Why can't I find a party after level 6?

[Jemaniya]

The highest character I had was a lvl 8 paladin. No matter what character I play, I cannot find party groups after I turn level six. I do not want to be forced to go rogue just to make it to lvl 20. Is it my server, Thenalis?

[DoctorWhofan]

Contact a Merc's Only member. Tell them Trissa sent you and you need a party. There is couple that can dig up some level 5-8s, including me!

[ghale]

I would blame MYDDO for screening...

Why would you think rogue would be the easiest to get to 20?

Sorceror, Wizard, Cleric, or Favoured Soul would all be much easier to solo to 20.

Are there just no groups available on your server? or are you trying to join/start some groups and getting declined?

[IgorUnchained]

Im not sure. Usually I start hitting my slow spot at level 8-9.

At level 6 you could still be doing things in the harbor, technically. Just about anything in the Market would be easy enough to do also. The quests in House K and a couple in House D are great at level 6. Be on the lookout for groups running Gwylans Stand or Stormcleave Outpost. They are over your level, but easily doable with a decent party.

Dont be afraid to throw up an LFM for some of those quests and dont just wait for others to do it! That is the key on any server. Just announce that you are "looking for a guide" so they know you are new.

[Rasczak]

That's a very odd issue.

If you VIP you should be hitting the Deleira's and tangleroot lfm's quite a lot. If you ftp then I can sort of understand but then I would suggest you make lfm's of your own or look up the people here who will be happy to help you.

[Jemaniya]

I'm f2p and staying that way. I barely make my internet bill. Thank god me internet provider doesn't disconnect for paying late.

I will not join a party without a healer. Oh, I've joined hundreds of them that had no healer and everyone thought the pally could cover it. I hate dieing, or worse and more often, being the only one left alive to get everyone's soul to the shrine.

DoctorWhofan's prolly got the answere. I need a decent guild I guess. Been gaming for forever so I'm sorta turned off to guilds. I jinx guilds. They crash right after I join. Or worse, we get in each other's private business.

[hermespan]

I will not join a party without a healer.

"I will not join a party without a healer." is your whole problem.

[Verimont]

"I will not join a party without a healer." is your whole problem.

/agree

[Mecholi22]

I will not join a party without a healer. .

I have done tons of quest without a healer.. it all depends on the group. I've had better and faster tears and xipher runs without a healer.

[Zenako]

"I will not join a party without a healer." is your whole problem.

While perhaps not your "whole problem" it is clearly part of it. Groups which feel they NEED a healer are probably the same groups which tend to crash and burn repeatedly.

Groups willing to undertake quests without a nursemaid, will more likely be able to handle things more reasonably. Many players are quite capable of playing with some strategic savy, if they know they do not have a nursemaid fixing every boo boo. But get those same players in a group with a Healbot and all their common sense goes out the window.

Paladins, Rangers and Bards can be very effective secondary healers and more than able to keep themselves free from worry. Healing sinks tend to be Barbs, Ftrs and too often arcane casters who aggro the world with no way to handle it. However in each and every case, smart play makes having a dedicated healer almost useless.

[Wyrmnax]

I will not join a party without a healer.

This is your problem.

You need to learn one of the basis where DDO differs from most other MMOs: Unless you are raiding, you do not need a healer.

If your characters are mostly self sufficient, as most characters from DDO veterans are, you wont have issues finding parties.

Healers are a must in very few cases - namely raids. Although some argument can be had for some specific quests.

Even if there is a healer in your pt, you should be the one responsable for healing yourself after the combats. Even a great FvS will have sp issues if he is the sole responsable for every bit of curing the group needs.

In your case in particular, things are made easy. You are a paladin, meaning you have acess to all cleric cure wands. Buy a few, put them on your hotbar and you are good to go to a party withouth a healer.

[lizardo666]

It certainly is a combo of many things. The lack of mid level F2P .. mixed with zero need for VIPs to run anything but Daleras / Tangleroot / 3 barrel etc ...

Stormcleave, Tear, Gwylans and Redwillow are popular good mid-lv xp quests .. and F2P.

After maintenance last week I logged in to see 10+ pug groups all shy one healer. If you want a party ... lol.

Healers are certainly not 100% needed ... they are later of course, but a solid party can live with a bard / wands. You just can't zerg into rooms with zero strategy and expect to live, or not blow huge resources due to said ineptness.

[Lorien_the_First_One]

The highest character I had was a lvl 8 paladin. No matter what character I play, I cannot find party groups after I turn level six. I do not want to be forced to go rogue just to make it to lvl 20. Is it my server, Thenalis?

What are you doing to find group? Are you just hoping they show up or are you starting them yourself by putting up an LFM in the social grouping tab? (and not spamming general chat)


I'm f2p and staying that way. I barely make my internet bill. Thank god me internet provider doesn't disconnect for paying late.

That limits you. But check out Robbi's guide for advice on how to grind favor to get enough TPs for some popular content


I will not join a party without a healer.

This is your biggest problem. No L6 quest requires a healer.

[FauxSho]

Possible reason:

My girl wants to party all the time...
Party all the time...
Party all the tiiiiiiime.

[Jemaniya]

Not buying the "we don't need a healer" attitude, no matter how many sellers are out there. You are right in that I came from other mmorpgs. I was trained playing FFXI. I believe you that there is more strategy here in DDO than I've seen in any game before. That rocks. But I'm always going in with a healer to take care of the "boo boo's", ROFL.

Btw, I decided joining a guild was to time consuming. Instead I make low lvl characters and help healers get through the 1st stages of the game. I don't join a party unless there is a healer I can help level up to my lvl. Then I switch back over to my main and play with the next generation healer I helped lvl on my mule(s). Working like a charm so far.

Problem is solved.





party all the time!
http://home.comcast.net/~creepyrick/herman_dance.gif

[Montrose]

It sounds like the "cleric" button is missing from your character generation screen. You should file a help ticket.

[GeneralDiomedes]

Hrm .. everyone should have so many freakin Candy Canes by now the wand vendors will be going out of business.

[Kadran]

You may want to consider using a hireling "pocket cleric." Cheaper than pots, but I always forget the exist. :-P

[Narmolanya]

Well if you are talking about your character in your signature it is most likely because you are a ftr4 wiz2 elf with con of 10.

[HeeHaw]

Btw, I decided joining a guild was to time consuming. Instead I make low lvl characters and help healers get through the 1st stages of the game. I don't join a party unless there is a healer I can help level up to my lvl. Then I switch back over to my main and play with the next generation healer I helped lvl on my mule(s). Working like a charm so far.

I think you and I have different definitions of "time consuming". :)

[Montrose]

Well if you are talking about your character in your signature it is most likely because you are a ftr4 wiz2 elf with con of 10.

Possibly, but why would anyone use myddo to sceen characters at level 6? Unless they are actively trying to make the quest harder it's not like the quests are so challenging they can't be done without deadweight.

[moops]

Lvl 6 and under quests don't need healers, in fact most quest from 6- 12 don't need them.

But also if you are really stuck on that, most Bards heal, and if a group has WF and casters in it, the healing is covered--so you just have to heal yourself. Like someone said it looks like the Cleric/FVS button is missing from your creation screen.

[sirdanile]

Not buying the "we don't need a healer" attitude, no matter how many sellers are out there.


Out of curiosity, why won't you buy that attitude?

Cure light wounds wands are cheap, with clerics/fvs/paladins/rangers/bards/any character with a decent umd being able to use them, there are also slightly less cheaper potions, have armor class that is worth something is easy until you hit gianthold which will mitigate a lot of damage. Armor of invulnerability gives dr 5/magic which most low level creatures cannot bypass and you can easily find dr 3/damage type bracers on korthos. Farming a couple aid clickies from cannith crystal will give you 11 x the number of clickies hp extra over the duration of a quest plus having the benefit of bless for 3 minutes. Combine those with the fact that if you absolutely need to you can run quests on casual you should have no problems for quite a long time without a healer.

When it comes down to it, for me it's not quite that I don't like healers, it's that I trust myself to be able to save my own skin more then they ever could.

[Arel]

If you're F2P only, prepare to have a hard time getting past lvl 10-12 or so. Free quests get really thin past that point, so you'll need to either grind a lot of favor for Demon Sands/Gianthold/Vale of Twilight, or burn $20 or so for the TP needed to buy at least the latter two of those packs.

Also, while I agree with you that having a cleric in every party you join is certainly nice, I also agree that (at least at lower levels) a competent party should be able to get by with just pots or a wand or two. It's not until later (read Gianthold) that you should start feeling the absolute need for a healer.

By the way, if you really want a healer in every party you join, either make a cleric or use some of the TP you get from favor to buy Warforged and make a WF Sorc or Wizard. At least that way you always have heals for yourself.

[sigtrent]

Good strategy on grooming healers to be your friends :)

As they said part of your issue is you are kind of picky (may be your issue with guilds as well ). But all in all its your time, play how you like.

Rogues can be a tough niche. They vary a lot in quality and not everyone understands what they can or can't do. sometimes groups seek them out, but ususally they just do without if they don't get one.

As to needing healers... it really depends: on the difficulty of the quest, the talent of the players, familiarity with the quest, the self sufficiency of the party, the damage vs defense match up etc...

Being a long timer, knowing the quests, liking to make very self sufficient characters, I tend not to need a healer at low and mid levels. I have very few characters that can't at least use wands to heal between fights, and those that don't either have hard core offense or defense.

But in groups of new players, a healer will help them make up for their weaknesses whatever they may be and I can see being leery of joining a group that doesn't have one, especially playing a generic low to mid level pure rogue. ("generic" rogues tend to be pretty easy to hit, have low HP, and have trouble with DPS when not getting sneak attack.)

I certainly have been in groups, looked at the quest, looked at the group and thought... not going to work. I'd say 70% I'm spot on. But then again other times when all looks good we get in quest and I'm astounded by the lack of skill or a character that seems to play well but just can't perform. Its always hard to be sure till you see them all in action.

[Cyr]

Hi my name is "insert newb's name".

I can't go up in levels because I keep running different alts, re-rolling, and insist on having a healer in every party I join (sure this might work better if I just rolled a healer). I am also F2P and refuse to spend any money on the game so I am very limited in what quests I can join.

Why can't I level up?

[Narmolanya]

Possibly, but why would anyone use myddo to sceen characters at level 6? Unless they are actively trying to make the quest harder it's not like the quests are so challenging they can't be done without deadweight.

Exactly, it can be done easily solo so why bring along a possible gimp and risk the loss of the 10% bonus for no deaths.

[Crysto]

I had/have the same problem with my barb. Absolutely needs some form of heals being a frenzied berserker with no AC to speak of, no way to self heal other than buying potions (which are impossible to maintain soloing given the poor amount of gold you receive from questing alone), and being a warforged, you get even less love from those heals. This was surprising to me, because I often read that barbarians are great first characters.

My solution was to say screw groups, and rolled a Sorc and a Cleric. Never been better, and turning down invites to parties as a cleric never gets old. Lots of great resources for soloing as a Sorc and Cleric, I say save yourself the headaches of grouping and just make some solo builds. You'll save yourself so much trouble.

[SheaHalley]

Hi my name is "insert newb's name".

I can't go up in levels because I keep running different alts, re-rolling, and insist on having a healer in every party I join (sure this might work better if I just rolled a healer). I am also F2P and refuse to spend any money on the game so I am very limited in what quests I can join.

Why can't I level up?

This sums up three treads I have read this week exactly, and we have to continually hear the VIPs and Vets are bitter.

[Bago]

Are you dropping groups that try to start without a healer?

Or are you not joining a group at all unless it already has a healer?

The later has great synergy with the standard pug-building strategy of accepting the first 4 people to join then waiting for a healer.

[Lleren]

I will not join a party without a healer. Oh, I've joined hundreds of them that had no healer and everyone thought the pally could cover it. I hate dieing, or worse and more often, being the only one left alive to get everyone's soul to the shrine.

Make a Cleric, then you will never have to join a party without a "healer" ever again.

Or carry a few hireling healers of about your level and learn to play well with them in some missions with just them and you, and then use them in groups a bit. I like to remind folks that it is a hireling, and I may be able to top them off a bit after fights, but during fights they are on thier own, when I pull out a hireling.

Conversely you can move to one of the newer servers Orien or Cannith. They both tend to have a large variety of low level grouping going on most of the time. On Cannith we have a decent amount of high level content going on now as well.

The newer servers, in my experience, are less likey to expect a Paladin/Ranger/Bard/Rogue to be a veteran with enough plat sunk into consumables to heal a party through stupid play. Though we tend to be harder on a Clerics/Favored Souls pocketbook then other servers.

Farming favor points on other servers for a few specific adventure packs is a good idea. The higher level packs will last you longer then lower level packs will. Once you can get up to those levels.



I had/have the same problem with my barb. Absolutely needs some form of heals being a frenzied berserker with no AC to speak of, no way to self heal other than buying potions (which are impossible to maintain soloing given the poor amount of gold you receive from questing alone), and being a warforged, you get even less love from those heals. This was surprising to me, because I often read that barbarians are great first characters

Barbarians are great first characters, we are practically made for it. Warforged ones not as much. Warforged are a more advanced choice with specific advantages and detriments. I may be a mana-sponge, but smart play can reduce that by a great deal.

[blitzschlag]

Hi my name is "insert newb's name".

I can't go up in levels because I keep running different alts, re-rolling, and insist on having a healer in every party I join (sure this might work better if I just rolled a healer). I am also F2P and refuse to spend any money on the game so I am very limited in what quests I can join.

Why can't I level up?

bah, stop beeing reasonable :D

we want DRAMA

[MystDragon]

I will not join a party without a healer. Oh, I've joined hundreds of them that had no healer and everyone thought the pally could cover it. I hate dieing, or worse and more often, being the only one left alive to get everyone's soul to the shrine.


A little friendly advice. The higher you level - the greater this attitude is going to cost you. Most veteran clerics will not wish to group with you, especially since a paladin can handle a lot of their own healing through these regular quests even better than a lot of other classes. When playing my cleric, I notice whether or not a paladin is willing to keep themselves topped up. If they don't care enough to maintain their own characters, I certainly won't care about keeping them alive.

No offense - but your not refusing to play without a cleric. Your refusing to play without a babysitter - and you shouldn't need one.

[Rasczak]

bah, stop beeing reasonable :D

we want DRAMA

that is drama right there

And person who won't pay to play and who also won't pay to stay alive and will expect someone else to pay for them.....

I'm very sorry but anyone who refuses to play unless they riding some poor healers coattails probably shoudln't go past lvl 6.

I'm willing to help anyone but someone who blantantly says they won't wuest without a specific class is not going to do so well on the higher stuff. It's basically a good representation of how well they are prepared to look after themselves and have the potential to become a mana sponge.

[phalaeo]

It sounds like the "cleric" button is missing from your character generation screen. You should file a help ticket.

Signature-worthy.

[PopeJual]

But I'm always going in with a healer to take care of the "boo boo's", ROFL.

If this is your first character on a server, then you won't have a lot of cash.

It's VERY important to spend some of that cash on a few wands of Cure Light Wounds (and Cure Moderate/Cure Serious Wounds later in life). It doesn't turn you into a cleric, but it does let you bring the party back up to a reasonable level after a fight. During the fight, you'll be too busy to do that for anyone, but having wands for between-fight healing is why parties say that a Paladin can handle the healing - it's not the Lay on Hands ability.

Also, you can solo many quests even on your first character if you bring a Cleric hireling.

Edit: Just thought I'd mention that I'd VASTLY prefer to be in a party with a Cleric or FvS to being in one without. It makes quests much easier and cheaper. That said, Clerics aren't necessary for many quests - especially once you get the hang of quests at that level. You can also ask for party members to help chip in for the cost of the wands if you're especially poor. Just don't whine and don't demand payment - respectful requests will get you more cash than petulant tantrums.

One last thought: Are you saying that you can't find groups because there are no groups in the LFM that already have a Cleric in them? Because there are LOTS of LFMs that don't have a cleric in them... YET. Lots of groups will take down the LFM and start the quest once they get a Cleric. Send a /tell to ask how they're going to handle healing in the group if they don't have a healer yet. If the answer is reasonable, then ask to join the group.

[TheDjinnFor]

The highest character I had was a lvl 8 paladin. No matter what character I play, I cannot find party groups after I turn level six. I do not want to be forced to go rogue just to make it to lvl 20. Is it my server, Thenalis?

Make your own groups, and send tells using the social panel.

[Zenako]

Edit: Just thought I'd mention that I'd VASTLY prefer to be in a party with a Cleric or FvS to being in one without. It makes quests much easier and cheaper. That said, Clerics aren't necessary for ANY quests - especially once you get the hang of quests at that level. You can also ask for party members to help chip in for the cost of the wands if you're especially poor. Just don't whine and don't demand payment - respectful requests will get you more cash than petulant tantrums.


Just to show, over the past few days have run Gianthold Tor Flagging (killing all the dragons) - 4 melees and a Bard. Ran Fleshmakers, Temple of Vol and Ghost of Perdition in another group of 5 again without a cleric or bard, I had my Paladin on that one.

For well played groups, a cleric is just another option slot on the team. No more or less important to sucess or failure of the mission. When running a guild group, the answer almost every single time to the question of what do you need, is just - "Bring who you want - its good". And it is...

With intelligent play, a dedicated healer is all but unneeded. With careless and reckless play, sure it often seems to be the only thing between struggling to get thru the quest and a complete party wipe. That however is not due to having a Cleric/healer in the party, but due to having BAD players in the party.

[Horrorscope]

Lvl 6 and under quests don't need healers, in fact most quest from 6- 12 don't need them.

Not to single you out because this is definitely a theme in this thread. I play a healer on Thelanis and I don't recall these levels where I wasn't healing regularly. Is it possible? Yes. Can others be more self sufficient? Yes. I've healed plenty of people at all levels in this game. I'm really not sure where this all of a sudden "you don't need heals" is coming from and now only "End Game". This "You don't need a healer" gives me the impression that this is a seasoned players perspective, but many people aren't seasoned and are still figuring the game out and need the heals.

To me the OP should roll a Cleric, then there wouldn't be a group he'd refuse. One of the reasons I'm glad I did.

[Astria]

Instead I make low lvl characters and help healers get through the 1st stages of the game.


Don't worry about it. A well made cleric, or favored soul can do fine in the early, mid, and late stages of the game. Grouping is entirely optional.

[Beherit_Baphomar]

Possibly, but why would anyone use myddo to sceen characters at level 6? Unless they are actively trying to make the quest harder it's not like the quests are so challenging they can't be done without deadweight.

I don't think it would be necessary to look at MyDDO for this one.

[Anderei]

Not to single you out because this is definitely a theme in this thread. I play a healer on Thelanis and I don't recall these levels where I wasn't healing regularly. Is it possible? Yes. Can others be more self sufficient? Yes. I've healed plenty of people at all levels in this game. I'm really not sure where this all of a sudden "you don't need heals" is coming from and now only "End Game". This "You don't need a healer" gives me the impression that this is a seasoned players perspective, but many people aren't seasoned and are still figuring the game out and need the heals.

Yes, you can play most dungeons in normal mode without a healer.

And yes as cleric you should do more than "just" healing, as the party doesn't need just an healer.

[DoctorWhofan]

I cannot judge a person to be a deadwieght unless I party with them. TO THE OP: Here is the problems you may have contribute to your party problem:

1. your build: 2fighter and / ?? Wizard is HIGHLY UNUSUAL. Especially for a new person to play effecively. Now there are exceptions, and you may be one, But at the end of the day, as a wizard you lost two levels of power. You will have to justify your build to some parties your abilities.

2. I don't exactly buy the CON thing. Is it a 10 CON? Not that of a big deal for a Wizzy. HOWEVER...I would not be in the middle of combat, and pick a choose when you start casting those Firewalls. Recommend next character to have higher natural CON.

3. My original advice wasn't to join a guild. Never heard of the guild you joined, btw. I suggested to contact my guild for help and people to party with.

4. Healers. I play ALOT of healers. They are right, they are not needed. BUT...If you are in the world ofthe PuG, and learning the game, they can be almost essential (it seems). Also, going BYOH, especially for your character, would be very expensive. It's ok to go traditional, I do lovethat balanced party, but you should not rely on it. Also remember, with a 10 CON, healers are going to find it harder and harder to keep you alive in a party, cuz the monsters will hit harder and harder. So it becomes expensive for them. Just advice.

Finally, relax. These people are here to help. Most of the forumites actually dish out pretty decent advice. Remember Most of us have 4 years of DDO gaming experiance. We have been there, done that, have probably several T-shirts. We are NOT out to get you, or to embarrass you, but we here to tell you that in your position and current knowledge base of the game, you are not seeing the forest forthe trees. And probably won't for awhile That's ok, you will, hopefully sooner than later.

This game is very much NOT like FFXI, which I played. Dispite the rigidarty on the classes and ruleset, this game is HIGHLY flexible. A cleric, if played right, can do anything. Same with any other class...add multi-classing, it can get confusing. So my advice is just to play the game.

[Montrose]

Barbarians are great first characters, we are practically made for it. Warforged ones not as much. Warforged are a more advanced choice with specific advantages and detriments. I may be a mana-sponge, but smart play can reduce that by a great deal.

Way OT, but I disagree with you here. Barbarians are powerful characters and do a lot of damage, but they have a number of drawbacks that make them more difficult to play solo than other melee types, such as a monk/paladin/fighter.

The biggest drawback for barbarians is that they are extremely vulnerable while raged. You can't use any clickies or cast any spells. So you can't cure blindness, for example, or remove a curse. Yes, you can drop out of rage to fix the condition, but then you are fatigued for the next minute unless you drink a lesser restore pot.

Barbarians can also be very expensive characters. Because you have no self-heal ability you are limited to drinking pots to heal. You can purchase cleric hirelings to be slight more cost-efficient on the healing, and the recent changes to nerf the time on status effects like stat damage and curse does help somewhat in this regard, but it still adds up fast.

[Turgar]

To the people who don't think that 10 con is a problem for a melee toon, and really for any toon for that matter:

10 con is as laughable as a toon having 25% fortification at higher levels. You should start a melee toon with 12 con minimum, 14 con preferable.

To the OP; your attitude about grouping is the reason you can't find a group. Your toons probably suck, and you are having difficulty finding the perfect party to carry you past level 6. You are new to this game, and don't know anything yet, so check your attitude at the door. Nothing worse than a f2p newbie with a poor attitude. Fix the attitude and you might have an easier time finding groups.

I'd also recomend going to the build threads and getting some help there, start over and lose the sense of entitlement, it won't get you anywhere.

[Zenako]

OP, If one of the characters in question is one of the ones in your Sig, Aberawn, that character has a number of issues that would jump out at anyone looking at the character.

You are wearing at the same time the following items: Ring of Resistence, Cloak of Resistence, Agile Belt (+1 REF Save), Engraved Circlet (+1 WILL save) AND the Anger's Gift set (Necklace and Boots) which also gives a Resistence Bonus to saves. Those DO NOT ADD together!!! Only the best bonus applies and that would most likely be just +1. So you have Six! item slots giving you the same bonus. Not good. Perhaps no one ever explained how they work, but if you look at your character sheet when you equip something, you can see the values change if the new item actually gives you a benefit.

You have clearly favored combat based on your STR and the weapons you are using, but as most of your levels are WIZ, you have poor BAB to start with, and very few feats available for using. You have no AC to speak of. So you will be getting hit a lot. At low levels AC can be very very important and mitigate a LOT of damage. With the penalites to Two Weapon Fighting I am guessing you miss a lot in combat. It is FAR better to only use one weapon and hit 50% of the time than to swing two weapons and only hit 15% of the time with each one.

YOu have a stack of Crossbow Bolts in your arrow slots, reasonably nice +2 bolts. However, using a crossbow avoids any of the potential benefits and Elf would get with Bows, depending on where you spent Action Points for enhancemnts.

The 10 CON comment has been beaten to death, but 104 HP at 7th level with fighter levels is really pretty low. If you were not wearing 6 redundant items at once, you could find spots for items to boost your HIT (False Life) or CON. A False life item would be 10 more HP, a CON +2 item is another 7.

What I see when I look at the sheet is someone who has played some, but clearly does not understand a number of the rules of how the game actually works. A lot of players are not interested in spending time on tutorials while in a quest, and as such would look at the build/character and just say, thanks but no thanks....

[Tyrande]

[..]
I will not join a party without a healer. [..]

Be a cleric or FvS and you won't have a problem finding a group at that level range.

Also, your level 8 paladin can heal or use cure serious wands just fine. Why wait for a healer?

[Vuedoo]

everyone is so tired of pugging by Lvl 6 they all decided to solo there way to 20 from there :)

[ArichValtrahn]

Is this a server problem? Ive played a wide array of chars past level 6 and never had trouble getting a group on Khyber. Sometimes with a char like a bard groups dont want to take more than one, but past that..

Edit - Wizard/Fighter multiclass. Nevermind, that makes sense then.

[Mentor61]

Hi my name is "insert newb's name".

I can't go up in levels because I keep running different alts, re-rolling, and insist on having a healer in every party I join (sure this might work better if I just rolled a healer). I am also F2P and refuse to spend any money on the game so I am very limited in what quests I can join.

Why can't I level up?


Stop reading my mind!

[Jemaniya]

Well if you are talking about your character in your signature it is most likely because you are a ftr4 wiz2 elf with con of 10.

Those are the chars I started the game with. Pics for role playing.

My main's build is drow 3 cleric, 5 barb. Mitral armor. Short shords max damage, ice and spell penetration duel wield. Can solo.
Main
s 19 (+4)
d 14 (+2)
cn 14 (+2)
i 10
w 14 (+2)
ch 10

My little healer helper is 1 rog, 3 cleric. Cannot solo at all no strength. Drow.

Soloing is not my style. This is an mmorpg. If I wanted to solo I'd play my ps3. Little Helper is leveling faster than my main because he's both rogue and cleric, plus he only parties with other clerics to help them lvl. Two cleric parties rock all. The problem does not lie in my build. It lies with clerics. YOU NEED THEM. That is how all mmorpg's are designed.

[Horrorscope]

Yes, you can play most dungeons in normal mode without a healer.

And yes as cleric you should do more than "just" healing, as the party doesn't need just an healer.

Oh I didn't know "Normal" was the only difficulty level we were discussing. I tend to think all the way to Elite.

[toastjeff]

Two cleric parties rock all. The problem does not lie in my build. It lies with clerics. YOU NEED THEM. That is how all mmorpg's are designed.

You're honestly not helping your cause any by saying things that anyone who has played this game for any length of time knows to be untrue. Isn't it possible that maybe, just maybe, the problems you are having with finding groups has nothing to do with either the game or which server you are on and has everything to do with the way you choose to play the game?

[DoctorWhofan]

You're honestly not helping your cause any by saying things that anyone who has played this game for any length of time knows to be untrue. Isn't it possible that maybe, just maybe, the problems you are having with finding groups has nothing to do with either the game or which server you are on and has everything to do with the way you choose to play the game?

He is on Thelanis. And to the OP, as a cleric player, I AM NOT NEEDED IN PARTY.

[TreknaQudane]

My main's build is drow 3 cleric, 5 barb. Mitral armor. Short shords max damage, ice and spell penetration duel wield. Can solo.
Main
s 19 (+4)
d 14 (+2)
cn 14 (+2)
i 10
w 14 (+2)
ch 10

<Snip>

The problem does not lie in my build. It lies with clerics. YOU NEED THEM. That is how all mmorpg's are designed.

No offense, but with a 3 Cleric/5 Barbarian, the problem is partially your build. Using one of the key functions of the Barbarian part locks you out of using the Cleric component, not very good.

And you don't need clerics despite what you may think

Rangers, Paladins, and Bards can use wands to heal themselves even if they don't want to heal others. Sorcerers and Rogues can often attempt to use UMD to wand heal. Monks on the light path can add a curse to an enemy that heals those that strike it, plus can cast what is close to a Mass Cure Light Wounds. And if you're not one of those options.. You can buy potions.

[Shassa]

Not buying the "we don't need a healer" attitude, no matter how many sellers are out there. You are right in that I came from other mmorpgs. I was trained playing FFXI.

Shassa, Level 75 THF/NIN from Sylph here (retired).
FFXI is nothing like DDO.

FFXI plays more like the original Everquest than DDO, which also had "required classes" for all parties. Those games are a lot more rigid as far as what class can do what. DDO character design is a lot more flexible, so anyone (and I mean anyone) can make a self-sufficient build if done right, party or solo.

So, welcome to DDO, but you will have to retrain your way of thinking for this new game. Best of luck to you!

[Lleren]

Way OT, but I disagree with you here. Barbarians are powerful characters and do a lot of damage, but they have a number of drawbacks that make them more difficult to play solo than other melee types, such as a monk/paladin/fighter.

The biggest drawback for barbarians is that they are extremely vulnerable while raged. You can't use any clickies or cast any spells. So you can't cure blindness, for example, or remove a curse. Yes, you can drop out of rage to fix the condition, but then you are fatigued for the next minute unless you drink a lesser restore pot.

Barbarians can also be very expensive characters. Because you have no self-heal ability you are limited to drinking pots to heal. You can purchase cleric hirelings to be slight more cost-efficient on the healing, and the recent changes to nerf the time on status effects like stat damage and curse does help somewhat in this regard, but it still adds up fast.

I think we'll have to disagree, what you are saying is a weakness, are some of the bits I think of as a strength.
Hirelings are much more cost efficient then potions/wands for most beginners if they are going to "solo"

I think self-sufficient beginer characters are more expensive when they go solo, because sometimes they won't need that hireling, and sometimes they will. Often they will spend a significant ( to them ) amount of resources before they give in and pull out the hireling. A non self-healing character learns to pull out that hireling every time, or go broke from quaffing potions.

Plus, Barbarians are really encouraged to group by the system, and that means pugs. Pugs will show you that while there may be no one right way, there are innumerable wrong ways to go about playing.

[TheBroken_JPK]

If someone has already said this, then I will just reiterate it.

It seems a lot of people are painting a prettier picture of why there are little to no groups past the initial stages of the game. I've read a lot of people try to say it gets better as you get higher. It doesn't. It will be up to you to make the group. Then you will quickly find out clerics(especially ones that will heal) and arcane casters are very, very rare. Two of the most needed classes for quest marked level 15 and up. I'm off topic, though.

The reason you won't find a group at an acceptable pace past level 5 is because DDO is challenging. Its challenging to get your build right, the quest are challenging. No longer are you just able to swing your sword, and be able to get XP. You will have to think, follow directions, and adapt. This isn't your typical MMO. It takes a wee bit of brain power to function in this game. Unfortunately, this means most players are more a burden to the group, than a help. Its a hassle to group with people you don't know. In my experience it rarely works out. Most people have terrible builds, and bring the group down. They refuse to stick with the leader, run off and die, try to get all the optional XP when we are clearly zerging, die because they don't have basic gear, or any number of reasons that have turned players off to grouping with people we don't know. DDO is a game that takes research to play. Its also a game that penalizes mistakes. No one likes to waste 30 minutes of their time in a quest to lose all the XP, because some idiot couldn't do their job.

Is this fair? Not to new players its not. How are we suppose to get involved? How are we suppose to prove ourselves? Well, its a long, arduous road. If you think its bad at level 5 where most quest are very simple its a PITA at level 15 where it seems all quest involve special caveats. You simply can't be inviting people who are potentially bad players who are going to waste your time. This is on Turbine to fix the problem not the players. We are just trying to progress the best way possible. The way to do that is "short manning" a quest.

My tips to you would be to build an effective build. Don't be afraid to run a quest with less than a FG. Go at it alone with a hireling. You will need to do some research. Also, clerics and arcane casters will always have a spot in the group, as long as you don't prove yourself to be one of those "bad f2P players". Build a reputation, get in a guild with other good players, and the game will start to become more enjoyable and accessible.

The biggest thing that has helped me come along is running quest by myself if I have to. That way I know the quest, and when I form a group I can lead it effectively. More than likely, the people who join your group are new players also, and you will have to lead. Explain any special caveats(special weapons, traps, etc). If someone doesn't have a ghost touch weapon, and your in necropolis dump them, they are worthless. That is proof enough the player doesn't take his time, or someone else's for that matter, seriously.

I have a lot longer to go before I'm maxed out in level, not even to mention gear progression. It can be, and is frustrating as a new player. The best thing to do is make friends, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

[nbennet]

The problem does not lie in my build. It lies with clerics. YOU NEED THEM. That is how all mmorpg's are designed.

The problem lies with you. There are none so blind as those who will not see.

Your attitude, characters, equipment all indicate you are unfamiliar with this game, and ignorant about some of the basics and principles. Knowledgable, long-term players have offered some good, helpful advice. However, it seems as if you are less interested in accepting and using information to improve and advance your game, and more interested in whining or venting about problems that ultimately *you* are creating for yourself. If you could let go of your preconceived notions, and be open to learning, it would go a long way to solving your problems. If not, your problems are only going to increase as you gain in levels. No experienced player wants to group with someone ignorant, unwilling to learn, and with a poor attitude. It will become increasingly hard for you to find decent groups persisting like this.

Specifically regarding your builds: DDO offers a lot of flexibility in terms of character creation leading new players to make many mistakes and sub-optimal choices. This happens to everyone - there is no shame in it. YOUR BUILDS SUCK. If you can accept this, learn why from what people are telling you, and move on to create better characters in future, you will be more successful.

[Gremmlynn]

If someone doesn't have a ghost touch weapon, and your in necropolis dump them, they are worthless. That is proof enough the player doesn't take his time, or someone else's for that matter, seriously. Sorry, I try to, but then remember I'm playing a video game and find it impossible to take things very seriously at all. "Oh noes the noowb aint got any ghost touch, how will the rest of us become uber leet now!!!111"

[Narmolanya]

You NEED a cleric for nothing as many other posters have said. The mentality that you NEED one is holding you back.

Playing Clerics and Bard almost exclusively I will not join a party sitting around waiting for a Cleric. If I see they have started without a Cleric it sends the message you are self reliant and having a Cleric is only an added benifit. If you are in a group sitting around for 45 minutes looking for a healer and have not even started the quest it sends a message of incompetance.

[TheBroken_JPK]

Sorry, I try to, but then remember I'm playing a video game and find it impossible to take things very seriously at all. "Oh noes the noowb aint got any ghost touch, how will the rest of us become uber leet now!!!111"

I work, have a family, and have other hobbies. So, when I play DDO I like to get the most out of my limited time. I understand not everyone will do this, as they don't value their time like I do mine(most people do value their time, which is why they don't bother PUGing).

[Gremmlynn]

I work, have a family, and have other hobbies. So, when I play DDO I like to get the most out of my limited time. I understand not everyone will do this, as they don't value their time like I do mine(most people do value their time, which is why they don't bother PUGing).This I can understand, I agree that games tend to be more fun amongst those who know each other than those who may not. I just can't understand the obsession with having perfect gear on a perfect build in a perfect party with near perfect foreknowledge of what going to happen. I much prefer to take what I got with whoever joins and see if we can pull it off without all the advantages. I would much rather spend my time trying to win the ones I shouldn't than the ones I should, regardless of the outcome.

[DoctorWhofan]

The problem lies with you. There are none so blind as those who will not see.

Your attitude, characters, equipment all indicate you are unfamiliar with this game, and ignorant about some of the basics and principles. Knowledgable, long-term players have offered some good, helpful advice. However, it seems as if you are less interested in accepting and using information to improve and advance your game, and more interested in whining or venting about problems that ultimately *you* are creating for yourself. If you could let go of your preconceived notions, and be open to learning, it would go a long way to solving your problems. If not, your problems are only going to increase as you gain in levels. No experienced player wants to group with someone ignorant, unwilling to learn, and with a poor attitude. It will become increasingly hard for you to find decent groups persisting like this.

Specifically regarding your builds: DDO offers a lot of flexibility in terms of character creation leading new players to make many mistakes and sub-optimal choices. This happens to everyone - there is no shame in it. YOUR BUILDS SUCK. If you can accept this, learn why from what people are telling you, and move on to create better characters in future, you will be more successful.

+1 rep and to rephrase...

FOur years ago...All us vets...yeah all of us...had SUCKY BUILDS. We all re-rolled because we realised we sucked. Some of us <<cough,cough,ME,cough>>had to roll several times before figuring a single class out. We thought we needed clerics for every party.

Fast forward 4 years...

Most of us can do a decent character. Most of us can do workable multiclass builds. Some of us figured out the strength of pure classes. But all of us learned this:

Multiclassing badly will end badly at endgame, unless you have friends who are willing to carry us to endgame.

Most of us can heal ourselves, either through spells/wands/potions/abilities.

Clerics are NOT the only healers in the game.

Most importantly I learned, and it took two years to learn, THAT CLERICS ARE NOT LIMITED TO HEALING.

Let me repeat that so it is understood:

Clerics

are

NOT

limited

to

healing.


If you never played a PURE cleric in this game to at least 16, you have no idea the raw power clerics have. THe are considered one of the most powerful casters in the game. I learned and turned my healbot drow cleric into a Generalist cleric that can now solo and have a kill count and not have to laugh about it. At high level, clerics tend to kill and heal.

NOW...I love to heal, really I do. My clerics are designed to heal first. BUT I ALWAYS carry healing pots, mem pots, wands and scrolls with me at all times. I RARELY use my mana up, saving a bit for emergancies. When my party is dead from stupid builds, stupid people, or just plain bad luck, I am usually alive. I will kill the bad guys, THEN I will rez. If I die, I can rez myself.

As for my other charcters that play other classes, I work on the assumption that the healers in my party are idiots. No offense, but I aim for the low ground, but I do know most are not. I ASSUMEthey will not heal me, so I build my characters to the effect to heal themselves. UMD on my arcanes and rogues, Rangers and Pallys have wands, tanks have potions. EVERYONE of my charcters, healers or not, can heal themselves to a degree. They also can take of minor issues, like blindness, stat damage curse removal, etc. If the healer in the party does it, great! But I prepared forthe idiot.

I like balanced traditional parties. I do, and always plan my parties to reflect that. BUT I make sure I can handle the non-traditional parties too.

THis are the lessons I learned over 4 years. We assume that you don't want to take 4 years to learn either. Learn this and move on: THIS IS NOT FFXI, please stop trying to fit in that game's mold.