New Player Experience Sucks! - Impending Expansion Problems

[Melichoir]

Instead of advocating for making it optional, why not advocate for streamlining. Moving some MSQ quests (particularly in 2.1-2.55) to side quests is probably the best option. Reason I say this is it leaves all that content in game, but you no longer have to complete that specific facet. Cause in each xpac and the base, there are some MSQ quests which are definitely more flavor and doesnt drive the actual plot forward all that much. Theyre more like side events that occur inbetween major events. Stream lining like this would be a viable option if done carefully. MSQ is still there, you still have to complete it, though its not as long and more streamlined, and the moved quests still exist if you want to experience that content. It's a bit of both sides, MSQ remains in tact broadly, and newer players dont have as much to go through. its a decent compromise.

[linay]

Instead of advocating for making it optional, why not advocate for streamlining. Moving some MSQ quests (particularly in 2.1-2.55) to side quests is probably the best option. Reason I say this is it leaves all that content in game, but you no longer have to complete that specific facet. Cause in each xpac and the base, there are some MSQ quests which are definitely more flavor and doesnt drive the actual plot forward all that much. Theyre more like side events that occur inbetween major events. Stream lining like this would be a viable option if done carefully. MSQ is still there, you still have to complete it, though its not as long and more streamlined, and the moved quests still exist if you want to experience that content. It's a bit of both sides, MSQ remains in tact broadly, and newer players dont have as much to go through. its a decent compromise.

This is what I would prefer. (And I also would want streamlining the start so I can create any character with any job, but that's just wishful thinking maybe.)

[ALG4]

Instead of advocating for making it optional, why not advocate for streamlining. Moving some MSQ quests (particularly in 2.1-2.55) to side quests is probably the best option. Reason I say this is it leaves all that content in game, but you no longer have to complete that specific facet. Cause in each xpac and the base, there are some MSQ quests which are definitely more flavor and doesnt drive the actual plot forward all that much. Theyre more like side events that occur inbetween major events. Stream lining like this would be a viable option if done carefully. MSQ is still there, you still have to complete it, though its not as long and more streamlined, and the moved quests still exist if you want to experience that content. It's a bit of both sides, MSQ remains in tact broadly, and newer players dont have as much to go through. its a decent compromise.

I agree with you all the way, in particular to patch 2.55, at this point it is the worse content in the game story wise. The XP is worthless, the story is dull (because mid point), and it goes on forever (over like 120 quests). At this point they to need to rearrange it so you longer have to chore through this. I feel the idea of streamlining would be the best solution that would appease mots people

[Physic]

Instead of advocating for making it optional, why not advocate for streamlining. Moving some MSQ quests (particularly in 2.1-2.55) to side quests is probably the best option. Reason I say this is it leaves all that content in game, but you no longer have to complete that specific facet. Cause in each xpac and the base, there are some MSQ quests which are definitely more flavor and doesnt drive the actual plot forward all that much. Theyre more like side events that occur inbetween major events. Stream lining like this would be a viable option if done carefully. MSQ is still there, you still have to complete it, though its not as long and more streamlined, and the moved quests still exist if you want to experience that content. It's a bit of both sides, MSQ remains in tact broadly, and newer players dont have as much to go through. its a decent compromise.

streamlining will have to be done constantly as more expansions come. And it requires more resources, for content mostly new players consume (Unless they tie some new benefits to new game +)

even if they cut arr in half , it would still be like 100 quests, and it would still work really poorly with groups of players. MSQ just isnt designed for groups, it would be great if it was but it isnt. Even with two brand new guys, in the same starter area you will spend the vast majority of your time apart.


that said, i think making a better arr would be better regardless to hook people more.

[SerLuke]

The problem utlimately still becomes the same issue: If you introduce this option, it will (over time) become standard practice among starting players and will be actively encouraged by older players to do so. Let me point this out, A lot of people migrate here and start FFXIV based on word of mouth by friends (either online or RL). Rather than having veteran players 'help' out newer players through dungeons and encouraging them to progress, theyll be told "Just skip MSQ. Its all story, and hurry to max level so we can play together." The misguided notion here would be that you cant play together with a lower level player. Yes the MSQ is solo, but the game isnt. You can run dungeons with them, encourage them to explore the game, help them secure an FC and build a community. That gets thrown out the window with an MSQ skip because then its "Dont enjoy teh story,just hurry up to max level so we can play together. Ill just speed you through POTD to max your level."

This is why I dont want to change things, or at the least, if you want to skip it, there should be a deterrent to it. The option is available currently. It is there. But its not cheap, so only the most determined to skip and rush will do so. This prevents it from being standard practice and keeps the core of the game still focused on MSQ and not end content.

Yeah I seriously doubt it would be a non pay option, my post was more trying to understand what the other side would accept as a compromise

[linay]

streamlining will have to be done constantly as more expansions come.

It actually doesn't if they make less or no "filler" quests moving forward or save them for side quests. The MSQ itself just has to be made to tell a more focused story.

[rattles]

Easy fix make all of the content that isnt for the current expansion automatically unlocked and separate each of the storylines so a player can play the most recent expansion story then go back and do it if they wish. Oh wait that will effect their story scam sorry typo meant to say skip.

[van_arn]

Instead of advocating for making it optional, why not advocate for streamlining. Moving some MSQ quests (particularly in 2.1-2.55) to side quests is probably the best option. Reason I say this is it leaves all that content in game, but you no longer have to complete that specific facet. Cause in each xpac and the base, there are some MSQ quests which are definitely more flavor and doesnt drive the actual plot forward all that much. Theyre more like side events that occur inbetween major events. Stream lining like this would be a viable option if done carefully. MSQ is still there, you still have to complete it, though its not as long and more streamlined, and the moved quests still exist if you want to experience that content. It's a bit of both sides, MSQ remains in tact broadly, and newer players dont have as much to go through. its a decent compromise.

I really don't see the need to streamline when ancient content can simply be retired with a "previously on" vignette. NG+ can do the rest.

Note ancient. At Shadowbringers, that would be ARR and 2.x.

[Skivvy]

I really don't see the need to streamline when ancient content can simply be retired with a "previously on" vignette. NG+ can do the rest.

Note ancient. At Shadowbringers, that would be ARR and 2.x.

Ok, so evidently I'm really out of the loop. What is NG+? :X

[van_arn]

Ok, so evidently I'm really out of the loop. What is NG+? :X

New Game Plus. If it lives up to its name, just pick an expansion/series of quests and replay.