So if this game noobs vs vets?

[Rhianni]

I'm a noob that just started last saturday. I'm having a blast at learning the game, stress on the word learning. Now while I have played 3.0 and 3.5 ruleset for several years there are many differences and lots of things to learn. That brings me to the title.

After having read through the server forum I can't help but see the noobs vs veterans mentality here, primarily from the veterans. Understandable I suppose what with DDO now F2P you are going to get tons of people.
Yet I feel that if I dont have the correct potions, wands, and self sufficiency that I shouldnt even bother grouping as I would just be wasting the time of those that know what they are doing. How does one learn without playing and grouping? Sure there are strat guides and wikis but imo that doesnt fully compare with actual playing.

Maybe I am missing something or misunderstanding the veterans stance.

[grodon9999]

The forums are "n00bs versus vets." The game itself not so much.

[chodelord]

I'm happy to help noobs with my lower level alts (I'm still a noob in the "endgame")

But as a rule try to learn your way around and where the quests are. I'm generally busy stabbing stuff so I ignore requests for shares or directions, particularly at lower levels when you don't really need a group for 3/4 of the quests.

But don't worry about self sufficiency. If you really want to learn the game just make a cleric, everyone loves clerics and they are perfectly functional to endgame at 28 points.

[dopey69]

you can solo most if not all quests on norm,even ezer with a hireling so why not do that so that when you group up for harder lvls like hard and elite you will already have some knowlege of the quest and what you will need
have fun and explore on your own a bit

[KingOfCheese]

These things are always a balance. My recommendations:

1) solo a bit and try a few different classes to learn the game mechanics.

2) read some of the advice on these forums--but don't get too bogged down in it until you learn the game more

3) be clear with your party members about the level of experience you have: you'll find most vets are very helpful---where conflicts arise is when expectations aren't aligned.

4) have realistic expectations about human behavior--most of the people you will run into will be helpful and friendly, but there are some bad eggs out there.

5) don't be afraid to remind people about what its like to be a beginner--vets often forget that new players can't afford all the potions and have no idea what potions are needed or where to get them. A calm, friendly reminder never hurts

[DANTEIL]

These things are always a balance. My recommendations:

1) solo a bit and try a few different classes to learn the game mechanics.

2) read some of the advice on these forums--but don't get too bogged down in it until you learn the game more

3) be clear with your party members about the level of experience you have: you'll find most vets are very helpful---where conflicts arise is when expectations aren't aligned.

4) have realistic expectations about human behavior--most of the people you will run into will be helpful and friendly, but there are some bad eggs out there.

5) don't be afraid to remind people about what its like to be a beginner--vets often forget that new players can't afford all the potions and have no idea what potions are needed or where to get them. A calm, friendly reminder never hurts

+1

This is the most cogent and reasonable list of pointers to new players that I have seen around here. As someone who is still nearly-new, I think that this is great advice.

[ArloOne]

Some really good advice here so far. I would have to say one of the things I appreciate with newer players, is when they send me a tell before clicking on my LFM(Looking For More) in the social panel. Quickly explain you are new or unfamiliar with the quest, I personally do not mind enjoying someone experiencing something for the first time, and offer pointers. Also, there are a couple things to look for in an LFM to make note of:

1. Zerg run. (This means the group will be flying through the quest at full speed,beware people running a group
in this mode do NOT want to "wait up" or hold your hand. Avoid this until you know the particular
quest, like the back of your hand.)

2. Favor Only. (This means, a wide level spread will be running this quest, most likely experience will me limited
or none gained at all. Mostly, favor runs are "Zerged" through to gain favor rapidly.See number
1.)

3. All optionals, (This is one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of a quest. All corners and crevices are
checked for optional experience/tasks and barrel breaking for EXP bonus. This is the type of
group you should attempt to get into.)

4. Slow Crawl/Newb Friendly (Pretty self explanatory, another type of group to look out for.)

Well, I hope this helps a little. Remember to have fun and ask questions to folks you click with. Most of us "vets" enjoy sharing knowledge and perhaps a little coin to aide "newbs"

I like pickles and sunshine!

[Tendare]

These things are always a balance. My recommendations:

1) solo a bit and try a few different classes to learn the game mechanics.

2) read some of the advice on these forums--but don't get too bogged down in it until you learn the game more

3) be clear with your party members about the level of experience you have: you'll find most vets are very helpful---where conflicts arise is when expectations aren't aligned.

4) have realistic expectations about human behavior--most of the people you will run into will be helpful and friendly, but there are some bad eggs out there.

5) don't be afraid to remind people about what its like to be a beginner--vets often forget that new players can't afford all the potions and have no idea what potions are needed or where to get them. A calm, friendly reminder never hurts

This is why you are the KingofCheese Really great advice.

I don't mind grouping with new people I actually enjoy meeting new people when I'm making new characters. It can be fun running an old dungeon with a fresh perpective.

Just let the group know before you step into the dungeon

[Renvar]

Rhianni,

There are definitely some vets who have played the game for so long and have so much of it memorized that they have a hard time relating to someone for whom the game is new and fresh. They also are often, but not always, very focused on specific goals for their character and like to work efficiently toward that goal.

However, there are bunch of vets who enjoy running quests with new players, explaining things, and being helpful. (Often these are the same players as above, just on a different day or when they are in a different mood).

Lots of vets are very willing to help out new players. For example, I run several clerics. I like to see players have the right potions to be somewhat self sufficient. I will often hand out such potions to new players if they do not have them in quest. PM me your character's name. I'll mail you stacks of some potions and stuff. Always like to help new players. That's how the game grows.

Glad you enjoy the game. Welcome!

[Drekisen]

I'm a vet, but I still learn something new all the time.

Usually when I am partying with people I say nothing, and let the new people figure it out for themselves.

Honestly if they ask a million questions during a quest I'll probably drop, it means they are unwilling to figure things out themself.

The furthest I will usually go into leading a group is walking in front of them while they follow, I usually won't give instruction tho.

[Rydin_Dirtay]

Maybe I am missing something or misunderstanding the veterans stance.

quoted-for-truth

There is a difference between a "newb" and a "noob". That difference is noted 1,000 times a week here, but still things get misunderstood.

By you posting here, you are probably a newb/new player. You are probably not a noob, as you describe yourself.
A noob wouldn't read the forums. It's not so much about gear and resources. Those things will come with time. Instead, it's about being observant, learning, and being cool with people in game.

The gear and resources thing? That comes with time, no biggie.

[Freeman]

Noobs are always going to have problems, but there's also nothing that says a vet can't still be a noob.(We all are noobs occasionally, but others make a career out of it) As for newbs, no, there is no us versus them mentality prevalent throughout the game. I don't care how long you've been playing. If you know what to do, do it. If you don't, ask and follow the instructions I give you.(Which I will even explain the reason for, so that you aren't just fumbling around blindly) I've walked many newbs through raids and quests with no problems. After all, everyone had to learn the first time.

[mws2970]

In-game, I don't see too much vets vs. noobs/newbs. A vast majority of the vets I have run with have been really nice to me and gone above and beyond to help me out and many others, I'm sure. As has been said, there are some bad eggs out there. Ignore them. There are also vets who act like noobs. Ignore them too!

It's a game. We all can, and should, have fun!

[jarlaxle_dourden]

quoted-for-truth

There is a difference between a "newb" and a "noob". That difference is noted 1,000 times a week here, but still things get misunderstood.

By you posting here, you are probably a newb/new player. You are probably not a noob, as you describe yourself.
A noob wouldn't read the forums. It's not so much about gear and resources. Those things will come with time. Instead, it's about being observant, learning, and being cool with people in game.

The gear and resources thing? That comes with time, no biggie.

To take it a step further ... in definition.

Noob = 100% reliant on others and not willing to learn. Most of these type also believe they are not noobs because they have played for a whole 2 months (or so) and therefore know everything there is to know about the game.

I am always happy and willing to help a Newb. They are the lifeblood to the game ... Teaching people how to be a good/prepared player is widely recognized by vets as a good investment of their time.

That being said, there are some vets who will not give you the time of day ... you are unlikely to meet up with any of them in PUGs anyways ... so you won't see them until you start the higher level raids.

Happy gaming!

[Barumar]

quoted-for-truth

There is a difference between a "newb" and a "noob". That difference is noted 1,000 times a week here, but still things get misunderstood.

By you posting here, you are probably a newb/new player. You are probably not a noob, as you describe yourself.
A noob wouldn't read the forums. It's not so much about gear and resources. Those things will come with time. Instead, it's about being observant, learning, and being cool with people in game.

The gear and resources thing? That comes with time, no biggie.

Great reply +1 to you!

To the OP - reincarnated my name sake Paladin and am just level 3 and ready for Water Works and STK Hard then Elite and also running Curelean Hills and then Searing Hights explorer areas - add Barumar to your friends list and I if you see me on (or my Sorcy Zebadiah who does my AH'ing) send me a tell and perhpas we can run something together.

Welcome to DDO!

Barumar

[Original]

Always have lesser restore/remove curse/remove poisen/remove disease/remove blindness pots/wands/clickies
Being a new player I understand it is expensive but we don't care.. carry them.

You sound smart so I doubt you'll have a problem unless you group with noobs... which is about 90% of pugs.
So choose your LFM's wisely... If group is only looking for a healer at low level it's a safe bet they suck.
Soloing is probaly the best way to learn but that gets boring.

[Barumar]

Always have lesser restore/remove curse/remove poisen/remove disease/remove blindness pots/wands/clickies
Being a new player I understand it is expensive but we don't care.. carry them.

You sound smart so I doubt you'll have a problem unless you group with noobs... which is about 90% of pugs.
So choose your LFM's wisely... If group is only looking for a healer at low level it's a safe bet they suck.
Soloing is probaly the best way to learn but that gets boring.

Sorry, but I TOTALLY disagree with this reply!

New players can NOT afford all of those potions, as I can still remember being new to DDO over four years ago and barely having enough plat to repair my crappy weapons/armor and maybe buy a cure light wounds wand to help with healing!

I think this is a big part of the problem with some vets and new players - they forgot what it was like to be new and have NO plat! Or that someone helped them learn their way around and show them the ropes - I still remember those that helped me!

Sure, in time plat is (way) easier to make, and then I would expect ALL players to stock themselves. I am merciless with my long time player Guildies if they carry no pots, but new players?

Now, going into a high level dungeon or a Raid and someone has NO cure pots, NO restoration/curse/etc pots? THAT is the definition of a NOOB move IMHO!

Barumar

[Delt]

OP, half the "vets" on the forums are utter noobs in game. As long as you are willing to learn and a decent player, don't worry about what you can't afford or don't know.

[Phidius]

Just had to echo that it's a forum thing... unless you're into strange multiclasses, in which case you'll see it throughout the entire game

[aldan]

Dont take the forums to seriously. Build a halfway decent character, listen to those that are running the quest, and do the best you can. Most of all, have fun. If you do something stupid then oh well.

The noob vs vet thingy gets touchy at higher levels in raids or some other high end content where someone really dorks it and causes a party wipe. By end game, you should have enough playing time to know what your doing.

Remember, it is a game for fun and thats really all that matters.