PvP 101
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:30 pm
Now that PvP is officially a part of the game, it is prudent to look forward to those actions that we can expect to see in game. They probably will be variations of PvP play acted out in other related MMOs.
For those new to this form of play, I pass on these observations learned in other MMOs that have included PvP. This is neither criticism , nor advocacy, but merely my observations.
The main concern of a PvPer is "GETTING THE EDGE". As Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing!"
1) Get better equipment - this requires control of resources, and access to top crafters. Large active guilds have the advantage here in both aspects.
2) Develop a better character build - focus the character primarily for PvP. All non related skills are avoided until after this is accomplished.
3) Develop better keyboard responses - set up the keyboard and shortcut bars for fast finger twitching. Develop good attack sequences (actions), and sequence alternatives. Speed and reaction time are critical. A hefty amount of caffiene also helps.
4) Better game hacks - This is cheating! But PvPing attracts cheating, so don't be surprised when it happens. This may involve or modify run speed, attack speed, porting when losing, invulnerability to attacks, invisibility, or extra damage attacks.
5) Dominate with group size - larger groups usually wipe the floor with smaller groups. The defense to this is to raise an even bigger group. The trend continues until it becomes zerg wars.
6) Pick on the weak - Griefing!! This is very popular in PvP. Find the solitary player. Identify the lower level players. Pick on small groups.
7) Pick on the distracted - attack those in combat, whether with another PvPer or with a Mob. Attack from the rear does double damage. Attack harvesters while they are actually in the harvesting cycle and concentrating. Portal camp if possible, to attack before the emerging player can defend himself.
8) Soften up the enemy - First train Mobs on them, then kill the survivors before they can heal and rejuvinate.
9) Better terrain knowledge - learn the area; high ground, choke points, Mob positions and travel paths, Mob spawn points, unseen pathing blocks
10) Better strategy - routes of travel, character roles, stages of attack, positioning, communication, escape routes, Mob diversions
11) Smack talk - Belittle and enrage the enemy. Push them into making mistakes. Make them apprehensive. Cause a hesitation. Talk smack before, during, and after the fight. Use the message boards to publicize it. Defeat the enemy in his mind, and he has lost already.
12) Take advantage of game bugs - these are better than hacks, because you cant be banded for using them. There will always be bugs, and new ones will arise when old ones are fixed.
13) Time raids for enemy weakness - off hours have less players, so time your raid when they are least present.
14) Know your enemy - run alternate characters so that they can be invited into the opposing guild. Use your friends in opposing guilds to ferret out information.
15) Loose lips sink ships - keep your plans closely guarded, on a need to know basis.
These are only a summary of some of what we can expect to see. I list them so that the uninitiated can be at least aware of what will be going on. Feel free to add those that I missed.
Which of the listed should actually be used? Which are intelligent? Which are despicable? That is for the individual to choose for himself, and for Nevrax to take a position on as they occur.
As for myself, I will pay attention to how PvP is implemented by Nevrax, and how it is acted out by the players.
Skylt
For those new to this form of play, I pass on these observations learned in other MMOs that have included PvP. This is neither criticism , nor advocacy, but merely my observations.
The main concern of a PvPer is "GETTING THE EDGE". As Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing!"
1) Get better equipment - this requires control of resources, and access to top crafters. Large active guilds have the advantage here in both aspects.
2) Develop a better character build - focus the character primarily for PvP. All non related skills are avoided until after this is accomplished.
3) Develop better keyboard responses - set up the keyboard and shortcut bars for fast finger twitching. Develop good attack sequences (actions), and sequence alternatives. Speed and reaction time are critical. A hefty amount of caffiene also helps.
4) Better game hacks - This is cheating! But PvPing attracts cheating, so don't be surprised when it happens. This may involve or modify run speed, attack speed, porting when losing, invulnerability to attacks, invisibility, or extra damage attacks.
5) Dominate with group size - larger groups usually wipe the floor with smaller groups. The defense to this is to raise an even bigger group. The trend continues until it becomes zerg wars.
6) Pick on the weak - Griefing!! This is very popular in PvP. Find the solitary player. Identify the lower level players. Pick on small groups.
7) Pick on the distracted - attack those in combat, whether with another PvPer or with a Mob. Attack from the rear does double damage. Attack harvesters while they are actually in the harvesting cycle and concentrating. Portal camp if possible, to attack before the emerging player can defend himself.
8) Soften up the enemy - First train Mobs on them, then kill the survivors before they can heal and rejuvinate.
9) Better terrain knowledge - learn the area; high ground, choke points, Mob positions and travel paths, Mob spawn points, unseen pathing blocks
10) Better strategy - routes of travel, character roles, stages of attack, positioning, communication, escape routes, Mob diversions
11) Smack talk - Belittle and enrage the enemy. Push them into making mistakes. Make them apprehensive. Cause a hesitation. Talk smack before, during, and after the fight. Use the message boards to publicize it. Defeat the enemy in his mind, and he has lost already.
12) Take advantage of game bugs - these are better than hacks, because you cant be banded for using them. There will always be bugs, and new ones will arise when old ones are fixed.
13) Time raids for enemy weakness - off hours have less players, so time your raid when they are least present.
14) Know your enemy - run alternate characters so that they can be invited into the opposing guild. Use your friends in opposing guilds to ferret out information.
15) Loose lips sink ships - keep your plans closely guarded, on a need to know basis.
These are only a summary of some of what we can expect to see. I list them so that the uninitiated can be at least aware of what will be going on. Feel free to add those that I missed.
Which of the listed should actually be used? Which are intelligent? Which are despicable? That is for the individual to choose for himself, and for Nevrax to take a position on as they occur.
As for myself, I will pay attention to how PvP is implemented by Nevrax, and how it is acted out by the players.
Skylt