Is there anyone left who's just playing for their first time? - Guild Wars Forums

Heather Nymphwing · Nov 25, 2009, 05:44 PM // 17:44

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?

Deratrius · Nov 25, 2009, 06:02 PM // 18:02

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.

CronkTheImpaler · Nov 25, 2009, 06:05 PM // 18:05

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

snaek · Nov 25, 2009, 06:13 PM // 18:13

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.

Laraja · Nov 25, 2009, 06:16 PM // 18:16

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!

Captain Bulldozer · Nov 25, 2009, 06:29 PM // 18:29

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!

moriz · Nov 25, 2009, 06:36 PM // 18:36

Quote:

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?

that IS the right mindset for assassins. it's just unfortunately very hard to pull off against AI. the assassin mainly works against the limited perception ability of human beings. you can have your team engage another team, draw your (human) opponents' attention somewhere else, and you go in and jump on where ever it hurts the most. unfortunately with AI, they have infinite perception and can catch you pretty quick if you don't do it right.

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 · Nov 25, 2009, 07:25 PM // 19:25

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 · Nov 25, 2009, 08:58 PM // 20:58

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.

I'm new, too. I've only been playing for a few months. I've finished the main storylines of Prophecies and EotN, now working on Nightfall (mainly) and Factions (now and then,) all for the first time.

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 · Nov 25, 2009, 09:20 PM // 21:20

Quote:

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.

Well, you have to keep in mind that this game is about 5 years old. Finding other new players that have the same interests as you is going to be extremely hard.

Benderama · Nov 25, 2009, 09:29 PM // 21:29

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!

tealspikes · Nov 25, 2009, 10:58 PM // 22:58

Quote:

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.

Few people play GW to experience the game anymore. The emphasis has completely shifted to title grinding and farming. You have to realize Anet is a business, so it makes sense in a 5 year old game to cater more to the WoW crowd because not only are they the most populous, they also bring in the most revenue (more likely to buy micro-transactions, expansions).

prey monkie · Nov 25, 2009, 11:01 PM // 23:01

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 · Nov 26, 2009, 12:08 AM // 00:08

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 · Nov 26, 2009, 12:09 AM // 00:09

Welcome to Guild Wars.

~LeNa~

Obrien Xp · Nov 26, 2009, 02:12 AM // 02:12

Welcome to Guild Wars.

My friend just got the game last week. Your not alone.

Heather Nymphwing · Nov 26, 2009, 03:26 AM // 03:26

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 · Nov 26, 2009, 04:51 AM // 04:51

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).

Pimpernel Blakeney · Nov 26, 2009, 07:24 AM // 07:24

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!

Kador · Nov 26, 2009, 10:15 AM // 10:15

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.

Nov 25, 2009, 05:44 PM // 17:44	#1
Heather Nymphwing Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Nov 2009 Profession: A/	Is there anyone left who's just playing for their first time? 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?

Nov 25, 2009, 09:29 PM // 21:29	#11
Benderama Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UK Guild: [Rage] Profession: Rt/	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! Last edited by Benderama; Nov 25, 2009 at 09:32 PM // 21:32..

Nov 26, 2009, 10:15 AM // 10:15	#20
Kador Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Oct 2009	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. Last edited by Kador; Nov 26, 2009 at 10:24 AM // 10:24..

Nov 25, 2009, 06:02 PM // 18:02	#2
Deratrius Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Europe Guild: Mystic Discipline [MD] Profession: Mo/	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.

Nov 25, 2009, 06:05 PM // 18:05	#3
CronkTheImpaler Jungle Guide Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: midwest Guild: AE Profession: W/Me	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

Nov 25, 2009, 06:13 PM // 18:13	#4
snaek Forge Runner Join Date: Mar 2006 Profession: N/	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.

Nov 25, 2009, 06:16 PM // 18:16	#5
Laraja Krytan Explorer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Guild: Descendents of Honor Profession: Rt/	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!

Nov 25, 2009, 06:29 PM // 18:29	#6
Captain Bulldozer Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Jan 2008 Guild: Servants of the Dragon Flames [SODF]	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!

Nov 25, 2009, 07:25 PM // 19:25	#8
BenjZee Forge Runner Join Date: Dec 2006 Guild: The Overacheivers [Club] Profession: Mo/	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

Nov 25, 2009, 11:01 PM // 23:01	#13
prey monkie Krytan Explorer Join Date: Mar 2009 Guild: [OhNo] Mallyx and Friends Profession: Mo/	go join kiss ( its a guild ) they are always recruiting in major cities i think they can pretty much help u on the way

Nov 26, 2009, 12:08 AM // 00:08	#14
Eragon Zarroc Atra estern?? ono thelduin Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madness Incarnate Guild: [Duo] Profession: W/P	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

Nov 26, 2009, 12:09 AM // 00:09	#15
jonnieboi05 Forge Runner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mableton, Georgia Guild: Guild Ancestors Reunited [?????????]	Welcome to Guild Wars. ~LeNa~

Nov 26, 2009, 02:12 AM // 02:12	#16
Obrien Xp Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Guild: The First Dragon Slayers [FDS]	Welcome to Guild Wars. My friend just got the game last week. Your not alone.

Nov 26, 2009, 03:26 AM // 03:26	#17
Heather Nymphwing Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Nov 2009 Profession: A/	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.

Nov 26, 2009, 04:51 AM // 04:51	#18
konshie Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Nov 2009 Profession: E/	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).

Nov 26, 2009, 07:24 AM // 07:24	#19
Pimpernel Blakeney Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Nov 2009 Profession: E/N	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!