Powerleveling Revisited

[Issac]

I apologize ahead of time to all those whom my opinion may offend.

I don't want to beat a dead horse. And truly, I once again apologize ahead of time if the opinion of some are along those lines.

This has happened to me multiple times, enough times to start to make me feel like this might not be the game for me. I understand that Naoki Yoshida wishes for the players to have a choice. I'm all about choice, it's a beautiful thing. But personally, I'm feeling like my choice is being taken away from me, caused by a latent consequence that has already taken shape so soon after 1.19.

I.I'll start with the obvious. Oft-times when I make a party, get out to the camp, and have fun for an hour or two, sometimes less, someone mentions that they have a powerlevel coming to help. I respectfully understand that this is not a big deal for some, but I personally don't like the idea of standing around soaking EXP. As a result, as I have made the party, I say {No thanks.}

And what do you think happens? I'm suddenly the bad guy because I don't support powerleveling. Anywhere from 2-5 players instantly ask me why, and upon explaining, they all discredit my reasons and a debate starts, breaking the flow of the party. After a few minutes, a couple say that they'll leave and join the Plvl. So now we have a party split down the middle, and along with 1-3 others I leave the party after wishing them luck with their endeavors.

In the worst case, I am ejected from the party alone. Yes, I know many of you would say, "Why not just go with it and stop being a spaz?" I personally don't think I should sacrifice my enjoyment of the game so that the party I made has someone do most of the work for them. I play for the sense of accomplishment in progression. That has always been the central factor in MMOs for me. And, in playing a MMO, I don't like to play solo all that much.

II.Something else that happened today? I looked in the Ul'Dah wards for some midrank THM hand equipment. All I was able to find was a pair of gloves for 100,000-230,000 gil. There wasn't anything for lower ranks, just that one pair of overpriced gloves. I was currently wearing nothing, so I would have settled for a cheaper pair at a lower level.

But what is the point of selling low rank gear? Oh, it dawned on me. This is another effect. Sure, this is only one example and it may have been a coincidence, but it sure does add to my frustration.

Again, I understand that players want the choice to powerlevel. I want to make it clear that I'm not 100% against the subject. The way it worked in XI was fair and reasonable, it was always nice to have a friend helping by healing from the outside. But do we really need a situation where seven people go AFK while one pulls multiple mobs, links and chains gained from 1-3 outside rank 50s?

I don't like being forced into that situation. And the fact that I am having a hard time carrying out legitimate parties without this being insisted upon is very, very troubling to me. Is it fair for me to be forced to solo if I don't want this? Is it fair for me to be strongly influenced to leave a game I otherwise enjoy?

Anyway, I just needed to vent. tl;dr: I am noticing a trend in which I am being forced to either accept PLVL and cheese through the ranks or play solo.

[Fieros]

I agree and think levels should be earned not leeched.

[Denmo]

I third that notion. A good party can get crazy wacko exp anyway, without a PLer. There's no excuse.

[Ganvire]

I third that notion. A good party can get crazy wacko exp anyway, without a PLer. There's no excuse.

Didn't read all of the posts in this thread, but let me back up this statement: I was getting 1k EXP per mob last night in my 39~43 party as a 36 CON and got to 39 in absolutely no time at all before I hit the sack. I am so goddamned tired of people complaining how hard it is to level in this game.

This game is not hard. This game is easy, if anything, and if you can't work together in a reasonable fashion with other players and get EASY EXPERIENCE POINTS like everyone else, then you seriously need to find a different game. This isn't the one for you.

It's not that hard.

[Tiraelina]

Didn't read all of the posts in this thread, but let me back up this statement: I was getting 1k EXP per mob last night in my 39~43 party as a 36 CON and got to 39 in absolutely no time at all before I hit the sack. I am so goddamned tired of people complaining how hard it is to level in this game.

This game is not hard. This game is easy, if anything, and if you can't work together in a reasonable fashion with other players and get EASY EXPERIENCE POINTS like everyone else, then you seriously need to find a different game. This isn't the one for you.

It's not that hard.

I think you are confusing hard with mind numbing grinding that should've died off 5 years ago.

Higher levels are also easy, it's painful to level sub 30 with the level variation and something a couple levels higher than you being death.

[Ganvire]

I think you are confusing hard with mind numbing grinding that should've died off 5 years ago.

Higher levels are also easy, it's painful to level sub 30 with the level variation and something a couple levels higher than you being death.

You find it "mind-numbing," I find it entertaining with the right group of people. Right now, this is kind of what we're stuck with, and until 2.0 I doubt it's going to change.

[Fieros]

it's painful to level sub 30 with the level variation and something a couple levels higher than you being death.

So instead of fixing this issue of the game not being fun and enjoyable before level XX, support powerleveling to bypass the situation?

[KooKooKachoo]

I originally started the game at launch, Soon after I stopped. I came back to the game a couple weeks ago and rerolled, I figured a lot has changed since a year ago and I might as well start fresh. I noticed a lack of low level gear across the board for all classes, I thought it might have just been the town but found out after talking to countless people in game it was not the case and it was worse in other towns. They all pretty much told me the same thing, "No one makes low level gear anymore cause everyone just stands around and gets ranks and passes all the gear, since there is no need for gear if you stand around getting power leveled and never taking or dealing damage." I was discouraged hearing that and did not want to learn how to play the game by instantly getting level 50 in a couple days of standing around.

In short I agree with Issac, I would like to see something be changed about the way leveling classes is accruing so that everyone can enjoy the game.

[smokymcweed]

totaly agree its hurting the econamy becuase nobody crafts and sells lowbie gear and the GC'S selling food dirt c heap for seals is a bad idea to cant find the food i want and nobody lvls cooking now

[kensredemption]

totaly agree its hurting the econamy becuase nobody crafts and sells lowbie gear and the GC'S selling food dirt c heap for seals is a bad idea to cant find the food i want and nobody lvls cooking now

Why don't you just undercut the vendors if you're selling stuff in the city then? If you're going to drive up prices for people to buy stuff, at least sell those items where people are far away from the camps or cities. Call it cost of convenience.