete sense to me that they locked them.

Might I remind you, that virtually everyone on here is 100% in alignment with TOS. In fact I've rarely heard or seen others who are opposed to TOS, unless maybe its like a discussion about Crown Store stuff. Neither, are we opposed to the devs on principle. We are opposed to this rule barring us from fully enjoying the game. This rule is exception to how we use every other motif style in the game. And motif styles have been unlocked and widely available for how long? For years.

And then they pull this stunt here with IA styles being locked when no other style has been. No Sakiri, submitted for your approval we are not against the devs, we are against this rule and I'm sure many would agree rules like this go against good moral and order because its not a rule as much as it is a weird and quite unnecessary exception to the rule. For example, not even race specific styles are locked out to their native race (meaning other races can use them) so no this IA style rule does not make sense.

This justifiably creates a hardship for us and we rebel against this for being an exception to the rule, an inconvenience for those who earned these (not expecting to have this kind of problem), which is the right thing to do and it is what we must do because we care about the game and would like this rule to be re-aligned with how motif styles have always been used (which is why we use them).

Dagoth_Rac · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Most of the sets look nice, but the bonuses are trash for some at least. Thematically, they were designed to fit THAT class. It makes complete sense to me that they locked them.

Everyone agrees about the gear being locked by class. We are talking about the style. Like everyone agrees you need to be DC to fight for DC in Cyrodiil. But if your AD character likes the lion theme of DC style, they are welcome to use it at an outfit station.

My heavy armor battlemage Sorcerer cannot equip the Templar Wrathsun set and get those bonuses. Fine. The combat stats of the gear are locked. Just like my Sorcerer cannot use Jabs. People are OK with this despite class-locked gear being a new thing.

But the heavy armor knight looking style of Wrathsun would fit my Sorcerer's aesthetic perfect. Not being able to use it cosmetically at an outfit station is lame.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Dagoth_Rac wrote: »

Sakiri wrote: »

Most of the sets look nice, but the bonuses are trash for some at least. Thematically, they were designed to fit THAT class. It makes complete sense to me that they locked them.

Everyone agrees about the gear being locked by class. We are talking about the style. Like everyone agrees you need to be DC to fight for DC in Cyrodiil. But if your AD character likes the lion theme of DC style, they are welcome to use it at an outfit station.

My heavy armor battlemage Sorcerer cannot equip the Templar Wrathsun set and get those bonuses. Fine. The combat stats of the gear are locked. Just like my Sorcerer cannot use Jabs. People are OK with this despite class-locked gear being a new thing.

But the heavy armor knight looking style of Wrathsun would fit my Sorcerer's aesthetic perfect. Not being able to use it cosmetically at an outfit station is lame.

Right the gear would be a separate issue that could be discussed if need be however the IA styles lockout is the problem we know that exists today with a clear solution based on the past rules governing motif styles.

Sakiri · April 2024

Yeah but they likely don't *want* a sorc looking like a Templar. That's my point.

And Vulkunne, you're coming across as completely hostile. I just disagree with you. We'll agree to disagree and I'm going to stop responding to you because it seems you don't get my point.

tonyblack · April 2024

Vulkunne wrote: »

Sakiri wrote: »

Because the sets are locked.

Makes no sense to lock a style, especially when this has never been the case before. This also goes against the entire point of having motifs in the game.

This is a reason why I have avoided IA so far and will continue to do so. I don't need something I can't use, I don't need other players telling me I don't need to use this a certain way. If we're gonna go that route fine but count me, my time and my money out. This will turn alot of people off.

It makes perfect sense to lock those styles to classes they represent, because it’s the only styles that have unique glow attached to wearing 5 pieces.

And, lol, what is that poor rant about money. Infinite Archive is free, so no money involved.

Vulkunne · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

Yeah but they likely don't *want* a sorc looking like a Templar. That's my point.

And Vulkunne, you're coming across as completely hostile. I just disagree with you. We'll agree to disagree and I'm going to stop responding to you because it seems you don't get my point.

Alright so why should an Orc be dressed like an Altmer female? They should not have access to that style.

That is my point. You cannot defend their locking out these styles without advocating to put restrictions on everything else. You cannot have it both ways. Is this the game everyone really wants to play? I left New World for not the same but similar reasons.

Vulkunne · April 2024

tonyblack wrote: »

Vulkunne wrote: »

Sakiri wrote: »

Because the sets are locked.

Makes no sense to lock a style, especially when this has never been the case before. This also goes against the entire point of having motifs in the game.

This is a reason why I have avoided IA so far and will continue to do so. I don't need something I can't use, I don't need other players telling me I don't need to use this a certain way. If we're gonna go that route fine but count me, my time and my money out. This will turn alot of people off.

It makes perfect sense to lock those styles to classes they represent, because it’s the only styles that have unique glow attached to wearing 5 pieces.

And, lol, what is that poor rant about money. Infinite Archive is free, so no money involved.

Locking the gear makes sense because they reference some function in a particular class. Locking the styles is unnecessary.

Supporting a game that supports me makes sense. Supporting a game that denies me access to content in a such a bizarre manner does not make sense and is wasting my time supporting it.

Gray_howling_parrot · April 2024

Omegacron wrote: »

When the class styles came out with the Infinite Archive, they weren't bound to class at the Outfit Station. You would have to earn them on that class, but once you knew the style, you could use it on any class. I was trying to get the Nobility in Decay set so I could use it on my nightblade... and then when U41 hit suddenly they were restricted by class. That hurt me, ZOS... it hurt me a lot. I may need a therapist now.

Given that you still have to GET them on the specific class, please (PLEASE PLEASE) switch the outfit styles back to account-wide like they were before. Class-locked styles were a nice experiment, but if comments on the forum - or my own opinion - is any indication... no one likes the change.

I have many friends that don't mind it being class-locked, and I personally share that sentiment.

I will say though, you DO NOT need to earn each one on their respective class. You can earn & learn the styles on whatever character you want - you just cannot wear/apply the styles at the outfit station unless you're that class. I've almost completed 5/7 of the full class styles just on my Arcanist. You will get curated style page drops for your class first until you complete all entries of the style and then will get random (class), but curated style pages for other classes after that. You can also just spend 12k fortunes at a time to get a specific class's curated pages from the same vendor that you purchase the IA upgrades from.

Silaf · April 2024

I rather have my choices matter more not less. Class based and restricted tings are nice for me assuming you can drop other class pieces like in the archive.

Trejgon · April 2024

Sakiri wrote: »

People just won't accept the devs decisions.

Thats the problem. They have their reasons, but players can't accept it.

You know, it would be easier to agree or not agree with devs reasons, when not only none are provided (as far as I am aware, we did not get a single devs commentary on why those styles are locked), but also they fly against core principle ESO uses as it's big sale point they have been building around for years now.

Sakiri wrote: »

Most of the sets look nice, but the bonuses are trash for some at least. Thematically, they were designed to fit THAT class. It makes complete sense to me that they locked them.

Nobody is arguing about sets themselves being class locked, it would not make any sense otherwise considering they interacti with class skills. Class set styles on another hand, were previewable on all classes without restriction prior to u41, outside of occasional class icon here and there, half the time do not even do anything visually specific to the class that other styles in the game would not already do just as well, or better.

There is nothing inherently necromancer in Nobility in Decay style.

The only thing "inherently sorcerer" in Monolyth of the storm style is that it's boring robe with hood (that on the sets announcement showcase picture they have specifically obscured with other styles, I wonder why

)

Reawakened hierophant does fit Mora's cultist theme, but it is theme existing outside of arcanist class in other styles as well.

Nightblade style is mostly generic rogue (tho the mask that does not obscure hairstyle is something unique, but I dont see how it should be based specifically for nightblade thing.

Templar actually fits it's class theme, I will give you that, but it is also a fairly basic stylistic trope that has already been present in other styles.

Nothing in warden style sounds like any of warden themes, and there is also nothing inherently draconic in dargon knight style as well.

So IF those sets were supposed to be visually built to represent the class identity, then, not only they did poor job of capturing that identity, but also failed completely at separating it from plenty of visual stylse that are already out there.

Sakiri wrote: »

Yeah but they likely don't *want* a sorc looking like a Templar. That's my point.

Firstly, since there was no devs statement on the subject, that's speculation of yours, secondly, even without introduction of anything IA-related, you could very well make a sorc that looks more templar, than the Templar style from IA. Which on the very premise defeats the whole point. This work for any pairing of classes by the way. And there is planty of feedback on PTS forum, from the very first day of previous PTS cycle, that details that trying to build class identity around visual styles is not a very good idea, and why it is not good idea. That feedback went without response.

tonyblack wrote: »

It makes perfect sense to lock those styles to classes they represent, because it’s the only styles that have unique glow attached to wearing 5 pieces.

There is an easy fix to that, and actually how people assumed it would work based off, the behaviour on IA relase - tie the glow to actual gear sets being worn, and not visual style itself. That is how it looked like it will work based on previews that were possible prior to U41 (style previews have shown in that window no glow).