A guide to basic MMO etiquette

[Sendaar]

Considering that this may be many people’s first MMO I thought I’d start on a basic etiquette guide. Hopefully any questions you have about MMO etiquette will be answered here. I’ll start off with one topic and let other MMO veterans add topics that they’d like discussed or add to topics that others have already mentioned. I’ll come back to this thread from time to time to update the first page with new info as it comes in.


Looting

The first topic I’d like to discuss is looting as this is an area that seems very misunderstood within the WAR playerbase.

Believe it or not, there are many rules of etiquette when it comes to looting. Continuous mistakes or blatant disregard for these rules may seriously detract from the game play of others and find your character’s name on many ignore lists.

First, whenever grouping with other players, it’s generally a good idea to discuss looting rules before any looting is to be done. If this is not possible, following these guidelines will generally lead to very little debate.

NEED-GREED-PASS

When to roll “Need” – When the item being rolled on is usable by your CURRENT race and class(never roll need for an alt) AND when it’s better then what you already have. Always remember to thoroughly examine the item to make sure that you can use it before rolling need.

When not to roll “Need” – If you can’t use the item; don’t roll need. Rolling need on an item that you have no use for is also known as “Ninja looting” and will typically result in a rapid removal from the group. Remember, rolling need on an item that you can’t use means that you’re potentially taking that item from somebody who can use it, so try to put yourself in their shoes. Also, tradeskill items other then recipes are not typically items to roll need on and to the best of my knowledge, there are no tradeskill recipes in WAR.

When to roll “Greed” – Basically, roll greed on anything of value that you cannot use as well as all tradeskill items. The one main exception to this is on items that are “Bind on Pickup”. For items that are BoP you will need to first establish whether or not there is somebody in your group with the salvaging skill. If not, then rolling greed on BoP items is fine, if so, then you would roll “Need” if you need the item or pass. If nobody rolls need and everybody passes, then the salvager will pick up the item and salvage it. The group with then all use the /roll to see who will win the salvaged item.

What to do about disputes – Whenever you feel that somebody has violated looting etiquette, try to remain calm and politely confront them about it. Remember, everybody makes mistakes and it could be just that. It’s not uncommon for somebody to look at an item’s stats and think that that item would be useful for them and roll need before looking at the race and class requirements. If it was a mistake, they probably already feel bad enough about it and getting abusive will not help the situation. If it was intentional, then nothing you say will make a difference anyway so there’s no point in getting steamed up about it.

Try to keep in mind that it’s much better to make a little less money then to find yourself on the ignore lists of half of the server’s population.

[Sendaar]

reserved...

[Sendaar]

one more reservation :)

[FoulPet]

If you are planning on logging off in 30 minutes dont join a group that is going on a quest/mission that takes an hour.

[Duty]

Don't get upset because someone makes a suggestion on how to better play your class. Taking suggestions is often a good way to learn. "They don't play my class, so how can they know anything?" isn't a good argument back either. They actually could play your class first of all, and second, the truth is the truth no matter who is speaking it. You wouldn't call someone who says "1+1=2" wrong because they're a construction worker and not a mathematician would you?

[theShatteredOne]

I was in a PQ group today with a Shaman named Squelch. He rolled need on EVERYTHING. I was tempted to delete my toons re-roll order and hunt him down until my computer burned out.

[Wolfenight]

A good idea for a guide but needs to be easier to follow, I think.

When to roll “Need” – When the item being rolled on is usable by your CURRENT race and class(never roll need for an alt) AND when it’s better then what you already have. Always remember to thoroughly examine the item to make sure that you can use it before rolling need.
When to roll “Greed” – Basically, roll greed on anything of value that you cannot use as well as all tradeskill items. The one main exception to this is on items that are “Bind on Pickup”. For items that are BoP you will need to first establish whether or not there is somebody in your group with the salvaging skill. If not, then rolling greed on BoP items is fine, if so, then you would roll “Need” if you need the item or pass. If nobody rolls need and everybody passes, then the salvager will pick up the item and salvage it. The group with then all use the /roll to see who will win the salvaged item.

What to do about disputes – Whenever you feel that somebody has violated looting etiquette, try to remain calm and politely confront them about it. Remember, everybody makes mistakes and it could be just that. It’s not uncommon for somebody to look at an item’s stats and think that that item would be useful for them and roll need before looking at the race and class requirements. If it was a mistake, they probably already feel bad enough about it and getting abusive will not help the situation. If it was intentional, then nothing you say will make a difference anyway so there’s no point in getting steamed up about it.

Try to keep in mind that it’s much better to make a little less money then to find yourself on the ignore lists of half of the server’s population.

When to roll need:


The character you are currently playing can use the item.
The item in question is a significant upgrade from what you are currently using.

Rolling need on items for alts in considered to be very bad manners. Also remember to think of the people you are playing with. If you and another of the same class are rolling on the same item and it would be a +1 upgrade for you but a +10 upgrade for them, let them have it ;). Right click their portrait, view their equipment and remember they're on your side.

When to roll greed:


The item gives you the option of rolling but it is of no particular use to you

Exceptions and disputes:


If you are a salvager and a bind on pickup item is being rolled for, establish weather anyone in your group wants it at all and if not need it and salvage. It's also considered polite to let your group then manually /roll on the pieces taken from salvaging, after all, loot of this type is often from bosses and you couldn't have gotten it without them.
If someone needs an item unnessicarily don't call abuse down on them. Point it out to them first, chances are they diddn't realise and they already feel bad about it.
If someone needs an item unnessicarily and ment to for their own greedy reasons put them on your ignore list. This is particularly funny if you're a healer doing a dungeon with them at the time ;).

[waring]

wow~~~ great guides for newbie~

[illundreal]

Seriously need to emphasize to never 'need' a crafting material. Unless predetermined by the group, greeding/passing is the way to go. If you don't know everyone else's profession just assume they can use the mat too.

[SilenzZzz]

eh, tho i agree ... i still think of it as just a game .. the world is not going to come to an end for me if someone rolled need on an item i wanted and they 'to my eyes' had no use for it ...

i just wait to see what others are rolling ... if it is a craft item, i hit greed less i see others hitting need ... if it is a peice of equipment, same thing .. but i normally keep up with who is what class in my group .. if they need on an item that is for their class i dont think twice .. but if they need on something they can't use .. i normally need as well ... and if i do end up with it i pass it onto the next person i run into that is that class .. or toss it up on the AH for a little bit more then what a vendor pays.

[DarkLynx]

I think you should rethink the rolling on tradeskill items.

I roll need on anything I can use, be it seeds or plants for cultivation or apoth.

I will not roll greed because (even though some groups whine and cry that "don't need on seeds!") many people can't use seeds, they don't have cultivation. So why should I roll against someone else on an item that I can use? An item that I can turn into a potion for myself? And the others just sell the seed.

I'm needing all tradeskill items that I can use. I don't need on salvaging or anything like that.

[Hazzlehoff]

The one and only thing you need is common sense.

A surprisingly large amount of people seem to lack even the slightest bit of it.

[Vexx]

Lately I've noticed a lot of people are rolling Need for potions when in PQ warbands and scenarios.

In previous MMOs this was only considered acceptable if, say, you were a tank and getting low on health potions AND had previously stated that you were planning on needing any pots that dropped. It's not just tanks that are doing it, however, and with the fluid nature of the PQ warband it's near impossible to communicate your intentions to the constantly changing group of players.

Long story short, I was wondering if it's more of a WAR thing that when pots drop you roll need.

It doesn't really sit right with me, but I'm willing to change if that's the etiquette. After all, if everyone's going to be rolling greed for something, why don't we all just hit need instead?

[Slashduel]

Running around spamming "HEAL ME!" is not a good way to get heals.

Insulting everyone in a RvR scenario won't inspire them to do any better.

Never ask "WUT CLASS IS THE MOST FUN!?!?" Just don't do it. Period.

[PhroX]

Nice start. Now continue with things like Blind Invites (BAD!), Killstealing (BAD! and so horribly prevalent) and so on :mrgreen:

[Soulsmith]

Im not sure if this is general etiquette but:

PQ

Two heros against our party, me (BO), a Chosen, some dark elves.

I tank one guy with most party, the other hero (a bowman, may I add) goes off to attack this Khaine guy. He then screams at me for not tanking the bowman, whilst I was tanking the close combat hero. And he hadnt noticed our chaos friend who was trying to tank the bowman.

We completed it, but then went flipside, told me how to play my class with expletives, and told me to go play WoW

He didnt even die once though.

Basically saying dont be an angry when you dont get what you want. HIs name was Naphat. If you see him, tell him Grukrag wants his hhead on a stick.

[ArkenMox]

just because you want more money is not a reason to roll need on everything, you dont need to sell it, you just want to.

unless you have played a class you dont know how to play it better then the person who is playing it, so telling a toture speced dot they shouldnt be in melee range is just stupid.

[Naydrus]

wow~~~ great guides for newbie~
The worst part is that most loot s are people who have played MMO's for years and are just ignorant.

[Samcharles]

The worst part is that most loot s are people who have played MMO's for years and are just ignorant.

or they are greedy...

[ccerna1]

Am glad I have not across anyone yet in war hammer, I played DAOC 6 moths after it went live till a few months after that pile of dung (TOA).My whole time never ran across any selfish folks, made alot of good friends and to be honest the community was that made me kept playing the game till TOA.

First day in WOW it was like I was back in 5th grade unreal....

[Malory]

Only part I disagree with is about tradeskill items.
I do cultivating on my main character. If a seed comes up while I am playing that character that I will use (whether it be to raise my skill and/or make a potion) I will select Need.

When playing my non-cultivators, I choose pass because I really don't want that crap filling up my bags.

[Calavel]

or they are greedy...
There's a subtle wisdom in these words.

I'm impressed this thread hasn't been invaded by idiots posting walls of text about how it's the only solution to need on everything because they're going to pass the stuff along to their/guild friends, because this is a competitive game after all. People who incessantly roll need should not be allowed in multi-player games... ever.

I think you should need on trade items if they're usable by you. At the moment, this pretty much only goes for seeds anyway outside T1. Actually, I'm always secretly hoping someone will need on all the seeds so they don't take up my bag space but no one ever does... :(

Oh yeah, and... green weapons/armors are not trade items!

[Azylynne]

Warband and ORvR Courtesy...

When joining a Warband...please know WHO the WB leader is and what the PURPOSE of the WB is.

Please do not CHALLENGE the WB Leader and try to railroad it into another zone/target or to do do Bastion Stairs etc. If you do not like or agree with what the Wb is doing...please leave it and join another or start your own. Let the WB leader LEAD. You will get your chance to lead sooner than later!

WB Leader or Assistants SHOULD periodically remind what the purpose of the WB is for, state location of WB for players who just joined etc. or respawned and are running back etc., and state WHERE the WB is moving next...this declaration of WHERE the WB is going should be done BEFORE a BFO flips.

WB Leader or Assistants should broadcast in Region Chat Who WB Lead is, Where they are at, and what they are doing. e.g. "/1 Azylynne WB is open and attacking Drakebreaker, Outer Door at 50%" Also it would be VERY nice if they announced when Doors are ALWAYS DOWN and DOWN...courtesy to the Postern/WC guards.

WB Leader or Assistant should broadcast relevant info in region chat...such as TIME remaining on a BFO before flip, Door Status on Keeps, etc.

When 2 more or WBs are together...it would be nice if ONE WB/group directed while the other WBs assisted. Example, "/1 Azylynne WB is currently assisting Boss Bolt WB, we are at N Keep in KV and outer door is at 15%, please come and join us for some tea"

Sometimes, when your WB is full, to announce open space in other WBs (with the permission of other WB lead), e.g. "Azylynne Wb full atm, but Kroh WB has room, please join us at S Keep, Inner Door at 25%"

WB Leader/Assistants should monitor their dead and help get folks rezzed quickly...especially after a keep take when one of the dead won a gold bag. E.g. "/wb SoandSo where are you dead?" then moving over body and jumping up and down, an if that doesn't work...single out a healer to come over and rez.

When there are multiple WBs USE REGION CHAT. And always be courteous for those who choose NOT to join your WB. Maybe I'm naive, but there are several "groups" on my server who prefer to stay in smaller roaming bands etc. and/or stick with guild only WBs (unless I don't have one and they'll send me an invite)...so I region spam a lot about battle updates, location of WBs, open WB space, etc.

WB Leads/Assists should at times...REPEAT what they say since many times folks are NOT paying attention. Sometimes it helps when assistants help repeat the Leads orders etc.

And lastly... (a tribute to Twofang...who is much better now)...

DO NOT SPAM (meaning 1 message every minute etc.) region chat looking to form a group for Bastion Stairs when there is massive ORvR going on...

Then once people complain and get mad at you...please DO NOT START FIGHTING in Region Chat!

And once the WBs move to another zone...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not follow them to another ZONE to restart spamming BS LFG and continue the fighting by calling people names etc.

Honestly, he's much better now!

That's my two cents to help contribute!

Thanks,
Azy


Oh, a few bonus courtesy tips...

When entering a new tier, like T4....

Please take some time to know who the good leaders and bosses are...and please do not think you know EVERYTHING there is to know about taking keeps, BOs, and leading WBs. Spend some time learning the community, the people, and what they do... they "may" actually know a thing or two about how to ORvR...

[HAMMERSM4SHFACE]

Don't get upset because someone makes a suggestion on how to better play your class. Taking suggestions is often a good way to learn. "They don't play my class, so how can they know anything?" isn't a good argument back either. They actually could play your class first of all, and second, the truth is the truth no matter who is speaking it. You wouldn't call someone who says "1+1=2" wrong because they're a construction worker and not a mathematician would you?

On the other side of that coin: don't feel its your duty or privilege to school everyone you meet on how to play their character. This is a game and games are meant to be enjoyed. Having someone constantly preach the mathematical probability of your Big Spiky Club hitting that Harmless Field Mouse ad infinitum is not enjoyable, regardless of how well-intentioned that person may be.

[HAMMERSM4SHFACE]

I was in a PQ group today with a Shaman named Squelch. He rolled need on EVERYTHING. I was tempted to delete my toons re-roll order and hunt him down until my computer burned out.

I almost lol'd. It was very good for an internet joke.

[agentsvr]

Can you roll need on an item that is very usefull to you but you don't have the level to use it yet?

[Golrak]

Can you roll need on an item that is very usefull to you but you don't have the level to use it yet?


To me the etiquette on that is if your of the same class, but its a good items and your say 2-5 levels away rolling need is understandable, cause obviously you will need it eventually. But if you find an item and its far away from your current rank/renown then need rolling it is not a good idea. This is more prevelant with renown items, cause your more likely to find a high renown rank item and not have your renown as high as your rank for one reason or another.

[AlMumit]

Let's add please and thank you to this as well!:D

[ezze]

I disagree, pressing need on things you may need is completely justifiable over the person who needs just because its for his class but really doesnt need it.

If you confront me about my needs, ill hearth back to Ironforge