Helping New Players Out

[Veracity]

We are looking for ways to improve the game play for everyone, especially new players. One of the things most frequently mentioned in reviews is how hard it is for new players to start out here. So, we want to encourage new people to join and make it easier for them!

If anyone has ideas or suggestions on how to achieve this, please share it here. Bringing to our attention things you particularly struggled with when you were new would also be helpful. Please keep flaming the server or saying how OP everything is out of this topic. We are trying to help everyone and nonconstructive comments like that will not do anyone any good.

Thank you!

Some Suggestions So Far:

• A special set of equipment for new players (would be on their account)
• Increasing the amount of zeny new players start out with
• Questable set of equipment that are stronger than normal, but still not as good as Elites.
• Non-donation, non-custom item farming area (PVP disabled)

  Possible drops include: seeds, some of the items for elite quests

• Every time your job changes (eg. Assassin -> Assassin Cross) you get a proper weapon to help with leveling (eg. Assassin's Jur)
• Once you reach Lv. 255, you gain a personal set of equipments with your name (eg. Beginner Goldy's Set)

  Possible effects include: Giving lv. 5 Enlarge Weight Limit, x% chance of dropping Ygg. Seed when killing x Monster, or anything else to help with farming.

• Making Forsaken Dungeon Quest easier.
• Instate more challenging quests with headgears, etc. that are stronger/more useful

  Possible items include: Rucksacks, Ice Wings, Green Wings

Edited August 9, 2010 by Veracity

[supream]

what about that gm assistant team that someone suggested before. people who play the game that arent gms that can help people out.

[Dudu]

Well you know, personally i think, its HARD for a newbie to start playing here so, i was thinkin of givin the like a

"Newbie Set" or a Sub-Elite Set when you get you get Trans job. So they can atleast be part of the community because, for you to be like "someone" here you have to have decent gears.

So imo thats what we need, a Newbie set for starter player oh and also, Increase the starting money from 10k to like 100k, Why? Well since its a High Rate server, you cant basically buy nothing with 150k, and it can boost the new player to keep farming zeny so he can buy the things he wants n___n.

So what you say ForsakenRO GM Staff?

PS: Oh and what Supream here said, A Sub-GM Support team, not GM powers, they can still be normal player, but their main purpose is to Help other ppl out. I would be part of that staff because i really like to support newbies n__n. Just saying!

[Ethereal]

One of the things that makes a beginner hard to start off is equipment. New players are always feeling this elitist feeling around the server (not going to lie, there is one) and at times, it almost seems impossible at times to get the same equipment and cards that 'professional' players have around the server. So what I'm suggesting is: when you start off in the server (or make a new character), you should get an option to do a quest that allows you to get gears in your preferred profession (eg. I'm a new player and I want to play a ranged class) that gives you a few good boosts, but it doesn't overpower the elite quest.

The quest should be a small one (not like the elite quests with like 3000 cards and 1000 this and 500 that). Personally since this server kind of revolves around the whole Forsaken Kingdom and Dragoons or whatever, the quest should probably be related to it. Maybe the quest's storyline could be something like being introduced into the Forsaken Army to fight enemies? Idk. The gears shouldn't be that powerful, but good enough for a player to handle some things well.

Also if it seems like too much work to put gears for every class, another option is focusing the gears on fighting styles (gears that focus on MATK, ATK, HP, FLEE/PD, etc.).

---

Edit: just realized Edu posted something similar to mine and I didn't even know. HI EDU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited August 9, 2010 by Ethereal

[Xtopher]

what about that gm assistant team that someone suggested before. people who play the game that arent gms that can help people out.

I kind of like this. I truthfully feel that one of the biggest things hindering new players from staying is the current players playing. I'm not trying to generalize everyone but few current experienced players are willing to take their time to help out new people (I'm not talking about giving out items). Just being friendly, making conversation, and giving some tips helps a lot guys. The only reason I'm here is because people I first met were nice enough to tell me how pvp works and what kind of items I should try to get... so I try to do the same for others.

Giving people without gear a way to accumulate items would help I think. A none-donation / none-custom item farming area would be nice I think.... if it is possible.

[Veracity]

You all have some really good ideas!

We were thinking of adding custom gears (armor, weapon, etc.) for newbies to start out with to make leveling/playing here a bit easier for them. Do you guys want to throw around some ideas for stats/effects that these could have?

Increasing the zeny players start out with sounds good as well. I certainly do not see the harm in it.

As for the GM assistant guild... you guys don't have to be in a specific guild to offer your help to newbies. You'll see a lot of new players around (especially in fcity) who are looking for help. You can always (and are encouraged to!) help new players, as long as you don't claim to be affiliated with the staff, etc. The GM assistant guild has been rejected a few times, and I don't see that changing (although personally, I am not opposed to the suggestion). As I said though, you are always welcome to help new players on your own. :)

Edit: I think Ethereal's idea of having some stronger gears (although lower than the elites) is a nice idea as well. I like the storyline part of it too.

Xtopher, what kind of items for the farming area would you suggest?

If you guys would like to see these gears, you could help us out quite a bit by giving some ideas as to possible effects for them. (:

Edited August 9, 2010 by Veracity

[Ethereal]

We were thinking of adding custom gears (armor, weapon, etc.) for newbies to start out with to make leveling/playing here a bit easier for them. Do you guys want to throw around some ideas for stats/effects that these could have?

Edit: I think Ethereal's idea of having some stronger gears (although lower than the elites) is a nice idea as well. I like the storyline part of it too.

If you guys would like to see these gears, you could help us out quite a bit by giving some ideas as to possible effects for them. (:

Well I'd suggest some set effects- but what's going to happen? Are there going to be class-restricted sets or general fighting style sets (ranged, magic, melee, pd/flee)?

[Xtopher]

Hmm, farming areas similar to what we have yet only for people with non-donation and non-custom equips (with the exception of the beginners set if it's implemented). Something similar to the fire armor, some seeds maybe... things that can be converted into tix and sold to others. Of course this area shouldn't be pvp if you want it newbie friendly. Maybe even some of the items for elite quest?

Btw I like how fast ppl replied, gives me hope lol

[Dudu]

Well after making up my toughts heres what i got.

Im thinkin of, Each time you get a Job, it gives you a proper Weapon for you to level easier example.

Assassin: Assassin's Dagger or Jur

Lk: Pike or Sword.

Etc....

And THEN when it gets Max'd you get a "Begginer "Your Name" Set" Like "BEGGINER IMA'S SET" etc....

And effect-stat wise....I was thinkin of improving this set for Farmin purposes example: Giving lvl 5 Enlarge Weight Limit etc But no PvP effects or stas cuz thats why the Elite set is meant to get.

So watchu guys say? n__n

[Xtopher]

I like the weight limit idea. They could have things like "3% chance of ygg seed dropping when killing xx monster" (just an example). I like the idea of the set and the farming working hand in hand. This will help the whole beginner process a lot.

[nines]

All these have good bonuses but 0 slots so if anyone who isn't a beginner uses them they'll justdie <.<

Newbie Set

Name/Sprite: Beginners Irish Hat

Stats: All Stats +15 Aspd+10

Weight: 75

Level Required: 0

Slots: 0

Class: All

Name: Beginners Armor

Stats: Increase Damage with all weapons 20%

Weight: 75

Level Required: 0

Slots: 0

Class: All

Name: Beginners Boots

Stats: Increase Walking Speed 30% Damage to All Species +15%

Weight: 75

Level Required: 0

Slots: 0

Class: All

Name: Beginners Robe

Stats: Increase hp +30%

Weight: 75

Level Required: 0

Slots: 0

Class: All

Name: Beginners Box

Includes 5 foods for +20 to all stats and the item can't be used by people above level 200 to prevent abuse.

[Veracity]

Sorry for delayed replies, I just got back from the dentist. :P But anyway...

Well I'd suggest some set effects- but what's going to happen? Are there going to be class-restricted sets or general fighting style sets (ranged, magic, melee, pd/flee)?

I can't say for sure, though I am guessing general fighting style sets would be more likely. We can discuss ideas for both and get more input from the community and decide from there though. :)

Hmm, farming areas similar to what we have yet only for people with non-donation and non-custom equips (with the exception of the beginners set if it's implemented). Something similar to the fire armor, some seeds maybe... things that can be converted into tix and sold to others. Of course this area shouldn't be pvp if you want it newbie friendly. Maybe even some of the items for elite quest?

I like this idea. If anyone has anything else they'd like to add in for possible drops, feel free to!

Well after making up my toughts heres what i got.

Im thinkin of, Each time you get a Job, it gives you a proper Weapon for you to level easier example.

Assassin: Assassin's Dagger or Jur

Lk: Pike or Sword.

Etc....

And THEN when it gets Max'd you get a "Begginer "Your Name" Set" Like "BEGGINER IMA'S SET" etc....

And effect-stat wise....I was thinkin of improving this set for Farmin purposes example: Giving lvl 5 Enlarge Weight Limit etc But no PvP effects or stas cuz thats why the Elite set is meant to get.

So watchu guys say? n__n

I like the idea of having the custom name set. And it's a good idea to make it easier to farm. Any other suggestions for what else to add for this? I don't see the harm in adding a very little stats that would help with survivability, though. Maybe we could also add something to help with MvPing?

Nines came up with some interesting ideas (I'm assuming they are for the newbie equipment which new players will start out with?). For the headgear, I'm not sure about the Irish Hat. What are some popular ones/ones people would like to see used for this?

Keep the great feedback/suggestions coming! :)

[Ryuk]

I really like Nines examples of items for the newbie quest/start off.

Also, I was personally thinking of making the forsaken dungeon quest a bit easier. Yes the quest is easy as it is, but it can take ages to achieve. For me I started enjoying the server more once I got the pass so I was able to hunt yggs and make some money by myself. However the process of creating the pass is plain boring and slow. So I think we should change that, despite the fact that many people have done the quest already.

[Phenomenon]

Instate the Quest Rucksacks that were accepted as a Suggestion a long time ago so that it isn't too hard to get a rucksack without having to buy one/WoE for one. I think we should become more quest oriented. Items that are useful but are not quite up to par with the donation/WoE/Event items. Most of our quest-able customs are OK, but we could do better in terms of headgears and actually equipment, as the non-donation items are nice but not close to a forsaken king's set. I would love to see hard, HARD quests instated into the server and I think hardworking newbies would appreciate it. :3

[nines]

Yah they'll start out with them, also how about a bunny top hat? or guardian hat

Edited August 9, 2010 by nines

[Veracity]

Instate the Quest Rucksacks that were accepted as a Suggestion a long time ago so that it isn't too hard to get a rucksack without having to buy one/WoE for one. I think we should become more quest oriented. Items that are useful but are not quite up to par with the donation/WoE/Event items. Most of our quest-able customs are OK, but we could do better in terms of headgears and actually equipment, as the non-donation items are nice but not close to a forsaken king's set. I would love to see hard, HARD quests instated into the server and I think hardworking newbies would appreciate it. :3

We are working on developing some new very challenging quests that I think the community will really enjoy (or so I hope). :) So stay tuned for that.

Making a quest rucksack will be looked into more. I think that's a good idea to make new players feel more like they belong.

@nines: I'm not sure I know exactly which headgear you're referring to... Could you find pictures of them please?

@Ryuk: What would you propose is changed for the forsaken dungeon quest?

[nines]

Thats the Bunny top

http://ratemyserver.net/item_sprname_searc...378&small=1

Guardian Hat

http://ratemyserver.net/item_sprname_searc...544&small=1

Another thing like Juan suggested I've been wanting new quest for a long long time, when diadems first came out I was happy as hell to do the quest to get them. But there effects don't work I made a ticket on it like 5 months ago but still not fixed, they would make pvp a lot more fun lol.

But heres my suggestion since people who ladder only go for the Sacred and Royal Angel Wings why not take the other 2 wings out turn them into quest wings.

Ice Wings

Stats: 15% walking speed 10 to All stats.

For the Ice wings a quest like Any color butterfly wing 1000 Ice Cubes 1000 Siroma Cards and to bring the price back to woe ruck sacks a deviling or an angeling ruck sack.

Green Wings

Stats: 15% walking Speed 1 Slot

Make the quest require like transparent wings so the wings u can get with donation have a part in the server again also like 1000 carat cards 500 aloevera for the Green wings.

[Ethereal]

I can't say for sure, though I am guessing general fighting style sets would be more likely. We can discuss ideas for both and get more input from the community and decide from there though. :)

Well if it's going to be general fighting style sets... then we need to come up with a list of fighting styles first.

• Melee (ATK)
• Magical (MATK)
• Ranged (ATK)
• Avoidance (FLEE/PD)
• Tank (HP)
• Reflect (Can also be linked to tank)

And I definitely agree with instating the quest rucksacks as well as quest wings.

[Veracity]

Edited the first post and put in the suggestions so far so it's easier to reference them. :)

@nines: Quest wings are a good idea as well, assuming people would do them. I'm not sure how everyone would feel about removing those wings from the Ladder rewards, though... We can see.

@Ethereal: That sounds like a good starting point to me.

[Dudu]

Well I really love how people is giving out ideas to help new players out, I love the questable ruck and wings because it will make new players feel happy about this server

So like the forsaken elite quest, its easy but hard to achieve like Ryuk said so,

I'm thinkin of reducin it difficulty and! Make a "forsaken quest dungeon" for al classes but, to not make it op, we can just enable the melee atks to kill monsters, so like ther will be 2 quest dungeons, 1 for the ruck and 1 for thee wings, to make it exclusive for new people we can use an only color for both, and also givin it a not so 100% drop rate, like. 85-90 so it won't be that easy.

So what u guys say!?

[nines]

Well on my suggestion you could just add some matk every other armor basically covers everything else except reflect and flee/pd

[Xtopher]

Well I really love how people is giving out ideas to help new players out, I love the questable ruck and wings because it will make new players feel happy about this server

I know right? It's been like 3 hours and we already have a lot of experienced players giving good ideas :)

Oh, and btw we could give the newbie weapons the skill steal or the Rogue's Snatcher skill so they can grab more items while killing/farming.

I like the idea of quest-able rucky! It should be a normal poring... or does one of those already exist?

[Perishable]

I really like helping new players out. There was this one player I've seen this morning and I help'd him out. He was being ignored by majority of people in Forsaken City. I felt so bad for him and it got me thinking that if we keep this up and not helpin' the new players start FRO, we will just keep losing new players that comes in. All the ideas being suggested above are good so far. And my suggestion is that if we do start a team/guild of people helping newbies out in-game, the guild should be led by Senior GameMaster or Genesis. All the Veterans that are willing to help new players and wants to be part of a the new support guild in-game have to send in an application. This is different, not GMing. So not just GMs all the time doing support chat. And it doesn't always have to be chat support, we players can walk around and guide the newbies anything they want to learn and start off. Also like make our names Blue or Red? Like GMs, their name is Yellow/Gold. This is just my suggestion.

[nines]

So kinda like a Red Cross guild thats in other servers?

[Fyasko]

i like 2 help new ppl too, if u nid zeny pls pm Murder! During my time here I have done a buunch of random mass zeny give aways and it felt great! I like all of the ideas stated here so far.