Grouping (or lack of a group)

[Whipsna]

<DIV>Is it just the ranger class or does everyone have trouble findind a group?</DIV> <DIV>I'm a lvl 29 ranger with good gear and I'm getting really tired of never being able to find a group.</DIV> <DIV>I run between TS, Nek, Zek and EL and yell for groups for hours and it seems like I only manage to get invited every other day.</DIV> <DIV>Is it because no one wants a ranger or is it that all classes have trouble finding groups?</DIV>

[Lesca]

<DIV>For me, it mostly depends on the time of day I'm logged in. As I'm in England and the vast majority of players are US based, if I try and get a group whilst it's an unsocial hour in the States, I don't always have a lot of luck. Sometimes I have no trouble - people are shouting for DPS etc and are happy to take on a ranger - other times it's dead and I'm reduced to hunting the little beasties round TS...</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV>

[JaggNomr]

<DIV>I agree with Lesca, it depends on how the game is that day/night. Sometimes i get in a grop no problem, other times I have a hard time finding a group to join. Sometimes i catch someone shouting for a DPS and have no problems then. It just depends on what everyone is looking for. Most of the time when i have a hard time finding a group, I will start one myself, this actually helps us out in the long run, you being a DPS, if you can get a healer type, you should have no problem with getting others LFG to join you. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also, use the LFG button to your advantage, see if there are a number of people LFG and then shout that you are startiing one, 9 times out of 10 half the people LFG will come to you, and you maybe suprised by the people NOT LFG who want to join up with you aswell.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If you dont feel comfortable running a group, get it together and hand it off to someone, it can seriously work wonders in your LFG serch. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Try this out and see how it works for ya.</DIV>

[Kthaara]

<DIV>Agree.  Starting a group is not that difficult.  You basically need a tank and a healer.  Even without a healer you can still have a semi-efficient group.  Just make sure that whoever pulls understands the capabilities of your group.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>K</DIV>

[Ren]

Hrm, I never had problems getting a group in my late 20s early 30s, I went to the Ruins of Varsoon and Nekatulos forest, giants are still great exp in Nekatulos till lvl 29, then I moved on to EL and Zek, and did alot of quest to get me through those levels actually, I easily went from lvl 30-31 1/2 camping the spawns needed for Operation Greenhood, farming the area, waiting for spawns, etc, with a decent group, so there is plenty of hope out there <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ... Now, at 35-36, I can put up my LFG in Qeynos, and get invited out to Zek, Rivervale, Obelisk of Lost souls, etc withing 5 minutes. So it does get better, just make sure everytime your in a group, just be polite, and the best ranger you can be, so use your bow, and just deal massive massive damage, and groups will appreciate it, and you will start getting alot of, well, I suppose referals from those members, making parties easier to find... Nothing like joining a group, and the players are like w00t *insert name here* , we got ourselves an awsome ranger... Although, from what I have read about the late 40s-50 we sort of become obsolete, so I am hoping an praying that we get our dues by the time I reach that bump in the road. I have noticed though, that Rangers are in decline, first month they were like the Flavor of the Month, and that leaves us out to get alot of groups, from what it looks like.Good luck <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Jay]

<DIV><FONT size=2>I'm a L25 ranger and don't really have a problem finding a group when I need one. But I have timezones working to my advantage (I'm in Eastern zone and tend to play in the evenings after work), I'm a decent communicator, and I try to make grouping fun. People really respond to this. Make your LFG messages in OOC chat amusing - talk about what a handsome ranger you are - or style them like a TV infomercial. ("But wait, there's more!! I'll even throw in pathfinding and chest disarms for FREE, call now!!") It can work wonders. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>Definitely START groups, too. To help get ppl to join, I use the LFG list, send tells (not invites) to prospective players and describe exactly what we're after, and make it clear that the assistance will go both ways. I.e. "I need 6 more Steelhoof hunters and our mage has to finish some gnolls, after that we can take on whatever you need." </FONT><FONT size=2>(And follow through on that - do not finish your own quest and then disband; stick around and help the people that helped you.) Also, give people a little something to encourage them when you send that tell - say "hey, tank and ranger here - we could really use your healing / buffing / DPS / whatever," so that person feels wanted for what they have to offer, not as an anonymous character to fill an empty slot. Give 'em a little ego boost, show some appreciation for their unique abilities - also goes a really long way. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=2>Good luck!</FONT></DIV>