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Make Solo Leveling a Feasible and Enjoyable Option

EbonbornEbonborn Member, Alpha Two
in General Discussion
Hey gamers,

I wanted to bring up a topic that I believe would benefit a lot of us: making solo leveling a truly feasible option in the game. While group play is fantastic for social engagement and teamwork, there are many times when players simply want to explore and progress on their own terms. Not every player can always find a group, and some prefer to play solo for a more immersive experience. I think a solo leveling option would enhance the game’s accessibility and enjoyment for many players.

Here are some reasons why solo leveling would be beneficial:
Flexible Playtimes: Not everyone has the time to commit to group play or to synchronize schedules with others. Solo leveling would allow players to progress at their own pace, whenever they have time, without the need to rely on group availability.
Catering to Different Playstyles: Some players genuinely enjoy the independence and challenge of solo play. Providing a solo-friendly leveling path would make the game more inclusive, respecting both group-oriented players and those who find fulfillment in solo content.
Avoiding Burnout and Frustration: Constantly searching for groups just to progress can be tiring and lead to burnout, especially if group formation is challenging. Solo leveling could offer a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for players who just want to log in and make progress without any hassle.
Helping New and Casual Players: Players who are new to the game or haven’t yet found a guild can feel left out if they are unable to progress without a group. Solo leveling would allow these players to enjoy the game and reach milestones independently while they find their footing in the community.
Building Skills and Knowledge: Solo play allows players to experiment with their class and improve their skills without the pressure to perform in a group setting. This can lead to stronger, more knowledgeable players who feel more confident when they do join groups later on.
Preventing Isolation for Players with Less Support: Not everyone has a guild or dedicated group to level with, and the lack of solo options can discourage these players from continuing. Solo leveling would bridge that gap, making sure everyone can progress regardless of their guild or social connections.

Allowing both group and solo leveling would create a more balanced and inclusive experience for all players, catering to a variety of preferences and situations. I believe this could encourage more players to stay engaged and explore all aspects of the game, leading to a richer community overall.

If you’ve gotten this far I would say you care about the game so beware I think if we don’t change this then we will have a much smaller audience than intended within the game.

Comments

  • GaidaxGaidax Member, Alpha Two
    In my opinion the whole leveling schtick is archaic in 2k24. I'd go as far as say, why even should there be "leveling" as opposed to gear hunting and skill honing?

    But after all, they do try to make a classic MMO here for better or worse. I'm also not a big fan of this kind of leveling, and maybe the curve and the mechanics of leveling could (and probably would) be smoothed out.

    Off my perch I'd certainly like to see solo leveling bumped a tad and level curve fixed so you won't have something like subsequent level requiring double the xp of previous level. It would also be nice to have PvE death penalties halved as well, because mistakes happen and IMO running back to the corpse and losing 10% of resources with half the XP penalty instead of current 25% and full XP penalty - is already enough.

    I just don't want this to be too daunting and monotonous. I'd rather not spend hundreds of hours preparing to have fun at the endgame. I do understand leveling would be a considerable part anyway, but it can be a bit relaxed for sure.
  • VeeshanVeeshan Member, Alpha Two
    edited November 13
    it is entirely possible to solo level at a rather reasonable rate not as fast as say group farming but it quite well aoe farming lower level mobs i went from 11 to 12 aoe farming lvl 7-9 grems while i was farming 50 grem carcasses for leatherworking think it took like an hour and a half for a whole level
  • NamilNamil Member, Alpha Two
    If you spent a short amount of time looking up some information on this, you'd know that leveling solo will be more viable in the future. Steven has acknowledged specifically in it's current state (Alpha 2 Phase 1), grouping together will yield better results as opposed to going solo.

    Leveling, questing, artisan skills and other forms of solo progression haven't been fleshed out yet. Take a look at the alpha road map.
  • alexpetr2023alexpetr2023 Member, Alpha Two
    As a fighter, I grouped up and farmed various spots until level 10, then I focused on the highwaymen hills in groups until I hit lvl 12 and got both of my weapons. After that, I solo farmed 2-star elites and it was wayyyy faster than group play, and because of my build and sustain. Didnt need to group. You also get more gear drops solo and so you are more powerful. I find solo to be more effective than group play. Just learn your class and adjust your build for solo content. It is completely doable and a good change of pace.
  • EbonbornEbonborn Member, Alpha Two
    edited November 13
    @Namil Steven can say anything he wants but it is all subject to change and there is nothing wrong with advocating for something whether or not Steven has said he’s aware or not. I leveled from 1-15 with a group in roughly 18 hours. @Veeshan @alexpetr2023 Do I think any numbers could match this in solo level? Absolutely not.
  • NamilNamil Member, Alpha Two
    @Ebonborn Well, sure. Currently grouping is far more efficient than grinding solo, but my point is that you'll unfortunately just need to deal with that for the time being until the later phases are introduced.

    You're right, advocating for it is fine. They have specifically advertised this phase as far away from a 'working game' as possible though. If the phase comes where they claim to have developed solo play and it's still in a rough spot, I think that is the time to raise concern.
  • EbonbornEbonborn Member, Alpha Two
    edited November 13
    @Namil see, normally I would agree but if you look at current patch notes in A2 they are making balance changes. In my eyes it may or may not work but I think if they are putting some effort toward balancing I don’t see why it wouldn’t be beneficial to at least drop it here . They are even balancing classes and changing them. A lesser priority than the leveling experience in my opinion.
  • MahesMahes Member, Alpha One, Alpha Two, Early Alpha Two
    They will have to implement a friendly and fun way to solo.

    As a server matures it will become much more difficult to find a group at early levels. Having a new player or a very casual player slog through the process of soling would be a large turn-off for most players. I am assuming they do not want this.
  • AgripinensiaAgripinensia Member, Alpha Two
    edited November 13
    Gaidax wrote: »
    In my opinion the whole leveling schtick is archaic in 2k24. I'd go as far as say, why even should there be "leveling" as opposed to gear hunting and skill honing?

    But after all, they do try to make a classic MMO here for better or worse. I'm also not a big fan of this kind of leveling, and maybe the curve and the mechanics of leveling could (and probably would) be smoothed out.

    Off my perch I'd certainly like to see solo leveling bumped a tad and level curve fixed so you won't have something like subsequent level requiring double the xp of previous level. It would also be nice to have PvE death penalties halved as well, because mistakes happen and IMO running back to the corpse and losing 10% of resources with half the XP penalty instead of current 25% and full XP penalty - is already enough.

    I just don't want this to be too daunting and monotonous. I'd rather not spend hundreds of hours preparing to have fun at the endgame. I do understand leveling would be a considerable part anyway, but it can be a bit relaxed for sure.

    I actually think the XP Penalty for lower levels should be harsher (its 2-5 min imho) - agree that lost resources should be lowered - its ok for glint, but 50% of gathered is harsh, especially considering that we still have mobs attacking that can't be attacked (very bad when its a wolf... - died multiple times to that).

    Regarding leveling:
    So far I think its great - can't remember having this much fun during leveling ever (WoW (Vanilla) Beta comes close)
    Especially since you can start participating in your Nodes development from lvl 10 (technically earlier, but its not fun to run around most nodes pre 10 - at least in last weekends state)
  • alexpetr2023alexpetr2023 Member, Alpha Two
    Ebonborn wrote: »
    @Namil Steven can say anything he wants but it is all subject to change and there is nothing wrong with advocating for something whether or not Steven has said he’s aware or not. I leveled from 1-15 with a group in roughly 18 hours. @Veeshan @alexpetr2023 Do I think any numbers could match this in solo level? Absolutely not.

    Bandit Mauraders in Highwayman hills, Time to kill is about 30-45 seconds solo with my gear. With no breaks (Don't need any in Form of Celerity and Blood Infusion = constant trips and full heals/Mana). 1.5 mobs per minute at 3300 xp is about 297,000 xp/hour. Obviously, I wasn't getting quite that much as sometimes a group would take a tag or 2 but still that is very very good xp especially solo. So, it is doable, people just need to find their niche and play well. I admit to get to this point, I initally had to group in the Highwayman Hills until I got my weapons and some of the sons of fortune set before I could solo effectively BUT it was worth it and now I can solo whoever, and wherever and play the way I prefer to play
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