Dual-boxing

[HunterjWizzard]

I guess before I launch into a tirade of questions, here's the obvious one: what is Turbine's official position on dual-boxing? I was strongly considering spending some money on a secondary account, but I'd rather not if Turbine is going to ban either of my accounts for dualing.

[Nullaer]

I think you can do it as long as the accounts are under your control at all times. Don't quote me on that though.

[HunterjWizzard]

I basically want two accounts to power-level myself, they would both be my accounts at all times. The ONLY possible time someone else would use the account is at the computer next to me, in the same room, after I had typed in the top-secret, highly-secure password myself.

Is there anywhere I can go to get an official position from Turbine on the subject?

[Algulcz]

Don't worry about dualboxing. Devs didn't make any official statement about it as far as I know, but they never did anything to prevent it. Few months ago, during build your guild event, there was one person that was 6boxing and got his solo guild to lev100. One of the devs congratulated him in the thread, so that can be taken as a statement that they are not against it. I also dualbox quite a lot and never had any troubles.
Only thing that is explicitly forbidden is some kind of automation of the secondary acc.

[twigzz]

I pay for 2 accounts, I play 2 accounts. x2 the money for Turbine! They are trying to make me get a third but I'm fighting against it.....

[HunterjWizzard]

Lol, I gave tri-boxing a shot, didna work out sooooo well.

Anyway, I've been using a secondary about for a while now with a pretty decently-leveled cleric(16 cleric/1 sorcerer) I was toiying with grabbing vet-2 for the second account while its on sale, which I now think I shall do. And next time warforged artificers go on sale... oh yes.

Automation is a definite no, I basically just pike with myself, running an artificer around while something else sits at the quest entrance and gains XP. I powerleved a few friend that way(I have multiple computers, so its easy). I had so much fun at it I think its actually worth spending a few bucks on.

I could also easily run 5 or 6 on my main workstation :D but I don't like windowed mode.

[arjiwan]

There was a developer that replied (too lazy to look for the link).

As long as nothing is automated, and you are in control, it is ok.

There is even a one-man guild if i remember correctly that run to guild level 100 by 6 boxing. It was even congratulated by a dev.

[FranOhmsford]

Seriously now - A friend has complained on multiple occasions to me about being reported for Dual Boxing {which he wasn't btw - He and his girlfriend just happen to play twin characters a lot} and having conversations with GMs about it.

So I'm quite sceptical.

If this is truly allowed then could someone explain how it is done please?

How do you have two DDO's open on the same computer?

[CheeseMilk]

Zonixx 6-boxed a guild up to level 100 during the Build Your Guild event, with the devs' blessing. (Or at least, with many emails back and forth questioning whether or not it was considered exploiting or anything)

From what I understand, as long as you are in control of the account at all times (i.e. no Bots, macros or programs running an account for you) then you're golden.

[KillEveryone]

I have not had any problem at all.

I use a second computer but there is a way to do it from only one computer and the thread telling you how to set that up is still alive somewhere.

[Muspellsheimr]

How to dual box:

Method 1) Run DDO on multiple computers.
Method 2) Install multiple copies of DDO in separate directories*
Method 3) Use a program to rename the DDO process, and load a new client**

* If I remember correctly, there's even instructions on how to do this somewhere in the user manual / readme.

** As this utilizes third-party software, there is some grey area on whether it is 'okay' or not. As long as you (and not software/bots) control all in-game actions however, it meets the general criteria to be acceptable. I also know multiple people who have used this method without issue.

[Crazeee]

How to dual box:
[snip]

4.) Use a sandbox program. No need to manage multiple installations. You can always start your 2nd client whenever you want, no need for fast double clicking or such.

[grayham]

Just to add to the voices in case anyone is in any doubt:

There is no problem as long as you're in control of all accounts and don't use any funky software to control your characters etc.

[Muspellsheimr]

4.) Use a sandbox program. No need to manage multiple installations. You can always start your 2nd client whenever you want, no need for fast double clicking or such.
Read method 3 again - that is basically what I described. I was simply unaware it was considered sandboxing. Makes sense, but still not entirely sure that's the correct term for it.

[rayworks]

So how would Turbine know you're dual-boxing unless you told them?

In other words, concealed is concealed.

[TekkenDevil]

You have nothing to worry about OP. Some households have 2 or more accounts. To Turbine, you might as well be two room mates, or father and son, or husband and wife playing the game from the same IP.

[Crazeee]

Read method 3 again - that is basically what I described. I was simply unaware it was considered sandboxing. Makes sense, but still not entirely sure that's the correct term for it.

It is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_(computer_security)

And no, your method #3 is something different.

[Smitey]

Is there anywhere I can go to get an official position from Turbine on the subject?

Zonixx was congratulated by Turbine Community representative when he used 6-boxing to attain guild level 100.

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=373276


The ONLY possible time someone else would use the account is at the computer next to me, in the same room, after I had typed in the top-secret, highly-secure password myself.


This would break Point 10 of the Code of Conduct (http://www.turbine.com/support/134):



You may not advertise the intent to, or commit the act of, unauthorized selling, buying, transferring or sharing access to any Dungeons&Dragons Online game account.





Method 3) Use a program to rename the DDO process, and load a new client**



I would consider this falls under point 9



You may not modify the game client

[Uma-Quixote]

Is it true they are thinking of allowing Dual-Boxing in the next Olympics?

[Ertay]

They simply do not have an official position on it. They purposefully turned a blind eye on it so far, so it would theoretically possible that they crack down on it, but it seems highly unlikely.

If a ingame gm tells you otherwise, they simply don't know about that.

[Superspeed_Hi5]

The ONLY possible time someone else would use the account is at the computer next to me, in the same room, after I had typed in the top-secret, highly-secure password myself.

Chickenpox32?

[Crazeee]

They simply do not have an official position on it. They purposefully turned a blind eye on it so far, so it would theoretically possible that they crack down on it, but it seems highly unlikely.

If a ingame gm tells you otherwise, they simply don't know about that.

Why should they be against people having multiple accounts that need to be upgraded? Either someone has two subscriptions or buys the same pack over and over. For Turbine it's $$$, so it's OK!

[doomboy]

Chickenpox32?

*looks around*
how did you know?!

[OzmarDDO]

You have nothing to worry about OP. Some households have 2 or more accounts. To Turbine, you might as well be two room mates, or father and son, or husband and wife playing the game from the same IP.

We run 3 computers in my house. Me, wife, daughter group up for some DDO. I guess that counts as "triple-boxing?" But not really, since we're all playing our own accounts. What would be the difference if I made chars on their accounts and ran them all from a desk shaped like an evil mastermind's Matrix console? ... actually, that sounds like fun! :D

-Ozmar the Intrigued... Muhahahaah!

[OzmarDDO]

This would break Point 10 of the Code of Conduct (http://www.turbine.com/support/134):

You may not advertise the intent to, or commit the act of, unauthorized selling, buying, transferring or sharing access to any Dungeons&Dragons Online game account.



Oh dear! I'd better not talk about my knowledge of my daughter's account, then.

No sharing! Well, she'd probably kill me if I did anyway, so that's for the best.

-Ozmar the Good Daddy

[Bolo_Grubb]

We run 3 computers in my house. Me, wife, daughter group up for some DDO. I guess that counts as "triple-boxing?" But not really, since we're all playing our own accounts. What would be the difference if I made chars on their accounts and ran them all from a desk shaped like an evil mastermind's Matrix console? ... actually, that sounds like fun! :D

-Ozmar the Intrigued... Muhahahaah!


It can be fun. I do run 3 account at times, 2 desktops and 1 laptop mostly. I have even gotten pretty good running my healer and a melee for shroud runs simultaneously. Mostly I just do it for slayer areas, and easy to get to quests.

[HunterjWizzard]

What would be the difference if I made chars on their accounts and ran them all from a desk shaped like an evil mastermind's Matrix console? ... actually, that sounds like fun! :D



My desk definitely meets that criteria. 8 monitors, 3 keyboards... its either controling a death-ray or launching the space shuttle. Not sure which.

[doomboy]

My desk definitely meets that criteria. 8 monitors, 3 keyboards... its either controling a death-ray or launching the space shuttle. Not sure which.

sounds incredible, compared to my setup. just one of everything :p

[Ziindarax]

Lol, I gave tri-boxing a shot, didna work out sooooo well.

Anyway, I've been using a secondary about for a while now with a pretty decently-leveled cleric(16 cleric/1 sorcerer) I was toiying with grabbing vet-2 for the second account while its on sale, which I now think I shall do. And next time warforged artificers go on sale... oh yes.

Automation is a definite no, I basically just pike with myself, running an artificer around while something else sits at the quest entrance and gains XP. I powerleved a few friend that way(I have multiple computers, so its easy). I had so much fun at it I think its actually worth spending a few bucks on.

I could also easily run 5 or 6 on my main workstation :D but I don't like windowed mode.

I encountered someone in SW:TOR once who'd Quad-boxed. Yes, Quad-boxed. He had four Jedi Counsulars (Jedi Wizard path) that looked exactly the same, and did exactly the same thing, at the same time... Didn't work out too well in areas where a mixed group was needed. It was hilarious to watch.

[karpedieme]

Its all about economics really.

Turbine would not officially condem one from having 1-4 accounts and simultaneously playing them.

Zonnix and his 6-box lvl 100 guild thing was a prime example.

No matter if its 1-4 VIP accounts or all Premium / F2P somehow in the scheme of things its all about consumables and opening up the DDO Store.

One who chooses to buy the MOTU X-Pac and drop 80$ X 1-4 to level his toons and Greater tomes etc is all up to him.

Why snap at the hand that feeds the Hamsters @ Turbine is what it comes down to pretty much.

You can install 2 diffrent Fresh Clients unmodified in 2 seperate folders.... All you need to do is rename the launcher portion (DDO original, DDO Copy). So its pretty much Code of Conduct proper. You just need to launch both clients and fill in sub info and start games in a close time-frame.

And as stated above as long as you are in control of the account it is not publicly condoned.

As long as it falls in line with EULA and the Code of Conduct it is implied as tolerated.

Many MMO's have embraced the Multi-Boxing environment. DDO with the client user side is not as easy to multi-box as per say WOW.

Just the view of some guy with a couple screens up full time :)

Best of luck to all of you if its one character or half a dozen its all about having fun in our varying degrees :)

Laters

[HunterjWizzard]

I have actually found I can quite simply copy/paste the client folder and it works with little difficulty(had 2 clients running on the big box in windowed mode, I'll do that next time I'm up for tri-boxing. Based on the recomendations from the thread on the subject, my primary workstation could actually support about 6 or 7 clients without difficulty, solo shroud, anyone? j/k.

Typically I just have 2 computers, as I do actually have 2 full keyboard/mouse setups at my disposal(I'm a hobbiest, I also collect cables and switches...) I've actually got a total of around 5 able to run DDO without difficulty but using the KVM is annoying. And, frankly, any more than 2 just gets crazy. I actually dual-boxed Mired in Kobalds on hard a few days ago with a group, successfully playing both characters(though "success" may have suffered from a certain amount of re-definition). I'd be happy to post pictures of my setup later, last night I was playing with the client stretched across three 24" monitors... it was fun.

So now that we've established that it's acceptable and technically very feasable, does anyone have any tips or thoughts on actually playing? My main issue is movement. For the moment I have to keep advancing the second character manaually, which is tedious and a bit annoying.

[FooWonk]

During the Build your guild event, someone on Sarlona 6-boxed to power-level characters. He kept his primary characters at level 4 & 7 and pike-leveled 128+ characters in secondary accounts to level 8.

Multiple developers congratulated the user for reaching guild level 100. It was very clear how he was doing it.

According to ToS all is good, if you're controlling all the characters...

--- The reality of dual-boxing DDO ---

I have dual-boxed, using ISBoxer to broadcast keyboard & mouse between multiple clients. Technically, it works flawlessly. Both characters move in tandem, act in tandem, etc.

Without auto-follow, you'll end up switching between characters in order to position each. There are many factors that keep the character movement out of sync: striding, race, bumping terrain, encountering obstacles, etc.

Assist this character command when your secondary character is ranged. It rarely works well for melee and doesn't work at all for casters.

Even with key commands setup to utilize a caster, any spell/ability that checks facing requires you to adjust the casters facing in order to use it.

The end result is that you'll end up switching often between windows.

--- What has worked for me ---

#1 Healer/Caster, #2 Melee/Tank —> melee set to auto-attack and assist #1. When moving through dungeon, you control #2. When encountering mobs, attack with #2. Immediately switch to #1 and adjust the mob #2 attacks by targeting mobs with #1.

Fun factor: not very
Challenging: not very
Tediousness: very

#1 Zerg-character, #2 Bard/Trapper —> #2's job is to buff at the beginning of the quest and pike. #1 Zergs through quest until encountering an obstacle that needs the buffer/trapper. Switch to #2 and run up to handle traps, etc. Recast/sing buffs for #1 then pike s'more.

Fun factor: saves waiting for trapper for quests that need it
Challenging: not very
Tediousness: a lot less tedious than staring at an LFM waiting for a trapper that isn't going to be useless

#1 Bard/Trapper, #2-#N Caster —> basically move all the casters through dungeon simultaneously...best done with same race, same class, same striding (just use haste). When you get to an obstacle, get around it one at a time. If you stack your characters with all having the same facing, your selection or reticle placement should be close enough. 2-5 casters all cast the same spell simultaneously.

Fun factor: when it works, it's pretty silly fun
Challenging: hard to get it to work, when it does...nothing in game ready for it
Tediousness: a bit to get characters all facing correctly when moving

[Purgatory]

I have 2 accounts

First is my Main with normal toons. If you can call them normal lol.

The 2nd is for helping my Main account lvl so this what I use

lvl 7 WF, Wiz - (for shadowcrypt farming for toon that are lvl 4-7) rarely use this one it was set up to help congo bowl players get from 4 to 6 in less then hour.

lvl 9 WF, Sor - (For farming Deleras)

lvl 11 WF, Sor - (for Shadowcrypt farming X: 354 completions of SC)

lvl 13 WF, Sor - (For Running lvl 11-12 quests fast obviously X: desert, enemy within)

lvl 15 WF, Sor - (For ruuning lvl 13-14 quest fast obviously X: GH sides, ghost of perdition)

lvl 18 Hmn, FVS - (For running 16-20 quests X: BB and wings out performs sor at this lvl)

lvl 25 Hmn, Brd - (Currently lvling up. Max space for keeping everything i want to sell and buy in one spot max Haggle X: heal scrolls, cure serious pots, haste pots)


Some of my toons rarely need my 2nd account to help lvl. it slower to run 2 accounts around. But other need the hand as they just not powerful enuf to solo zerg elite Streaking on there own and relying on pugs is not a good way to level fast.

[HunterjWizzard]

Wouldn't a program like ISBoxer violate the terms of service? If not it may be exactly what I'm looking for.

Using a cleric and an artificer, I basically need the cleric to stay in range to cast healing spells and throw down blade barriers and other AOE. The artificer tries to avoid melee combat like the plague(I think he's a germafobe, or something) so ultimately all I need is to clone his movements to an ok-degree, then just tap hotkeys on the second keyboard. It'll get a little nuts, but the movement is the only real hurdle.

[Hunta-EU]

Use PYLOTRO (http://www.mcgillsociety.org/PyLotRO/index.html)

Its a Linux based thin client that will launch a separate instance, effectively sand boxing DDO. No need for multiple directories that take up space on your computer.

[HunterjWizzard]

Space is sincerely not an issue, I have a 1tb raid-array that's practically empty. Buy a laptop in the past 2 years and its got at least 750 gb, desktops standard with 2 tb. Copying directories is a much simpler option than trying to make anything with "linux" or "thin client" in the name work :P

[Ryiah]

4.) Use a sandbox program. No need to manage multiple installations. You can always start your 2nd client whenever you want, no need for fast double clicking or such.

I do something similar only I don't use a third-party program, I use the mklink command built into Windows 7 (no idea how far back it goes) to create a junction directory.


MKLINK /J "DDO Alt" "DDO"



Space is sincerely not an issue, I have a 1tb raid-array that's practically empty. Buy a laptop in the past 2 years and its got at least 750 gb, desktops standard with 2 tb. Copying directories is a much simpler option than trying to make anything with "linux" or "thin client" in the name work :P

Space can be an issue if you're using an SSD and cannot afford the bigger ones. The difference in speed more than makes up for the reduced capacity though.

[zebidos]

OP Just answer the two questions below for your answer

1) Does it make money for Turbine?

2) Are you controlling both accounts or using a program that automates the actions of one character?

[HunterjWizzard]

Space can be an issue if you're using an SSD and cannot afford the bigger ones. The difference in speed more than makes up for the reduced capacity though.

That is certainly true.

[HunterjWizzard]

OP Just answer the two questions below for your answer

1) Does it make money for Turbine?

2) Are you controlling both accounts or using a program that automates the actions of one character?

1)yes

2)controling both accounts.

[slimkj]

I do this. Well, not as much as I did, but I have two accounts. AFAIK, it's fine.

Also top tip: no need for crazy scripts or anything else. (As long as you don't want different settings/keymaps on the other acct)

1) Copy your DDO directory to somewhere else
2) Have shortcuts to both launchers
3) Open launcher 1
4) Open launcher 2
5) Login & hit Play on both

You don't need any fancy timing or anything between 3) and 4). The DDO client only seems to do the check for other open instances once you've hit "Play", so you can open at your leisure as long as you leave all clients at the launcher whilst opening them up, then log in one by one.