The F2P Experience

[Fallen]

Have you rolled up a F2P character? If so, how has the experience been so far? Do you see yourself sticking with it, or have you already quit or resubscribed to a Basic or Premium account? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on the whole process now that it has been available for a while and we've had some time to play around with the system.

Some general questions: What profession(s) did you play, what level did you get to, what did you do with your time, what perks/services do you miss most playing F2P, have you bought any Simucoins?

[Warriorbird]

It definitely doesn't induce the desire to play long term. I resubscribed, but more to see people than for the glory of the F2P experience.

[JackWhisper]

I'm sticking with it, but not out of any sense of giving a shit between F2P and P2P.

F2P people, for some reason, have a knack at telling who's on an F2P character. I've been approached by DOZENS of F2P people on my F2P people. I don't know if there's a sign, or an indicator, but I digress.

F2P is a very very huge commitment, and I can't wait to see the first sale of a capped F2P character. It's going to net a LOT of cash, and it's going to piss off Simu once it happens. I can't wait.

[Arulisse]

I'm sticking with it, but not out of any sense of giving a shit between F2P and P2P.

F2P people, for some reason, have a knack at telling who's on an F2P character. I've been approached by DOZENS of F2P people on my F2P people. I don't know if there's a sign, or an indicator, but I digress.

F2P is a very very huge commitment, and I can't wait to see the first sale of a capped F2P character. It's going to net a LOT of cash, and it's going to piss off Simu once it happens. I can't wait.

F2P characters can't be transferred, right? So whoever sells will have to sell their F2P account proper?

[Fallen]

With Bloodborne out tonight my time with F2P will likely be drawing to a close. I reached level 5 in about 3 days of fairly heavy play. I played a Sorcerer as that's the class with which i'm most familiar. I was lucky enough to start in the Landing, and stayed there the whole time. As i'm used to being able to reach level 6 before XXX expires, having to grind to get to level 5 was quite a change of pace. People were helpful and the Landing was full of those willing to provide goods and services. I didn't try to act like a complete newcomer, but if I had questions they were always quickly answered.

My very first kill was a rolton, and searching it resulted in a treasure pass. That being said, I amassed about 7k in silvers hunting Kobolds, Roltons, Gaks, and the like. I had 0 ranks in skinning, but still sold what I could to the furrier to make some money. I found about 5 boxes total in a good number of hunts. I have no idea if that's typical with Kobolds. I think I found 2 gems total. That's with a treasure pass, but Kobolds could just be poor as all hell.

I interacted with a few folks and saw a few people interacting, mostly at the Town square. There was always a rather sizable crowd and the city felt more alive than I remember it being in some time. The roleplay is certainly there for those looking to simply interact with others for free.

The things I really missed was being able to do societies at a low level, and being able to do bounties more than once an hour. I am pretty sure you don't get an enhancive from the Adventurer's guild as F2P, but I only completed 2 bounties as at an hour a piece I kept forgetting about them or getting shitty tasks.

I will say that being able to screw around in the Lands for free was still worth it in the end. If you have the itch to play, you've nothing to lose and the game is still quite playable. Past 30-40 I think the experience and treasure penalties will get particularly painful, but with no XXX it is going to take you quite a long time to get there in the first place.

[JackWhisper]

One thing though, that IS going to be a huge point, is JUST how far their EXP restriction goes.

You can have up to 40 per tick fried on a node. But, as you level up F2P, it reduces by 1 tick per level. 39 per tick. 38 per tick. Where will it end? WILL it end?

This is going to be a complete fuck you if they coded it to end up at 1 per tick to make people NEVER cap without XP boosters. And if people see that happen, there's going to be a riot. Because it ends up being F2Socialize, not F2Progress.

[Warriorbird]

With Bloodborne out tonight my time with F2P will likely be drawing to a close. I reached level 5 in about 3 days of fairly heavy play. I played a Sorcerer as that's the class with which i'm most familiar. I was lucky enough to start in the Landing, and stayed there the whole time. As i'm used to being able to reach level 6 before XXX expires, having to grind to get to level 5 was quite a change of pace. People were helpful and the Landing was full of those willing to provide goods and services. I didn't try to act like a complete newcomer, but if I had questions they were always quickly answered.

My very first kill was a rolton, and searching it resulted in a treasure pass. That being said, I amassed about 7k in silvers hunting Kobolds, Roltons, Gaks, and the like. I had 0 ranks in skinning, but still sold what I could to the furrier to make some money. I found about 5 boxes total in a good number of hunts. I have no idea if that's typical with Kobolds. I think I found 2 gems total. That's with a treasure pass, but Kobolds could just be poor as all hell.

I interacted with a few folks and saw a few people interacting, mostly at the Town square. There was always a rather sizable crowd and the city felt more alive than I remember it being in some time. The roleplay is certainly there for those looking to simply interact with others for free.

The things I really missed was being able to do societies at a low level, and being able to do bounties more than once an hour. I am pretty sure you don't get an enhancive from the Adventurer's guild as F2P, but I only completed 2 bounties as at an hour a piece I kept forgetting about them or getting shitty tasks.

I will say that being able to screw around in the Lands for free was still worth it in the end. If you have the itch to play, you've nothing to lose and the game is still quite playable. Past 30-40 I think the experience and treasure penalties will get particularly painful, but with no XXX it is going to take you quite a long time to get there in the first place.

If by level 20 you have a 10 point hit to exp intake I think it'll be painful before then.

[JackWhisper]

F2P characters can't be transferred, right? So whoever sells will have to sell their F2P account proper?

I don't know if you can xfer F2P to F2P, but it's sort of moot. You can only have 1 character on a F2P account, so selling the account would be expected, I'd think.

[Astray]

Casually, it's fine. If you're not willing to fork over money for anything and still find it enjoyable, great!

I rolled up a character, got to level 5 and went right back to subscription based.

[Allereli]

F2P is a very very huge commitment, and I can't wait to see the first sale of a capped F2P character. It's going to net a LOT of cash, and it's going to piss off Simu once it happens. I can't wait.

sarcasm?

[Astray]

sarcasm?

I'd buy sarcasm if it weren't so damn dry.

[SashaFierce]

Have you rolled up a F2P character? If so, how has the experience been so far? Do you see yourself sticking with it, or have you already quit or resubscribed to a Basic or Premium account? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on the whole process now that it has been available for a while and we've had some time to play around with the system.

Some general questions: What profession(s) did you play, what level did you get to, what did you do with your time, what perks/services do you miss most playing F2P, have you bought any Simucoins?

I came back after 2+ years of not playing. Overall, the experience has been good, there were multiple people in the landing that helped out with gear, silvers or spells. I will stick with it for now, I have no plans to resubscribe, and premium is far too expensive for what you get.

I started as a wizard, and I'm currently level 14. (Spring break gave me a lot of time to level.) I spend most of my time hunting and doing bounties. I don't see a whole lot of roleplay taking place. The things I miss the most are treasure, but even with a treasure boost pass, it doesn't get any better. The treasure system is a failure as a whole. I refuse to buy simucoins, because this is a free to play account and I expect it to be free.


Because it ends up being F2Socialize, not F2Progress.

I think this was their main goal. To stop the downward progression of active players. They hope people will subscribe, and some will, but I don't think they'll stay for long.

[Atlanteax]

I think this was their main goal. To stop the downward progression of active players. They hope people will subscribe, and some will, but I don't think they'll stay for long.

They will not stick around, because of SIMU's insistence on limiting the FUN factor.

If F2P has access to the *full* FUN factor, SIMU can instead incentive upgrading to basic sub, with the primary restrictions/differences of a subscription unlocking merchants and full access to special events.

Otherwise, all SIMU gains is the illusion of more players (with F2P being just to socialize, which incrementally improves the play-experience of the subscribers who have more to interact with).

[JackWhisper]

It improves the economy though. Low to middle end, which was a lot dryer than the high end market anyways. So that's a good thing.

[mgoddess]

Have you rolled up a F2P character? If so, how has the experience been so far? Do you see yourself sticking with it, or have you already quit or resubscribed to a Basic or Premium account? I'd like to hear people's thoughts on the whole process now that it has been available for a while and we've had some time to play around with the system.

Some general questions: What profession(s) did you play, what level did you get to, what did you do with your time, what perks/services do you miss most playing F2P, have you bought any Simucoins?

Character: Lyquitta, Giantwoman Cleric of Kuon
Currently level: 5, almost 6

What do I do most of the time? Hunt (rats, pale crabs, lesser shades), sitting in TSC with all the spam and everything. Every once in a while, someone asks for manna bread, and even if mine is crappy compared to some, it's still appreciated by those it goes to. I've got 305 now, so whenever a corpse comes in, I make sure it's preserved if I'm there... can't raise, but there's plenty of clerics about who can. Rolling with the shield/brawling model currently, so when I hunt, it's either punching or attacking with a white-ora tiger claw.

People have been awesome and pretty much given my character equipement (that tiger claw, 2x doubles, a couple of shields, silvers in general), and spells galore (was able to hunt rats/crabs/shades in offensive, with no shield and not even come close to being hit by the critters).

I definitely see myself sticking with Lyquitta, on the F2P sub. She's fun, even if she can't do very much for service for others. I'll be resubbing with my main account sometime later this year, but I've been wanting to do that for a long while now, I'm just going to be in a much better place financially to be able to afford it when it does happen in a few months' time. Besides, when I resub with the normal account, then I can have my Kuon paladin running around with my Kuon cleric, being a mana battery, and that sounds like uber-fun.

The only things I'm really missing from the normal experience, with my F2P? A bit of the societies (I'd either join Voln in a few more levels, or join CoL for the power it provides right off), and being nable to sling defensive/useful spells at those who want/need them. Other than that, what I'm mostly missing is the power of an older/higher-level character, and that'll come with time (and money, possibly).

Oh, and I haven't bought any Simucoins, and I don't plan on it any time soon.

[Soulance]

I remember hunting Mummies in the Graveyard at around 5 trains. They were plentiful and easy.

[Donquix]

I came back after 2+ years of not playing. Overall, the experience has been good, there were multiple people in the landing that helped out with gear, silvers or spells. I will stick with it for now, I have no plans to resubscribe, and premium is far too expensive for what you get.

I started as a wizard, and I'm currently level 14. (Spring break gave me a lot of time to level.) I spend most of my time hunting and doing bounties. I don't see a whole lot of roleplay taking place. The things I miss the most are treasure, but even with a treasure boost pass, it doesn't get any better. The treasure system is a failure as a whole. I refuse to buy simucoins, because this is a free to play account and I expect it to be free.



I think this was their main goal. To stop the downward progression of active players. They hope people will subscribe, and some will, but I don't think they'll stay for long.

what are disc/logic stats and your exp gain per tick on node? I haven't seen any hard numbers on exp per tick, last f2p person that i talked to was 11ish so, that doesn't count because it's basically the first penalty level.

[Latrinsorm]

Have you rolled up a F2P character?
Yes.

If so, how has the experience been so far?
Very much as I expected.

Do you see yourself sticking with it, or have you already quit or resubscribed to a Basic or Premium account?
Simu is never going to get a $ from me. I see myself sticking with it.

What profession(s) did you play,
Monk!!! and a wizard.

what level did you get to,
I think 3 and 1 right now.

what did you do with your time,
Hunt for experience and hunt for fashion.

what perks/services do you miss most playing F2P,
I haven't yet, but I anticipate missing locker access.

have you bought any Simucoins?
Have not. Will not.

.

Overall, I am quite happy with the F2P offering. Creating an account is quick and painless, and the game is the game.

[Latrinsorm]

Otherwise, all SIMU gains is the illusion of more players (with F2P being just to socialize, which incrementally improves the play-experience of the subscribers who have more to interact with).This is the most important result of F2P, especially in a game that was very much struggling with community size. We'll have to wait and see for the March stats, as well as whether the anticipated boost is short term or long term, but it's a critical issue.
Every once in a while, someone asks for manna bread, and even if mine is crappy compared to some, it's still appreciated by those it goes to.I hope they bought receiving passes!!!!!!!!!!

[mgoddess]

Every once in a while, someone asks for manna bread, and even if mine is crappy compared to some, it's still appreciated by those it goes to.I hope they bought receiving passes!!!!!!!!!!

Ha!

[Tuxedo Gin]

Like many others, I have an off and on relationship with GS. I've been off for a few years, but I jumped in F2P and did end up resubbing. We'll see how long I stick with it. I would like to say that I met a F2P player (returning to check it out after years of not playing, like many) and had an enjoyable time hunting. As somebody who enjoys the pre-title levels, it was amazing to encounter somebody I could chat with and hunt with. Before this (and this applies to the last time I returned ~3-4 years ago and played for about 6-8 months), 99% of people I encounter outside of town are AFK scripthunters. Finding somebody out in the field to spend an evening hunting with was half the fun when I started playing 20 years ago, so it was definitely a positive experience.

[Lord Orbstar]

:) Good to hear!

[Taernath]

I played a bit on an F2p. Made it to 7, but the lack of Lumnis got to me enough that I didn't want to keep playing only to see further reductions. I just don't have the time or inclination to sit around and absorb and I'm not really sure how I got my character to his 50's back in GS3. I also don't feel like navigating the byzantine pass/boost system.

[Parkbandit]

I played F2P for a few days.. then ended up opening up one of my accounts again.

[Whirlin]

I started another F2P character.

I'm using a F2P account for a variety of reasons:
1) While I have a premium account, my play time is limited. I'd rather not draw too much time away from playing my main characters to level up a new alt.
2) I plan on scripting the lower levels to the point where TGO01 thinks it's a bit excessive... so I'd rather not have that tied to my main account (not that they couldn't figure it out)
3) I do plan on eventually transferring it into my paid account... I'll cross that bridge when I get there. While I know you can't transfer existing characters into the F2P space, I don't see anything that would restrict them crossing into the paid space.
4) But, all that being said, the main objective is to provide feedback to Simutronics based on my experiences, and offer 'helpful' tips throughout the process. They have been incredibly receptive thus far:
The first day of F2P, I needed to assist, and talked with a GH/GM/Mentors regarding the "One Bank" rule, and the lack of a confirmation when setting your one bank... which was remediated later that evening.


I am currently level 9 with my ranger, hunting mants and thraks.

I'm incredibly surprised at the impact of the loss of Lumnis at leveling. I feel like I could have pulled up to level 10 in the first few days of a new account with Lumnis.

[rolfard]

It's gemstone III all over again...

[Donquix]

I started another F2P character.

I'm using a F2P account for a variety of reasons:
1) While I have a premium account, my play time is limited. I'd rather not draw too much time away from playing my main characters to level up a new alt.
2) I plan on scripting the lower levels to the point where TGO01 thinks it's a bit excessive... so I'd rather not have that tied to my main account (not that they couldn't figure it out)
3) I do plan on eventually transferring it into my paid account... I'll cross that bridge when I get there. While I know you can't transfer existing characters into the F2P space, I don't see anything that would restrict them crossing into the paid space.
4) But, all that being said, the main objective is to provide feedback to Simutronics based on my experiences, and offer 'helpful' tips throughout the process. They have been incredibly receptive thus far:
The first day of F2P, I needed to assist, and talked with a GH/GM/Mentors regarding the "One Bank" rule, and the lack of a confirmation when setting your one bank... which was remediated later that evening.


I am currently level 9 with my ranger, hunting mants and thraks.

I'm incredibly surprised at the impact of the loss of Lumnis at leveling. I feel like I could have pulled up to level 10 in the first few days of a new account with Lumnis.

you figure 1.8k per hour is a good but not great clip for dedicated hunting normally. so just the loss of lumnis is 3.6*3+1.8*3 = ~16k experience lost every week. It's only 115k exp total to get to level 10, so just the lumis bonus exp in your first week is ~14% of the way to level 10.

[Fallen]

you figure 1.8k per hour is a good but not great clip for dedicated hunting normally. so just the loss of lumnis is 3.6*3+1.8*3 = ~16k experience lost every week. It's only 115k exp total to get to level 10, so just the lumis bonus exp in your first week is ~14% of the way to level 10.

That, and racing to level 5-6 off your first XXX puts you in a lot better position than level 1 and change after Thrak and the sprite. It's a slow grind, to be sure.

Whirlin, are you sticking with the Web client or did you immediately jump to Stormfront?

[Whirlin]

That, and racing to level 5-6 off your first XXX puts you in a lot better position than level 1 and change after Thrak and the sprite. It's a slow grind, to be sure.

Whirlin, are you sticking with the Web client or did you immediately jump to Stormfront?

I use WFE... I'm too accustomed to swapping stance with ALT S

[Soulance]

what are disc/logic stats and your exp gain per tick on node? I haven't seen any hard numbers on exp per tick, last f2p person that i talked to was 11ish so, that doesn't count because it's basically the first penalty level.
I don't remember what my stats were on the Ranger I rolled but I thought I remember seeing 31 per tick. I just wasn't getting my Gift.

[Donquix]

I don't remember what my stats were on the Ranger I rolled but I thought I remember seeing 31 per tick. I just wasn't getting my Gift.

ouch, 31 is already decently low on a supernode with fried, unless you seriously tanked logic :D

[Ashliana]

I ended up making a F2P character, and then ended up resubscribing on my normal and secondary accounts. I also got one of my friends who used to play in the dialup era to check it out. It seems like he's almost totally unable to find any decent treasure. He gets the gems worth like 20 silver, his boxes all have the minimum number of coins and only garbage gems.. and what he's hunting isn't that taxed. Dunno.

[JackWhisper]

F2P people should start gem mule accounts.

A rock crystal may be worth 13 silver, but a player will pay 2k for even the most rudimentary gem because they don't want to spend hours hunting for it. Whether it costs 13 or 1300, they can get at least 2k for all gems. some gem buyers are cheap, but for the most part they're pretty good about paying for time involved.

Good luck F2P people!

[Whirlin]

ouch, 31 is already decently low on a supernode with fried, unless you seriously tanked logic :D
30 is base absorption on super node when fried with 0 logic bonus... 31 is 5-9 bonus

Source: Me being me.

[Latrinsorm]

I use WFE... I'm too accustomed to swapping stance with ALT SI remember when Stormfront first came out I thought it was freakishly futuristic. When I came back I figured I may as well switch and it looks incredibly ancient now. F*** it, write your own client.

[Gelston]

I remember when Stormfront first came out I thought it was freakishly futuristic. When I came back I figured I may as well switch and it looks incredibly ancient now. F*** it, write your own client.

Your face is ancient.

[Tgo01]

I couldn't stand the lack of Lumnis.

[Whirlin]

I remember when Stormfront first came out I thought it was freakishly futuristic. When I came back I figured I may as well switch and it looks incredibly ancient now. F*** it, write your own client.
Write your own damn client.

[Maerit]

I've been tooling around with F2P and testing out some areas of the system. The beneficial spell restrictions are pretty messed up.

You can cast certain beneficial spells on players.

I haven't tested everything, but here's a few that actually do work:
1204 - Foresight
101 - Spirit Warding I (assuming 107, but will test tomorrow)
304 - Bless Item
1604 - Consecrate
1605 - Arm of the Arkati (cast on the group leader will work and buff the entire party)
401 - Elemental Defense I

Spells that don't work, but probably should work:
1006 - Song of Luck (casting this will not buff anyone else)
1007 - Kai's song of Triumph (same as 1006)
103 - Spirit Defense (because it's not stackable)
307 - Benediction (bugged to not show the cleric the duration of the spell when cast in group)
310 - Warding Sphere (also bugged in the same way as 307 - must "spell active" to see the current duration)
1213 - Mind over Body (Focus: this spell category was specifically designed to be a group spell, but can't use as F2P without a pass, and then it only lasts for 15 minutes on your party!)

Spells that don't work which make sense:
104 / 105 - Disease / Poison resistance
202 - Spirit Shield
406 - Elemental Defense II (strangely seeing as how 401 does work)
1208 - Mindward
1601 - Mantle of Faith
1603 - Faith's Clarity
1107 - Adrenal Surge


If you plan to play your character for 50 minutes or less per day with full spell access, you can spend less per month than subscribing (100 spell passes @ $.10 each for 15 minutes per pass = $10.00 vs $12.95). Otherwise, subscribe!

[Luxelle]

1006 and 1007 buff the bard's group.

[Tgo01]

I've been tooling around with F2P and testing out some areas of the system. The beneficial spell restrictions are pretty messed up.

You can cast certain beneficial spells on players.

I haven't tested everything, but here's a few that actually do work:
1204 - Foresight
101 - Spirit Warding I (assuming 107, but will test tomorrow)
304 - Bless Item
1604 - Consecrate
1605 - Arm of the Arkati (cast on the group leader will work and buff the entire party)
401 - Elemental Defense I

Spells that don't work, but probably should work:
1006 - Song of Luck (casting this will not buff anyone else)
1007 - Kai's song of Triumph (same as 1006)
103 - Spirit Defense (because it's not stackable)

Spells that don't work which make sense:
104 / 105 - Disease / Poison resistance
202 - Spirit Shield
406 - Elemental Defense II (strangely seeing as how 401 does work)
1208 - Mindward
1601 - Mantle of Faith
1603 - Faith's Clarity

So, as you can see the restrictions are weird. Word was that you could buff someone for 2 hours with a spell, but I haven't really been trying to test durations, only what can and cannot be used in general. The Bard limitations seem to be the most asinine of all the issues. You can't stack songs for hours, and you have to keep the Bard in the party to keep the spells, so why don't they allows F2P to use them? That limitation makes F2P bards pretty much the most useless of the classes so far.

I think Simu said the first buff of each circle can be cast on others and that seems to fit with most of which you have described; doesn't really explain why 1601 can't be cast on others since that is most likely the first buff for that circle.

[Lady Sylvan]

You have to be very patient to be a F2Player. If it makes the game fun for you, then do your thing.

[Public-Enemy]

Came back to the game after a few years (for the umpteenth time). Was just randomly browsing over play.net and happened to see the F2P ads. Thought "Oh cool. I'll check out the old gemstone and see how things are going nowadayz for free...". Resubbed my old account after a few hours of struggling with rats and I've spent the last two days glued to my computer playing gemstone....damn you...damn you simu. Honestly though, the F2P system is a ballzy move on Simu's part and I think it's going to really pay off for them. It got me to resub and if all the posts I've read on here and other places are any testament, they got quite a few other people as well. I'd say they'll have most any old school gemstone player that happens over the F2P ads resubbing at some point. It's ballzy, and a pretty smart business move really. Simu, I salute you.

[Maerit]

1006 and 1007 buff the bard's group.

There's a difference between an active buff that you have to be joined to the party to provide - and a passive one that you only have to cast at the player and they can go off on their own merrily using the spells you provided without needing you to come along.

These kind of buff spells are not easily exploited for "buff-botting", so there's really no reason to restrict them other than to make F2P characters significantly lower in value for grouping. They don't provide any group benefits at all, basically... Social hunting is detrimented for those who chose to bring an F2P player into their party.


I think Simu said the first buff of each circle can be cast on others and that seems to fit with most of which you have described; doesn't really explain why 1601 can't be cast on others since that is most likely the first buff for that circle.

Yes - this is what Simu said about spells:


All beneficial spells except the lowest spell in each Minor circle (101, 401, and 1204) are all self-cast only. This restriction also applies to the ARMOR abilities. A casting pass allows casting on anyone else. If the caster does not have a casting pass, the receiving player can choose to purchase a receiving pass to allow any F2P caster to cast upon them. Only one pass needs to be present.

So minor spell circle lowest buff spells only it says here. Yet, there are some that either slipped through the cracks (win for F2P) or are considered to be utility spells over "defensive / offensive buff" spells?

Either way, Bards are screwed. Poor bards.

FYI - Just tested 307, and it doesn't work quite right as F2P. You can't buff the party like you would normally, but it also doesn't give the normal messaging for the Cleric that cast the spell unless they cast it ungrouped. Either way, the Cleric who casts the spell gets the benefit individually - you just have to "spell active" to get the timer to update.

[Luxelle]

There's a difference between an active buff that you have to be joined to the party to provide - and a passive one that you only have to cast at the player and they can go off on their own merrily using the spells you provided without needing you to come along.

These kind of buff spells are not easily exploited for "buff-botting", so there's really no reason to restrict them other than to make F2P characters significantly lower in value for grouping. They don't provide any group benefits at all, basically... Social hunting is detrimented for those who chose to bring an F2P player into their party.

Maybe it is a sign that those songspells are better than we *think* they are?

~Luxie (always looking for the glass to be half-full...)

[Maerit]

Welp, paladins are turning into the best / least restricted F2P class now. I was thinking it would be Monks, but now both 1605 an 1609 work on groups. Will have to see what happens when I get to 1613, 1617 and 1618.

[JackWhisper]

Awww yeah. Paladin power.

[Astray]

Paladin power.

Is this an accurate representation?
http://31.media.tumblr.com/43adeb5eae3876a413bef32d2e07178c/tumblr_n61v78yNJw1qhs35so1_500.gif

[JackWhisper]

Is this an accurate representation?
http://31.media.tumblr.com/43adeb5eae3876a413bef32d2e07178c/tumblr_n61v78yNJw1qhs35so1_500.gif

No. Clearly there aren't enough enemies being blown away by the sheer awesomeness of paladins.

[Astray]

No. Clearly there aren't enough enemies being blown away by the sheer awesomeness of paladins.

https://33.media.tumblr.com/b11908e5fe7a83a488d598721e923925/tumblr_mwb4ootGGa1s5oxc0o1_500.gif

[JackWhisper]

https://33.media.tumblr.com/b11908e5fe7a83a488d598721e923925/tumblr_mwb4ootGGa1s5oxc0o1_500.gif

NO NO NO! Now you've gone too far!

CLEARLY that was a WOMAN paladin driving!

[Astray]

Eh, it was only Australia.

[JackWhisper]

Yep. Women drivers.

7325

[Maerit]

Next thing to nerf for F2P -- Mana Sharing!!

I can share my mana with non-F2P and F2P accounts with reckless abandon! Oh noes, hordes of mana battery bots incoming. Never wrack for mana again! Just drag along your trusty mana-battery F2P character with 2-3x HP and trained in all mana sharing!

Arriving soon on the Simucoin store - Mana Sharing passes! Lasts for 15 minutes, costs 10-20 simucoins and allows a F2P character to share mana with anyone for a whole 15 minutes! Buy them in bulk!

[Maerit]

I should probably stop posting all the useful things F2P accounts are good for... It's definitely going to get noticed!

[JackWhisper]

They tried to nerf my locker mule needs.

31 F2P accounts later, FuckUSimu. ROFL.

[JackWhisper]

And for some reason, my locker mules only hold 98 items. Not 100. Weird.

[Gelston]

And for some reason, my locker mules only hold 98 items. Not 100. Weird.

The character counts as one item. No idea what the second item could be.

[JackWhisper]

The character counts as one item. No idea what the second item could be.

Okay, someone insert a joke about the penis counting as a whole other item.

[Donquix]

Okay, someone insert a joke about the penis counting as a whole other item.

That's why you roll a female locker mule and get 99, duh.

[JackWhisper]

That's why you roll a female locker mule and get 99, duh.

:foshizzle::clap::lol2:

[Gelston]

That's why you roll a female locker mule and get 99, duh.

What if she counts as 3 though?

[JackWhisper]

What if she counts as 3 though?

:scared2::drink::bananahit:

[subzero]

The character counts as one item. No idea what the second item could be.

Considering the 'curse data holder' is still a goddamn object, there truly is no telling what it could be.

[Maerit]

Further testing shows that 1213 - Mind over Body (Focus type spell), does not work on parties for F2P characters without a spell pass (so I am guessing 1216 won't either). Neither does 310 - Warding Sphere.

So far, looking pretty weak for F2P characters to contribute in group hunting settings outside of being a target dummy and providing what meager offensive power they have to offer.

[Fallen]

Do scrolls and magic items used by F2P characters effect everyone?

[phantasm]

From now on think of F2P accounts as the norm, all you subscribers are not serious gamers and just pay-to-win pansies.

[Thondalar]

From now on think of F2P accounts as the norm, all you subscribers are not serious gamers and just pay-to-win pansies.

<---totes pay-to-win.

[Whirlin]

I hit level 10 with my HK Ranger... still no XP slowdown... Experiencing a consistent 1.5k/hr

[SHAFT]

Whirlin, what exactly does your avatar represent?

[Astray]

Whirlin, what exactly does your avatar represent?

Mans undoing by placing a cat in a space marine suit?

[Gompers]

Honest question, but has anyone seen a rampant uptick of scripters since the F2P model has been released? Or is simu cracking down hard on it?

[Androidpk]

Whirlin, what exactly does your avatar represent?

Space marines are pussies?

[Taernath]

Honest question, but has anyone seen a rampant uptick of scripters since the F2P model has been released? Or is simu cracking down hard on it?

Yes, though I don't know how hard it's being watched.

[Maerit]

Continue to updated the list of spells that F2P can't use - 1107 Adrenal Surge (which makes sense, actually) is not usable without a spell pass.

[Allereli]

Got my monk to level 2 last night. Still get excited to find the Runner easily

[Gizmo]

So how has this effected the player base?

I haven't been able to play/login ever since my move in March and won't be until at least quite a few more months, like 5+...but I'm still curious I guess

[Latrinsorm]

Donquix keeps monthly stats. March figures should be up in the next week or so.

[Allereli]

So how has this effected the player base?

I haven't been able to play/login ever since my move in March and won't be until at least quite a few more months, like 5+...but I'm still curious I guess

I've observed quite a few true noobs and a good amount of returners who ended up resubbing or sticking with F2P

[Geijon Khyree]

This was a good article of on Massively Overpowered about the value of Free to play and some of the mentality we're faced with:

http://massivelyop.net/2015/03/26/massively-overthinking-the-true-value-of-free-to-play-players/

[mgoddess]

So, has anyone reached level 20+ yet, with a F2P character?

I'm nearing level 7, with my cleric... but I'm not hard-core playing, just an *hour or two here or there, so I don't expect to be anywhere close to where most people are.

[Donquix]

So, has anyone reached level 20+ yet, with a F2P character?

I'm nearing level 7, with my cleric... but I'm not hard-core playing, just an or two here or there, so I don't expect to be anywhere close to where most people are.

i know a couple people are in the 14-17 range, haven't talked to anyone 20+ yet.

Consensus for exp penalty looked to be about 1 per pulse per level, give or take.

[mgoddess]

i know a couple people are in the 14-17 range, haven't talked to anyone 20+ yet.

Consensus for exp penalty looked to be about 1 per pulse per level, give or take.

Cool. Good to know I'm not too far behind, all things considering.

[phantasm]

Level: 11 Deeds: 1
Experience: 167046 Death's Sting: None
Exp. until next: 454 Recent Deaths: 1
Mental TPs: 0 Fame: 165348
Physical TPs: 77 Mana: 65/65 max
(342 Phy converted to Mnt)

gained in exp avg/h fame avg/h until next
----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----------
16h 52m 3s 19,038 1,128 33,443 1,982 24m 8s
1h 37m 18s 2,579 1,590 3,295 2,031 17m 7s
16m 2s 426 1,594 0 0 17m 5s

[Brad]

I'm curious how this works with guild skills and reps, anyone know? Given there are restrictions on spell casting on other people and whatnot, was thinking there may be restrictions and purchasable work arounds?

[Latrinsorm]

You can't join a guild at all without a time-limited pass iirc.

[Luxelle]

You can't join a guild at all without a time-limited pass iirc.

Every 30 days you have to join again, or get ousted?! Really?

[Roblar]

The same was always true for failure to pay in game dues (silvers) as well.

But you don't lose your progress or ranks so just need to find a guild master to re-induct and continue as you were.

[SashaFierce]

So, has anyone reached level 20+ yet, with a F2P character?

I'm nearing level 7, with my cleric... but I'm not hard-core playing, just an *hour or two here or there, so I don't expect to be anywhere close to where most people are.


I'm level 20 now.

Race: Elf Profession: Wizard (not shown)
Gender: Male Age: 0 Expr: 486064 Level: 20
Normal (Bonus) ... Enhanced (Bonus)
Strength (STR): 91 (20) ... 91 (20)
Constitution (CON): 91 (20) ... 91 (20)
Dexterity (DEX): 65 (12) ... 65 (12)
Agility (AGI): 99 (39) ... 99 (39)
Discipline (DIS): 75 (-3) ... 75 (-3)
Aura (AUR): 50 (5) ... 50 (5)
Logic (LOG): 72 (11) ... 72 (11)
Intuition (INT): 72 (11) ... 72 (11)
Wisdom (WIS): 79 (14) ... 79 (14)
Influence (INF): 55 (12) ... 55 (12)

Getting 28 per pulse (while saturated), 27 per pulse (while fried) if anyone wants to do the math to see the exp absorption loss.

[mgoddess]

I'm level 20 now.

Race: Elf Profession: Wizard (not shown)
Gender: Male Age: 0 Expr: 486064 Level: 20
Normal (Bonus) ... Enhanced (Bonus)
Strength (STR): 91 (20) ... 91 (20)
Constitution (CON): 91 (20) ... 91 (20)
Dexterity (DEX): 65 (12) ... 65 (12)
Agility (AGI): 99 (39) ... 99 (39)
Discipline (DIS): 75 (-3) ... 75 (-3)
Aura (AUR): 50 (5) ... 50 (5)
Logic (LOG): 72 (11) ... 72 (11)
Intuition (INT): 72 (11) ... 72 (11)
Wisdom (WIS): 79 (14) ... 79 (14)
Influence (INF): 55 (12) ... 55 (12)

Getting 28 per pulse (while saturated), 27 per pulse (while fried) if anyone wants to do the math to see the exp absorption loss.

That's actually really pretty good. Congrats on getting to 20, and thanks for the exp/pulse numbers! :)

[Wrathbringer]

That's actually really pretty good. Congrats on getting to 20, and thanks for the exp/pulse numbers! :)

Nerfing down to 17 per in 5...4...3...

[Gelston]

Has anyone on a free account run .breakgs yet?

[JackWhisper]

Has anyone on a free account run .breakgs yet?

What is that?

[Gelston]

What is that?

It is just a script that spams report Fuck you Garmasters! and recite Fuck you Gaymasters!

[JackWhisper]

It is just a script that spams report Fuck you Garmasters! and recite Fuck you Gaymasters!

Jesus. Glad I asked first.

[Fallen]

I'm level 20 now.

Getting 28 per pulse (while saturated), 27 per pulse (while fried) if anyone wants to do the math to see the exp absorption loss.

Have you bought anything with Simucoins yet?

[Gelston]

Jesus. Glad I asked first.

I don't know that it exists on LNet. It was a .cmd script, from before LNet.

[JackWhisper]

It is just a script that spams report Fuck you Garmasters! and recite Fuck you Gaymasters!

Respect the Garmasters!

[Whirlin]

Have you bought anything with Simucoins yet?
Base XP absorption with 0 logic bonus on a super node is 30, then add your logic bonus modifier to that. So, likely at least 10%, but I'd guess that it's more closely related to a flat -1xp / every couple levels... I'll keep an eye out on it.

[elcidcannon]

Next thing to nerf for F2P -- Mana Sharing!!

I can share my mana with non-F2P and F2P accounts with reckless abandon! Oh noes, hordes of mana battery bots incoming. Never wrack for mana again! Just drag along your trusty mana-battery F2P character with 2-3x HP and trained in all mana sharing!

Arriving soon on the Simucoin store - Mana Sharing passes! Lasts for 15 minutes, costs 10-20 simucoins and allows a F2P character to share mana with anyone for a whole 15 minutes! Buy them in bulk!

it's funny because it's true

[elcidcannon]

They tried to nerf my locker mule needs.

31 F2P accounts later, FuckUSimu. ROFL.

thank GOD they're separating merchants for F2P and sub accounts in Spitfire

[JackWhisper]

thank GOD they're separating merchants for F2P and sub accounts in Spitfire

Funny enough, I already talked to a merchant about this.

Spinners have an extra setting now, to include F2P accounts, or not.

And they default at NOT. I don't mind not bringing my F2P accounts, because that's not why I made them. It'd be pretty obvious, since all of them have damn near identical names.

[JackWhisper]

thank GOD they're separating merchants for F2P and sub accounts in Spitfire

Can you elaborate on this? I'm curious.

[elcidcannon]

Can you elaborate on this? I'm curious.

Saw it in a post on the officials. I'll see if I can dig it up.

[Gelston]

Saw it in a post on the officials. I'll see if I can dig it up.

Make sure you use the official forum's high tech search feature.

[elcidcannon]

seriously. and on my currently throttled internet, it takes like 3 minutes to load a new page. fml.

[SashaFierce]

Have you bought anything with Simucoins yet?

No. I refuse to spend money for what should be a free to play account.

[phantasm]

I spent $20 of simucoin in a moment of exhilaration after first creating my F2P. Now that its spent and I'm looking at the situation with a cooler head I won't be purchasing any more. There is no point in spending money on a gimped up character.

[Whirlin]

You see Dogboot.
He appears to be an Elf.
He is average height and appears to be very young. He has dark-rimmed grey-green eyes and milky white skin. He has short, glossy dark blonde hair with a white streak running through it. He has a narrow face, a flaring nose and a low forehead.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a dented ruic composite bow in his left hand.
He is wearing some double leather, a belt quiver, a crystal amulet, a gathered green velvet pouch, a cross-woven heavy silk pack, and a pair of polished black boots.

[mgoddess]

FYI, for those of us who created our F2P characters in the first few days after F2P went live, the first 30 days of free skill relocations is coming up on closing!

[phantasm]

Uh oh time to lock it in. Mine doesn't end until 4/22 and I'm hoping to have my wizard to at least 20 so I can lower his harness power ranks and get other skills he will need like EMC for mana leech.

[Charlotte]

My dad played this years ago, so I had a idea of how the game was played. I LOVE it and do plan to upgrade from f2p at some point. I will say that i feel almost useless in most areas other than sitting in TC or at the well and chatting. I find hunting without spells like trying to hit a dime blindfolded, over your shoulder, and 1000 yards away with a bb gun( 5 min of chasing a giant rat and only hitting 4 times). Being in IceMule I find there are lots of nice folks who will toss a few spells at you so that is normally not a problem. As for drops, i have had a grand total of 4 boxes in 3 levels. What really sucks is not being able to open boxes other than mine. After all being a Rogue is about learning the Thieves craft, yes? All-in-all? Dad was right it is a fun game.


Name: Ailiesa Race: Half-Elf Profession: Rogue
Level: 3 Gender: Female Age: 25

Experience:
Experience: 11051 Next level at: 17500 exp.
Exp. until next lvl: 6449
Fame: 4410 Deeds: 0 Deaths this level: 0

[Fallen]

Sitting around and shooting the shit with other people is one of the better parts of the game, so no worries there.

[Caiylania]

Goodie, I get to start over.

How do I play this game again?

[Fallen]

👊 🐀, 💰, 🔁

[Viekn]

�� ��, ��, ��

No no, it's up up down down left right left right B A select start, then what you said.

[Kaledor]

As a "possible" returning player. I went for a Sorc again, training for sure changed! I'll have to do some research before my free retrain is gone.

As sticking with it. Not sure at this point, it bring back memories from 93 - 98 time frame, but something is lacking. As lacking I can't put my figure on it...

I did get an email to reactivate my account, but not sure how that is going to work since I used the email as my original account. Not sure if there is anything left on that account after I sold out in 98.

[Fallen]

Throw up a post here or on the officials if you have any training questions or just want a second opinion. People will be glad to help.

[Androidpk]

As a "possible" returning player. I went for a Sorc again, training for sure changed! I'll have to do some research before my free retrain is gone.

As sticking with it. Not sure at this point, it bring back memories from 93 - 98 time frame, but something is lacking. As lacking I can't put my figure on it...

I did get an email to reactivate my account, but not sure how that is going to work since I used the email as my original account. Not sure if there is anything left on that account after I sold out in 98.

I highly recommend giving Whirlin's guide a read.

http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?83173-So-you-want-to-be-a-pure-Whirlin-s-Guide-to-Sorcerers

[Latrinsorm]

Welcome back Caiylania!!! :D

[Kaledor]

I highly recommend giving Whirlin's guide a read.

http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?83173-So-you-want-to-be-a-pure-Whirlin-s-Guide-to-Sorcerers

Thanks I just started research my training wasn't to far off, even though I was training in shield. Didn't really know anything about runestaff!

[AestheticDeath]

Honestly though, the F2P system is a ballzy move on Simu's part and I think it's going to really pay off for them. ---
It's ballzy, and a pretty smart business move really. Simu, I salute you.

I have to disagree. Too little too late, and implemented wrong. Just like every other thing they do. Company needs some real brains to take over and run it right... but they needed that 10-20 years ago. From everything I have read so far, their is only one reason for a F2P account these days, and that is for the old timers to come back and talk to each other... which they can do outside the game.

If they had the balls you think they do now, they would have done Fallen, and F2P ten years ago. They need to take a look at other games and how successful F2P really is, and implement a FULL unlock on the game, allowing company driven cash sales.

I thought I spent a lot of money on Gemstone back in the day, buying crap I didn't need and pretending like I could be a merchant reselling accounts. But then I look at how much money I spent on games like Diablo 3 (which was a colossal waste in so many ways), Rift, Might and Magic DoC, and Neverwinter. Some of them I really wish I had known someone to give my junk to before just closing the account. I could have easily thrown another 20k down the drain on gemstone by now if they had done things properly. And I know (knew) a bunch of others that could have spent as much or more on the game. Actually 10-20 years of a proper F2P model could have gotten much more than that from me in that time. And some of the Gemstone players are literal freaks when it comes to how much they spend on the game. Multiple accounts, merchants, buying silvers and all that. Simutronics fucked up a LONG time ago by not cashing in on all of it themselves.

[Gelston]

Came back to the game after a few years (for the umpteenth time). Was just randomly browsing over play.net and happened to see the F2P ads. Thought "Oh cool. I'll check out the old gemstone and see how things are going nowadayz for free...". Resubbed my old account after a few hours of struggling with rats and I've spent the last two days glued to my computer playing gemstone....damn you...damn you simu. Honestly though, the F2P system is a ballzy move on Simu's part and I think it's going to really pay off for them. It got me to resub and if all the posts I've read on here and other places are any testament, they got quite a few other people as well. I'd say they'll have most any old school gemstone player that happens over the F2P ads resubbing at some point. It's ballzy, and a pretty smart business move really. Simu, I salute you.

What is "ballzy" about it? This is literally something Online games, including other MUDs, have been doing for years and years.

It is a nice new thing, don't get me wrong, but it isn't ballsy. If you want to give it a title, I'd say it is late.

[Caiylania]

Welcome back Caiylania!!! :D

Thank you. I'm rusty as all hell though. Barely know my way around.

Good thing is that I'm ready to part with half of my locker.