Let me start off by saying: I'm new to Sea of Thieves.
However, I'm far from new to the aspects of online gaming; I started the very year Ultima Online came out and have been a daily gamer since, taking part in every major MMORPG (some more so than others).
That said, I'm enjoying Sea of Thieves thus far, despite having always been a solo player (except a couple years on Soldier of Fortune II when I was part of a Clan called The Scorpion Elite =TSE=). I don't take part in raids on WoW, trials on ESO or any form of groups on Fallout 76; though I do play League of Legends. All of that might end up changing with my desire to actually feel like a Pirate Captain in Sea of Thieves.
As things stand, I'm very happy going out collecting treasures, battling mobs and sailing away from other ships as quickly as possible for cosmetic upgrades. I'm quite happy in the knowledge that no other pirate on the seas is more powerful than I in a 1v1, simply more experienced.
However, I know myself well enough to say this will eventually become tiresome, with or without a crew; but this is a game I don't want to become tired of. I won't ask for a complete, free overhaul of the game itself as some of the PvE and PvP complaint posts do.
(I tried looking for this suggestion but couldn't find it, so my apologies if it's out there)
- How about separate game modes?
Keep the game as is, but introduce a new game mode for those players who do wish for their own pirate and ship to become more powerful.
A game mode where:
- We start with a base ship and single cannon, with multiple upgrade routes; fast ships, durable ships, cargo ships, etc.
- We start with base pistol and cutlass, with professional combat routes; melee, medium range, long range, etc.
- We have gear that give defenses to different weapon types; reduced slash/stab damage, reduced bullet damage, etc.
- We can choose to be a weaponsmith, armorsmith, alchemist, chef or even a shipwright; become known to craft the best weapons or armor, to always have a stock of healing potions or poisons, to sell the best food or build the best ships
- There are new islands with crafting materials and combat gear
- There are voyages to obtain crafting materials and combat gear
- There are sanctuary outposts to stash your goods which are otherwise entirely lootable by players
I understand introducing such a huge game mode would be a lot of work, take a lot of time and space, and likely cost money as an expansion/DLC for those who wish to take part.
I also understand this isn't appealing to all players. I've already seen how many were complaining about the PvP aspect, and I'm certain that I'll feel similar after experiencing my first heavy loss but I'd still love to have a feeling of progression.
You can say that players who play a lot would have an extreme advantage in this game mode over those who are casual but want to take part, and you'd be correct.
- Why wouldn't a dedicated pirate crew have advantages over newcomers?
You can say that players could park their advanced ships outside of sanctuary outposts to destroy those attempting to leave, and you'd be correct.
- A greater incentive for players like me to form a crew to make it off the sanctuary outpost. Or, a grace period upon leaving sanctuaries where you're immune to attack for a set period of time (like when entering the Outlands or the surrounding Portal zone in Albion Online).
Introducing these changes as a new, purchasable game mode would mean only those interested in taking part will be involved. Those who want to play Sea of Thieves as it is now would still be able to do so. It may even help reduce how frequently players who dislike PvP are attacked in the base game, and increase the likelihood of ships/players you see in the base game being friendlies. I saw five other player ships in a two-hour period, during the AM hours (PST). At least one was a crew of three, and clearly watching me. That's obviously an average of one ship every 24 minutes, which I imagine is overwhelming to players who love Sea of Thieves but are limited on game time and uninterested in the possibility of being attacked by other players.
It's not entirely likely I read responses unless I get one from the staff. I'm quite used to the negativity from established gaming communities when you suggest changes to their games.
Thanks for reading.
