When is it a good time to leave?

[Jaminos]

So I have recent come across a couple of dungeons where I was torn between leaving and staying.

My question is, when is it the right time?

For an example,

I ran Sunken Temple three times in row and only the third time did I get into a group who worked together enough to get past the first boss. The first time, our healer was just not very good. They usually died from AOE splash damage on the first hit and would leave me to use my pathetically under powered cure on myself along with busting all my cooldowns on trash mobs.

While in a group I don't like leaving once I am there. I try to help people out as much as possible but I am only a tank. I am meant to focus the NPC's away from you. I can't play your class for you as well. But I will walk you through anything you might have issues on. I try to be a nice guy and not get bent out of shape. I really do. But when does being a nice guy end and just cutting my losses begins?

Another example,
My second group had that one player any Group finder group dreads. The player who is loud and obnoxious. My second time, we had a player who kept criticizing everyone but himself. If we wiped more than once on a boss, he would freak out. Not everyone is familiar with a boss and trial and error come into play. You can only explain a fight to me so much before I need to do it to find out what you mean. They also chewed me out for taking to long because I was marking my targets.

So when do I cut my losses and find a party with a less aggressive player? I don't want to abandon the other players who are with me. But I have a zero tolerance for jerks. I try to have a thick skin and just let them rant. But if they push to hard, I will just leave. I am playing this game for MY enjoyment. I try to tank as best I can so everyone can share in enjoying this game. But its my free time to. I am not wasting it on jerks.

So what would you do?

[Sobia]

I usually leave when they rush into the dungeon, a fight, or anything like that. That's usually early signs of "going to die" syndrome. But if they're seriously acting like idiots and just running around, then say something. Give them advice. They may not know what to do or how to do it. Advice is always the first step. If they ignore that and still continue, then leave.

A Free Company is probably a great asset to you. Even if I don't get a full party I usually at least get one person I know to join. It reduces the chances of you getting some random individual who doesn't know how to play co-op games and on top of that, it builds a certain odd friendship within your FC.

[Jaminos]

A Free Company is probably a great asset to you. Even if I don't get a full party I usually at least get one person I know to join. It reduces the chances of you getting some random individual who doesn't know how to play co-op games and on top of that, it builds a certain odd friendship within your FC.

I am actually a General of my FC of roughly 30 active members. (Around 100 total) and I am in an awkward level range. We only have two other members around my level and they are Europe players, so I usually only catch them.as they are going to bed. Otherwise I would love to. Sadly, I usually quest and dungeon crawl solo.

[Sobia]

Try recruiting more members that are around your level, and on at the same times as you. Or put one of your other higher-ups in charge of recruiting, although that would defeat the "same times as you" portion.

[Jaminos]

Try recruiting more members that are around your level, and on at the same times as you. Or put one of your other higher-ups in charge of recruiting, although that would defeat the "same times as you" portion.

I know it sounds like I am making excuses but its not my intention. (Though is it ever?) But for me, I play on PS3 so recruiting is a little more difficult. Typing is slow and arduous, the interface takes more finesse. Currently the work load is split between my fellow General handling recruiting, while I handle website and Admin functions, as well as the eventual planning of events (FC raids, FC leveling days for players stuck on quests and so on)

But I will try and take your advice to heart. It just might take some.time to figure it out.

[Sobia]

I also play on PS3. I hooked up my USB keyboard to the system. Works beautifully. I would recommend you do that. It magnificent for chat.

Your keyboard may have a PS/2 connector (it's purple I think... kinda circular, old-school connection). If that's the case, you'll need to purchase a keyboard... and that may sound upsetting but they really aren't that expensive. Still, I feel your pain with the interface. Shortcuts on the PS3 have saved me lots of time. The ones that help are:

L1 + Select = Remove HUD info/Put it back (Good for screen shots)
L1 + Start = Screenshot
L1 + R3 (I believe) = Mouse mode. <- That will make it like you're on the computer.

[Jaminos]

I also play on PS3. I hooked up my USB keyboard to the system. Works beautifully. I would recommend you do that. It magnificent for chat.

Your keyboard may have a PS/2 connector (it's purple I think... kinda circular, old-school connection). If that's the case, you'll need to purchase a keyboard... and that may sound upsetting but they really aren't that expensive. Still, I feel your pain with the interface. Shortcuts on the PS3 have saved me lots of time.

I tried the keyboard actually. Unfortunately it is not long enough to reach my couch. I can only get it half way there. (And no I can't move my couch or I would have) So I had to keep jumping back and forth to get to my keyboard. My only other option is to get a wireless keyboard. Which is out of my price range currently.

But to steer the topic back on track, taking FC out of the equation. What is everyone's thoughts on the matter.

[HEC]

The rule of the thumb is - if you feel uncomfortable and annoyed too much to enjoy the game or even to be able to concentrate on performing the tasks of your class - leave. I always try to communicate fist, both to ask for help or advice if I'm unsure of the strategy or it's a new dungeon for me as well as offer help and advice to others but once I see an arrogant approach from someone and obvious uncooperativnes I consider leaving. I've actually so far only left ones as the group (at mid-range dungeon) was absolutelly incoherent, not waiting for buffs after wiping on the first boss anr in general running around as headless chickens with zero communication. Couple more other times I've left after some other players rage-quit midway through the dungeon and there was obviously no chance of continuing anymore due to the time running out etc.

[HEC]

I tried the keyboard actually. Unfortunately it is not long enough to reach my couch. I can only get it half way there. (And no I can't move my couch or I would have) So I had to keep jumping back and forth to get to my keyboard. My only other option is to get a wireless keyboard. Which is out of my price range currently.

Get the USB extension cable (3 - 5 m / 10 - 15 ft) - those cost cost peanuts in decent shops (both in store as well as online).

[Valarian]

I stick it out with a group unless someone is actually being mean, even if I know I'm not going to be able to beat a dungeon because the group is mismatched, or uncoordinated, or simply out of time.

I'm a healer, and while I don't like doing the face plant when I throw the first cure on a tank that doesn't know what they're doing, it's how some people learn they can't succeed without me, and so have to do their bit to make things work.

Holding someone's hand in a dungeon is a pain in the butt, but if they're not jerks, then chances are they come out of the experience having learned something, and by that token you will have enriched the experience that player and of every other player who gets paired with them in the future. Forging better players out of bad players is an investment in the future of Eorzea. The best treatment for ignorance has always been education. I don't blame players who bail on a group out of frustration (it is a game and is supposed to be fun), but if one has the patience or temperament I'd ask that one to consider doing the best they can to improve the players they're paired with.