Devs: Has Merrits Been Talked about?

[BruceyBruceyBangBang]

There isn't a difference except you gain limit points in order to specialize or point your character to a different direction. Skill tress do the same thing.

Just because it is called a skill tree it doesn't have to ultimately be scoffed at because of it's label. Merit window is basically a end game skill tree.

Do you not unlock spells and abilities and enhance their potency in skill tress? So, what you're basically saying is that you respond irrationally to the label of a skill tree unless it's label is a merit point. Is that what you're saying?

[BruceyBruceyBangBang]

There still isn't a difference between that and a advanced skill tree. Is there a reason why you want there to be? Or are we just going to leave our common sense at the door?

[TheVedis]

There still isn't a difference between that and a advanced skill tree. Is there a reason why you want there to be? Or are we just going to leave our common sense at the door?

theres a HUGE difference and i just dont get how you are not seeing it


talent trees give you specific abilities and bonus's to certain abilities
you gain points AS YOU LEVEL the job in the game

so at level 1 you have 1 point, level 3 you have 2 points etc etc


this is NOT a merit system, a merit system rewards you for going above and beyond after capping your character, and usualy doesnt "branch" off into specializations such as a talent tree does
a merit system gives you +1 str, +2 dex +1, +1 enmity and so on

it gives you the ability to raise your stats above the cap.


they are both bonus systems in their own way, but the biggest difference is of course that one you can play without(merits) and the other you cant(talent tree)

try playing a game with talent trees without ever putting points into anything and see how far you get

basicaly, talent trees are not optional and merits are by that line of thinking

[Engineer]

A merit system would be awesome, but i think some merits should be implemented at 50, 75, and 99 so everytime the level cap increases, new merits can be added, or even stat merit caps go up.

[BruceyBruceyBangBang]

I think the problem is you're referencing what you know in other games like games that use talent trees and FFXI which uses merits.

Yes, I am aware of the ways everything is acquired and know the differences you've pointed out, but what is the difference beyond that? Skill trees don't have to progress with the character. FFXI could have called it a skill tree and used the same method of gaining the points. When you take out the grindy nature of FFXI's merit system and other MMOs skill tree branch through progression, you basically have the same thing.

FFXI's merit system is their version of a skill tree for advanced characters. This is something I'd also stay away from in FFXIV. If anything, I'd like something new apart from these systems. Or you could marry the two and tweak it into something more original. You can't make two steps without someone suggesting FFXIV implement a direct cut out of a system from FFXI so why don't we make the best of it and embrace both commonly used systems. It only makes sense as they are very similar.

Blah blah blah.

Edit: Also, when would you expect this implemented if it were to be? 2.0? At that point it would not be the "ending levels" and eventually the cap would be raised after that throughout the year. So, if implemented anytime soon, by your definition, it would turn into a skill tree system since you'll be growing it as you progress.

[SniperRifle]

Only read the first page but you guys need to throw the OP a bone here. He said merits but he probably just meant a form of upgrading and unifying our characters in a way like merits.

Which of course isn't a bad thing, so I don't get why all the fuss over OP.

OP obvi wants to just discuss/get feedback on what kind of end game merit/talent tree-esque system the devs had in mind. And suppose it is too early for the devs to comment on that... But it isn't too early for us to brainstorm ideas.

The game still isn't finished but if THM got a trait like "1% of total MP back with each attack spell cast" that would be cool, and then completing tasks (whether its to grind/kill primal/clear dungeon) to acquire merit results in your ability to upgrade your trait.

I want to say that this should only take place at the level cap but WoW/Skyrim/FFX's talent tree system starts at Lvl1, and grows in variety the higher you level (Skyrim, for the most part).

Idk the algorythms for calculating what tree stats/abilities go into but say your THM had the option to choose whether you wanted +500 mp or +40magic attack or +100 magic regen when standing still. And the next level would be like +1000, +80mag attack, or +250 magic regen when standing still. Increase bind chance by 20%-100% w/ each merit on Blizzara. Or, all ice spells have a chance to bind target for 20seconds %... Highest being like 100%, or 50%... Idk it doesn't matter.

But something like this besides the typical point lollocation we've already seen. Something to make these unique abilities even more powerful and unique, but not overpowered.