FFXIV is in a Prime Position to Make Some Drastic Changes

[Terribad]

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But why would you want to do something strictly inferior

I think our definition of "cookie cutter build" is very different. A cookie cutter build isn't a build that's better, it's usually easy to play, requires no skill, and or some streamer uses it. Let's take Archeage for example, the cookie cutter builds there are DarkRunner and Primevil(sp). Those builds are not the best at all, just easy to play.

I could load up on piety as a black mage. It'd be considerably less effective, but I COULD do it.

Obviously the point is to use stats that could effect your class/job for the better. In Aion as a chanter I could go Crit/Attack Crit/HP and or Attack/HP 3 different builds (which there's more) and each one effects my class for the better.

[Krylo]

I think our definition of "cookie cutter build" is very different. A cookie cutter build isn't a build that's better, it's usually easy to play, requires no skill, and or some streamer uses it. Let's take Archeage for example, the cookie cutter builds there are DarkRunner and Primevil(sp). Those builds are not the best at all, just easy to play.

No. That's really not what it means. Or what it has ever meant.

Cookie cutter builds are pre-designed builds that have been mathematically tested and found to have the best over all potential. Stuff like, to use an example we all remember, the 2.0 stat weights and zeta weapon materias. The cookie cutter Zeta for most DPS classes was Det/Crit. It was mathematically the best choice for them because people calculated out the stat weights (I don't want to go find the 2.x stat weights so no numbers, sorry), and found that det and crit were worth the most DPS out of any secondary stat. And that's why Det 4 materia was at ridiculously high prices during that time. Everyone wanted as much as possible.

The origin of the term is that when you use a cookie cutter, all of the cookies look the same. Thus, a cookie cutter build is one where everyone is taking all the same talents, because they are the superior talents, which results in everyone at end game looking the same. Cookie cutter.

Because it was always used in as a derisionary term, it has taken on a less used usage that is something close to what you're saying, HOWEVER, that's very clearly not what it was being used as in this conversation before I came in, unless you read:

Cookie cutter builds really only matter when it comes to raiding and even more so with progression raiding. Serious progression raid groups don't take people who chose to run non cookie cutter builds. Yes they cut down the number of raiders they have to choose from, but choosing to run a non-cutter build means you see gate yourself off from content.

And thought to yourself 'Yes, that is right. Top tier hardcore raiders only allow people with very easy to play and suboptimal builds into their progression raiding teams. That is how world first clears are made. With poor builds,' it is abundantly and painfully obvious what was meant by the term.

[Terribad]

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Outside of an MMO the term is used when referring to something that's mass produced and **low quality**. In mmos I've only ever heard anyone use that term for "go to" builds. Not necessarily the best in the game, just what the masses go to for being easy.