Looking For Group?

[Amnerys]

<span class="newsContent"><p>One of the best ways to experience EverQuest II is by playing with a group ; If you don't already have a group of friends or guild members to play with, you can use the Looking To Group tool (also called Looking For Group or LFG) to join or create a group. Alternately, groups looking to fill empty spots can use the same tool to find new group members. </p> <p><b>Player Looking for Group</b>:</p> <p>To get to the LFG interface, you can either select "Looking for Group" from the EQII button, click on the exclamation point icon, or type <i>/lfg</i>.  There are two tabs in the window; "Player Looking for Group" and "Group Looking for More."</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/lfg_tool/EQ2_LFG_Button.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="464" border="0" /></p> <p>Inside the "Player Looking for Group" tab you'll see three numbered sections:</p> <ol><li>What would you like to do?</li><ul><li>This is your place to add notes on what kind of group you are looking for, such as experience (XP), instance runs or epic quest updates.  You can leave this section blank, but filling it in may help a group pick you out of the crowd when they are looking to complete a specific task . </li></ul><li>Would you like to mentor players in a lower level group? <ul><li>This check box will let others know if you are willing to mentor down to fit into their group. </li></ul> </li><li>What role(s) would you like to play? <ul><li>Here you can designate which role you want to fill within the group: <ul><li>Primary Tank</li><li>Secondary Tank</li><li>Primary Healer</li><li>Secondary Healer</li><li>Melee Damage</li><li>Ranged Damage</li><li>Crowd Control </li><li>Combat Support</li></ul> </li></ul> </li></ol> <p>Once you are satisfied with the above selections, click on the "Start Looking" button.  You will then have the LFG tag next to your name and players or groups who are looking to add more to their group can find you.</p> <p>You can also click on "Search for Groups" in the lower section of the window to see a list of groups that are currently looking for more members.  For a more refined list, check the "Only Show Groups I Match" button.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/lfg_tool/EQ2_LFG_Window.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="478" border="0" /></p> <p><b>Group Looking for More</b>:</p> <p>The second tab, "Group Looking for More" (LFM), is for groups that need to fill spots. The layout is similar in appearance to the LFG tab, and can be opened directly by typing <i>/lfm</i>. From this tab you are able to enter information about your open group as well as see a list of individual players that are LFG. The number of stars next to the player name indicates how well that player fits your group's level range.</p> <p>Inside the "Group Looking for More" tab you'll see three numbered sections:</p> <ol><li> What would you like to do?</li><ul><li>Use this box to describe your group's goals or destination. </li></ul><li>What level range are you looking for? <ul><li>Enter the minimum and maximum levels you want in your group so players will know if they fit your needs. </li></ul> </li><li>What role(s) do you want filled? <ul><li>Check the box for each role you are seeking. <ul><li>Primary Tank</li><li>Secondary Tank</li><li>Primary Healer</li><li>Secondary Healer</li><li>Melee Damage</li><li>Ranged Damage</li><li>Crowd Control</li><li>Combat Support</li></ul> </li></ul> </li></ol> <p>Once you have filled in the above selections, click the "Start Looking" button.  Players who are looking to join a group can then see your group on their "Groups That Are Looking for Members" list. You can also click "Search for Players" to see a list of players who are looking for a group. Check the "Only show players who match" box to narrow the list to players who specifically meet your criteria. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/lfg_tool/EQ2_LFM_Window.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="479" border="0" /></p> <p align="left">We hope this guide will help players who want to progress through Norrath's many challenges with the company of other players.  Though the world is beautiful and exciting, it can also be treacherous and is often more easily traversed with the aide of a hearty band of companions.</p></span>

[CoLD MeTaL]

<p>The problem is that there has to actually be other people wanting a PuG.</p><p>LFG right now is a joke in my opinion.  </p><p>AND in RoK you actually level faster solo, unless you happen to have a group that consistently stays together doing the exact same quests all the time, ie a 6-boxer.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>AND in RoK you actually level faster solo, unless you happen to have a group that consistently stays together doing the exact same quests all the time, ie a 6-boxer.</p></blockquote>That would be T8 though.. there are actually 7 other tiers that could benefit from this information. Most of those venturing into T8 are already in established guilds and haven't needed the LFG tool for 2 or 3 tiers now. Something to ponder.

[Amnerys]

<cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The problem is that there has to actually be other people wanting a PuG.</p></blockquote>You're absolutely right.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  But as Spyderbite said, since a lot of players are coming back to the game right now, there are more and more people who will be looking for groups in all level ranges, not just RoK.  And if more people would use the tool, it would be easier to find other players who are looking for a PuG.Some of my funniest memories in-game are from PuG's.  Not necessarily players I'll be adding to my friends list, but still some hilarity that I'll always remember. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> That's the fun of using the LFG tool...you just never know what you'll end up with.

[ashen1973]

<cite>Amnerys wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The problem is that there has to actually be other people wanting a PuG.</p></blockquote>You're absolutely right.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" />  But as Spyderbite said, since a lot of players are coming back to the game right now, there are more and more people who will be looking for groups in all level ranges, not just RoK.  And if more people would use the tool, it would be easier to find other players who are looking for a PuG.Some of my funniest memories in-game are from PuG's.  Not necessarily players I'll be adding to my friends list, but still some hilarity that I'll always remember. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /> That's the fun of using the LFG tool...you just never know what you'll end up with.</blockquote><p>I agree, as you climb up the teirs, the LFG tool becomes less and less useful.</p><p>But in the lower tiers finding groups is a great way to meet people that you may want to group with again, guild with or never have anything to do with for as long as you play <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Some of the funniest and worst times i've had ingame have been in PuG's.</p>

[Seidhkona]

I think it is key to keep track of people you meet. If you get in a group with folks that are fun to be around, folks who know what the heck they're doing, put them on your Friends list -- and use the Notes feature there to remind you why.Build you a network one fun person at a time.And I can and do mentor down to help younger folks for content I enjoy. I'll almost always come tank Deathfist Citadel for anyone, so long as they have Listening 101 mastered <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I sometimes just wander around Antonica and will befriend people, then tell them to put me on their friends list. If I am not in an instance or raid, I will come and help and teach.  I always tell people "Pay it Forward" -- don't thank ME, but repay what I did by helping a younger person in your own turn.

[Spyderbite]

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>I always tell people "Pay it Forward" -- don't thank ME, but repay what I did by helping a younger person in your own turn.</blockquote>That's the attitude I think everyone should have. Sadly, that's not the case. But, its nice to think so. I've done the same thing over and over again for new players on my server because of the guidance I received when I first started.

[DaFriar]

I love mentoring down to tank Fallen Gate, love that zone and it's instance. I think SoE needs to focus some incentives around mentoring. With all the returning/new players running around Norrath now I think mentoring is going to be Essential for maintaining the player base as they work their way up the ladder. Mentoring is the one single facet of EQ2 that sets it apart from it's counterparts.. yes game play is a wee bit different but not so much separation from other games. The lore and Mentoring.. that's what makes EQ2 different. But most higher level people have a valid point, why mentor and run through content I've done 8 times on their main and 4 times per alt? I can understand the lack of desire to mentor down and help lower levels get a full group together. That's where SoE comes in and adds incentives to mentoring. I could go on and on about possible incentives but I'll save that for the Expansions forums.In relation to this thread, the LFG tool is only useless because the community at large makes it useless. One thing SoE could do is when you have /LFG up you gain access to the LFG Chat channel, only way to be in that channel is to have LFG flag up. this would allow most of us to turn off our tier chats (except 1-9, I love those discussions /sarcasm).

[Seidhkona]

<cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>The problem is that there has to actually be other people wanting a PuG.</p><p>LFG right now is a joke in my opinion.  </p><p>AND in RoK you actually level faster solo, unless you happen to have a group that consistently stays together doing the exact same quests all the time, ie a 6-boxer.</p></blockquote>There are some people I won't do a PUG with. I don't want to group with people who are going to carp and criticize and whine the whole time. Once the group ends, someone like that I will put on my ignore list with a note explaining why.I think people who have problems getting a  group are doing way too much "couch potato" rather than being proactive. Don't just say "LFG" and sit there like a lump.  Figure out exactly what you want to do, then you BE THE GROUP LEADER.  I mean, look at the following LFG posts. Which ones might interest YOU?LFG<b>Group forming for Stormhold! Come hunt names and glory with us! PST!</b>24 wiz lfg<b>Dwarven Work Boots group forming to do HQ from start to finish. PST!</b>I'm so bored. Bored, bored, bored. Someone take me somewhere.This server is dead. ANYONE have a group?<b>Tank and healer seek a few more to tackle Armor Quests! PST</b>In general, the ones that work best come from a person with a goal in mind. The examples I've bolded are the types of LFG you want to use.  So, the steps for getting a  group:<ol><li>Figure out what YOU want to do, where exactly you want to go</li><li>Check your friends list - got any friends on who might want to go?</li><li>Go to the level chat appropriate for the target area you plan to hunt and post your ad. Say clearly what your group will be doing!</li></ol>These steps work!  If you are working on just general quests in an overland zone, then your best place to advertise for help is /ooc in the zone itself:Working on Antonica Quests in the Windstalker Village area! PST if you'd like to join me!Running writs to slay scarecrows and wolved, PST if you'd like to help!Looking for Antonican named creatures to kill for AA! Come hunting for AA and glory!Etc.Here's one last group-getting tip.  If you watch level chat, you will OFTEN see five or six people mindlessly chanting "23 Wizzie LFG".... "30 brig needs group" etc.  Decide to be the leader and gather them up! Voilá! you got group!

[Odys]

The lfg tag worked well in WOW and EQ1 probably due to a strong player base.In Eq2 the tool is useless, i regret it since the tool is well designed.People tend to use the level range channel to announce that they want to group.

[StormCinder]

I prefer the "Y" tool.  The filters are better and it makes more sense than the LFG tool.   Plus, you can keep it floating on-screen while you play.SC

[Razlath]

<cite>Oustafiak@Storms wrote:</cite><blockquote>The lfg tag worked well in WOW and EQ1 probably due to a strong player base.In Eq2 the tool is useless, i regret it since the tool is well designed.People tend to use the level range channel to announce that they want to group.</blockquote><p>Actually I tend to think it is the level chats that have caused the problem.  Why spend the time setting up a tool someone may or may not check when you can hit level chat and put it in their face?  I am not saying I necessarily agree with the sentiment, but it certainly seems to be the case.  Even when EQ2 was brand new and we had at least 2 Commonlands at all points in time the LFG tool went largely unused.  Once peeps figured out the chat channels had no limits and everyone was in them, they just used those instead.  This was further advanced by groups spamming LFM in the chat channels because they thought someone might jump over to an alt or might not have their LFG up but still be willing to group.  It doesn't make the LFG tool useless, but it makes sure it is only a small part of the equation.  When you have one method that forces others to see your message vs another method that requires them to make effort to notice you most peeps tend to use the forceful method.</p><p>I haven't played WoW past the trial, so I don't know if they have level based chat channels or not.  If they don't have a channel that hits all players in a lvl range no matter how many there are, it probably goes a lot farther towards explaining why such a tool is used more than sheer playerbase.</p>

[Amnerys]

<cite>DaFriar wrote:</cite><blockquote>I love mentoring down to tank Fallen Gate, love that zone and it's instance. I think SoE needs to focus some incentives around mentoring. With all the returning/new players running around Norrath now I think mentoring is going to be Essential for maintaining the player base as they work their way up the ladder. </blockquote>Guess what.  We're doing just that!  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  On the <a href="http://livinglegacy.station.sony.com/everquest2-calendar.vm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Living Legacy full event schedule</a>, if you scroll down into July's events, there's mention of the upcoming "Bonus Mentoring System Event".  So stay tuned for more details!

[DaFriar]

<cite>Amnerys wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>DaFriar wrote:</cite><blockquote>I love mentoring down to tank Fallen Gate, love that zone and it's instance. I think SoE needs to focus some incentives around mentoring. With all the returning/new players running around Norrath now I think mentoring is going to be Essential for maintaining the player base as they work their way up the ladder. </blockquote>Guess what.  We're doing just that!  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" />  On the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://livinglegacy.station.sony.com/everquest2-calendar.vm" target="_blank">Living Legacy full event schedule</a>, if you scroll down into July's events, there's mention of the upcoming "Bonus Mentoring System Event".  So stay tuned for more details!</blockquote>I don't mean just a boost to XP. I mean that's great and all, but personally I don't mentor to level. Granted your event doesn't stipulate <i>what </i>the reward for mentoring will be, so I will wait and see I hope it's good, but I'm expecting to gain more xp when mentoring. Would be nice if it were status gains though with guild halls coming to us soon(tm).