Coming Back to DDO 5 Years Later

[ricky4105]

So, this feels slightly strange after having not visited this website in what seems like forever. I'm getting slightly tired of some of the new games, but remembered my love of DDO back when I played from 09-10. After 2010 however, I had not touched the game or stayed up to date with any information in any way. I know there are search options, but it's always best to get the most up-to-date information, so I figured i'f create a thread of my own. What i'd like to know is how this game compares to the amazing it feel it had in 2010. What I did hear was that things over simplified from the time that I left. I'm sure the game is not as popular from back when I played either, but that is to be expected, every game slows down. As long as there are people to go through the content with however, and it doesn't feel like i' running around empty cities, i'll be ok. Enough with me rambling on though, i'll just ask some questions. Also, please give me any additional feedback that you'd like, i'd really appreciate it.

Kind of an odd question to start with, but how is the class balancing? I remember everything being fairly balanced, and loved playing my monk.

About the content, are the rumors of everything being "dumb'd down" true?

Does ViP still work as it used to? I'll always buy and subscription available for a game, and regardless if it no longer gives everything that it used to, i'll still be buying it if I play. Just curious.

Honestly, i'd just like to know some peoples opinions, especially of those who played around the time I did and how everything compares to back then. Anyway though, everyone's input is extremely valued, i'd be happy to know how this game is doing in any way, shape or form after these 5 years.

Yes, as I mentioned before, i'm sure I could search for some of this information, but I like having everything up to date, and this way I can try to get some more precise responses about what i'm looking for.

Thank you all for reading! I'm looking forward to coming back and trying everything again, i'm sure i'm going to feel like a total noob again, but hey, that can be fun too!

[bartharok]

The game has become very solo friendly, and that hss affected the class balance. A lot of classes have got self healing attached, and the ones that have yet to get their passes have fallen behind.

You can still play any content with any class, but some will do better than otthers.

People have gotten a lot morw focused on getting the best build, instead of just one that works which explains quite alot about whats going on on the forums.

As for dumbing down, the passes have added a lot of power, and EDs add a lot more, so gve game is easier by far than it was.

[ricky4105]

The game has become very solo friendly, and that hss affected the class balance. A lot of classes have got self healing attached, and the ones that have yet to get their passes have fallen behind.

You can still play any content with any class, but some will do better than otthers.

People have gotten a lot morw focused on getting the best build, instead of just one that works which explains quite alot about whats going on on the forums.

As for dumbing down, the passes have added a lot of power, and EDs add a lot more, so gve game is easier by far than it was.

****, that's kinda sad to hear. I remember loving this game because you truly needed others to get through content.

[Kamode_Corebasher]

So, this feels slightly strange after having not visited this website in what seems like forever. I'm getting slightly tired of some of the new games, but remembered my love of DDO back when I played from 09-10. After 2010 however, I had not touched the game or stayed up to date with any information in any way. I know there are search options, but it's always best to get the most up-to-date information, so I figured i'f create a thread of my own. What i'd like to know is how this game compares to the amazing it feel it had in 2010. What I did hear was that things over simplified from the time that I left. I'm sure the game is not as popular from back when I played either, but that is to be expected, every game slows down. As long as there are people to go through the content with however, and it doesn't feel like i' running around empty cities, i'll be ok. Enough with me rambling on though, i'll just ask some questions. Also, please give me any additional feedback that you'd like, i'd really appreciate it.

Kind of an odd question to start with, but how is the class balancing? I remember everything being fairly balanced, and loved playing my monk.

About the content, are the rumors of everything being "dumb'd down" true?

Does ViP still work as it used to? I'll always buy and subscription available for a game, and regardless if it no longer gives everything that it used to, i'll still be buying it if I play. Just curious.

Honestly, i'd just like to know some peoples opinions, especially of those who played around the time I did and how everything compares to back then. Anyway though, everyone's input is extremely valued, i'd be happy to know how this game is doing in any way, shape or form after these 5 years.

Yes, as I mentioned before, i'm sure I could search for some of this information, but I like having everything up to date, and this way I can try to get some more precise responses about what i'm looking for.

Thank you all for reading! I'm looking forward to coming back and trying everything again, i'm sure i'm going to feel like a total noob again, but hey, that can be fun too!

It's not dumb'd down...really, there's a lot more choice and build selections and a lot more content...plus the devs are really working hard at creating the new endgame and balancing the classes, which is good.

So...to give you accurate details on what has changed since you left, look here (specifically the "Whats New" section of this main page): http://ddowiki.com/

My thoughts...I think you will find yourself hard-pressed to play and keep up with the new style most players play...which is fast paced....zerging. XP-per-minute has warped the game play style. This happened because many vets started focusing on TRs and ETRs and didn't want to dilly-dally their time away....and with so many TRs to be had in each, who can blame them. Well, this caused most new players to follow suit. And to play that fast, self sufficiency was needed (and now EXPECTED).

If you were around for the level 20 epic content, then the new lvl20 and up content is...different. The old epic quests were more difficult than the new "At Level" epic quests in "Hard" difficulty. To explain...there are now multiple selections at quest entrance for difficulty settings (and XP is more or less depending on what difficulty).
Normal = pretty **** easy.
Hard = easier than the old epics you remember.
Elite = harder than the old epics you remember.

Currently, there is a gross difference between the current hard setting and the current elite setting...so it's a big jump for new players to make. No real grouping tactics nor individual tactics really needed for hard, and both needed for elite, even for the uber builds...though those playing uber builds usually have the metagame knowledge and tactics knowledge and forget they earned those and so think new players should already have that knowledge too...may make for some angst if you encounter that...hopefully you wont.

I'm interested to here what you think if you dive back in. Also unsure what world you're playing in, but if it's Ghallanda, feel free to PM me to set up a time to run a quest or ten :-)

Addeding more with this edit: The first expansion pack is awesome and worth getting, and the second is good/ok but also worth getting.

[knobaroo]

Does ViP still work as it used to? I'll always buy and subscription available for a game, and regardless if it no longer gives everything that it used to, i'll still be buying it if I play. Just curious.

Vip is certainly worth it. lots of content and classes open up to you. Turbine points, and you are supporting an older game that is worth supporting.
Some content will still be locked to you (witch ****es me off) but nothing is perfect. (DCUO does it right)
Anyway welcome back. If you can find 2-3 like mined players with the same schedule, this is a great sandbox to play in.
Regards and happy hunting.

[ricky4105]

It's not dumb'd down...really, there's a lot more choice and build selections and a lot more content...plus the devs are really working hard at creating the new endgame and balancing the classes, which is good.

So...to give you accurate details on what has changed since you left, look here (specifically the "Whats New" section of this main page): http://ddowiki.com/

My thoughts...I think you will find yourself hard-pressed to play and keep up with the new style most players play...which is fast paced....zerging. XP-per-minute has warped the game play style. This happened because many vets started focusing on TRs and ETRs and didn't want to dilly-dally their time away....and with so many TRs to be had in each, who can blame them. Well, this caused most new players to follow suit. And to play that fast, self sufficiency was needed (and now EXPECTED).

If you were around for the level 20 epic content, then the new lvl20 and up content is...different. The old epic quests were more difficult than the new "At Level" epic quests in "Hard" difficulty. To explain...there are now multiple selections at quest entrance for difficulty settings (and XP is more or less depending on what difficulty).
Normal = pretty **** easy.
Hard = easier than the old epics you remember.
Elite = harder than the old epics you remember.

Currently, there is a gross difference between the current hard setting and the current elite setting...so it's a big jump for new players to make. No real grouping tactics nor individual tactics really needed for hard, and both needed for elite, even for the uber builds...though those playing uber builds usually have the metagame knowledge and tactics knowledge and forget they earned those and so think new players should already have that knowledge too...may make for some angst if you encounter that...hopefully you wont.

I'm interested to here what you think if you dive back in. Also unsure what world you're playing in, but if it's Ghallanda, feel free to PM me to set up a time to run a quest or ten :-)

Addeding more with this edit: The first expansion pack is awesome and worth getting, and the second is good/ok but also worth getting.

Vip is certainly worth it. lots of content and classes open up to you. Turbine points, and you are supporting an older game that is worth supporting.
Some content will still be locked to you (witch ****es me off) but nothing is perfect. (DCUO does it right)
Anyway welcome back. If you can find 2-3 like mined players with the same schedule, this is a great sandbox to play in.
Regards and happy hunting.

Thanks for both of the replies! Really nice to see that the community is still as I remember it!
I'm currently installing the game, so i'll be sure to let you know what's going on Corebasher!

[Satyriasys]

I used to love this game also but now everyone can self heal and arcane buff themselves and traps are a joke. You can also throw on a suit of heavy armor and be immune to pretty any damage. So they have removed the dynamic of clerics, rogues warriors and mages and let everyone do anything. But really it's the communities fault. They cried and complained over any challenge until the devs caved in. It's following the trend of most of the mmos nowdays where they butcher the game down to suit the casuals who have 4 hours a week to play.

[HernandoCortez]

Make sure you check some old adventure packs that got epicfied, like 3BC and Necro 4.
Necro 4 music is the best in game IMO and the quests are still fun at epic levels. Most people like epic Gianthold, its good but I usually skip that content. Thunderholme, thats the best wilderness area in game.

Pretty much most packs after update 7 were good but Heart of Madness and Temple of Elemental Evil. Last one was launched when I was taking a break from the game, when I came back most people already grinded for its items and I decided not to buy it. Its the only adventure pack I didn't buy.

[ricky4105]

I used to love this game also but now everyone can self heal and arcane buff themselves and traps are a joke. You can also throw on a suit of heavy armor and be immune to pretty any damage. So they have removed the dynamic of clerics, rogues warriors and mages and let everyone do anything. But really it's the communities fault. They cried and complained over any challenge until the devs caved in. It's following the trend of most of the mmos nowdays where they butcher the game down to suit the casuals who have 4 hours a week to play.

Yeah, that's really what i'm worried about. In this game being part of a group really meant something, everyone has a very specific role.

[Zakharov]

Yeah, that's really what i'm worried about. In this game being part of a group really meant something, everyone has a very specific role.

Yeah I really miss that game. It's still fun to play, especially running with folks you know. Not sure I would advise running with vets though, it will probably ruin the fun. Posting your own LFMs looking for new players (no zerging) may be the way to go.

[Chi_Ryu]

Vip is certainly worth it. lots of content and classes open up to you. Turbine points, and you are supporting an older game that is worth supporting.

The really key thing that VIP does not provide* is the two expansion packs, Menace of the Underdark (which includes Epic Destinies, vital if you intend to play at levek 20+ on anything above Epic Normal difficulty), and The Shadowfell Conspiracy, which was a lot less well received than MOTU.

For info, during the last two years, both expansion packs have been offered at 75% off around Thanksgiving. Whilst there are no guarantees this will happen this year, it is almost a habit now

* But nor does non-VIP. Everyone has to buy these if they want them.

[Dragnipurake]

The best way for you would be simply to give it a try again. Nobody here knows your preferences. There have been many changes, most for the best. There are now much more viable builds than before.

However, one thing definitely got worse: the community. This post is an example:

I used to love this game also but now everyone can self heal and arcane buff themselves and traps are a joke. You can also throw on a suit of heavy armor and be immune to pretty any damage. So they have removed the dynamic of clerics, rogues warriors and mages and let everyone do anything. But really it's the communities fault. They cried and complained over any challenge until the devs caved in. It's following the trend of most of the mmos nowdays where they butcher the game down to suit the casuals who have 4 hours a week to play.

Neither can a starting player self-heal reliably on all classes, nor buff himself, nor can he ignore traps or ignore damage while wearing heavy armor. Those things are more a matter for chars with several past lives and the correct gear.

Most of those perma-complainers would not have rolled a cleric 'back in the good old days' just to babysit the red bars of other players.

He also falls for the wrong assumption that more playtime should result in increased attention by the devs, aka everything should evolve around hardcore players.

[somenewnoob]

Well, I just came back a couple months ago after a few years away. (Stopped playing after the House Cannith updates, priorto the expansion).

Overall, I like the changes made where armor actually MEANS something now. I like that the wilderness areas are fully displayed when you get all the explorers (that's right kids, back in my day we had to uncover the map over and over again, in the snow, both ways!), and the best part......COYLE CAN DIE!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I like the new enhancement system, some really crazy powerful combos you can get. Epic levels and destinies are kind of cool, though I feel like I got robbed since I should have been level 28 just from running shroud 60+ times!

There has been a LOT of power creep, lots of new stuff that makes what used to be good obsolete. Lot of new content which has been fun for the most part. They don't seem to employ the annoying quest mechanics anymore like protecting the npc, or quests where you need multiple people to pull levers, stand on plates, etc.

On the downside, it seems like the raid pugs are few and far between nowadays. I guess all the old raids gear is outdated. Very rarely see a shroud (yeah, used to be several a day!), vod, hox, MA or LOB.....see a eVon or a eADQ every so often(no one ever did titan or abbott back in the day anyways, that hasn't changed).But usually the lfm panel is pretty sparse.

Not crazy about making old quests epic and calling it "content" but I do like that epic normal and hard is easily soloable now, nowhere near what used to be "epic".

I went vip again, and have been having a ton of fun. I always LOVED the combat in DDO, it just blew everything else away. Not to mention that I don't spend all day running around collecting 10 of these and going to kill 20 of these like some other games.

[knobaroo]

Yeah, that's really what i'm worried about. In this game being part of a group really meant something, everyone has a very specific role.

While I understand your concern for this dynamic, you might remember the time when you had to wait around for hours to.get a trapper, or healer. This is really the lesser of the evils.
Having a dedicated role is always by far preferable, and that's why you find like minded individuals to play with.

[Novalis]

I am going to give you fair warning, you chose the most lousy time in DDO history to return. If you plan to heroic tr at 20, I would say you're safer, and will get some enjoyment. But if you're planning anything endgame, that half full glass is gonna look pretty empty by the time E Vale gets here. All you have to do is play the latest released content to see what is on the horizon.

On top of that, if you thought the ladder bug was bad, just wait till you get waist deep in the current infestation. Back in 2010 lag was a temporary nuance, now it's a daily pestilence. U27 is still crippled with lag and there are days it spreads all over the server. it's one of he reasons I left in 2012. Came back for a year only to see DDO and it's community go down after the flush swirling. I have accounted for at least 8 VIP subs ended and over 20 well rounded players on my server that left after the infliction of the *balancing* act that still needs work.

Take what you can, when you can. I personally wouldn't invest in a VIP or TP until things change drastically. There are good people that still play so you would be welcomed. But remember when you drink from the new DDO whether you see it half full or empty there is a wad of chewing tobacco that wasn't yours just waiting at the bottom of your glass.

[Duskofdead]

****, that's kinda sad to hear. I remember loving this game because you truly needed others to get through content.

Same.

It's a sad memory now, though. And the only solution the community seems to 'tolerate' is one of 'bring EVERYTHING up to the point of it can solo all content on its own. Screw grouping.'

[Duskofdead]

He also falls for the wrong assumption that more playtime should result in increased attention by the devs, aka everything should evolve around hardcore players.

That's basically exactly what happened, no?

Or do you think casual players complained endgame was too easy and demanded EE content and the insane mob health and DC woes and "challenge" that now people say makes the game tedious and boring?

[Zenako]

The biggest thing I think you will see is that any and all the cool gear you had will now be considered vendor trash more often than not. A few items can still find a spot, but most are simple outclassed by new loot. SO many of the new items combine myriad effects and slots onto one spot. I used to run often with some guilds, and drifted away around the time you left and have been playing with just family and close friends in a small guild, so not as up to speed on the LFM screen.

As someone mentioned the shear increase in quest options also means that any given quest/raid is far less likely to have a LFM posted you can join. Probably best to start your own, and control the action to some degree. As for the self healing, since I most often played Clerics, Rangers and Paladins back in the early days, I do not notice it that much, I have always been able to self heal. Used to solo heal on some raids when needed. Folks tend to burn spell points more freely since mana pots can be had pretty easily. I recall the old days when finding a Major Pot was huge and treasured. With most builds having more SP to burn and willingness to burn them, a number of encounters become not so hard when you can blast them to oblivion.

The combat mechanics are still one of the best in the business with real time impact and implications to the characters, a large part of why I am still here after almost a decade. The D&Dness of the game is still present, and that is a good thing.

[Starla70]

The game has really changed, this is true. I do believe you can get what you want out of the game still. My guild tends to run as a group and we have formed a party mentality. Some of the guild does solo, I prefer not to. VIP is worth it for the content we get and I like th 500 points a month, I do tend to use more then that myself.

The balancing is a bunch of little fixes the DEV's thought needed to be done. Things keep getting worked on. I really do not like the Arcane archer changes personally. I am fearful of what they are planning for the divine pass, I would rather they left it alone. I am one of the rare ones who enjoys playing a cleric, and I do not care what the people here on the forums say, for our play style it is needed. The hirelings are a mess, and getting worse. Each time they say they fixed them, it seems the hires do the opposite.

The Dev team we have right now, does listen to the players. That I think is a good change. I am not sure they listen to all sides, but they do listen.

[KoobTheProud]

I used to love this game also but now everyone can self heal and arcane buff themselves and traps are a joke. You can also throw on a suit of heavy armor and be immune to pretty any damage. So they have removed the dynamic of clerics, rogues warriors and mages and let everyone do anything. But really it's the communities fault. They cried and complained over any challenge until the devs caved in. It's following the trend of most of the mmos nowdays where they butcher the game down to suit the casuals who have 4 hours a week to play.

DDO is much better than most of the MMO's in terms of not turning into a theme park. There are still a million ways to die as a 1st lifer without great gear. There are no other MMO's out there except EQ where that is true at this point.

Many MMO's basically just send waves of Orcs at you which all fall on their sword conveniently just as they reach you. So for a new MMO-er DDO is still rocking good.