Mr. Goat (OP)

You may want to reconsider your strategy at leveling. Some of the best ways to level obviously your are doing part of it is the DE's as well as the hearts. Hearts are good because they open up the Karma vendors and you can buy things you couldn't get elsewhere, such as Lemons if you choose to craft cooking because they are account bound now. Another thing though is a lot of these DE's are in Heart territorys so while you are killing mobs for the DE you are earning credit for doing the hearts so it is 2 birds with one stone. Another reason is you get money from finishing the hearts so that is always a plus and of course some nice xp for a couple minutes worth of work. Yea some hearts are stupid but I just do them to get done.

For instance the other day on my Necro I ran around and decided to do the Heart quests in a 45+ zone. I said I will do all DE that pop up as I make my way around. Well my xp flew I was 47 had just dinged so not even 1 bar in. I decided to see how fast I could ding and in 43 minutes of doing hearts and DE's I was 48 with just a tad more xp then I had started with.

Another thing you call yourself an explorer but if you want to get the chest after doing everything a zone offers, Hearts,Vista, POI's etc you have to do hearts. You get like 5k xp and 10s an some good items for every map you do. Towns on the other hand give 1c I have found but give items. But as I said before most of the DE's get you heart credit so finishing them isn't too bad. GL to you Mr. Goat.

Originally posted by SteeJanz

Originally posted by FlawSGI

Originally posted by WhiteLantern

Originally posted by FlawSGI

TO TLDR comment, it's only wrong if you choose to butcher the game this way and then turn around and claim it is a design flaw. 

Honestly, that took longer than I thought.

I wasn't trolling or being negative BTW. I was honestly responding to the your comment and not generalizing my own post. My post was an honest answer and if you meant the butcher portion of that quote then I don't knwo what to tell you because if anyone cuts out as much as you have from any game that's exactly what I'd call it. Not negative, it is what it is. You also quoted as I  added the last portion. I didn't go back and edit it after reading this.

I second what he is saying here.  He isn't saying your playing wrong, he is saying that, no matter what the game is, if you choose not to do all the content available you will level slower than those that utilize all of it. 

I'll third it. I pretty much saw it would be looked at as negative instead of constructive which is why I avoided saying it to begin with.

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

Playing a game the way it's not supposed to be played? That doesn't interest me either. There's very little incentive to fight your way through areas. Exp sucks from basic kills, monsters spawn too fast, it's just boring. It's easier and more palatable to avoid areas completely.

It's not me that's the problem, it's the game. You obviously like the same Themepark-ish grind but I've played this same game over and over for years. It might be a "better" themepark of recent but it's still the same old boring themepark content.  

I just started playing Borderlands 2 and found "exploring" much more fun in that game. At least there's a chance I could find a nice chest loaded with rare guns vs. a "rich" mineral vein or a silly jump quest.

That part in red describes GW2 exactly. A true explorer who pokes into every nook and cranny and goes to see what is over the next hill just cause it is there, or cause there is an interesting landmark there finds these things. I've lost count of how many hidden little nooks and crannies I've found with a "nice chest" at the end, usually guarded by a monster. Same with Jumping puzzles... Its not a silly jump quest, its a question of how to get somewhere... In Vanilla WoW people used to wall-walk. Why? because you had the chance to get somewhere and see something out of the ordinary. I remember getting past the zone border one time and finding myself on an endless plain of stone.

Once you start getting used to looking for ways to get up, over, or around things you will be surprised at the kind of stuff you find. Hidden merchants. Private DEs with no one else there. Chests. Monsters. Farms... Or just a breathtaking view that you may suspect no one but you has ever seen. And isn't that what being an explorer is all about?

I just bought a new car. 

I plan on turning ONLY left with it, no blinkers no seat belts, but ONLY turning left.

Now here is my problem. Things were doing good for me for a few days and a lot of left hand turns.  But yesterday I went to the mall and when I came out, a car was parked on the left hand side of me and a little in front.  I waited for the guy to come out but he never did, he must work there.  So to make a long story short, I had to leave my car there over night.

What should I do ?

Originally posted by Mors-Subita

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

Playing a game the way it's not supposed to be played? That doesn't interest me either. There's very little incentive to fight your way through areas. Exp sucks from basic kills, monsters spawn too fast, it's just boring. It's easier and more palatable to avoid areas completely.

It's not me that's the problem, it's the game. You obviously like the same Themepark-ish grind but I've played this same game over and over for years. It might be a "better" themepark of recent but it's still the same old boring themepark content.  

I just started playing Borderlands 2 and found "exploring" much more fun in that game. At least there's a chance I could find a nice chest loaded with rare guns vs. a "rich" mineral vein or a silly jump quest.

That part in red describes GW2 exactly. A true explorer who pokes into every nook and cranny and goes to see what is over the next hill just cause it is there, or cause there is an interesting landmark there finds these things. I've lost count of how many hidden little nooks and crannies I've found with a "nice chest" at the end, usually guarded by a monster. Same with Jumping puzzles... Its not a silly jump quest, its a question of how to get somewhere... In Vanilla WoW people used to wall-walk. Why? because you had the chance to get somewhere and see something out of the ordinary. I remember getting past the zone border one time and finding myself on an endless plain of stone.

Once you start getting used to looking for ways to get up, over, or around things you will be surprised at the kind of stuff you find. Hidden merchants. Private DEs with no one else there. Chests. Monsters. Farms... Or just a breathtaking view that you may suspect no one but you has ever seen. And isn't that what being an explorer is all about?

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

Originally posted by WhiteLantern

Also, what is the point of exploring if everything I can see is already on my map. There is no reason to go to a far-off corner fo the map when I already know there is nothing there. I would much rather not have the icons or at least not have them show up until a scout points them out to me. I know, I know: "turn off your map and don't use it, blah, blah, blah". I like having a map, I just don't like it to be pre-marked.

Ok, I feel the need to address this point also, because I see this all the time from people.

The common view among people saying this is that anything worth seeing and all the hidden stuff on the map is marked on the map.

Let me explain what is marked on the map:

1) Waypoints - teleportation locations. Obviously they are marked on the map, as otherwise you would not be able to teleport to them.

2) Hearts - these were added late game and are designed to get people to move into and through areas where DEs spawn. They were put in because some people just really need the hand-holding.

3) Vistas - These unlock when you get close enough to them on the map. This tells you that there is a piece of landscape and a view there which is worth looking at. It is a way of getting people to stop, smell the roses, and admire the artwork.

4) Points of Interest - These are places which are relevant to the lore or the story.

All of these things are shown on the map because they all count towards map completion.

Ok, what is not marked on the map?

1) Jumping puzzles

2) Hidden tunnels, caves, etc.

3) Chests

4) NPCs

5) Things that might actually interest you(rather than PoIs which are just things relevant to the lore)

6) etc etc etc

You say that there is no point in going to the far-corners of the map because you know nothing is there, but all you know is that there isn't something there which counts towards the official map completion achievement. But those are the publicly known things, not the secrets. If you want to know the secrets of the world you need to go out and FIND THEM.

Like a lot of people have said, there are a lot of areas to explore to find different things.  I've only run into a few so I can't comment on how those areas (jumping puzzles, etc.) will help you with leveling, but they are definitely there if you are willing to look for it.

As for the hearts thing.  You mentioned you don't like them because you want to know why you're doing something.  I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but when I actually talk to the heart NPCs, they tell me why they want me to do something.  In that way, they can actually function like the old quest systems if that's what you want.

And of course, the best way to not be one-shot by an NPC is to not go into those areas where the NPCs are leveled way above you.  So, like others, I would suggest going to the other lower end areas and crafting to help boost your leveling.

Hope you figure it out.  I have found exploring to be one of the most rewarding parts of the game.

As people have said, there are plenty of things NOT marked on the map (though I wish vistas weren't either...but that's just me).

Also, if you don't want to see the points on the map, you can toggle them off. Press M, and check the bottom left corner.

Lastly, check out all named NPCs you come across. Many don't have ANY markers on them, but their conversations trigger event chains.

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

This will be the last, I assure you. And I can guarantee most of you will come to the same conclusion eventually. The same old Skinner Boxes eventually get old. Very old.

I'm an explorer type as well and find the up front symbol placement a bit cheesy to be honest.  "We want you to explore... all of these things we show you here, here and here".

It's not a huge deal and I know there are real discovery opportunities but could be tweaked IMO.  I think there should be an option to have PoI show as you get to them, maybe a distance factor.  That would make the system a little less... canned maybe? I'm not sure what to call it.  The tally on the left side doesn't bother me though as it's a little "hey, you haven't seen it all yet" type of notification without being too obvious.

On the XP your personal story should definatly be kept up to date as it gives a lot of xp and will pertain to the zone you're in should you stay in your racial areas.  One great thing as an explorer in GW2 is that the other racial zones offer a different landscape and until you get really good gear you shouldn't notice a difference in gameplay.

Originally posted by AlBQuirky

 

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Originally posted by SteeJanz

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Originally posted by Stx11

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Originally posted by SteeJanz It's like Lions Arch, most people don't know there are 3 jumping puzzles in LA.  Everyone sees the one because of the vista.  The other two require more exploration.  Each of them are hinted at by NPC's.  One would be very hard to stumble on.  and it is near the mystic forge where alot of people go.  :) If you look at  the achievements for exploring there are 39 puzzle achievements.  They are not marked an any map.  I would suggest those interested in exploring, to work on those.  Supposeldy one takes you to the floating castle.

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O... M... F... G... Well, there goes my weekend

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It is pure hearsay.  So I hope I didnt get your hopes up.  There isn't anything official about.  Just alot of interesting stuff the town folk say.

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Do you mean this one? I only saw it. Couldn't get to it :)

 

Yes.  The wizards tower.

Originally posted by Aelious

I'm an explorer type as well and find the up front symbol placement a bit cheesy to be honest.  "We want you to explore... all of these things we show you here, here and here".

 

It's not a huge deal and I know there are real discovery opportunities but could be tweaked IMO.  I think there should be an option to have PoI show as you get to them, maybe a distance factor.  That would make the system a little less... canned maybe? I'm not sure what to call it.  The tally on the left side doesn't bother me though as it's a little "hey, you haven't seen it all yet" type of notification without being too obvious.

 

On the XP your personal story should definatly be kept up to date as it gives a lot of xp and will pertain to the zone you're in should you stay in your racial areas.  One great thing as an explorer in GW2 is that the other racial zones offer a different landscape and until you get really good gear you shouldn't notice a difference in gameplay.

Lower left corner of the map gives you options has an eye that will let you remove the markers from the map. 

Originally posted by SteeJanz

Originally posted by Aelious

I'm an explorer type as well and find the up front symbol placement a bit cheesy to be honest.  "We want you to explore... all of these things we show you here, here and here".

 

It's not a huge deal and I know there are real discovery opportunities but could be tweaked IMO.  I think there should be an option to have PoI show as you get to them, maybe a distance factor.  That would make the system a little less... canned maybe? I'm not sure what to call it.  The tally on the left side doesn't bother me though as it's a little "hey, you haven't seen it all yet" type of notification without being too obvious.

 

On the XP your personal story should definatly be kept up to date as it gives a lot of xp and will pertain to the zone you're in should you stay in your racial areas.  One great thing as an explorer in GW2 is that the other racial zones offer a different landscape and until you get really good gear you shouldn't notice a difference in gameplay.

Lower left corner of the map gives you options has an eye that will let you remove the markers from the map. 

LOL, the more you know I guess.  Thank you 

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

This will be the last, I assure you. And I can guarantee most of you will come to the same conclusion eventually. The same old Skinner Boxes eventually get old. Very old.

could say that about any game in pretty much any genre.. when you have been playing video games for 20 years + it takes a lot to get me into a game for more than a month nowadays.. for example TL2 fun game played it 6 hours last night plus what i played in beta.. but already sorta bored with it.. too much of the same to me.. just matter of personal perspective and what you really enjoy in a video game

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

This will be the last, I assure you. And I can guarantee most of you will come to the same conclusion eventually. The same old Skinner Boxes eventually get old. Very old.

could say that about any game in pretty much any genre.. when you have been playing video games for 20 years + it takes a lot to get me into a game for more than a month nowadays.. for example TL2 fun game played it 6 hours last night plus what i played in beta.. but already sorta bored with it.. too much of the same to me.. just matter of perspective and waht yuo really enjoy in a video game

Agreed. It's not just MMOs that I have issue with either, they're all recycling and it's getting extremely stale. I just picked up TL2 and I'm having a difficult time playing at all. It's kinda like watching the same recorded Super Bowl over and over for decades.

What happened to creativity and thinking outside the Skinner Box? It's just sad.

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

This will be the last, I assure you. And I can guarantee most of you will come to the same conclusion eventually. The same old Skinner Boxes eventually get old. Very old.

could say that about any game in pretty much any genre.. when you have been playing video games for 20 years + it takes a lot to get me into a game for more than a month nowadays.. for example TL2 fun game played it 6 hours last night plus what i played in beta.. but already sorta bored with it.. too much of the same to me.. just matter of perspective and waht yuo really enjoy in a video game

Agreed. It's not just MMOs that I have issue with either, they're all recycling and it's getting extremely stale. I just picked up TL2 and I'm having a difficult time playing at all. It's kinda like watching the same recorded Super Bowl over and over for decades.

What happened to creativity and thinking outside the Skinner Box? It's just sad.

i can agree with that but to me GW2 offers enough new and interesting features that it has me hooked more than most any other recent game.. obviously not everyone sees it like this but to me it is refreshing and I'm having a lot of fun.. like I said above it's all personal prespective and what you value in your video game experiences.

Originally posted by Bladestrom
So what makes exploring interesting for you zekiah?

Good question.

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

Originally posted by Aerowyn

Originally posted by Zekiah

 

The chests in GW2 suck, not worth trying to get to. I don't find searching for new landscapes interesting either. If finding something to look at is a goal worth accomplishing for you then you've found the right game.

found lots of good stuff in chests so far plenty of greens and couple yellows.. got a stack of things for mystic forge crafting and lots of transmutation stones as well as various boosters.. not sure what you are looking for exactly.. seems like you are on themepark burnout.. not sure why you would force yourself through another themepark game.

This will be the last, I assure you. And I can guarantee most of you will come to the same conclusion eventually. The same old Skinner Boxes eventually get old. Very old.

could say that about any game in pretty much any genre.. when you have been playing video games for 20 years + it takes a lot to get me into a game for more than a month nowadays.. for example TL2 fun game played it 6 hours last night plus what i played in beta.. but already sorta bored with it.. too much of the same to me.. just matter of perspective and waht yuo really enjoy in a video game

Agreed. It's not just MMOs that I have issue with either, they're all recycling and it's getting extremely stale. I just picked up TL2 and I'm having a difficult time playing at all. It's kinda like watching the same recorded Super Bowl over and over for decades.

What happened to creativity and thinking outside the Skinner Box? It's just sad.

i can agree with that but to me GW2 offers enough new and interesting features that it has me hooked more than most any other recent game.. obviously not everyone sees it like this but to me it is refreshing and I'm having a lot of fun.. like I said above it's all personal prespective and what you value in your video game experiences.

I don't see anything new, re-packaged but not new. DEs are nothing more than auto-quests. What else is there that could be considered new? I don't see anything new. Everything was done pretty well, for what it is, but it's still nothing new and I just see right through it. I suppose I've been around the block so many times that I resent trying to be tricked by being told it's "NEW AND EARTH-SHATTERING!"

Know what I mean? Every. Single Game. "Check us out! We're new and game-changing!"

Nah, I'm not buyin' it. It's all just re-cycled and re-packaged content from games of years past.