Curse

[DE] · Jul 07, 2009, 01:39 AM // 01:39

Preface
When a core PvP character (W/R/N/Mo/Me/E) is created, it is automatically assigned a 6-skill bar composed of only core skills from that profession. When a non-core PvP (A/Rt/D/P) character is created, it is automatically assigned a 6-skill bar composed of only skills from that campaign.

The idea of these bars is to provide a quick start build into PvP. For new players, this is a good way to let them jump into PvP without having to worry about creating their own build or having to unlock a lot of skills in order to be moderately successful at low-end PvP.

The Problem
These bars are shit. No, really.

Thoughts
I understand the concept of creating a preset 6-skill bar, really, I do. Provide 2 open slots for the players choice of utility or whatever else they want to plug in, and have the other 6 skills flow together.

Now, a lot of players look past these preset builds, and view them as unimportant, and this is usually because they've played Guild Wars enough that they have access to much better combination's of skills then what the presets can give. However, these bars are essential to helping people get started in PvP. They're the starting block of all new players when they first enter Random Arenas, or Alliance Battles, or any other form of PvP for the first time. That said, it would make sense for those skill bars to actually be... good. After all, I'm pretty sure if any of you saw the above builds being ran in RA you would facepalm. Not only that, but the new player running that build won't be receiving the PvP experience he should be experience. The kind of experience that will show him PvP and make him want to stick around. The kind of experience that requires, oh I don't know... a good build.

Suggestion
Update the preset templates.

Implementation 1
The first idea is simple, simply replace the current 6-skilled templates with a new, or updated version of the current 6 skills. Leave 2 slots open for player utility, and simply improve on the current templates to actually give them a fighting chance.

Implementation 2
Replace the current 6-skilled templates with a new 8-skilled bar. The whole point of the preset bars was to appeal to the new PvP player. This player will, more likely than not, have no idea what to put into the 2 utility slots you originally gave them. In fact, if you ever see a new player running the preset bars they usually just have those 2 slots empty. This suggestion says to fill those 2 utility slots in the preset to further optimize the starting build of a new PvP'r, hopefully allowing him a better playing experience.

Here are a few bars I threw together using Anet's limitations (core-only for core professions, origin campaign-only for others).

Obviously these bars are not perfect, nor ideal, but I think that most can agree that they're a good step-up from the preset ones that Anet gives you.

Implementation 3
Just to cover my bases, go back to '05, '06 and allow new players to choose from a select few community created templates. I have found memories of the Paladin, the IVEX trapper, the Abominable Snowman, etc.

Close
Any of these changes would be openly welcomed. I feel as though the current preset bars aren't nearly as good as they should be, and in return, they're giving new players a foul-mouthed taste of PvP.

Comments, suggestions, ideas, improvements are all welcomed.

Shayne Hawke · Jul 07, 2009, 02:09 AM // 02:09

Implication 2, please and thanks.

TheGuildWarsPenguin · Jul 07, 2009, 02:12 AM // 02:12

Implementation 2 would be the best one to implement.

Implementation 1 could work if you update the 6 skills and give them a few other skills for some variety

Implementation 3 would be epicly fun, but cause people to ragequit RA (Hint:Paladin)

Reverend Dr · Jul 07, 2009, 02:36 AM // 02:36

How about UAX? I remember a big push for this shortly after the game came out.

subarucar · Jul 07, 2009, 02:59 AM // 02:59

I like the idea of number 3, with varying uses of campaigns (e.g some proph only, some NF and fac, some all). Obviosly the builds would have to be somewhat decent, and updated every few months to deal with nerfs and buffs.

Puebert · Jul 07, 2009, 03:36 AM // 03:36

I really liked the present templates when I wasn't UAX, it let me try out different elites before I unlocked them. It was really convenient.

So, I vote 2 & 3.

GourangaPizza · Jul 07, 2009, 04:05 AM // 04:05

Didn't they used to have a very informative PvP character creation screen way back in late 2005- early 2006? It display some sort of build templates with description; (E.g. Shock Hammer warrior popularised by Esoteric Warriors...).

[DE] · Jul 07, 2009, 10:39 AM // 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by GourangaPizza

Didn't they used to have a very informative PvP character creation screen way back in late 2005- early 2006? It display some sort of build templates with description; (E.g. Shock Hammer warrior popularised by Esoteric Warriors...).

Yes. Back when you had to create all your armor and weapon sets when rolling your character (before we had 'J'!), there was a list of around 12 or so builds that you could select from. I think they switched over from that to what we currently have shortly before NF, though I could be wrong on my dates.

Abedeus · Jul 07, 2009, 10:51 AM // 10:51

I so loved the pre-made templates... Made it possible for anyone to use a great build right from the start.

Just don't give the old builds, they suck mostly.

Arduin · Jul 07, 2009, 10:58 AM // 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by [DE]

Yes. Back when you had to create all your armor and weapon sets when rolling your character (before we had 'J'!), there was a list of around 12 or so builds that you could select from. I think they switched over from that to what we currently have shortly before NF, though I could be wrong on my dates.

Oh wow, memories

Tearz1993 · Jul 07, 2009, 06:11 PM // 18:11

/signed for 2 and 3

Not /notsign for 1, but definitely not as good as 2 or 3.

Winterclaw · Jul 08, 2009, 08:53 PM // 20:53

2 won't work in game because you have to unlock more skills and better skills if the person is just starting the game. New pvpers should also be in RA so having a terribad bar is par for the course. Likewise if you want to be a good pvper you need to learn the game, learn how to create a good build, and how to analyze builds. People who needed to be handed good builds are probably not going to be playing very long after they've farmed a bit of fame so I don't think we should worry about it too much.

/notsigned.

Aljasha · Jul 09, 2009, 11:52 AM // 11:52

implementation of 2 for gw1 please (the bars should give the pvp beginner an idea of the profession's usage and its role in combat). implementation 3 with uax for gw2 please.

gameshoes3003 · Jul 09, 2009, 08:20 PM // 20:20

I liked number 3 even though I never used it anyway because I thought they were trashy builds.
But still, /sign for number 3.
But my question is... where would you put that in the menus? Would you just have a little box when you press "K" saying: Community Templates? Of course that box will only appear in PvP.