Curse

Sofonisba · Jun 17, 2005, 05:58 PM // 17:58

Hi all

I am still pretty much a newb to online gaming (tho I hope not a noob). I enjoy learning the nuances of the game and online environment from more experienced players and passing them on (politely) to other newer players.

I was hoping that you all, in your wisdom and experience, might have some favorite tips for forming PUGs--if you ever do. I am in a very small guild of only people who know one another, so it is not always possible to join up with them.

Are there key words you look for, or include in your "lfg" announcement, to assist in finding the right kinds of players to party with? I was thinking about using a more specific announcement, such as, "E/R11 lfg to take their time in mission and bonus." [Last night I was invited to join a group only to find out that the leader was "just trying to run us through the mission" and didn't wish to bother with the bonus - surprise!! Thanks a bunch, fella.]

Do groups ever get formed this way, or do I lose my virtual voice asking that over and over in town.

I can usually tell which words NOT to respond to: "LFG - need monk now no noobs" etc. No brainer.

Thanks for your time!

Algren Cole · Jun 17, 2005, 06:01 PM // 18:01

I just try to have fun. I don't want to play with anyone that takes the game too seriously....so I tend to poke fun at RPGers while looking for members

"will give head for warriors with axe mastery looking to HUG a R/W"

just be original....if you say something nobody ever says...you're gonna get people's attention. it will stand out amongst the endless lines of "WTS fiery rune hammer of smoking death" and "LFG for mission + bonus"

northernlights · Jun 17, 2005, 06:11 PM // 18:11

Quite simply, state what your bringing to the table. For example, I would say something along the lines of, "20 N/Mo lfg - can bring good healing or good dps if needed"

This shows I understand the roles my class(es) play, and that I am willing to adapt my playstyle based on the group Im joining.

The main thing I look for when starting a group is people to fill roles, so describing the roles your character can fill is a good start to finding a group.

Sofonisba · Jun 17, 2005, 06:18 PM // 18:18

Great ideas, Algren and northernlights. I thank you for your responses. I hope to have better luck in forming groups than I have lately - I'm going to try to be a) more original and b) more upfront myself. I love the communicative types, so hopefully these ideas will appeal to them!

Thanks!

Digitalblast · Jun 17, 2005, 06:34 PM // 18:34

whats up with the people in the later areas of the game (after ascend) that are now just typing lfg. Nothing more.

Phaedrus · Jun 17, 2005, 06:39 PM // 18:39

It's usually a good idea to screen people after you let them in. Ask what their build is like. Find out if that monk smites and heals so you can politely tell him you asked for a healer, not a smiter. Find out whether a warrior is wielding a fire sword and bringing bleeding skills before starting a mission where things are made of molten rock and don't bleed. Pick-up groups can be very successful if people are patient and willing to take the steps to ensure the players they group won't drive them insane by loling at every mistake they make.

[ ]

Dred Skullord · Jun 17, 2005, 06:40 PM // 18:40

I think there are less people playing the game now. The guy who used to post "LFG-no morons" is now accepting morons. Many of the guilds on the guild database are inactive as well.

Sofonisba · Jun 17, 2005, 06:57 PM // 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus

It's usually a good idea to screen people after you let them in. Ask what their build is like. Find out if that monk smites and heals so you can politely tell him you asked for a healer, not a smiter. Find out whether a warrior is wielding a fire sword and bringing bleeding skills before starting a mission where things are made of molten rock and don't bleed. Pick-up groups can be very successful if people are patient and willing to take the steps to ensure the players they group won't drive them insane by loling at every mistake they make.

[ ]

I think the biggest key that I have found for the good groups I have been in is the communication factor. Maybe this is a very newb/noob thing to say but I believe with the right kind of communication, almost (almost!) any combination of classes can make a successful group or at least have fun trying. I was playing my warrior, by chance grouped with 3 other warriors and an elementalist doing what was a hard quest at that level, and we did great because everyone was responsive and adaptive to the situation.

You are right - not everyone knows the details about every quest/mission, and info such as your nonbleeding enemies makes a huge difference!

Edit: and when you are generous with the info, hopefully your teammates are generous with the listening!

Navaros · Jun 17, 2005, 08:48 PM // 20:48

i always ask for non-morons to whisper me to join my party. i have found that it is by far the most effective way to form a PUG

the success rate of every party i've formed this way has been vastly superior to "random LFG" parties

if someone is not sure if he's a moron or not, or doesn't know how to whisper you before joining a party, then that's probably not the type of person you want in your party anyhow

ihmurria · Jun 18, 2005, 01:32 AM // 01:32

I usually just type something along the line of " W/E level x lfg for mission & bonus" (because the ampersand is definately underused in GW). When I join a group, I double check that we're planning on doing both the mission and bonus (though I've had people change their minds halfway through the mission so our group got split into those willing to do the bonus and those not... hurrah we died and left, then reformed)

Jormund · Jun 18, 2005, 02:50 AM // 02:50

I like to backwards advertise myself, usually doing stuff like, "Idiotic newb looking for team; unable to follow orders, and the 't' button is missing from my keyboard. Very insubordinate."

Oddly enough, I usually get in really good groups through this, I don't know why.

ManadartheHealer · Jun 18, 2005, 03:50 AM // 03:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jormund

Oddly enough, I usually get in really good groups through this, I don't know why.

I have gotten some good groups that way too

Weird

Wind · Jun 18, 2005, 04:22 AM // 04:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jormund

I like to backwards advertise myself, usually doing stuff like, "Idiotic newb looking for team; unable to follow orders, and the 't' button is missing from my keyboard. Very insubordinate."

Oddly enough, I usually get in really good groups through this, I don't know why.

This does work very well, because usually the only people who will pick up on it are the ones with a developed sense of humor. The idiotic players you don't want to be with won't join the party because they think you're being serious. As they don't see themselves as stupid or insubordinate, they stay away from your group.

theclam · Jun 18, 2005, 04:46 AM // 04:46

Only invite people who know how to spell correctly.
On average, people with good fantasy games are more mature than players who have names like "Azn Devil."
Before the mission starts, PLAN.
If someone doesn't respond if you ask them a question (e.g."is it ok if you call, player X"), kick them.
Ask people what their build is. If you've got smiting Monks and you need a healer, then ask them if they can throw in a few healing spells. Get at least a little synergy in your group.
Make sure at least half your team has some sort of res.
If you party with a good group, then ask if you can join a guild that one of your party members belongs to. If you have a good guild, a few players from it can usually join you in a PUG.

Anarchist_Monk · Jun 18, 2005, 05:07 AM // 05:07

I find the "Looking for a group pm if you are interested" works very well. Those "noobs" or uneducated players usually don't pm you. You usually get a good group out of that, but when noone pms you just start grabbing people that have decent class combos and lvls. For the harder types of missions the only type of warriors I like to grab are W/Mo. I find as a monk they keep themselves up very well if they are good players. Also a good necro can always help your party and usually doesn't have a problem healing him/her self so don't over look them like a lot of people do.