is there an ETA for GU52 hitting test please?

[Tazdrag]

<p>as per the subject, any official information on GU52 hitting test would be much appreciated</p>

[SaraBH]

<p>Not trying to flame or derail this at all. I would love to know as well but i have a wierd question about your question?</p><p>Have they ever given us an ETA like this?</p><p>again im in no way trying to flame or anything im curius if they have. I dont spend much time reading the post in this perticular bourd much so i want to know if i should like bookmark post like this when i see them so i can get a small heads up. If they really dont ever awnser then i wont bother.</p>

[Tazdrag]

<p>no, not normally</p><p>But I was hoping after the debacle of the last update and that it has been a month since that update went live that there would be an attempt to get something fresh out to take away the taste of the fighter debacle</p><p>There was a lot of talk about the need to communicate and open communication channels, but apart from some advance talk about stuff that is coming, there has been a lot of silence</p>

[SaraBH]

<p>ill keep an eye on this one there just in case. Thanks.</p>

[Reapicheap]

<p>Yes.  The Devs know exactly when they plan to deploy GU52 to the test server.  They also have no intention of telling anyone until they do it.</p><p>OOOooo!  Gives me's chills just thinkings about it.</p>

[ccarro]

<p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p>

[Obadiah]

<p><cite>Lurch@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Not trying to flame or derail this at all. I would love to know as well but i have a wierd question about your question?</p><p>Have they ever given us an ETA like this?</p></blockquote><p>See, they normally don't have to because it's normally 2-3 weeks after a GU goes live. Like clockwork. Next week it'll mark 5.</p><p>Prior to TSO the only notably long gap had been after RoK launch as they worked on epics.</p>

[Hirofortis]

<p>Simple Answer, When it is half done. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Grobi]

<p>wonder anyway what we can look forward with lu52. it is pretty silence with the devs lately and im no sure if they realy know in what direction we go from here on.</p>

[Obadiah]

<p><cite>Grobi wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>wonder anyway what we can look forward with lu52. it is pretty silence with the devs lately and im no sure if they realy know in what direction we go from here on.</p></blockquote><p>Spell name consolidation, gray shard elimination, and some level 80 solo quests for starters. Doesn't sound like the new x2 would be ready yet, but hey, if it's another month before this is going to Test then maybe so.</p>

[shadowscale]

<p><cite>Kurgan@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Doesn't sound like the new x2 would be ready yet</p></blockquote><p>there is another X2 zone planned?</p>

[Obadiah]

<p><cite>shadowscale wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kurgan@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Doesn't sound like the new x2 would be ready yet</p></blockquote><p>there is another X2 zone planned?</p></blockquote><p><a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=0&topic_id=449700�" target="_blank">Apparently so.</a></p>

[Novusod]

<p>If past history is any guid I would say they are holding back on us until Fan Faire '09. If they tell us everything now what is the point of Fan Faire?</p>

[Obadiah]

<p><cite>Novusod wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If past history is any guid I would say they are holding back on us until Fan Faire '09. If they tell us everything now what is the point of Fan Faire?</p></blockquote><p>These are uncharted waters. If past history were any guide there would haev been 7 updates between the expansion and Fan Faire. As it stands it seems entirely possible there will have been only 1 by the time FF rolls around.</p>

[SpineDoc]

<p><cite>Kurgan@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>gray shard elimination</p></blockquote><p>Is this a pretty strong rumor?  Shame, my brother wants to come back to the game but is caught in our dead server where there are only occasional TSO groups that do the harder TSO instances.</p>

[Dirty Jack Rackham]

<p><span style="font-size: small;">Soon<strong>™</strong></span></p>

[bryldan]

<p><cite>Novusod wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If past history is any guid I would say they are holding back on us until Fan Faire '09. If they tell us everything now what is the point of Fan Faire?</p></blockquote><p>Perhaps the expansion? Isnt fan faire were they usually give insight into the expansion?</p>

[Gaige]

<p><cite>Novusod wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If past history is any guid I would say they are holding back on us until Fan Faire '09. If they tell us everything now what is the point of Fan Faire?</p></blockquote><p>Except the Fan Faire is in June and we should have an update in May?  I say "should" extremely lightly considering the lack of updates and communication in TSO so far.</p>

[Lethe5683]

<p><cite>SpineDoc wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kurgan@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>gray shard elimination</p></blockquote><p>Is this a pretty strong rumor?  Shame, my brother wants to come back to the game but is caught in our dead server where there are only occasional TSO groups that do the harder TSO instances.</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00ccff;">If you only want shards the easier instances are faster anyways.</span></p>

[Kiara]

<p>We are planning to patch Test the week of the 18th and if that date changes, we'll let you know.</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We are planning to patch Test the week of the 18th and if that date changes, we'll let you know.</p></blockquote><p>Well, I guess no one can say SOE "never" gave you an ETA before...LOL</p><p>Thanks Kiara!</p>

[Hellswrath]

<p>Thanks for the update!</p>

[Tazdrag]

<p>Thank you Kiara</p>

[Gaige]

<p>Bleh so no update until June at the earliest.  We could seriously end up in November with only 4 updates to the game in a year.</p>

[caspervw]

<p><cite>Gage wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Bleh so no update until June at the earliest.  We could seriously end up in November with only 4 updates to the game in a year.</p></blockquote><p>Or 3...</p>

[Undorett]

<p>Don't forget!  GU53 will be pushed back due to Fan Faire...</p>

[Hirofortis]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We are planning to patch Test the week of the 18th and if that date changes, we'll let you know.</p></blockquote><p>FAINTS - Quick someone call a medic.</p>

[einar4]

<p> Actually Development has done that before.  I know of a few times in the past they have made comments like, "We'll be putting the new update on Test in a couple of weeks..." and things like that.  </p><p> It actually is just that they have a moving target when you have a lot of development teams and QA teams working together, to say nothing of deployment/server teams.  I know they talk about how if they announce dates then people scream about it when the dates don't happen, but I'd prefer seeing tentative dates announced myself. </p><p>I mean, if they don't make a date they should just say, "Yeah, we lied, sue us.  We told you the wrong date because we hate you all and don't like your classes because we all play a class that isn't yours and we wanted to totally screw up your plans and anyway you shouldn't have called in sick that day before you found out if the patch was really going live that day or not.  So get back to work." </p><p> But then I've never been much of a people person.</p>

[RoryBradwarden]

<p>I for one used to really like the monthly updates .... game feels dead without them</p>

[Anestacia]

<p>I enjoyed the monthly updates as well but tbh, I understand why they are less frequent.  EQ2 is FINALLY at the point to where it doesnt need to be fixed every single month.  Are there improvements that can be made?  Of course and there always will be but in the past its not like we got a new zone every update or anything.  Most of the time it was small stuff like the dressing room window and the shared bank slots.  Stuff like that can only be added for so long.  As long as it isnt TOO long between updates and when they do arrive it was worth the wait then I'll be happy.</p>

[feldon30]

<p><cite>Gage wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Bleh so no update until June at the earliest.  We could seriously end up in November with only 4 updates to the game in a year.</p></blockquote><p>That was the overwhelming response to the Poll on whether Game Updates should be smaller, and every month, or larger and every 2-3 months. So you can't say they're not delivering what the community requested.</p>

[feldon30]

There was a poll on whether updates should be big and infrequent, or small and frequent. Did you vote?

[timetravelling]

<p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p>

[Kaalenarc]

<p>its coming soon (tm)</p><p>(ah cmon - you know they were gonna say it eventually)</p><p><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Undorett]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>Odd...GU 51 didn't have any more content than many previous updates.  How long did it take to hit live?  Fact is GU51 came out late because the content it had was mucked up.  We are all waiting to see if the next few GUs will be as poorly thought out as 51 was.  Though I must say, the hot fixes seem to be coming out much faster these days.</p>

[Anestacia]

<p><cite>Undorett wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>Odd...GU 51 didn't have any more content than many previous updates.  How long did it take to hit live?  Fact is GU51 came out late because the content it had was mucked up.  We are all waiting to see if the next few GUs will be as poorly thought out as 51 was.  Though I must say, the hot fixes seem to be coming out much faster these days.</p></blockquote><p>It actually did have a pretty big chunck compared to other updates.  It revamped a zone to add quite a few more quests for 80s and 40s.  Added 2 new raid zones, a new Tradeskill mission zone, a new tradeskill quest line among a bunch of UI and zone updates.   </p><p>Looking forward to the next LU, however Im not particualry thrilled with yet another X's 2 raid but I will hold off judgement untill i see what else is incoming.</p>

[CuCullain]

<p><cite>Anestacia wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I enjoyed the monthly updates as well but tbh, I understand why they are less frequent.  <span style="color: #ff0000;">EQ2 is FINALLY at the point to where it doesnt need to be fixed every single month.</span>  Are there improvements that can be made?  Of course and there always will be but in the past its not like we got a new zone every update or anything.  Most of the time it was small stuff like the dressing room window and the shared bank slots.  Stuff like that can only be added for so long.  As long as it isnt TOO long between updates and when they do arrive it was worth the wait then I'll be happy.</p></blockquote><p>ROFLCopter fueling up!</p>

[ccarro]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>Very good to hear, and thank you for responding. I love getting feedback even if its just a little. Keep up the good work.</p>

[Kaalenarc]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #ffff00;">While that may be partially true, whats keeping you from putting in the separate, smaller stuff right now? I can see the need for the whole lavastorm revamp to go in at once. But assuming theres another bunch of that stuff coming, what prevents things like the Research Assistants, which would presumably be going in in 52, or the fix to things like the guild hall guard amenity being reclassified as decorative only, and the myriad other small fixes and add ons from being put in in smaller updates?</span></p><p><span style="color: #ffff00;">With the intriduction of the "fewer, but bigger" content updating style, people are forced to wait longer for bug fixes, even if something is rdy now, its gotta wait for 52? Additionally , by the time the content is released, the community is so starved for something to do that the zones are swarmed with players and lagged all to hell. GU51 was a perfect example of this - people arguing over kills in Lavastorm 5??  The point is - give us at least some of the smaller stuff while we are waiting for the big stuff.</span></p>

[Noaani]

<p><cite>Kaalenarc@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><span style="color: #ffff00;">The point is - give us at least some of the smaller stuff while we are waiting for the big stuff.</span></blockquote><p>The closest I can come to agreeing with this is to say that you should put stuff on test as soon as its ready.</p><p>The longer its on test, the less likely bugs are going to get through.</p>

[Obadiah]

<p><cite>Kaalenarc@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #ffff00;">While that may be partially true, whats keeping you from putting in the separate, smaller stuff right now? I can see the need for the whole lavastorm revamp to go in at once. But assuming theres another bunch of that stuff coming, what prevents things like the Research Assistants, which would presumably be going in in 52, or the fix to things like the guild hall guard amenity being reclassified as decorative only, and the myriad other small fixes and add ons from being put in in smaller updates?</span></p><p><span style="color: #ffff00;">With the intriduction of the "fewer, but bigger" content updating style, people are forced to wait longer for bug fixes, even if something is rdy now, its gotta wait for 52? Additionally , by the time the content is released, the community is so starved for something to do that the zones are swarmed with players and lagged all to hell. GU51 was a perfect example of this - people arguing over kills in Lavastorm 5??  The point is - give us at least some of the smaller stuff while we are waiting for the big stuff.</span></p></blockquote><p>There have been 5 such bug fix / game tweak updates since GU51. People aren't forced to wait longer for them; they are put in when they are done so it would seem.</p><p>IMO the way they handled the Lavastorm stuff worked quite well. Did I ever lose mobs to someone else? Yep. Did I spend an inordinate amount of time on the quest on any of the 4 toons I did it on within a couple days of GU51? Nope. Obviously YMMV.</p><p>To date there has been more added since TSO launched than has been added in the same amount of time after any expansion. If GU52 is as large as it sounds it appears to be a trend that is continuing in a big way. I miss the monthly updates. I always looked forward to the next GU notes coming a couple weeks after an update went live, but if it means more content (as seems to be the case) then I'm all for it.</p>

[Kiara]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>That sounds to me like someone just volunteered for an interview :p</p>

[KerowynnKaotic]

<p><cite>Noaani wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kaalenarc@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><span style="color: #ffff00;">The point is - give us at least some of the smaller stuff while we are waiting for the big stuff.</span></blockquote><p>The closest I can come to agreeing with this is to say that you should put stuff on test as soon as its ready.</p><p>The longer its on test, the less likely bugs are going to get through.</p></blockquote><p>I agree with Noaani! </p><p>Though, I don't mind the delay in between the pushes to Live, as long as the content is worth it, I really want the stuff to hit Test asap!  Some problems can be immediately obvious but others need time to come to someone's attention and the longer Test has that chance the better chances that particular problem has of getting fixed in time for it to be pushed to Live.  I've lost count on how many times I've heard  .. " well, it's too late to fix it till after next push .. "  (meaning after it goes live and in the next build for test) .. .. </p><p>According to the Test Server's patch notes they haven't been updated since 3/30 & 3/31 (depending on which patch notes).   Live has been updated for little fixes since LU51 and while I'm sure most of Test is quite happy to be "Welcome Screen" free, there might be a few other things they might want from those hotfixes ..</p><p><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Haliken]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>That sounds to me like someone just volunteered for an interview :p</p></blockquote><p>Sounds to me like Kiara's just shy!</p>

[Novusod]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>Should do another solo shard quest too.</p>

[Meatmonster]

<p><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gage wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Bleh so no update until June at the earliest.  We could seriously end up in November with only 4 updates to the game in a year.</p></blockquote><p>That was the overwhelming response to the Poll on whether Game Updates should be smaller, and every month, or larger and every 2-3 months. So you can't say they're not delivering what the community requested.</p></blockquote><p> Where was this actually communicated? I took the survey, and I try to pay attention to the boards and have never seen any actual policy changes noted as a result.</p><p> Also, like was previously mentioned, it's pretty clear that last huge gap in updates wasn't by design, it was because most of that time was spent building, justifying, then scrapping that train wreck of a fighter revamp.</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>timetravelling wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Sidiac@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, after the last update they had said there would be improved communication. But there has been mostly silence since GU51 hit.</p><p>It is May now and there has been very little content thats worth anything added since TSO launched.</p><p>I would like to know as with the OP, when can we expect GU52? What is gonna be included? A little info as promised would be fantastic.</p><p>P.S. It would also be nice to know what is on the plate between now and November 09. What kind of things are being worked on? The sooner we know the sooner we can give feedback!</p></blockquote><p>The updates have been spread out because we're putting a LOT more content in them. 52 is going to have even more than 51 did. Kander and I built another x2, but that's just the tip of the iceberg as to everything we have coming =)</p><p>Can't wait to show it to y'all, hopefully we'll have some more info up soon!</p></blockquote><p>Hmmm, are you guys tracking the number of people on the server that are actually attempting the high end TSO shard zones and the new x2 and x4 zones or just the pass/fail of those actually zoning in?</p><p>I ask because perception is that a majority of players arent able to play those zones as it is and there is a real lack of content for a typical group. Typical group meaning tank, healer and any mix of the remaining archetypes for dps. It seems most of TSO instances are heavily scripted toward class specifics that exclude several classes (primarily mages) from being invited to those areas. Its gotten to a point where we somewhat jokingly say the doors should just tell you "Your group does not have the required classes to complete this content, dont waste your time".</p><p>Obviously perception changes from server to server based on populations and playstyles and within varying communities as well. IE. on AB groups are more prevalent due to the high population. Raid Guilds dont see the issues non-raiders run into, etc.</p><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p>

[Couching]

<p>Script heroic instances have little to nothing with group setup.</p><p>A group with chanter and bard is always better than a group without chanter and bard.</p><p>When you have a group, 2 healers, 1 tank 1 chanter and 1 bard, there is only 1 slot left and usually people will grab predator or rogue or sorcerer instead of mages or brawlers.</p><p>The reason why mages or brawlers are not welcome is because our dps is not exceptional as dpser and brawlers have worst aoe dps/aggro of all fighters as tank.</p><p>When anyone has hard time finding chanter or bard, predator, rogue and sorcerer are still the better choice than mages or brawlers.</p>

[Chookadook]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Wow I can't believe more people didn't slam you for asking this!</p><p>Strangely enough WoW changed the way they've done end game encounters now from what I understand, they have a normal version and a hard version, the hard version I believe offers better gear and has a bigger challenge, but the same instance and the easier encounter version is built so the -majority- of the people can see what they put so much effort into.</p><p>EQ2 should pay attention to that, they would do well by it.  I haven't seen all of TSO raiding but I've seen some, and it should be something -EVERYONE- could see on an "easier" version even if the loot wasn't as good as what is out there now.  The developers need to quit being so short sighted, and open up their hard work for the masses AND keep the "hard" versions there for the raiders.  EQ2 has done this in the past with harder versions of dungeons, they really need to take hold of this and pursue it in the future.</p><p>To the Artemiz, that is a good well rounded question but like so many you'll never see an answer, because if SOE keeps their data secret, they keep in safe <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> And all the forums yay and naysayers can proclaim how right or wrong one person is to another <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[feldon30]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Why would people run Heroic zones if they required Raid gear? Folks equipped in Raid gear run raid zones.</p><p>If you want boring tank-and-spank group zones that you can sleepwalk through, Kunark launched with 4 dungeons mostly like this. Although even Maiden's Chamber requires knowing which of the 3 sisters to mez and when to DPS or not DPS Drusella. Also in VoES, you have to read the books. I guess if you want dungeons that require no brainpower whatsoever, then that would be Kingdom of Sky. Just beat on the mobs until they die.</p><p>If we are having a serious discussion, then Deep Forge and Scion of Ice in TSO have no gear requirements whatsoever. Most days (depending on the void shard mission) They are an easy 10-15 minute shard. That is with a mixture of Mastercrafted and Legendary quest rewards. It doesn't take many runs through these dungeons to start upgrading to the TSO Void Shard armor.</p><p>Also, on most days, the Void Shard missions in Najena's Hollow, Befallen: Cavern of the Awakened, The Anathema, and the Crucible can be stumbled through by even the most ill-equipped group. If you have the patience to slog through an unnecessary quantity of trash mobs, Evernight Abbey is another choice.</p><p>If you have a serious interest in learning more about how to play, I would look at how you've got your AA points assigned, what gear choices you've made, what buttons you've got on your hotbars, and start looking for recommendations.</p><p>Unfortunately the level 1-80 solo quest grind ill prepares players as they do not learn their class or how their class fits into a group setup.</p><p>If you are looking for straight tank-and-spank encounters that require no curing, coordination, or paying attention, I am not sure what to recommend to you. The overwhelming response to TSO has been positive in the challenging (but not impossible) encounters require thought and coordination (but not exceptional gear).</p>

[Tajiro]

<p>I am not sure how the communication here is because I have been playing WoW for the past 4.5 years. I can say there it seems appropriate, and so far here it seems appropriate. Coming from WoW I must also say how absolutely amazing it is to an update once every 3 months let alone once a month (I read somewhere that used to happen).</p><p>Blizzard hardly ever released new content, and they have yet to put out a complete expansion. Case in point, when TBC hit for WoW, hardly any of the raid zones, save Karazahn and Gruul's Lair, were ready. They banked on the fact that it would take players awhile to level/gear for the next tier raid zones. With WotLK, they used the same reasoning. Except this time instead of releasing a new shiny raid zone, they brought back an old one. No new designs with easy lackluster encounters. I also should point out that with the exception of bug fixes, it took Blizzard 6 months to release the first update to the expansion.</p><p>So when SoE adds new content every 1-3 months, I am more than overwhelmed. Just my two cents....</p>

[feldon30]

Yeah folks don't give SoE much credit for the content added between expansions. The haunted house last November was *fun*. Ward of Elements is a very good, challenging zone and it looks like we're going to get another one with GU52.

[Landiin]

People just like to btich is all. The content SOE puts out is great! Maybe they should just skip an content expansion and put in a fix expansion <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>Toran@Oasis wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>People just like to btich is all. The content SOE puts out is great! Maybe they should just skip an content expansion and put in a fix expansion <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></blockquote><p>ZOMG QFE</p><p>Fix the game mechanics! Balance the classes and consolidate all the other fixes. I'd buy that tomorrow.</p>

[LadyMist]

<p><span style="color: #3366ff;">I think it's great of SOE to listen to the majority of their playerbase. We chose bigger updates less often. It's a logical choice given that we have more time to test and I feel it gives more leeway for polishing the game in between.</span></p><p><span style="color: #3366ff;">There will always be folks who want it fast and want it now, who don't want to wait. You will also find those are the folks who are first to complain about said content <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" /></span></p>

[Obsidiann]

<p><cite>Krunck@Everfrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Simple Answer, When it is half done. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>no no, he asked when will it hit TEST server, not live servers...</p>

[Siodenne]

<p>I am soooo exited to have Kurns Tower back in the game!  I'm an old EQ1 player who used to go there to get bone chips for my necro's spells. Oh what fun!  Can't wait! YAY SOE for bringing old lore back into the game!</p>

[Destria]

<p><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Why would people run Heroic zones if they required Raid gear? Folks equipped in Raid gear run raid zones.</p><p>If you want boring tank-and-spank group zones that you can sleepwalk through, Kunark launched with 4 dungeons mostly like this. Although even Maiden's Chamber requires knowing which of the 3 sisters to mez and when to DPS or not DPS Drusella. Also in VoES, you have to read the books. I guess if you want dungeons that require no brainpower whatsoever, then that would be Kingdom of Sky. Just beat on the mobs until they die.</p><p>If we are having a serious discussion, then Deep Forge and Scion of Ice in TSO have no gear requirements whatsoever. Most days (depending on the void shard mission) They are an easy 10-15 minute shard. That is with a mixture of Mastercrafted and Legendary quest rewards. It doesn't take many runs through these dungeons to start upgrading to the TSO Void Shard armor.</p><p>Also, on most days, the Void Shard missions in Najena's Hollow, Befallen: Cavern of the Awakened, The Anathema, and the Crucible can be stumbled through by even the most ill-equipped group. If you have the patience to slog through an unnecessary quantity of trash mobs, Evernight Abbey is another choice.</p><p>If you have a serious interest in learning more about how to play, I would look at how you've got your AA points assigned, what gear choices you've made, what buttons you've got on your hotbars, and start looking for recommendations.</p><p>Unfortunately the level 1-80 solo quest grind ill prepares players as they do not learn their class or how their class fits into a group setup.</p><p>If you are looking for straight tank-and-spank encounters that require no curing, coordination, or paying attention, I am not sure what to recommend to you. The overwhelming response to TSO has been positive in the challenging (but not impossible) encounters require thought and coordination (but not exceptional gear).</p></blockquote><p>Honestly, scripted challenging encounters are all good and fun, for awhile, but sometimes all anyone really wants is a straight tank and spank, kick some @$$, get some lewts, and have some fun instance.  As is, TSO every zone boss has SOME kind of scripting, varying in difficulty, and in some of the more difficult zones, EVERY name is scripted.  NHT, not a difficult zone by any means, but all the names there are scripted as well, with the exception of the zone boss, which simply requires your group to put out enough DPS, to survive the ring event, or just pull it way up the spiral, and bypass all the trash and wait for the name.</p><p>Yes, TSO has met with a large degree of approval, but on the same hand, its also met, more recently, with a large degree of disapproval, because people do get tired of  all the scripting and teaching people how to do a particular fight.  Sure, its fun for awhile, but a few new tank and spankish dungeons/instances really would be a plus.  Thats not to say get rid of scripted zones entirely, but to have the mass amount of scripting thats involved with TSO is a bit overboard.  Maybe add a few more fun scripts,  that would be great, IMHO, but laying off all the heavy scripting on encounters is a definite plus for group content.</p>

[therodge]

<p><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Why would people run Heroic zones if they required Raid gear? Folks equipped in Raid gear run raid zones.</p><p>If you want boring tank-and-spank group zones that you can sleepwalk through, Kunark launched with 4 dungeons mostly like this. Although even Maiden's Chamber requires knowing which of the 3 sisters to mez and when to DPS or not DPS Drusella. Also in VoES, you have to read the books. I guess if you want dungeons that require no brainpower whatsoever, then that would be Kingdom of Sky. Just beat on the mobs until they die.</p><p>If we are having a serious discussion, then Deep Forge and Scion of Ice in TSO have no gear requirements whatsoever. Most days (depending on the void shard mission) They are an easy 10-15 minute shard. That is with a mixture of Mastercrafted and Legendary quest rewards. It doesn't take many runs through these dungeons to start upgrading to the TSO Void Shard armor.</p><p>Also, on most days, the Void Shard missions in Najena's Hollow, Befallen: Cavern of the Awakened, The Anathema, and the Crucible can be stumbled through by even the most ill-equipped group. If you have the patience to slog through an unnecessary quantity of trash mobs, Evernight Abbey is another choice.</p><p>If you have a serious interest in learning more about how to play, I would look at how you've got your AA points assigned, what gear choices you've made, what buttons you've got on your hotbars, and start looking for recommendations.</p><p>Unfortunately the level 1-80 solo quest grind ill prepares players as they do not learn their class or how their class fits into a group setup.</p><p><span style="color: #ff0000;">If you are looking for straight tank-and-spank encounters that require no curing, coordination, or paying attention, I am not sure what to recommend to you. The overwhelming response to TSO has been positive in the challenging (but not impossible) encounters require thought and coordination (but not exceptional gear).</span></p></blockquote><p>you know thats weird becuase litterally everyone i have had a one on one talk about it has said they went atleast a little bit overboard. even most of my freinds in tso raid gear say the instances are more tedious then hard.</p>

[feldon30]

<p>I could certainly see them adding a Contested zone full of names with interesting gear, with the best gear from the hardest names at the bottom of the zone. I know some folks really do desire contested zones and the immersion of being around other players. I could see the top half of this type of zone having minimal scripting. And I don't mean Chardok. I hate that place. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>I used to hate Sebilis, before I started going there with decently geared folk.</p>

[Nolrog]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We are planning to patch Test the week of the 18th and if that date changes, we'll let you know.</p></blockquote><p>Well, I guess no one can say SOE "never" gave you an ETA before...LOL</p><p>Thanks Kiara!</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, but she didn't say which month.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Jesdyr]

<p><cite>Nolrog wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, but she didn't say which month.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Of what year</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>Chookadook wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Wow I can't believe more people didn't slam you for asking this!</p><p>Strangely enough WoW changed the way they've done end game encounters now from what I understand, they have a normal version and a hard version, the hard version I believe offers better gear and has a bigger challenge, but the same instance and the easier encounter version is built so the -majority- of the people can see what they put so much effort into.</p><p>EQ2 should pay attention to that, they would do well by it.  I haven't seen all of TSO raiding but I've seen some, and it should be something -EVERYONE- could see on an "easier" version even if the loot wasn't as good as what is out there now.  The developers need to quit being so short sighted, and open up their hard work for the masses AND keep the "hard" versions there for the raiders.  EQ2 has done this in the past with harder versions of dungeons, they really need to take hold of this and pursue it in the future.</p><p>To the Artemiz, that is a good well rounded question but like so many you'll never see an answer, because if SOE keeps their data secret, they keep in safe <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /> And all the forums yay and naysayers can proclaim how right or wrong one person is to another <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I dont play WoW but funny thing is I have seen multiple posts over the last 2-3 years basically asking for this same thing here.</p><p>Instances that scale, not to level so much as to difficulty for a level. Something like:</p><ul><li>Easy (Solo): mobs scaled to soloable content and loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Treasured with slight chance of Ornate</li><li>Normal (Heroic): mobs scaled to an average group of adventurers and loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Ornate with slight chance of Exquisite</li><li>Difficult (Super Heroic): mobs scaled to raid geared groups with more difficult scripted encounters and harder bashing mobs. Loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Ornate and high chance of Exquisite.</li></ul><p>IMO - scaling your content that way allows the flexibitlity for ALL PLAYSTYLES. For those that want to quest and solo - they would be able to experience the content and quest lines without getting the uber gear OR needing it from the heroic and raid zones AND higher end, better geared players would be able to face more challenging encounters.</p><p>As for shard missions being doable by MC gear, I chuckled, thaks for that. I have watched MC tanks go splat on the first hits from mobs in DF and Najenas. But that aside not everyone can or wants to spend the time requirements for many of these zones to do them every night as a grind.</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Chookadook wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Can we expect more heroic content that IS NOT raid scripted anytime in the near future or is the game focusing on more the high end, hard core players with raid gear from here on out?</p></blockquote><p>Wow I can't believe more people didn't slam you for asking this!</p><p>Strangely enough WoW changed the way they've done end game encounters now from what I understand, they have a normal version and a hard version, the hard version I believe offers better gear and has a bigger challenge, but the same instance and the easier encounter version is built so the -majority- of the people can see what they put so much effort into.</p><p>EQ2 should pay attention to that, they would do well by it.  I haven't seen all of TSO raiding but I've seen some, and it should be something -EVERYONE- could see on an "easier" version even if the loot wasn't as good as what is out there now.  The developers need to quit being so short sighted, and open up their hard work for the masses AND keep the "hard" versions there for the raiders.  EQ2 has done this in the past with harder versions of dungeons, they really need to take hold of this and pursue it in the future.</p><p>To the Artemiz, that is a good well rounded question but like so many you'll never see an answer, because if SOE keeps their data secret, they keep in safe <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /> And all the forums yay and naysayers can proclaim how right or wrong one person is to another <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I dont play WoW but funny thing is I have seen multiple posts over the last 2-3 years basically asking for this same thing here.</p><p>Instances that scale, not to level so much as to difficulty for a level. Something like:</p><ul><li>Easy (Solo): mobs scaled to soloable content and loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Treasured with slight chance of Ornate</li><li>Normal (Heroic): mobs scaled to an average group of adventurers and loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Ornate with slight chance of Exquisite</li><li>Difficult (Super Heroic): mobs scaled to raid geared groups with more difficult scripted encounters and harder bashing mobs. Loot tables modified to named dropping guaranteed Ornate and high chance of Exquisite.</li></ul><p>IMO - scaling your content that way allows the flexibitlity for ALL PLAYSTYLES. For those that want to quest and solo - they would be able to experience the content and quest lines without getting the uber gear OR needing it from the heroic and raid zones AND higher end, better geared players would be able to face more challenging encounters.</p><p>As for shard missions being doable by MC gear, I chuckled, thaks for that. I have watched MC tanks go splat on the first hits from mobs in DF and Najenas. But that aside not everyone can or wants to spend the time requirements for many of these zones to do them every night as a grind.</p></blockquote><p>I'd adjust the Normal setting above to guaranteed Treasured, moderate chance at Ornate, very slight chance at Exquisite, actually (and I'd be using only that or the Easy mode).  Say 75%/20%/5%, that'd be great.</p><p>It's not even so much about gear as group setup.  I'm with an extremely casual guild, and from the first everyone was told to play what they wanted - as a result our typical group for the end-game content (when we can raise a full group) is a Berserker, two Monks, a Bruiser, a Fury, and my Dirge.  You try scripted content with that group!</p><p>I know some people will make derisive comments about lazy playstyle, stupidly-simple hack-and-slash content, and/or how easy it would be for a couple people to level an illusionist and assassin or two to make us a more balanced group.  But we do this to have fun, and these are the classes we have the most fun playing.  And we'd love to see some of the tougher zones not for phat lewtz, but just to see them and experience the stories.  Honestly, I have no use for a full set of VP gear for my playstyle, but it still irks me to no end that the Chelsith Stone, a house item with no benefits beyond status reduction, can only be obtained by raiding.</p>