Hunt Redesign and Tracking system proposal

[NozomiKei]

I really really dislike the idea of hunts being limited to the group that finds it; think I've heard that that was how it worked in FFXI and there were problems with people camping and locking everyone else out. I also disagree with putting a cap on seals, though I hate it ever so slightly less than the shutout idea.

The idea of the marks leaving clues as to where they are by way of footprints and such I do like! Also a timed immunity, but only for a minute or two tops (perhaps immunity can trigger when a player in the zone gets within a certain distance, not necessarily visible). Hp haven't really been an issue on our server since the adjustment, but (capped at some point) scaling difficulty would be really cool to have. Really agree on an increase in weekly hunt rewards, I usually forget they exist until I see a mark with the symbol above it's head. The people that I think they're intended for (don't have time or will to participate in free-world hunts) don't even bother with them because the rewards are so insignificant.

[Kenji_Shiratsuki]

I really really dislike the idea of hunts being limited to the group that finds it; think I've heard that that was how it worked in FFXI and there were problems with people camping and locking everyone else out.

With this proposed change, multiple parties would be tracking SEPARATE VERSIONS of the monster. Just like how treasure hunts work.

[NozomiKei]

So another thing to put people into little groups so they can isolate themselves from the rest of the people on their server.

[Kenji_Shiratsuki]

Isn't that how you make friends? Join smaller groups and get to know each other better?

[Serret]

Well, the ideas I wrote aren't necessarily set on stone.
I suggested tracking as a separate class but it could well be a skill much like digging acquired through a quest.


As for isolation, it's an interesting point, however I don't think the current alternative where you have 50+ people jumping on a monster at the same time is desirable.

I personally would prefer if people were split into smaller more focused groups, I think there would be more space for fun there than the current zergfest.
Not to mention it would also be easier for Square to balance monsters and maybe even design challenging mechanics around smaller group sizes, than an unpredictable number of players.
Rank S monsters imo should still be open to all but they could still be triggered by tracking. They do still need a power up though.

[NozomiKei]

I've found myself making a lot of new friends outside of my FC by joining random hunt parties and ones on pf. There are plenty of instanced things to do; we need more open world content.

[ksufoley]

I would welcome a reconstruct but if all these changes were to be made, the fix wouldn't come easily and would require a lot of work.

Although I totally agree with OP as to the direction SE needs to go with this to make it challenging still while promoting a fair/casual/social aspect to battles in the game, I propose a much simpler solution.

1. Although it would be hard to take away myth without people complaining, it needs to be done. 80 per A? seriously, I can get enough for my next book while i'm on the hunt for my previous version. 2k cap is becoming a 2hr cap rate and it shouldn't be.
2. Place a marker on the beast. Give us an extra power much like you did with treasure hunts but instead of digging, we get to mark the beast we've found. First one to mark claims the possible book drops (on A at least) and starts a countdown. ie B marks get 30min ET time, A gets an hour, S gets 2. This would prevent zergs, give everyone a fair chance, and reward the player that found him first by giving them the possible drop by starting the timer. No more "reset," no more "early pulls," no more finger pointing just because you didn't make it there on time.
3. the linkshells are nice, hunts implemented more socializing among many and brought guilds together that would otherwise not talk. However, some are extremely active and others are not and sometimes people get left out. With number 2 implemented you can also implement a server wide call out. Like "Nahn was found, 29:55 minutes before activated!" and you don't even have to put the coordinates in, or not even a name, like "Aleport has issued a warning, heroes beware, 29:55 minutes before attack!" I know you like mystery!

[NozomiKei]

Nifty idea Ksufoley; the only thing I would change is how much time. After a mark is found, most people get there within 2-3minutes, much longer and the number of people start making the mark glitch out and become invisible and stuff. And the bonus for discovering the mark is a wonderful idea too. As it stands the one who finds it first isn't even guaranteed full contribution points which kinda sucks.

I love the myth from hunts. As a dps who logs on during unpopular hours getting into a dungeon often takes awhile, especially if I'm going for a certain one. And after I get in I just have to hope I get a decent group of people. I get a good portion of myth for my books from dungeons yes, but the hunt supplement is really helping me out. I'm even probably working the same amount of time, but hunts are so much more enjoyable.