Curse

The Josip · Aug 25, 2009, 04:14 PM // 16:14

OK I see I'm not the only one then noticing a big difference from usual atrocious PUGs

Quote:

Originally Posted by vader

Unfortunately though, I don't think its the quality of players that is improving. PvE skills and consumables make almost any player a better player.

I think you're wrong. I've not seen a single consumable when I PUGed to do ZQuests.
And about PvE skills, that's partially true, but remember that I only played HM with these PUGs. So even with PvE skills, the enemies were more difficult too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosyfiep

and yes my mesmer had the hardest times.

I do it with my mesmer since it's my main char. It's true that sometimes I decide to make a group, but I still can't say I've a problem finding groups. OK, so you're not a monk, but if group is any good they should let you in (unless you're one of those random-skill mesmers hehe).

As for group making, the only criteria I make is:
2 healers
1 warrior *max*

I noticed that even with one warrior I have problems, so ideally I prefer no warriors. When I'm too nice I let one in though

The problem with warriors is that on average they tend to be least skilled players from what I noticed. In HM, you can't just stand still and swing axe, even a warrior needs to kite when low on health, can't just run in and "duel" enemies. For some reason, warriors I see think their role is to charge in bravely and stand still until death or death of the enemy. Understandable, but I'm just not a fan of it, and would rather see them play tactically instead of "im a tank, i soak damage".

Mouse at Large · Aug 25, 2009, 04:21 PM // 16:21

The z-quests have revived pugging with other players. Sure, you'll get the good, the bad and the ugly, but if you have at least a passable IQ, you'll have fun and possibly learn a thing or two

Martin Firestorm · Aug 25, 2009, 07:31 PM // 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Josip

or because Zaishen quests draw a mass of people, so it's easier to make group than usual "grab whoever is in the outpost"?

pretty sure that's it

Joiry · Aug 25, 2009, 08:44 PM // 20:44

I haven't pug'd in years, only recently with the Z missions. I find it to be a mixed bag, I'd say 50-50 of getting in a good group or bad.

I've been in groups with nearly no communication that have easily completed some of the more difficult missions. I've been in groups with lots of communication that have failed hard. Last Dzagonur Bastion, I was in a group by someone claiming to have finished it several times before that day. They very carefully selected people for the group. We failed once (resigned when we lost a second defense) and the second time, the leader who made the group quit (or DC'd, but I think quit). I managed to lead the group of 7 (just with pinging targets and map drawing) to masters.

So, really, by the nature of PUGs, you get a semi-arbitrary collection of everyone. Z mission just means there are more than five people at the outpost.

Cuilan · Aug 25, 2009, 09:36 PM // 21:36

I've been zquesting since it started. Groups tend to be a bit more friendly, willing to wait, and have better builds. There's a few exceptions, but for the most part it's been a better experience.

A lot of it has to do with the leader's leadership and communication. Only problem I see is people who use characters who they haven't put much work into.

My mesmer hasn't had any problems getting into groups and I've seen many consums during zquests. Depends on what it is.

pinguinius · Aug 25, 2009, 10:59 PM // 22:59

The only one I've pugged is Urgoz. Failed the first time, then joined a pug that had a leader who knew what to do and herded us noobs into a successful run.

*Darcy* · Aug 25, 2009, 11:13 PM // 23:13

I have pugged many Zaishen quests with success. It is very easy to form a group and, while I'm not going out with four sins, I don't insist on the classic setup. Where I run into problems is with the quests that require you to do, or not to do, certain things, such as many Prophecies missions.

I have tried a pug many times on Aurora Glade and cannot seem to get a group that have actually read the walkthrough on the wiki and know not to cap the last shrine if you want the bonus. So, no more Zaishen mission Aurora Glade for me.

On the other hand, doing the last few missions in Nightfall is a joy with a HM pug. Everyone is usually well aware of what is needed. Does finishing Nightfall make you smarter?

Clone · Aug 26, 2009, 12:16 AM // 00:16

Not horrible, but honestly my experiences with hench/hero is better 90% of the time.