Hard Mode {Found It}

[Verecund]

So basically adding 30 levels to a mob now makes it hard-mode end-game NM content by OP's logic. But really, what I see is people getting 2 lancers together and gimmicking the hell out of lv70-80 grinding content (no doubt due to lax mechanical design, although I'm sure the purposeful non-increase in bonus SP given for the kill was completely worth creating a thread full of rage about).

If these r80+ mobs were actually meant as r50 "hard mode" content, it would have been not only specified somewhere but also rewarded in kind... but sadly this is not the case: they are just mobs :P

If people decide to clear the mobs to pass time while SE fixes the game, great. Just don't try to claim that it is meaningful or even legitimate content

[origamikitsune]

So basically adding 30 levels to a mob now makes it hard-mode end-game NM content by OP's logic. But really, what I see is people getting 2 lancers together and gimmicking the hell out of lv70-80 grinding content (no doubt due to lax mechanical design, although I'm sure the purposeful non-increase in bonus SP given for the kill was completely worth creating a thread full of rage about).

If these r80+ mobs were actually meant as r50 "hard mode" content, it would have been not only specified somewhere but also rewarded in kind... but sadly this is not the case: they are just mobs :P

I agree fully that rewards are lax. I also agree that the fact that /so much/ of the "hard" stuff requires a TP lock by LNC is frustrating. I will say, however, it is a legit tactic. Stun locking in 11 was common, and TP locking in 14 is common. Different method, same (essential) result. Personally I think the issues isn't that it can be done, only that there aren't any other options.

One thing we learned while fighting the ogres was that without a TP lock, we all got one-shot by the wrestling moves. The first thing we tried was a partial TP lock by one LNC while everyone else did def down -> damage multiplier -> magic burst BRs. What that says to me is that it isn't flaw in the tactics - its a flaw in the game forcing limited tactics that are always the same regardless of the mob. Something (I hope) SE is aware of by now because its f*cking retarded.

That said, adding 30 R to the mobs DOES make the game harder if you let it. I never said it was perfect solution, but even still there are some things that can be done to improve what has been done. After reading the thread about the ogres, we decided our goal was to do the ogre fight... without anyone dying. We talked about tacticts and decided to try a two GLA approach, so that when the mob wiped hate on the main tank, it would immediately go the second GLA. It worked beautifully (until WE screwed up and got lazy/sloppy); we didn't loose our DD or healers to one-shot on hate reset.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I agree with you, but that doesn't mean, in my opinion, we can't work with what we have. I have no desire to play other MMOs because I don't like the settings or the feel or what have you. This game sucks in a lot of ways, but has the core of what I want, so I play. Until it gets better, I would personally rather enjoy what is there, and years down the line reminisce about how lame it was back in the day. Or... maybe how lame it still is. Who knows. In short, I'd rather fight R80+ mobs and do SOMETHING than fight R30mobs and do NOTHING.

[Holy_Dragoon]

There are some challenges out there, but you have to go find them. The other day we held an LS event, and at the end of it, took on a R76 Ogre in Coerthas, just to show some of our new members that how things worked when a team was in full communication with one another. We took it down surprisingly well, we figured we were rusty from not having done NMs lately.

After it fell to us, we took on a 92 Goblin, with 2 lancers we were able to keep off the Bomb Toss, leading us to victory. Our third fight, a R99 Goblin, got the best of us. We miss timed our weapon-skills, and Bomb Tosses then went flying. It was a challenge, we had fun, we died. We'll likely go back for revenge another day.

[Kaeko]

Every mob in the game sans maybe the Lv.99 Qikiroon Mercs have been killed.

Here are some videos of "interesting" solos if the OP is interested in player-made challenges. Including a solo of that Lv99 Qiqirn Mercenary someone mentioned. Solos were done by either myself or another player on my server Roi Beoulve.

Lv99 Qiqirn Mercenary by Lv50 GLA
Lv75 Widowmaker by Lv50 GLA
Lv70 Ogre by Lv50 GLA

Lv91 Rainbow Basilisk by Lv50 ARC

Uraeus by Lv50 THM
Great Buffalo by Lv50 THM
Elder Mosshorn by Lv50 THM
Dodore (Un-nerfed Version) by Lv50 THM
Haughtpox Bloatbilly (Un-nerfed version) by Lv50 THM
Tarbh Uisge by Lv50 THM

There are many aspects of the current XIV battle system which are "broken" and make these solos possible (some of them with relative ease). Just to list a few of the really big ones:
(1) Aegis Boon and Deflection being broken (Aegis Boon at least a glitch)
(2) dLVL-ignoring attacks (Bloodletter, DoTs, Barbs) being very strong on high level mobs
(3) The "return to territory" mechanic being extremely abusable

To add a couple which I'm sure you've seen from these group kills:
(4) The fact cures generate almost/no enmity.
(5) Twisting Vice being extremely overpowered as a TP-control strategy

Hopefully many of these mechanics will be changed (in as little as a week from now). I think it's fun to challenge yourself or you group, but as others have mentioned, there is little reward for exceling beyond maybe farming the NMs solo/low man for selling right now. And with all due respect to the players that posted the Lv87 Ogre video in the thread that got locked, there is no mob challenge that truly requires anything beyond 2, maybe 3 players in this game currently, although that shouldn't diminish their own sense of accomplishment.

[Rentahamster]

, there is no mob challenge that truly requires anything beyond 2, maybe 3 players in this game currently

Indeed. My LSes got bored with beating up high rank mobs ages ago, since they don't give any extra SP and drop worthless items (except for the goblins that drop gold dust).

This is why I really think that some kind of leaderboard or time trial system would go well with the achievements that they are planning to put in the game. Once everyone can see each others' scores and compete with each other, it adds incentive to go out and do things for glory, even if the item or EXP rewards are crap.

Additionally, as is the nature of time trials, it lets players compete against themselves as they try to beat their own best high scores as one of the great challenges in life is not only besting one's rivals, but also besting one's own self as well.

LINK: http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...ge-Competition

[Neptune]

I totally agree with the OP. I must say though that when people complain the game is too easy, they mean the content that rewards them with gear, items, or progression is too easy. There is a lot of fun to be had in the game outside of those 3 things.. and this is a great time to make use of it!

[Kilta_Firelotus]

honestly the sp/hr mindset is getting old. parting for sake of just getting levels is boring. I miss ffxi ps2 BA launch where we more had fun as wel leveled instead of leveling, then having fun.

If i still played I woulda like to do some of these things.

Testing the limits of what people can do is true exploration. And how party location are founded. SE or any mmo doesn't say ok exp here and then here. It is tested by players the word spread to the masses.

[Frisque]

Heya Pooka!!! Guess what? You're not alone!!! Several of my LS mates enjoy going out and doing stuff for the challenge, or just for s**ts and giggles. No rewards necessary. Oh, and we're on Besaid, too! we're currently also doing a screen shot scavenger hunt! There's nothing wrong with making your own fun with like-minded people. you should hit us up in-game sometime.

[Seif]

Some of us just are over leves. >_> I do like the sound of r80 mobs in a game with r 50 cap though!

[Griss]

No mater how good a game you talk, You will never be able to convince water to run up hill.