Thoughts on Solo Play

Before I begin, I want to state two facts. First, I really enjoy the gameplay of FFXIV. Second, I am cancelling my subscription. I'm not doing so because I'm mad at the devs, or want to make some kind of dramatic statement. I'm doing so because the simple truth is that I don't actually like MMO's.

Before I go, though, I wanted to make a few observations about "solo" play. I've seen several complaints about the lack of solo content in FFXIV, especially going forward, and my gut reaction tends to be agreement. The counter-argument is that one of the M's is for "Multiplayer," which is a pretty sound argument.

For me, it's not actually about solo vs. multiplayer. It's about guilds, or in this case, linkshells. I have had awful luck with linkshells in FFXI, largely because I uncomfortably straddle the line between casual and hardcore. I like the game, I play a lot, and I care about what I do - but I refuse to play on a schedule, I have no desire to repeat content for gear, and I'm not interested in bragging rights.

All this content requiring eight party members effectively requires a linkshell. Sure, you can get a pickup group in theory, but between the time that takes and the rate of success, it just isn't fun. The only thing I've ever wanted to do in FFXI is finish all the plotlines, and I still have ToAU and WotG to go. Not being able to accomplish anything without a linkshell is extremely frustrating.

Many will argue that joining a guild is part of the point of playing an MMO. But multiplayer is not the same as guild play. Some solo content would be nice, but what I really want is the ability to actually accomplish things without having to join a guild. I hope the dungeon finder feature that has been mentioned resolves this problem, and maybe I'll give the game a shot at that point. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on the game and probably break down and start playing again. (I'm weak!)

this is what i hope as well.. i wanna be a real adventurer, a wanderer, not a soldier. But that does not mean i wanted more solo content, i wanted the freedom of not being in a group, like Monster Hunter... but alas.. Monster Hunter is just too linear. lol

I feel alot of people are in the same boat as you honestly they enjoy the offline rpg experience but want others sometimes, and the mmo genre is like FPS games not for everyone.

There are alot of so called "MMO games" starting to blur the line between mmo and consol rpg, Honestly if you have not tried Starwars ToR you might want to try it for awhile. It is an online game but it is easily 90% solo oriented, can call it a mmo if you like sorta more of a old republic game with a multiplayer option that you have to pay a fee for.

Dungeon Finder I hope gives people in your case the ability to do content and enjoy it... but I pray it is not all endgame and remains only for dungeons and such, I feel the building a guild and the friendships with that are what make a mmo a genre like no other. The Finder hurts the community function in that respect.

I agree in the way you put multiplayer vs guild.

I'm in 2 endgame LS, and still havent had a chance to do ifrit, or moogles. One I just joined recently, but the main point is it's almost Impossible for me to stick to a schedule, even if I wanted to. Lousy shifts at work, a work schedule that changes every 2 months, etc.

That's not SE's fault my job isn't the best, but an easier way to pug would have been nice. That could all be moot of anyone ever starts using this search feature. I've been lfp for about 7 hours today today, and not one /tell lol.

Do a whole server search for people that are seeking, and get 13. TBH 13 people looking for group is pretty sad. Though I won't bring up the *cough* server merge *cough* again.

Oh well. I'll eventually be able to do the fun content when my schedule lines up so that's something to look forward to, i just hope its before SE retcons the entire storyline for 2.0 lol

Agreed completely.

I enjoy the multiplayer aspect of MMOs. However, I'm not what you would call "hardcore". I don't do static parties. I don't do having a video game dictate a schedule to me, I don't do treating a game like a job. I'm in an LS on my current character I made on Lindblum after the patch because I wanted to be, but I don't want to be forced to join one just to do certain things. I don't want to have to build "Mr. l33t optimal character" and use Ventrillo/Teamspeak for any endgame content and all that garbage.

I'm fine with playing with others to accomplish stuff, but the fact is that by "playing with others" most times MMOs really mean "play like a hardcore MMO fan". AKA the joining a guild/using Teamspeak/static parties/being at home at this specific time for raids and such.

Op you aren't the only one out there...However, I think many will flame you for your pov, however, you obviously see others of like mind are floating about out here.

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Originally Posted by Talraen

the simple truth is that I don't actually like MMO's.

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I agree for one reason - if no one wants to do the group content with me or those that do want to do the group content with me are not skilled enough, then I can't do it either.

/sigh

hmm i want more solo content too..
but trust me , most of ppl in this game that has healthy linkshell does not want have solo content..
because if they have it ( solo content ) their precious linkshell becomes meaningless..
and for SE , ppl in 8 team says more team content , less solo content.
and lone players says more solo content.
which opinion they will take?
only 1 player satisfying with 8 players sacrificing..?
( i know it's an oversaying but.. )
but just trust me , the mainstream of this game , multiple 50's with healthy linkshell does not want solo content , and SE mainly listen to these ppl...

ye i love playing with my friends and meeting new people but solo has it's great times to like you great more work done on ur char because ur not to busy talking to everyone around you, leveling is more fun and less bording & while maybe waiting for a friend or friends to come on you could be of doing some solo content would be nice for SE to add in stuff for solo.

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Originally Posted by Talraen

*snip* OP

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Ok, see you again in a few months.

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Originally Posted by LillithaFenimore

Op you aren't the only one out there...However, I think many will flame you for your pov, however, you obviously see others of like mind are floating about out here.

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nah, no need to flame him
he was pretty honest right off the bat, hes not an mmo player


people tend to try out new things, this just happened to not be for him, there will be alot of people that this game isnt suited for
just like i cant stand the new star wars game, or wow


but one thing i hate to say, is that people who "dont like mmos" really dont have much of a valued opinion when it comes to developers taking their post seriously, thats like someone who only plays rpgs and hates fps games trying to give advice on what they dont like about fps games in order to make them better....(and so on inserting random genres where needed)


we all have our gaming styles, and each one of us will love or hate games based on it