Alone time is sad time, when you can never win

  • Understand that we are gamers, a lot of us have no friends. We buy games like this to relax and have fun in our lonesome, but working for 2 hours to get your rep up and a tiny but of cash, only to have it all stolen by sone opertunists whilst I'm on my last island, getting killed and ship sunken. ISNT, FUN. We buy games to have fun not cry ourselves to sleep. This is a plea. Please allow a solo mode, private servers, all to ourselves, add it with the npc skeleton ships so we're not a lone in the waters if that's in issue your Dev eyes. But please, we don't need to be constantly reminded how much better we would be doing if we had friends. Let me sail alone on my sloop "or maybe add a 1 person gunboat or schooner, lil fishing boat for us to fish with too add that pls." A lot of us, if not most of us use games to escape people not get trolled by them. Let us have fun in our lonesome I can't repeat it enough.

    We all understand it's a pirate game, but if it was meant to be realistic there wouldnt be black or asian pirates, just a bunch of British mercanaries dying of disease on an overcrowded ship for a week before all being hunted and slaughtered by the British navy. Please please please, allow us to have something to not f**k over solo players..

    We just wanna be left alone with our "booty"

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  • @mythical-red I understand your concerns, but don’t give up. It’s totally possible to play solo and enjoy the game all by your lonesome. I do it all the time. It isn’t meant to be easy, so it does take practice. And there will still be times you become a target for other pirates. That’s a big part of the game. But gradually you get better at evasion, and even combat. Hang in there!

  • They already added a feature for solo players who don't want to get ganked at islands. It's called the crow's nest. You can use it to look around.

  • @mythical-red It's just numbers game man. No matter what game you play the more people you have the stronger your team is(everything else equal). There are some fundamental things that screw solo players like spawn timers and Rares new "events", but overall it's as fair as you can make being outnumbered.

  • @mythical-red agree. Solo players are heavily penalized just for playing solo. Given equal ability it is unlikely for a solo player to defeat a galleon. The only "solution" is to flee. Again, the odds are stacked against the solo player because Rare has not considered the world's most valuable resource: time. Individual galleon crews can leave and join just fine while the solo player can either keep fleeing for hours on end just to avoid getting sunk or having his treasure stolen. This is fun?

    So now not only is the grind worse because a solo player stands no chance against a galleon, he has to minimize his risk-reward by constantly returning chests to outposts in GH voyages and returning skulls in OoS voyages. MA voyages… you're screwed. I would be interested to see the stats for solo player progression in the various factions to see if my theory holds.

    Currently I'm holding out hope that the online experience improves when Ubisoft releases "Ace Combat on the High Seas" and people play that instead of SoT but that's kind of sad.

  • Elite Dangerous is a good example of why private groups are trash. Half the community is over there on Mobius because people are scary. At least that game sort of has an excuse given the insane vertical progression scale. This game you only die for making bad decisions. Exhibit A: This guy who didn't bother to look around.

  • [Mod edited]

    completely rude and unnecessary. chill, internet warrior. you don't know this person and should never talk to anyone like that. personally, my heart pounds until my chest hurts and i shake so bad i can't defend myself, but i still come back to the game. anxiety. here's the part where you tell me to go kill myself, i guess? already tried

    we're real people you're talking down to and we like to play games as an escape.

    when every ship you encounter is hostile... when every island you stop at gets interrupted... when every vocal interaction is met with cannonballs.. it gets old. this is where these posts come from. try being a better person.

  • here's the part where you tell me to go kill myself, i guess?

    Bit strong, I suggested going and playing a very good single player game, there's loads out there, I even wished they'd have fun, true, boring and friendless might have been a bit harsh, but you're overreacting mate, go buy one of the many, many single player games out there if you want to be left alone, and if you really really want to be left alone don't come into a public forum asking to be left alone, just go be alone, problem solved...

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  • @nwo-malice said in Alone time is sad time, when you can never win:

    Your misery makes me feel good and No. Just because you buy a game doesnt entitle you to skip out of the parts you dislike about it. Get some friends or raise that skill or move along.

    Karma is a vicious mistress.

  • Rude replies aside...
    I understand what you're saying; I've played a lot of solo SoT. I intended to play in more galleon action (because I really love that, but I have no gamer friends and am only now slowly starting to branch out through using Discord [Fleet Of Thieves is an awesome Discord channel for teaming up with quality pirates]).

    Anywho... I spend many hours solo slooping and I think there are some key things everyone should realize about this game:

    1. it's definitely intended for multi-pirate crews, but the game is about freedom, so it gives OPTIONS. Those options might not be ideal, but the options exist; not all options need to be equal.
    2. You can survive and be a sucessful solo pirate. It is harder (which only makes sense! It's hard to go it alone).
    3. The number one key to success is environmental awareness! ALWAYS keep your eyes on the horizons. You need to be super careful. Playing solo can be like being a tiny mouse, in a den of cats. Do everything you can to spot other ships, avoid other ships, and be aware, at all times, of what dangers are at a distance from your location. CHECK THE HORIZONS REGULARLY! REPEATEDLY
    4. When you keep yourself aware - which prevents you from geting caught by surprise - you can maintain your distance from other ships and you can conrol any chase that may occur.
      Yes, chases are part of the game. Yes, progression will be slower for solo players. That is only natural - power comes through unity.
    5. Sloops should never be caught by Galleons. You are solo. You are in a nimble boat. Be the best captain you can be. With your vision, you see ANY AND ALL ships at a long distance. If/when a Galleon is near you and pursuiing you, you can spin and turn far better than they can. AND you can sail faster AGAINST the wind. Galleons are faster WITH the wind, but sloops are faster AGAINST the wind. You can create great distance between your sloop and a galleon by spinning around (far more quickly than their lumbering, three-masted ships can) and aiming directly into the wind.

    Until you build your experience and skill (and confidence), play solo as a tiny, paranoid rat in a sea of potential murderers. Hide, sneak, and always keep your ship sailing for safety, away from others. Don't get me wrong - not every pirate is looking to attack you, and not every encounter is certain loss... but, if you wish to avoid losing your treasure, YOU have to do a better job of completely AVOIDING the opportunity of giving your loot up to another pirate.
    I've yet to be sunk and lose my loot... and I've logged countless hours playing solo. It's not because of my PVP skills - it is because of my awareness and carefulness (when I feel like being cautious. When I don't, I crew up in a galleon and let loose).

    I actually enjoy the thrill of trying to be a true thief in the seas... a solo rogue, getting away with treasures others covet.

    Honestly, I so often find myself without a single encounter throughout multiple hours of playing.
    Sails on the horizons, but no one comes near.

    I highly suggest turning in your treasure and sailing closer to a galleon. Without any treasure onboard (so, nothing to lose), test your boat, your politing skills, and their ability to chase you. Gain some understanding and some confidence in how successfully you can avoid them. Very, very few crews will chase you indefinitely, heh. And, if they do, there are more advanced ways out of those scenarios (whether you want to resort to sabotage, attacks, or sailing into storms).

    I say all this to help you, or anyone else, that might have these issues and not realize they can do this and avoid unwanted combat.

    As for separate, solo, or PvE-only servers - I honestly don't expect that to ever happen. However, solo play is certainly possible without having to lose your precious loot.

    I do, also, highly suggest turning in loot often.
    OF COURSE it is going to take more time. That's only fair... you're outnumbered.

    Also, some people that know me are usually surprised, but I suffer from social anxiety (and general anxiety issues). That said, I've been a lifelong musician and performer and tend to be rather outward and social... it just takes a lot out of me and I need to overcome a lot that other people have little-to-no idea about.
    So, I understand dealing with that as well. And I don't fault anyone if they're not lucky enough to be able to overcome that. We're all different.

    /EndLongPost
    ;)

  • @mythical-red

    I'm going to link in here a video which you might find helpful if you haven't already seen it. It's discussing the place of the solo ship and the design decisions around it - it is definitely a valid and worthwhile playstyle which is also challenging in the world we have now.

    https://youtu.be/Jx6y-4wRgrE

    There's also a thread here which collects together the various hints, tips and ideas from experienced solo sailors -

  • Would like to add that there is a looking for group tool on Xbox and on the Xbox app on PC. Where you can find a crew that suits you or make a request for a crew yourself.

    I do get your frustration. I was in the same boat... :P But it just takes practice. I would recommend you start attacking galleons. Yes you read that right! Attack and practice on getting away, boarding them and doing all kinds of things to survive and escape.

    It will be allot of fails in the start but as you keep on trying you will get better at it and find your way.

    I'm extremely paranoid when playing Sea of Thieves. When in the sloop I always position my ship (if possible) and angle my sails with the wind. Pull up my anchor and are ready to sail like a wind out of there at the first sight of anyone coming remotely close to me...if I have loot onboard of value that is.

    Watch and read the tips on the forum and on YouTube. You'll be fine! If not then you can always send me a message if you see me online.

  • As several people have said, solo in this game is hard mode. I have come to appreciate that comment. Everytime i get a new game i always set the hardest setting... I have been struggling to find motivation to continue as of late, but since i heard that, my new goal is to reach legend solo... Not sure how many have done it. and yes i am gonna lose a lot, but thats nothing new i welcome the challenge

  • They should add a note ate the bottom of the ship selection page of the game as a warning to players:

    For example:

    1 player Sloop - Legendary dificulty
    2 player Sloop - hard
    3 player Galleon - medium
    4 player Galleon - easy

    Just like diablo 2 - you have to rise through these dificulties to be able to play solo. It's by far the hardest game type when choosing to solo.

    If you are short on friends, you can always use LFG on the game hub. I have yet to meet a bad crew on LFG.

    I have never played solo before because I know I will be at the bottom of thr pecking order on that server.

  • I totally understand the fustration but it's part of the game to loot and steal (it's been done to deat but it's in the name).

    It's also part of the game to co-operate with other people at least in a team of 2-3 or 4. Solo mode is possible but a lot harder because you're just going to be thrown into the sea with the big boys.

    So bottom line here is: Either you bought the wrong game, need to ajust your mindset or look for some likeminded people on the internet to join into some group fun. You're not going to use your I'm a gamer so I'm a londer card here because you got a multiplayer game.

  • @MYTHICAL-RED

    It is dissapointing to read of your solo experiences. Finding time to play can also be very hard which can make such experiences doubly dissapointing.

    I tried solo twice and was completely trashed before getting off the spawning out post and in the end gave up on the idea. That said I am not good at PvP combat so had hoped to get to grips with the game. You sound to have done better than me.

    @KattTruewalker I suppose as a forum gate keeper you are as close to Rare as we can speak to and receive the respect of a reply.

    I think I have watched the Rare video on solo/duo sloop a few times. Sadly it isn't that helpful saying that they have thought about different ships and not much more. The advertising and even the packaging do not warn that the game will leave you with no training grounds, and left to be overwhelmed.

    Then we suffer the kind of comments that have come back here in this thread. It's a minority but a minority that are having a bigger impact on others than the posts from less aggressive players looking for help to be able to play the game they bought in good faith. I am sure I am not the only that wishes that Rare would properly be seen and heard to consider the feedback many of us have given.

  • I understand your frustration, but this is simply how the game works.
    There are many threads like these, where people say they just want to relax, get their loot and sail the seas without the fear of losing anything.

    This however, was not the intention of the game. By design, the world is open to all crew sizes and everything is free for all. You are supposed to be alert at all times, just like in games such as rust or dayz.
    When you log in by yourself, you make a choice to play solo and therefore, hard mode. You can find people to play with through discord groups, the forums, xbox app group finder, the in-game open crew and reddit.

    I play mostly solo and I'm fully aware of the risks. I know that if I get into a fight, I will need to play better than 2-4 players, and I have done it multiple times.

    Anyway, while being attacked by other sucks, it's an important part of the game - the interaction with other crews. You will find friendly players and hostile ones. If you remove the PvP aspect of the game, you are left with players just going from point A to point B without having to even look if your server is empty or not.

    As a WoW player, I enjoy playing solo. That doesn't mean I expect blizzard to add solo dungeons for me. I can solo dungeons with my tank, but it would be much easier to complete with a group.

  • So far everyone here has been "giving tips" on how to do better solo, but doing better solo isn't the issue.

    You can be perfectly adept (I put myself in that bracket) and do EVERYTHING mentioned, avoiding combat, being aware, even having 'Gawdlike' skills but it all boils down to this:

    SOLO ISNT HARDER.
    ITS JUST MORE TIME CONSUMING.

  • @stratcat51

    I know that it does feel frustrating and I know the video was a specific response to community concerns about the solo sloop. It is more challenging to master, I don't think it's a question of having to find friends or pressure to do so even. What I do think is that as we see more content within the world, more distractions from pvp if you like, the frustrating experiences might well ease. The concerns are definitely heard by Rare.
    It's not only solo sloopers who might have negative experiences either, it can happen to any crew, but it can be particularly devastating if you're sailing alone.

  • @katttruewalker Thankyou for your kind reply. I keep hoping things will improve as we played as a duo on sloop but even though my crewmate is much more of a gamer than me we were trounced too many times and stopped playing over a month ago.

    I understand the PvPvE and have presented a detailed idea that would retain that and would I think benefit both Rare and a wider player base if it was looked into. I couldn't do more to work things out as I didn't have the stats that are gathered behind scenes.

    Anyway, we're still hanging about incase we can come back.

    Kind regards.

  • @MYTHICAL-RED @Stratcat51 and all the solo-sloopers out there :)

    I have to agree with @KattTruewalker. The more content arrives, the more people will refrain from PvP. All crews have to deal with the PvPers from time to time, but you'll get the hang of it eventually.

    That being said, in regards of @MYTHICAL-RED's original story, I can't recommend regularly engaging here on the forums and even the official Sea of Thieves Discord enough. There definitely people out there that could be sailing with you! The friends I have made over the internet and gaming throughout the years are some of the best friends I'll ever have.

    This game can be a great way to find new friends to play with. If your problem is having things in common, know this: There is one major thing you'll have in common with whoever you play with and it's called 'Sea of Thieves'.

  • @mythical-red I totally understand you as a solo player too since I'm fed up with those stupide taking control of the sllop and take it into rocks.....but now ther's a bigger problem named magalodon. This morning I was with 16 chest on my boat, no ennemies boats at the horizon but a mega attacks me and follow me from Dagger tooth outpost to golden sands outpost, killed me once and almost sank my ship but respawn soon enough to repair...I an wondering what will answer those always says that this is a pirates games now !!!!!

  • @mythical-red

    I feel your pain. I am also normally a solo player and until sea of thieves never once used my headset always choosing to go alone.

    This game changed my view and at the same time reminds me why I chose to play like this.
    This game is all about the people you play with and the story you make together in a pirate world. It's all about finding people that you get on with and can play to make your own fun. Alone it can be hard and can pound you into the ground when you have your sloop sunk for the fifth time that day and list all your hardwork.

    But with a little effort you can find a crew and suddenly the world opens up. You go out on the sea together. You sometimes win , sometimes you loose but you make the fun in the moment. Often time is spent messing about with the game mechanics and other crews with the search for treasure etc as a secondary factor.

    I have met people from all over the world and look forward to the time I get to play. I have limited gaming time due to work but know I can always find somebody day or night to crew up with. It will take me ages to get to legend but to me the fun is the time with people I like sailing about the sea.

    Go to discord join some random crews find a crew to play with it makes all the difference.

  • @Murkrage

    Understood and we hope it improves. I am older generation and am trying to play with family. I can equate with issues meeting people too even though I have worked with and managed quite a number that hasn't made it easier. It is life and we are all different. I only work it as always treat others with respect and how I would expect to be treated. It doesn't always work that way though :)

    @jereffuse Forgive me, but your tale of getting chased by a Meg made me smile, especially the closing comment. I would not like to lose loot that way either but I suppose it feels a little less personal when it is mechanic and isn't gaining from your hard efforts. Nice fun post.

  • @pdt-mindstream You Sir, are a beautiful Human being.
    Can't we just fill the forums with you.

    Sorry, but I thought you needed to know.

  • Here is my godlike and main hint for any Solo-Player out there.

    Do not let your Sloop become TOO HOT. Turn loot in quickly.
    Two missions at most! No greed, only disciplin.

    No matter how tiny the chance is that someone attacks your Sloop which carrys only lowlevel-loot anyway.
    If it happens and you lose "much loot" only regret and anger will be left.

    So don't do it and turn in your stuff at a regular pace.

  • @mythical-red a Given equal ability it is unlikely for a solo player to defeat a galleon. The only "solution" is to flee.

    I completely disagree. A solo sloop can actually sink a 4 man galleon as long as you can stop them from boarding you. A good crew will mean death mopst of the time yes but I've sunk sloops and galleons alike as a solo and overcoming that disadvantage is one of the most rewarding things in the game. So if a mediocre crew attack me, they better bring their A game.

    I personally find it way more difficult to sink a 2 man sloop as a solo. If one repairs their ship while the other is trying to board or worse yet, I die to cannon fire, it's game over.

    Galleons are easier targets though and they'll need 2 people repairing to keep it afloat. and if you space your attack out on the hull that's also a losing battle for them. A galleon that doesn't try and board you is usually a sunk galleon.

  • @sausijxzal Since OP was literally complaining about getting ganked at an island I'd say that yes, getting better is the issue here.

  • no Asian pirates? look up name Ching Shih

  • @barnacle-blake And Black Caesar for the black part. Half of Blackbeards crew were black too.

  • @crimsonraziel I was thinking of him also couldn't remember the name but just found it out before I saw this post : )

  • @dreadpirate9200 said in Alone time is sad time, when you can never win:

    @pdt-mindstream You Sir, are a beautiful Human being.
    Can't we just fill the forums with you.

    Sorry, but I thought you needed to know

    @PDT-Mindstream
    I will happily second that. To be honest I hadn't taken in all that you had written.

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