The Pit: hated and loved

[chrichton]

Recently I posted about how my least favorite quest in this game is probably The Pit.

So of course, last night, nothing in my level range was available with LFM terms that I met - and I hate to lead - so I decided to join a Pit party.

It was ugly and messy and LONG and we barely acted as a coordinated party, but somehow we finished elite - and got on the order of 20K XP at level 7-9.

20K XP in one hand - ugly, nasty quest on the other . . . ehhhhh . . .

[Sarzor]

Whereas this morning, I was hunting for a group to run elite pit (my wizzie can't quite do lightning room) and we got a rogue who not only could do it, but was an expert at it. After two wipes earlier this week (PUGging and >50% of the party piking) it was a joy to run it this time. The run was approximately 20-25 minutes, awesome xp, etc.

I've found there's a few quests which have a reputation as brutal, but with the right people are a breeze, such as crucible and pit.

[Kylstrem]

Just search YouTube for walkthrough videos.

This quest is easy once you take the time to learn it.

It can be done in about 25 minutes on Elite at around level 8 or 9, and is easily soloable.

With the Bravery/Elite Streak, first time elite, and learning tomes, this quest gives about well over 20K on that first run through on elite (might be closer to 30K, but I can't remember).

And it is easily soloable if you can haste yourself and get a 20 Jump or so.

[Kylstrem]

By way of comparison, it usually takes longer to run Stormcleave and Storm cleave gives you about half the XP.

[jjflanigan]

Just search YouTube for walkthrough videos.

This quest is easy once you take the time to learn it.

It can be done in about 25 minutes on Elite at around level 8 or 9, and is easily soloable.

With the Bravery/Elite Streak, first time elite, and learning tomes, this quest gives about well over 20K on that first run through on elite (might be closer to 30K, but I can't remember).

And it is easily soloable if you can haste yourself and get a 20 Jump or so.

Just to clarify, I have a video out on youtube soloing it with a jump of 5 ( this video is just for the furnace #3 which is the place that is the "hardest" when soloing )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDfYR...d7AUAAAAAAAIAA

[JeisonBlade]

the ddowiki entry on it has a great iso map to help you learn how to navigate it, but really the only thing that makes it easier is just to run it until you know the sequence and have a grasp of the layout. Once you know it its one of the best quests to farm around that level (actually very little combat, just lots and lots of running and jumping back and forth)

how much jump skill you'll need is debateable, but I know from experience that if you have the house J (or is it P?) 30-min jump buff or a small stack of Jump pots you'll be fine.

[Uma-Quixote]

I did it once....and I will never, ever, ever do it again...You could give me 100k exp, I still wouldn't do it.

If I wanted to play super-mario, I'd....well,...I'd play super mario...

I'd sooner chew my own arm off and then do the coal chamber before calling a doctor.

[jambajuicey]

Just completed a run with static group last night on elite levels 8-9.. 34k xp, elite streak, tome, 30% xp pot... shame I was capped after 23k~

Hardest part was lightening room, we had no evasion toons, so it was mass suicide throwing levers and ressing.. is there a better way to do this?

[Frotz]

the ddowiki entry on it has a great iso map to help you learn how to navigate it, but really the only thing that makes it easier is just to run it until you know the sequence and have a grasp of the layout.

I find this easier than the wiki map.

One ramp is (from top to bottom):
A. Backup
E. Breaker
<crossover>
G. Bilge
B.D.H. Furnaces
<shrine>
F. Control

And the other ramp is:
I. Intake
C. Security
<entrance>
<crossover>

So basically all you need to know is only two things are on the entrance ramp, everything else is across the crossover on the furnace ramp.

[axel15810]

The Pit isn't bad if you have a guide...just because only 1 person has to do all the jumping and mario-work. I find the coalescence chamber much worse because everyone has to climb up all those annoying rocks. And you can't skip the coal chamber because it's flagging for the shroud and gives pieces of the pie for GS items...so you really have to run it ateast a few times. Coal chamber is straight up torture on a slow cleric without jump. I've actually soloed it on my cleric so I could learn it...miserable experience

[wax_on_wax_off]

Just completed a run with static group last night on elite levels 8-9.. 34k xp, elite streak, tome, 30% xp pot... shame I was capped after 23k~

Hardest part was lightening room, we had no evasion toons, so it was mass suicide throwing levers and ressing.. is there a better way to do this?

There is a better way to do this room, yes.

[Sabishii-Kun]

My old wizard loved the quest. Past level 7, was soloing it, while mostly using Wall of Fire and Invisibility.

I originally learned the quest by watching videos from MrCow and Ghoste on Youtube.

I believe it was MrCow's video that showed me the bit with the lightning room.

[decease]

same here, i know how to do it.. but the jumping part usually take me several attempt to reaching the top.. sigh..it is the last quest i want to do in this game, but yet i do it on every toon =P

[Faent]

There is a better way to do this room, yes.

I wonder if we're thinking about the exploit, here?

[TheDjinnFor]

I wonder if we're thinking about the exploit, here?

Of course we are, but let's not just go out and call it that.

Devs are getting a lot more responsive to forum posts about bugs and problems these days, which is a good thing mind you, but sometimes that ain't all good...

[Clay]

Just search YouTube for walkthrough videos.

This quest is easy once you take the time to learn it.

It can be done in about 25 minutes on Elite at around level 8 or 9, and is easily soloable.

With the Bravery/Elite Streak, first time elite, and learning tomes, this quest gives about well over 20K on that first run through on elite (might be closer to 30K, but I can't remember).

And it is easily soloable if you can haste yourself and get a 20 Jump or so.

If you have 3 competent people you can do it in 5-9 minutes... 15 min solo, if you practice. But the real advantage is doing it fast, so get a couple buddies and practice. It makes a fantastic XP farm.

[Pfold]

I've found there's a few quests which have a reputation as brutal, but with the right people are a breeze, such as crucible and pit.

Quite true. It's really a coin toss going with folks you dont know as far as time efficiency is concerned. However if you're not concerned with time, going in with some green players can surely be very entertaining

[ainmosni]

if you're having quest problems, i feel bad for you son.

i got 99 problems but the pit aint one.

[Jay203]

the thing i hate the most about the Pit...
how stupid is it to start the security traps before you get the **** thing working?!

[Varashad]

All you poor souls who despise this quest have my pity. The Pit is my favorite quest in the game, and I am always so happy to hit level 7 so I can start running it. It's great, and I absolutely love it, either letting a group pike while I complete, or running with a party, I enjoy it immensely.