The Art of Unlocking: Exploration and Crafting

[KamikazeMan]

If any of this has already been confirmed to be coming out, let me know.

For 2.0 I think maps should be blank and only filled in as we explore them. There's no sense of exploration since we already know where every mountain, body of water, cave, etc are located before we even take 2 steps in an area because our maps tell us where everything is. Because of this, I've never felt the need to explore and only get to where I need to go. I feel that exploration is a huge part of what immersion is all about and the more immersion we have, the better.

In regards to crafting....could we a proper recipe book? A book that organizes all synths via category and level of difficulty. Each space within the book can be a "????" until you've crafted or unlocked that particular recipe (i think of the recipe book in Dragon Quest IX). I would be more inclined to craft and try to fill my book rather than mindlessly grind one thing every few levels. I'm also sure other people would appreciate that and have something to do for quite some time as well.

If a recipe book gets implemented, allow us to store our top 5 favorite crafts (things we craft the most) and the last thing we crafted, so that we don't have to scroll through the entire list just to get to the thing we want to craft.

It's an idea. What do you guys think?

[Isaveron]

For 2.0 I think maps should be blank and only filled in as we explore them.

But most other MMORPGs do this, including WoW. Do you want XIV to be like every other MMORPG on the market?

[Masamune1004]

But most other MMORPGs do this, including WoW. Do you want XIV to be like every other MMORPG on the market?

This game failed at launch partially because it tried to be different than every other MMO. Whether it's in another MMO or not is an invalid argument. It's a good idea, and it could add more exploration achievements since that area is a bit sparse right now.

[Coldfire]

But most other MMORPGs do this, including WoW. Do you want XIV to be like every other MMORPG on the market?

What's wrong with copying something good from other games that does not break with the franchise but increases the quality/fun-factor?

[leomax]

100% agree that all maps should be blank and opened up as explored or mini quests for scrolls? I've never felt the need to explore the regions either.

[Altanas]

Agree as well.

Also, from a Gatherer's perspective, it would be handy if we could fill in primary tool nodes as we find/use them.

As well as a recipe book, Perhaps add a Gathering Book in the form of widget similar in size to the minimap where we can keep a log of what items come from nodes and their relevant notch/spots (thinking of the userbility for the future console users (who wont have a windowed mode or two monitors side by side)


It would then be handy to allow the mini and main map to be customised to display things as you desire them (to avoid clutter)

It would also be handy if we could resize or reshape the minimap to our liking.

[Arcell]

I suggested a recipe book a long time ago and I believe the word even back then is:

They're working on it, no real date given for completion.

Also I'd agree with having maps filled in as we go. The "Well other MMOs did it!" defense is pretty weak. There's nothing wrong with doing things that other games in the same genre do. Some things are standards for a good reason.

[Jinko]

Star Ocean 3 style maps can I have it, thanks.

I really like the idea of self filling maps as it shows you where you have been and where you haven't.

Part of the fun of games like Etrian Odyssey are filling in the maps and exploration, I would love to see this aspect in an MMO.

WoW does do it sorta but its more area based.

I think the best way to do it would be to expose the square of the map you are standing in.

[SirEdeonX]

I've actually been thinking about this and was about to suggest it. Either exploring or buying the maps. But the problem with buying the maps is that everyone is already rich XD SO, I agree ;P

[Jinko]

Buying and questing maps is a bad idea IMO, hated it in FF11.