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Character retraining / multiple build specs
subnocte
Member Posts: 341 Arc User
Most MMOs allow you to have more than one build that you can switch between at will out of combat. For example you might have one you use for end game dungeons and another for soloing. It'd be really good to have that in the game, as there are so many different ways to tweak your character spec. Extra build slots could be bought from the Zen store, and perhaps one could be provided for VIPs, which is locked otherwise.
While something like that would obviously need a fair bit of development work to get going, there are a couple of other things that would really make life more pleasant:
Add a VIP benefit (maybe rank 6 or higher) that provides free, unlimited retraining. I think it'd be really useful for regular players who would like to try different builds in real situations.
While something like that would obviously need a fair bit of development work to get going, there are a couple of other things that would really make life more pleasant:
Add a VIP benefit (maybe rank 6 or higher) that provides free, unlimited retraining. I think it'd be really useful for regular players who would like to try different builds in real situations.
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Other than that, I say no to unlimited retraining in any form. This isn't a sandbox game, nor do I have the desire to see it turned into one. I would however say yes to different skill setups using skill you own.
How is that related to a sandbox game? Why would you want to forbid something that other people would find useful that has absolutely no impact on you?
People can retrain as much as they like if they spend 300 Zen each time. Providing it as a VIP benefit simply makes VIP more attractive to people who want to play different builds.
Regarding respeccing:
I'd suggest a sliding cost model, as part of the AD overhaul package. Now, we only can do a full retrain (Skills and Feats) or a complete Feat respec. I'd suggest using a backpedaling model, with an increasing cost per pick you undo. Normal picking/unpicking rules should apply (first spend 5 points in tier one before tier two is unlocked etc.), but if you e.g. only wish to change the Tier 5 feat in your Main tree, you'd get along with unpicking 6 feat picks, and can reassign only those.
The model is used in some games, (I can remember Titan's Quest off the top of my head, but know I've seen it in others, too...) and should hence in principle be possible.
As to why I suggest this:
The current "all or nothing at a somewhat hefty price" model is easier to code, for sure, but detrimental to experimentation and fine tuning of character builds. This leads to most people using cookie cutter builds (not meant to deprecate their value, just angling at the loss of variety), even though with some modification they'd be better off with their playstile / playing context / party / progress stage / ... , and nobody can blame them for not trying out something different considering the cost of failure. Yes, the Preview Server does offer testing and free respecs until the game's eventual shutdown, but this again is a hurdle, it's not the normal gaming context, no live game progress will be gathered, and hence few people ever use this option.
The gradual respec model would offer way more liberty to newer palyers, and everyone could try out everything with little fear of mistakes.
If I wanted to play WoW, I'd be playing WoW.
Still, I wouldn't say no to a function that allowed you to swap power loadouts instantly (with requisite cooldown). Being able to switch between an offensive/defensive or anti-boss/anti-mob power loadout without having to open your power window in the middle of combat would be a nice change.
I wouldnt mind some more functionality in this matter. It gets boring at times. How about a 7 day cooldown on a respec? then it pops open again.
1-2 hours total worth of skirmishes/dungeons every day on 3 chars gives you enough for your basic game services needs, at least at the point where one would seriously consider a respec. Even a casual player can pull off something like that.
And re. fee for respeccing: Yes to "fee OK" for full respec. Though it's quite a hurdle, and many people need their AD for a lot of other stuff (Campaigns, gear, SH,...) Just often one doesn't need it - that full or all-feat respec. Hence my advocacy for dynamic respec. But I don't hold my breath...
I got ten last year.. and would like the same amount this year please
With Christmas fairy dust sprinkled on top.