Stop Raising Item Level and build foundation with Horizontal Progression first

[Fendred]

We are not even at the first expansion yet and we've already seen the first three extreme primals as well as the first floor of crystal tower completely invalidated. People only care about the item level because the artificial inflation of it means we need to get higher item levels to play the new content. Since it is so time consuming to acquire, old content is utterly abandoned, thus pidgeonholing players into specific set of activities instead of building a diverse set of options.

The only problem with FFXI's rate of progression was that it was painfully slow, which doesn't need to be carried over nowadays because MMORPG developers have gotten a lot faster at being able to put out content. Please consider making the next few patches of content (past 2.4) the same item level, but perhaps use different kinds of mechanics for preventing players from bowling through them (like atunement quests).

[Saccharin]

Please explain this 'horizontal' progression as I'd love to see what you imagine it would be like. Too many asking for 'horizontal' progression but don't specify what it should consist of.

[Magis]

We are not even at the first expansion yet and we've already seen the first three extreme primals as well as the first floor of crystal tower completely invalidated. People only care about the item level because the artificial inflation of it means we need to get higher item levels to play the new content. Since it is so time consuming to acquire, old content is utterly abandoned, thus pidgeonholing players into specific set of activities instead of building a diverse set of options.

The only problem with FFXI's rate of progression was that it was painfully slow, which doesn't need to be carried over nowadays because MMORPG developers have gotten a lot faster at being able to put out content. Please consider making the next few patches of content (past 2.4) the same item level, but perhaps use different kinds of mechanics for preventing players from bowling through them (like atunement quests).

Mhmm, instead of just incrementing ilvl, make itemization more complex and interesting. The stats really don't mean anything right now, it's just the big ilvl number that is important. Give bonus stats and buff individual abilities, and spread items across different dungeons, mobs, etc. Right now it's: Go to coil for ilvl 110, Go to Syrcus for ilvl 100. Why not have players go to different dungeons to mix and match to create a set that are best for certain fights and ok for others. Instead of a generic BiS, have optimal items for different fights.

Also, start putting materia slot into dungeon items. You already have a way to expand itemization farther, yet only use it on DoL/DoH classes and crafted gear?

[Eekiki]

The stats really don't mean anything right now, it's just the big ilvl number that is important.

Mostly true.

But there is one stat that does matter: Accuracy. If you haven't made sure you have enough accuracy, that big ilvl won't mean much when you start whiffing.

[Lyrinn]

Why not have players go to different dungeons to mix and match to create a set that are best for certain fights and ok for others. Instead of a generic BiS, have optimal items for different fights.

I want to start off by saying that I'm 100% in favour of having more choices/horizontal progression but I also want to point out there is a host of problems that come with it as well. No system is perfect. As you pointed out, itemization would need a massive overhaul. If I remember correctly, one of the Live Letters said that would not be explored until expansion.

Second, lockouts. If you have a separate "BiS" for different fights, you can potentially lock people out of those fights if they don't have said BiS. If they can clear it without BiS, then what is the point of farming up a separate set? That needs to be addressed.

Finally (since it's the most trivial), space. Those of us who play multiple classes and/or have all crafts/gathers maxed are already tight on armoury space. Carrying around multiple sets for just one class is simply unfeasible unless they give us more space to work with, and given their excuse of server stress, that likely won't happen - for free anyways.

[Fendred]

Finally (since it's the most trivial), space. Those of us who play multiple classes and/or have all crafts/gathers maxed are already tight on armoury space. Carrying around multiple sets for just one class is simply unfeasible unless they give us more space to work with, and given their excuse of server stress, that likely won't happen - for free anyways.

Yeah, the inventory management system needs some changes to accomodate large amounts of gear. They might as well make the armory chest unlimited and let you put any kind of armor or weapons inside of it. We aren't going to vendor our raid sets if they can be used for vanity.

[odintius]

Yeah, the inventory management system needs some changes to accomodate large amounts of gear. They might as well make the armory chest unlimited and let you put any kind of armor or weapons inside of it. We aren't going to vendor our raid sets if they can be used for vanity.

The gear for the game can stay the same just use a different type of materia system were crafters can open slots for end game gear and make it to were the materia is detachable but at a certain stage like relic materia and have a preset materia armory feature to save different sets by click of button you have a differnt build no new gear required just the effort we have with the current system of course this is a vague example more indepth would be required for something like this just a thought.

[Sapphic]

Why not have players go to different dungeons to mix and match to create a set that are best for certain fights and ok for others. Instead of a generic BiS, have optimal items for different fights.

Because it's a bad idea? Can imagine it now, primal X fight, must have these certain pieces of gear that are rare drops or gtfo. Content is gated by ilvl and players require minimum ilvl to join PF parties (no I dont PF, I have a static). Now you want to add even more gear checks to content?



Imagine how many sets you would need if you like to play multiple jobs?

So basically you want it like FFXI with macro gear swaps for practically every ability, but instead for every fight?. Thanks but noway thanks. That trash can stay in FFXI and those who want that can take that option of playing FFXI.

Having more options of gear so you can go heavy crit, or skill/spell speed etc. WOuld be a welcome addition (not to mention making all secondary stats as desirable as each other). But different sets for different bosses (or abilities) newp!

[Magis]

Because it's a bad idea? Can imagine it now, primal X fight, must have these certain pieces of gear that are rare drops or gtfo. Content is gated by ilvl and players require minimum ilvl to join PF parties (no I dont PF, I have a static). Now you want to add even more gear checks to content?

I said best not required. People still do T6 in ilvl 90 gear and can clear it. However it does mean that an item from 3 patches ago is still viable and gives a reason to do that old content, because it gives you a bonus to killing a boss or completing a duty.

So basically you want it like FFXI with macro gear swaps for practically every ability, but instead for every fight?. Thanks but noway thanks. That trash can stay in FFXI and those who want that can take that option of playing FFXI.

How dare people want the game to have a bit more complexity than "make this number be big (ilvl)". Having just base stats isn't going to fix the problem, because people will just get w.e is BiS (the biggest stats). You haven't really fixed anything at that point.

[Tupsi]

Because it's a bad idea? Can imagine it now, primal X fight, must have these certain pieces of gear that are rare drops or gtfo.

It's a bad idea to play an MMORPG. Let me ask you as a question:

Do people largely accept you going into Primal X or Coil 1/2 undergeared? Hm? No? Well then, there's no difference. People already require you to have certain pieces or they'll want you out, that won't change just because of other gear addition lol. Meeting requirements is a standard of any kind of raiding in MMOs, that hasn't changed.