[dev1022] Auto-attack system questions and discussion

[AmyRae]

On the other hand, and argument can be made that an auto-action feature would allow for players to "phone it in", put in minimal effort and still be able to defeat enemies. It can also make combat less engaging because a player is no longer required to take a physical action to make their character do something. That would also makes botting easier.

It's nothing for a bot to perform keyboard presses. Auto-attack really doesn't affect that issue either way.

[Rakuraiji]

In my opinion an Auto-Attack would totally destroy the battle system of FFXIV.
It would make the usage of the stamina system and it also would make it much harder to attack the monster on certain spots to make your skill effective.

like. you stand behind the monster - want to activate skill that only affects the head - you move around the monster but the auto attack stops you like every step so it takes you forever to get around this monster.
its a definitive NO GO from my side

[Betelgeuzah]

I don't mind the system as it is so much, however the biggest problem is you can't talk while in combat. To me the most simple solution would be to toggle one of our basic attacks (In LNCs case, Light/Heavy/Full Trust and Pierce) on or off to be on auto attack.

This is true, but not really a good excuse because like has been already mentioned, superior alternatives exist that do not sacrifice gameplay for socialization. However, being able to toggle it on or off wouldn't replace the current system, instead it would complement it, so that is okay.

It would make giving feedback on this feature so much easier if we knew what the developer's intentions are. They could implement it in so many ways, but if they don't even know the right way themselves then I guess we just need to wait until we hear more. Hopefully this discussion so far has raised some good points to note for them.

In my opinion an Auto-Attack would totally destroy the battle system of FFXIV.

I don't think we should assume that nothing else about the current combat system will change with the addition of Auto-Attack. I am sure they can make it work with the new style of combat one way or the other, but the more important question is whether that new system is better than an improved current system, and how much work does it take from them to get there.

[AmyRae]

In my opinion an Auto-Attack would totally destroy the battle system of FFXIV.

It just so happens they're redoing the battle system, anyway.

[Reika]

I thoughtfully disagree with adding auto attack. UNLESS, they make it still cost stamina for each swing, Equal to or slightly above the amount it takes to cast healing spells.

[SHJcules]

Hmm, I do enjoy the current battle mechanics overall. Having to pick every action actively makes soloing more fun and immersible I think.

However, when grouping it up, it is nigh impossible to communicate or make jokes mid battle while trying to fight of some foes. So I am for auto-attack feature, if it was something so simple and easy, and could be toggled on/off on the fly.

IE, a toggle button is assigned for active mode, kind of like how now (autorun+camera) adjusts the camera zoom while mid-fight. You go cursor over to light slash or heavy stab, etc, hit the lock button, a little lock icon goes over that move, and you will continue using it as stamina permits, until you hit the lock button again. Maybe even lock multiple abilities. Slap it on Aegis Boon/Speed Surge etc, and those moves will be used automatically once the timers are up/wears off.
-course, than people might get too lazy..

I only skimmed this thread, if this idea was already made, than just consider this as me agreeing with it

[Dyvid]

The ideas I've seen so far are:

A) Select an action to automatically use

B) Select multiple actions instead of one at a time

C) Auto-Attack, Auto-Attack, Auto-Attack

[JakeRoon]

Instead of Auto-Attack why not a Command Stack like FFXIII? You select commands to be placed into the queue. Then the abilities are executed like normal. Only difference is you aren't spamming abilities.

An example would be as such:
[Light Attack][Light Attack][Heavy Attack][Weapon Skill][Guard]
[========____________________________________________]

This is win.

It's a simple easy solution.....don't forget that you can easily cancel the que as well should an "emergency" arise. You just input your next 5 attack and rock on. Chat whatever.

I'll probably get crucified for this......

but I actually would prefer a gambit system of auto macros like ff12.....mostly because I play with a beer in one hand. But also I find it relaxing, and it's not insulting to my intelligence.

I'll explain....they assume I am smart enough to watch health bars and cast cure when a party member hits 60% health, so they allow me to set an automaco that already does that so I don't have to space out watching health bars and can enjoy watching the game instead.

etc etc etc.

I know SE got a lot of flak for that system, but personally I loved it. I though it would have been perfect for an mmo, given the highly repetitive nature of the battles, and the need to type constantly.

And before you go all crazy on me, if you are not familiar with the system.....
You have to gain the automacros called "gambits" by leveling up, similar to spending guild marks. So you didn't have any for a the start of the game and then got one or two then as you reached the level cap you had a max of 8 or 10. And even then you had to find/buy the things to fill in the macro.....for example you had to find the "when party member is - 60% HP" part of the macro in order to use it.

It was pretty cool.



OH and guys.......if they implement auto attack (with an option to turn it off) don't worry , the basic attack won't use any stamina. Silly gooses.

[Nivana]

RE:

TBH, I think if combat is more streamlined there wouldn't be such a huge need for auto attacks. There are so many times where I'm hitting the light attack button only to just stand there while unsheathing my sword then waiting for the attack to actually occur. It really frustrates me how clunky the battle system can be at times. But I think if they polish it more and make it so inputs don't take so long to process it would be much better.

second

[Lamhirh]

I played my share of MMOs in mylife, and i must say that with few rare exception, autotack is what throws me off most of them. I like to choose when and how to attack. I think the best wat to remnove mostr of spam would be removing TP ( or make iot FFXI like, so it wont get away after time, so you can hold it till its really need for really powerfull attacks, or even make TP a 'booster' for attacks) and more usage of stamina. All attacks should be more deadly, but i guess the planing of their use shoudl become more important. than we shuold have some active way of defending ( especially for ranged/magic classes) like toggle'able 'defence focus' when you defend better ( maybe at slower stamina regen? there are more possibilities here) so the fight with monset would be more interesting. Still my point is "death to autoattack!"