The Solo disease?

[Vanguard319]

I will join parties if invited, but I am primarily a solo archer, I see it as a way to push my limits, since parties almost always will hunt a specific type of mob, (i.e. one that dies quickly, and gives high xp/sp.) but if I can solo a mob that is a considerably higher level, and within a reasonable timeframe, I am likely to learn new strategies and combat skills, which I can then apply to parties against very high mobs that I can't solo.

In short, anyone can do alright in a group, but to find your true skill, you have to go it alone at some point.

[Renshi]

Thank you. However do you think that soloists don't do strategy? In fact I have found that you have to strategize more as a soloist because you don't have, say, a tank, and a healer, and all these other roles. You have to be creative and survive as a single entity, which requires a lot of strategy.


I hesitate to draw a parallel (because I do not want this topic to degenerate), but I do not have to "try" homosexuality, to know that I like heterosexuality better. One does not have to try both sides of a coin, to be fairly certain which side they like best, its a flawed logic. That being said I have partied in MMORPG's for years, whenever I have to, which in FFXI was very often, and I find it to be dull, and with rare exceptions (and I do love the exceptions), full of idiots (who are rude) and children (who don't know any better).


Multi-player is not a synonym for Groups. I can play in a world with many people (which is one of the things I LOVE about MMORPG's) without wanting to actually "team up" with any of them.

Nah, just think it as a way to figure out more strategies, as when you're in a group you can elaborate those in more ways than you can do in a solo play, but that's not the point.
Uh... you could've used something other than homosexuality and heterosexuality, as I see the level of comparison a little too high to compare it with a threesome- a group party, compared with a group party. Lessee...
Take it like a Mango Cake! I don't like it, and I know because I've tried it (in fact it has a bitter retrotaste that I just don't like).
Anyway, I did that talk about "funnier with groups" because I was in a hurry and had to go to the bathroom, and I've forgot to tell that that's my idea after some experience with MMOs. Yet, everybody has theirs =)

The point is: In every game, you don't have to stand to these kind of rules in order to have fun. Everybody has their concept of Fun, as there's not a common and sensational definition of Fun, and no, dictionaries will not help there.
I like to have fun with groups, you like to have fun playing solo. There's nothing wrong with it and those are two different ways that can lead to Fun =D

[Xatsh]

Hi, my name is thedevilsjester and I am a soloist.

I see a lot of hate for solo players in almost every MMORPG. I had hoped that FFXIV, being very solo friendly would be a haven for the soloist because we have been officially "accepted", unfortunately even those who defend solo players, do so with the back of their hand.

Solo players, apparently, only solo because they do not have time for larger/group content, or just cannot find a group to play with. It seems as if playing solo is some kind of ailment that we would all love to be cured of.

Its not. I play solo because I like to play solo. I have plenty of time on my hands, and could find a group easily if I wanted one. I don't. In fact, unless friends need help doing something, or I have no choice in the matter, I do not group at all, and will often turn groups down because I simply do not want to play with other people.

Why play an MMO then? Because off-line RPG's do not even come close to the splendour, size, and sheer awesomeness that MMORPG's do, and probably never will. And, even though, as a soloist, I like to play the game by myself, that doesn't mean that I want to play in a lifeless empty world. I want my game world populated, and to feel alive, I just don't want to play with anyone. If I have to put up with an occasional group to play in such a world, its a price I am willing to pay.

Sorry for the...rant, I just ran into too many "hate the soloist" topics today, and needed to vent!

Hopefully those who just cannot understand why someone would play solo (trust me, I feel the same way about groups), can take something from this to better understand a soloists reasons for playing an MMORPG.

Soloist should have content, but they should never be catered too. A mmo is a group based game by definition.

So all people like you while it is ok to hate grouping need to know they are joining a group based game and you need to know alot of the content will not be designed for you.

If you know this, I do not think anyone will care square is developing some solo content. But as soon as you start to yell about... this is BS! all they are doing is making endgame group content. Well then I will say you are playing the wrong genre.

[Ayerc]

@ arc the thing is they still need to be true to their franchise and not always jump the bandwagon. Like Elder scrolls. Most rpg now have multiplayer aspects (aka co op) Yet they are sticking with its roots.
I applaud SE for not selling out their most popular franchise to "change with the times" FF is about teamwork that is the courner stone. Why should it even be labled final fantasy.
Sorry but A line needs ta be drawn at some point. Imo i hate the way mmorog are being made. They are going more solo and leaving group content as a side note. ff has been the only mmorpg made recently to keep to its true mmorpg roots. Which is community play. Solo or otherwise.

I'm not against solo'ers as I had my moments of wanting to solo. But i am againsts those who demand change to an already dieing ganre. Just because they act snobby and not pro community.

But see, they already did "sell out" and have always talked about FFXIV as catering to both solo and group play styles. Their plans for the new battle system keep this in mind, with the classes catering to soloists, and future jobs specializing for groups. They wouldn't be jumping on a bandwagon if they are able to pull off introducing solo and group content in ways that make sense and don't compromise each other.

Besides, their MMOs cover the Final Fantasy roots when they groups us all as "adventurers." We're all, in essence, working for the same ultimate goal: to save the lands from destruction at the hands of evil forces.

And if the genre is indeed dying, then why would you be against change? Clearly the old way isn't keeping it thriving.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

My better less rude stance
Play mmorpg if you enjoy them, solo or grouping. It is a game and you have a right to play your way.

on the otherhand though do not play mmorpg if you DISLIKE GROUPING that is a slap in the face to community games. And why most solo'ers have the stigma of anti-social.
Pretty much play solo but also join in on group content if asked (and you got time) People will think less of you if you ONLY play mmo for the large world and updates. The elder scrolls games have always been huges worlds that scale yup as the players level. More so with skyrim going for radient story with its questing. Meaning the game will change based on how you play and will cater and challenge your character. Their Raident AI in oblivion was wicked powerful and found myself in crazy situations that mmorpg can't do. And Elder scrolls do have minor crafting and adding more in their new game. I also know several rpg with crafting in them.

[Asmeret]

I don't understand why people really have to ask the question, "Why play an MMORPG if you're a soloist?" I love to play in a party with my friends, and I love to level solo as well. Obviously you shouldn't be able to do everything in the game by yourself, and need to party up with other players at times. If I ever saw a soloist complaining that they wanted to be able to do everything in the game on their own, I would laugh at them. However, I don't see why people think all soloist are anti-social either... After reading half of this thread, I can tell a lot of you kids don't know what being social means.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

But see, they already did "sell out" and have always talked about FFXIV as catering to both solo and group play styles. Their plans for the new battle system keep this in mind, with the classes catering to soloists, and future jobs specializing for groups. They wouldn't be jumping on a bandwagon if they are able to pull off introducing solo and group content in ways that make sense and don't compromise each other.

Besides, their MMOs cover the Final Fantasy roots when they groups us all as "adventurers." We're all, in essence, working for the same ultimate goal: to save the lands from destruction at the hands of evil forces.

And if the genre is indeed dying, then why would you be against change? Clearly the old way isn't keeping it thriving.

Actually the jobs are for high end content and classes for casual conent. Not just for solo'ers. And there is a difference to what I said. There is a difference between a solo-ble mmo. And a solo friendly mmo.
I dislike solo-able mmo.

[ZephyrAM]

You actually have a valid point, Kilta, in that Final Fantasy games have 'always' been about groups of heroes taking on the opposition. It has never, for the numbered FF's, not been true for the majority of the game.

However!

This is only one of multiple facts that cross the FF series, and just as others, it may very well not cross to the MMO genre. Either way though, they could accomplish the same element simply by allowing us access to our path companion at all times (for example). Other games, such as Guild Wars and Phantasy Star Universe, have allowed for single player-group play in a very supportive way. The AI of the helpers still wasn't as good as having actual people with you, and almost certainly never will be, but it accomplished the group effect.

All of these things, and most everything said, is fairly invalid toward your argument though. You actually have a very clear point of view: you don't like solo play in an MMO, are against what you believe it does to the community of an MMO, and don't want it in your MMO at all.

I understand what you're saying and where you're coming from, but it is still an opinion. Just as we want to be able to solo, you don't. This debate is exactly what MMO developers have to work through in order to appeal to the wide variety of gamers. 'Both' sides are valid though.

... Alright, this became a little 'you' focused, and I'm sorry for that XD. More of 'those with an anti-solo point of view'.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

I don't understand why people really have to ask the question, "Why play an MMORPG if you're a soloist?" I love to play in a party with my friends, and I love to level solo as well. Obviously you shouldn't be able to do everything in the game by yourself, and need to party up with other players at times. If I ever saw a soloist complaining that they wanted to be able to do everything in the game on their own, I would laugh at them. However, I don't see why people think all soloist are anti-social either... After reading half of this thread, I can tell a lot of you kids don't know what being social means.

the OP stance is to have a solo-able mmo as he/she doesn't wanbt to group up at all and will do it if they have to. Which is why most of the replies have been negative wjat OP said was a slap in the face of the community.
Pretty much the vibe I got from TDJ is this "i want to play mmo, but i do not want to play with other ppl" kinda of an oxymoron.

[Leeloo]

I must've missed where the OP demanded change to the game and was whining about it not being solo friendly. Whatever, I do both and really enjoy solo over a zerg-fest sometimes. Gotta admit though, spending any significant amount of time on this or other FFXIV forums does build a better case for soloing. = D