I just got the game about two weeks ago, and I have to admit, it's frustrating. I can't really find PuG groups. Most players who are available for partying are really just there to run their way through things, grab loot/grind their title/whatever in hard mode, and rinse and repeat.
Not really a rant, more of a "I wish there were other people like me." Would be nice to actually explore the area or you know, play the game. I can see the point in getting to the next title/shiny/pretty armor piece, but I tend to value the process of getting there and not really the title as a whole.
FYI: I main assassin. I haven't even unlocked Shadow Form yet. >_> Apparently, the "jumping in, killing something, and then getting out while making sure you're getting out in one piece" mindset is not the right one for that particular class?
Is there anyone left who's just playing for their first time?
Heather Nymphwing
Deratrius
Hey and welcome on Guild Wars.
I can tell you for sure that there are other new players around, quite a few though but not even close to the numbers it used to be.
PUGs in general are more rare for basic NM missions/quests but I think not just because of the player base growing "older". I think the addition of heroes also made it that way.
If I can make a few suggestions:
- Check other districts, sometimes one district can be almost empty and another full of players.
- Try to make friends that you can play with, preferably other new players or older players making new chars.
- Join a helpful guild, lots of Guilds are more oriented toward HM stuff or PvP, that probably won't suit a new player much as you can't do what your guild mates want to do and they don't really want to do what you need to do.
Anyways, if you need a hand with something, feel free to whisper me in game.
Cheers.
I can tell you for sure that there are other new players around, quite a few though but not even close to the numbers it used to be.
PUGs in general are more rare for basic NM missions/quests but I think not just because of the player base growing "older". I think the addition of heroes also made it that way.
If I can make a few suggestions:
- Check other districts, sometimes one district can be almost empty and another full of players.
- Try to make friends that you can play with, preferably other new players or older players making new chars.
- Join a helpful guild, lots of Guilds are more oriented toward HM stuff or PvP, that probably won't suit a new player much as you can't do what your guild mates want to do and they don't really want to do what you need to do.
Anyways, if you need a hand with something, feel free to whisper me in game.
Cheers.
CronkTheImpaler
best bet is to try and find a PvE focused guild. There are many many guilds like that. You will have to go through several to find a good one with people that match what you are lookin for but youll find one.
It took me about 4-5 guilds before i found the right one for me. Until then just look for groups that seem chill and are trying to go through the story line. Youll be able to identify them in about 30 seconds upon joining.
If they are A-holes just drop out and find a new group. HOWEVER make sure you have your stuff straight when joining. know what you are doing. Do a little research on the area and builds that are more successful for that area.
Cronk
It took me about 4-5 guilds before i found the right one for me. Until then just look for groups that seem chill and are trying to go through the story line. Youll be able to identify them in about 30 seconds upon joining.
If they are A-holes just drop out and find a new group. HOWEVER make sure you have your stuff straight when joining. know what you are doing. Do a little research on the area and builds that are more successful for that area.
Cronk
snaek
i wish there were more people with that mindset. i would like to say that your best bet would be to find a good guild that helps beginners. the ones i have been in however (on the helping end), tend to simply rush them through the game and introduce them to farming/grinding at an earlier age. a lot of pve guilds nowadays are based around hardmode/titles/elite missions, so you'll have to look around to find the right one.
also... i wouldn't bother with shadow form. its horribad and will be nerfed soon anyways.
also... i wouldn't bother with shadow form. its horribad and will be nerfed soon anyways.
Laraja
Welcome to the game!
Next month, December, will mark my 2nd year and even at this point I still wish I could find more people playing. I do, but it's rare and mostly I find myself with my usual hero+henchmen group. The best time to find people is on the weekends and during holidays.
As mentioned, the very best thing you can do is join a guild. There are so many advertising in Kaineig Center that have no requirments to join. But be picky. At this point, a really big guild is what you want, not a small one just starting up. The bigger the guild, the bigger the alliance the more chance you'll have of hooking up with someone. The person may not be new, but like me, they have a character that needs to do all the missions in NM and you'll pick up some pointers.
Oh, and Shadow Form really isn't helpful in a 'normal' assassin build. What you may want to do is get some money and buy an elite assasin tome and learn a skill like "Mobius strike". Truthfully, the only time I see an assassin (myself included) using Shadow Form is for running and speed clears.
Have you found/read the awesome Assassin Guide in the Campfire area of Guru. It's VERY helpful.
Good luck!
Next month, December, will mark my 2nd year and even at this point I still wish I could find more people playing. I do, but it's rare and mostly I find myself with my usual hero+henchmen group. The best time to find people is on the weekends and during holidays.
As mentioned, the very best thing you can do is join a guild. There are so many advertising in Kaineig Center that have no requirments to join. But be picky. At this point, a really big guild is what you want, not a small one just starting up. The bigger the guild, the bigger the alliance the more chance you'll have of hooking up with someone. The person may not be new, but like me, they have a character that needs to do all the missions in NM and you'll pick up some pointers.
Oh, and Shadow Form really isn't helpful in a 'normal' assassin build. What you may want to do is get some money and buy an elite assasin tome and learn a skill like "Mobius strike". Truthfully, the only time I see an assassin (myself included) using Shadow Form is for running and speed clears.
Have you found/read the awesome Assassin Guide in the Campfire area of Guru. It's VERY helpful.
Good luck!
Captain Bulldozer
For a game going on 5 years old I'm amazed by just how many new players are still entering the game. So yes, there are people around to group with, though as the OP noted it can be difficult. A lot of new players these days seem to lose interest fast due to the higher relative difficulty of progressing in the game as compared to several years ago. The best bet is to try and find some helpful senior players who are willing to help you along (and I don't just mean run you through the hard parts). I can speak from personal experience in saying that plenty of veteran players enjoy helping out new players, especially when it leads to a lasting new guild member. A lot of guild have been totally destroyed by the falling player base, so the people who are still around are often looking for new people to replace the older inactive players.
In some ways this is a great time to be a new player in the game, as the knowledge of the game's mechanic is at a peak, there are lots of surplus quality items out there for low cost (or to be given freely by guild mates) and the level of playable content has never been higher in the game. So to the OP: try not to get discouraged too fast... if you stick around and make some friends you'll almost certainly enjoy yourself. Good hunting, and feel free to add me to your friend's list if you're looking for some assistance. Welcome to Guild Wars!
In some ways this is a great time to be a new player in the game, as the knowledge of the game's mechanic is at a peak, there are lots of surplus quality items out there for low cost (or to be given freely by guild mates) and the level of playable content has never been higher in the game. So to the OP: try not to get discouraged too fast... if you stick around and make some friends you'll almost certainly enjoy yourself. Good hunting, and feel free to add me to your friend's list if you're looking for some assistance. Welcome to Guild Wars!
moriz
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Heather Nymphwing
FYI: I main assassin. I haven't even unlocked Shadow Form yet. >_> Apparently, the "jumping in, killing something, and then getting out while making sure you're getting out in one piece" mindset is not the right one for that particular class?
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i used to pull off that style of play back in '06. i don't know if the multitude of changes in the last few years changed anything though.
BenjZee
Perfect mindset, its just shadow form allows hard mode elite areas to be completed in about 10 minutes so there has been a great deal of abuse
Anakita Snakecharm
Quote:
| I just got the game about two weeks ago, and I have to admit, it's frustrating. I can't really find PuG groups. Most players who are available for partying are really just there to run their way through things, grab loot/grind their title/whatever in hard mode, and rinse and repeat. |
That said, I tend to either play with friends or hero/hench because I don't want to deal with mean people. I don't mind constructive criticism, but the game is ultimately supposed to be fun, and it isn't fun when people are insulting. Not all groups are mean or rude, of course-- but unless you already know the people, it's hard to figure out in advance who will make it a difficult experience.
I do think new people are joining. I still see the Guild Wars campaigns on store shelves in my area, and they seem to be selling. But maybe some of the new people are reluctant to join groups?
I agree with the suggestion of finding a guild you can get along well with. I think that's more likely to be successful than randomly searching for like-minded people for each mission.
Rhadamanthys
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Heather Nymphwing
Most players who are available for partying are really just there to run their way through things, grab loot/grind their title/whatever in hard mode, and rinse and repeat.
Not really a rant, more of a "I wish there were other people like me." Would be nice to actually explore the area or you know, play the game. |
Benderama
welcome to GW 
!
i know what you mean i started early 2008, there were parties then and a lot more people in new areas, unfortunatley it looks like less new players are playing the game, try checking the american districts (if you aren't already) most people go there over their home districts).
if i were you i wouldn't listen to anyone who tells you that your playstyle isnt right (unless you are dying often/slow/ getting stuck a lot) playing how you want is the best thing to do rather than joining build wars.
when i started i asked friends and guildies rather than PUGs or just went with henchmen (they may be unbearable, but they will get you through most of NM) since i was always talknig throguh GC.
if i were you i'd find a guild that you like (liek everyone else said) then ask them if you want a fun group.
hope you have fun in the game!
!i know what you mean i started early 2008, there were parties then and a lot more people in new areas, unfortunatley it looks like less new players are playing the game, try checking the american districts (if you aren't already) most people go there over their home districts).
if i were you i wouldn't listen to anyone who tells you that your playstyle isnt right (unless you are dying often/slow/ getting stuck a lot) playing how you want is the best thing to do rather than joining build wars.
when i started i asked friends and guildies rather than PUGs or just went with henchmen (they may be unbearable, but they will get you through most of NM) since i was always talknig throguh GC.
if i were you i'd find a guild that you like (liek everyone else said) then ask them if you want a fun group.
hope you have fun in the game!
tealspikes
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Heather Nymphwing
Not really a rant, more of a "I wish there were other people like me." Would be nice to actually explore the area or you know, play the game. I can see the point in getting to the next title/shiny/pretty armor piece, but I tend to value the process of getting there and not really the title as a whole.
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prey monkie
go join kiss ( its a guild ) they are always recruiting in major cities i think they can pretty much help u on the way
Eragon Zarroc
heros>pugs almost anyday ;-) just join a guild with people willing to help teach u and learn with you and u will be good to go
jonnieboi05
Welcome to Guild Wars.
~LeNa~
Obrien Xp
Welcome to Guild Wars.
My friend just got the game last week. Your not alone.
My friend just got the game last week. Your not alone.
Heather Nymphwing
Thanks for the tips. I think I'm going to take a more proactive role at this point. Going to look around the guild forums and make a more conscious effort.
konshie
i just started playing a couple weeks ago. i have not joined a guild yet, and have been relying on heros/hechmen, pick up groups, and the wiki to guide me...
i know what you mean with the whole rushing and speed clears. most people want to skip the cinematics, but i want to watch them (cause it would be my first time seeing them :X ) for the recent later missions, i have been relying on PUGs because it seems easier for finish that way.
i do feel a bit of an outcast too. most guilds seem heavily populated with people and hardcore focusing on Hard Mode and other titles. i don't have any active alts and am working on my main character right now. right now, i am just focusing on finishing the missions and unlocking most of my class' skills, then i will try to find some niche by joining a guild later (aka in several months).
i know what you mean with the whole rushing and speed clears. most people want to skip the cinematics, but i want to watch them (cause it would be my first time seeing them :X ) for the recent later missions, i have been relying on PUGs because it seems easier for finish that way.
i do feel a bit of an outcast too. most guilds seem heavily populated with people and hardcore focusing on Hard Mode and other titles. i don't have any active alts and am working on my main character right now. right now, i am just focusing on finishing the missions and unlocking most of my class' skills, then i will try to find some niche by joining a guild later (aka in several months).
Pimpernel Blakeney
Hi!
I've had the game for over a year now, but due to some technical problems (my video card dying) I'm at pretty much the same stage as when I started. I only have Prophecies.
My only PvE character is a level 13 Elementalist/Necromancer. I am almost positive that is an awful combination.
But anyway, I've been wandering around just with henchmen. I have tried to invite people to join my party, but haven't got any response. The search function doesn't seem to help much, either.
In fact, I don't really seem to find many people regardless of where I am situated in the game. I realise Guild Wars is old, but it seems like there is still a thriving community outside of the servers!
I've had the game for over a year now, but due to some technical problems (my video card dying) I'm at pretty much the same stage as when I started. I only have Prophecies.
My only PvE character is a level 13 Elementalist/Necromancer. I am almost positive that is an awful combination.
But anyway, I've been wandering around just with henchmen. I have tried to invite people to join my party, but haven't got any response. The search function doesn't seem to help much, either.
In fact, I don't really seem to find many people regardless of where I am situated in the game. I realise Guild Wars is old, but it seems like there is still a thriving community outside of the servers!
Kador
With the game going for $10 to get started (Prophecies and EotN at Newegg, GOTY on clearance at Target, etc), there are plenty of new players.
I just started fairly recently but I also avoid PUGs like the plague. I've never had a good experience with a PUG in Guild Wars. I belong to a good PvE guild and play mostly with heroes and henchmen. It's the best of both worlds really, chat and get help when needed from the guild but play mostly on your own, and avoid the jerks and idiots in PUGs.
If you only have Prophecies or Factions then I recommend getting Nightfall and/or EotN so you can use Heroes.
I just started fairly recently but I also avoid PUGs like the plague. I've never had a good experience with a PUG in Guild Wars. I belong to a good PvE guild and play mostly with heroes and henchmen. It's the best of both worlds really, chat and get help when needed from the guild but play mostly on your own, and avoid the jerks and idiots in PUGs.
If you only have Prophecies or Factions then I recommend getting Nightfall and/or EotN so you can use Heroes.
Darcy
Another welcome from an older player. Here is a link to the Campfire section Assassin basics thread for some help with your profession. http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10288967
While there are plenty of new players, they are mainly in Prophecies due to the trial available on guildwars.com.
While there are plenty of new players, they are mainly in Prophecies due to the trial available on guildwars.com.
jigenbakuda
Hey how are you doing, I started playing around april, and i had the same problems as you. My main is a sin too. I beat all of factions with only henchmen, in exception of eternal grove and maybe shiro. So I feel your pain. I am in a very small guild of friends, so they couldn't really help me. I tried a couple pugs, but I found them to be very stupid. So I got very attached to henchies.
Stay away from pvx and just try to have fun with personal goals. If you ever want to get up and do something, we can run whatever just PM me in game name is sonata kunoichi, I have every place unlocked in the game, from shing jea to DoA to sorrows furnace, so if you even want to team for z-missions, just pm me.
Oh yea one more thing, in everyone else's opinion you suck, so ignore them, and try again. There are so many people playing this game that hate themselves so much, they need to make others feel as bad as they do, just ignore them, or avoid them. If the person criticizing you does not offer constructive criticism, just assume they are the aforementioned people trying to bring you down.
Stay away from pvx and just try to have fun with personal goals. If you ever want to get up and do something, we can run whatever just PM me in game name is sonata kunoichi, I have every place unlocked in the game, from shing jea to DoA to sorrows furnace, so if you even want to team for z-missions, just pm me.
Oh yea one more thing, in everyone else's opinion you suck, so ignore them, and try again. There are so many people playing this game that hate themselves so much, they need to make others feel as bad as they do, just ignore them, or avoid them. If the person criticizing you does not offer constructive criticism, just assume they are the aforementioned people trying to bring you down.
Alias_X
Try browsing the PVE guilds section of this website and see if there are any that fit you. Post in the looking for PVE and introduce yourself as a new player and see if any are willing to help.
I definitely understand what you are saying and it sucks that a lot of players do just rush through to end game, but you will find a group, trust me.
I definitely understand what you are saying and it sucks that a lot of players do just rush through to end game, but you will find a group, trust me.
Solar AUS
New to the game as well. I play for about 4 weeks.
After a trying a few different chars in Prophecies (playing in Pre & Post) I started again in Nightfall so that I can use heros.
I actually found some very helpful people in Pre and Post Prophecies (and here in the forum). However, I decided to go alone + heros, because a low lv char playing together with lv20 char is not really the game experience I am looking for.
With my current char (Ele/D) I am trying not to die, made it to lv 18 so far. So I use only heros
I tested 2 guilds. Ppl have been very helpful, but again everybody is lv20 and doing high end. Also I play afternoon/ evening Sydney time, that limits things a bit. No guild at the moment.
Anyhow, I am new to the game and enjoyiong it ;-)
After a trying a few different chars in Prophecies (playing in Pre & Post) I started again in Nightfall so that I can use heros.
I actually found some very helpful people in Pre and Post Prophecies (and here in the forum). However, I decided to go alone + heros, because a low lv char playing together with lv20 char is not really the game experience I am looking for.
With my current char (Ele/D) I am trying not to die, made it to lv 18 so far. So I use only heros
I tested 2 guilds. Ppl have been very helpful, but again everybody is lv20 and doing high end. Also I play afternoon/ evening Sydney time, that limits things a bit. No guild at the moment.
Anyhow, I am new to the game and enjoyiong it ;-)
Quaker
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Heather Nymphwing
I just got the game about two weeks ago, and I have to admit, it's frustrating. I can't really find PuG groups. Most players who are available for partying are really just there to run their way through things, grab loot/grind their title/whatever in hard mode, and rinse and repeat.
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I can understand your problem. GW is not what it was. If you want to actually "play" the PvE game your choices are to either go it alone with heroes & henchmen or try to find a new guild of new players who can't/won't hand you everything.
SithLord2064
Well, I may not be the first, but I would also like to say welcome to Guild Wars. While it may seem like there aren't a lot of friendly people out there, there are. If u have it, I would definitely recommend getting to Nightfall and getting heroes. It's like having 3 human players with u. If you don't have Nightfall, I suggest getting it. Heroes help a LOT. A good guild is also helpful. And of course, there are some good PUGs out there. Mainly in mission towns the day a mission is the Z-quest.
Throw me a line if u ever need a hand. Always willing to help a new player. My IGN is Crystal Lynd and I am on from 10p MST to 1a MST most nights
Throw me a line if u ever need a hand. Always willing to help a new player. My IGN is Crystal Lynd and I am on from 10p MST to 1a MST most nights
Kawil
I'd like to reiterate what Sith just said. Welcome to GW. For any new players looking for a guild...I like to offer an invitation to our Guild/Alliance. We ask for nothing except that you have fun.
Pimpernel Blakeney
I had my first experience with real-world players this week!
I attempted The Frost Gate several times with random people I invited. My biggest party had four people, plus henchmen, all around my skill level.
Unfortunately, each time I attempted it, we all got killed.
I went back, just with henchmen, and it went much smoother. It didn't seem anywhere near as hard, actually.
Is this unusual? Everyone seemed to just rush in, and force of numbers would crush us, even with many having healer abilities. I liked to take my time so I could animate Bone Horrors from the corpses, but with everyone charging in, I'd get left behind. And the party couldn't sustain the damage. In the end, I gave up on the Bone horrors just so I could keep up.
I attempted The Frost Gate several times with random people I invited. My biggest party had four people, plus henchmen, all around my skill level.
Unfortunately, each time I attempted it, we all got killed.
I went back, just with henchmen, and it went much smoother. It didn't seem anywhere near as hard, actually.
Is this unusual? Everyone seemed to just rush in, and force of numbers would crush us, even with many having healer abilities. I liked to take my time so I could animate Bone Horrors from the corpses, but with everyone charging in, I'd get left behind. And the party couldn't sustain the damage. In the end, I gave up on the Bone horrors just so I could keep up.
Malice Black
Over aggro, it causes most pug groups to fail.
Hero and hench works better normally as you control where they go, and who they target.
Your best bet is to find a PvE guild that will help you progress through the game.
Hero and hench works better normally as you control where they go, and who they target.
Your best bet is to find a PvE guild that will help you progress through the game.