As I'm adventuring in the game and come across other players, can I continue on my way not needing to worry about being attacked or should I just avoid them altogether due to the chance of them becoming hostile?
Is pvp handled like say a pvp server in an mmo, where anyone can attack anyone, or is it handled like a pve server, where you can only be attacked by other players if you attack or if you manually "flag" yourself for pvp?
thanks :)
@h0rse Ahoy there!
The good news is you cannot get attacked by your own crew but everyone else on the server can attack you. From my experience, it's 50/50 some players are PvP some are just out there exploring and treasure hunting.
We normally give other ships a wide birth, allow them to make the first move and then chose our plan accordingly.
Sea of Thieves is a shared open world adventure game. You share a world with a few other ships/players. And these players range in playstyles, pvp, pve, a combination or a weird variation. You can avoid PvP to a certain degree, but there isnt a guarantee that you wont be spotted and pursued/attacked.
Play the game at your own place with your own playstyle, but I would recommend keeping an eye on the horizon, and always remaining weary of the intentions of pirates outside your crew
Thanks for the replies. Now for my verbose response...
It's unfortunate that this is the way it is handled - essentially a large, open world version of the Dark Zone from The Division, where every player you pass is a potential knife in your back or an outright attack against you. It completely destroys the fun factor I derive from games like this, since I'm always anxious about "are these guys going to attack me?"
It's not so much the pvp itself that I don't enjoy, (I enjoy a good shooter) I'm just very black and white in my games. Games with pvp should be all pvp, or have a mode that is all pvp (like the Dark Zone in The Division) Big, open-world games like this (I feel) should either have a pvp zone/mode or have a "flag" system that only allows players to attack those who agree to pvp.
The idea of always needing to be on guard and the anticipation that at any moment, my adventuring could be interrupted, ruins my overall experience. Couple that with the fact that I don't have a say in it - that partaking in pvp isn't mutual between players, and instead I need to engage in pvp because my attacker(s) say so, doesn't sit well with me. I want to be able to do what I do without interruption - allowing that to happen in this system is a dice roll.
I was really looking forward to playing this game. Now I might just wait and see how it pans out.
@h0rse
The things you describe as experiences you would not enjoy are fairly important aspects of the game, in my opinion. That isnt to say that you'll be constantly harassed though.
To say you dont have a say in the encounter depends on who sees whom first. The person who sees first can act accordingly. But this game derives, to me, its fun from the potential of not being safe. And then either outshooting, outsmarting your opponents or failing in the encounter with the other crew.
Perhaps take a look at the videos of the game, get a better grasp on the reasoning behind the decisions and see if it is the game for you. There's no harm done if it isnt :)
Luckily the sever sizes are limited and Rare are trying to make PvP encounters happen rarely (every 30-45 minutes) and not a regular occurrence this is an open world to discover and not a boating lake. So the PvP isn't as overpowering as you would imagine it to be.
@h0rse They have been very open about this game being PVP from the start. I have been playing and watching PUBG a lot lately and even in that game people have different play styles in a PVP based game. Some will engage everything they see move, and others will lay low until they have no choice but to defend themselves or finish the round. This is a lot like SoT in that aspect. Different games but still given the choice to play as you will. I am a passive player and a few of my friends are very aggressive. Its just something you have to. I do think there should be a different server for solo players though since it seems it will be VERY difficult to almost impossible against a crew but i could be wrong. Maybe im just not that skilled and its just me that cant do it. But how does a single player defend himself when carrying a chest against a bunch of skellies, or skellies and a crew, or just a full crew with his hands full? I just dont see it happening. Yes I know you can run across people and group up but some people are lone wolfs. I just see this pushing away some of the player base. I will definitely be looking for solo streams when this game releases for tips to help me.
Just my thoughts :) I LOVE the game regardless!!!
@erinom3 said in Is pvp avoidable?:
@h0rse
The things you describe as experiences you would not enjoy are very much important aspects of the game, in my opinion.To say you dont have a say in the encounter depends on who sees whom first. >
I was speaking for myself particularly, and in that case, it always comes down to the other player, since in games like this, I don't do pvp.
Besides, it wouldn't matter anyway, because the system I am talking about needs both parties to agree to PVP in order to engage one another, so even I were to flag myself for PVP, the other party couldn't be attacked unless they also agree.
But this game derives, to me, its fun from the potential of not being safe. And then either outshooting, outsmarting or failing in the encounter with the other crew. >
"not being safe" is not my idea of fun, be it in a game or real life, which is why I don't like survival and/or horror games and I never play DM or TDM modes in shooters, since the sole focus is on kill or be killed.
As I stated, I feel pvp should have its own ecosystem for players that want it, or at the very least, a system that allows it to coexist with pve for those that mutually agree to it.
Perhaps take a look at the videos of the game, get a better grasp on the reasoning behind the decisions and see if it is the game for you. There's no harm done if it isnt :) >
I've watched the videos, and there are 2 things I always think about when watching them:
1.) I hope this game has character creation (which it doesn't, another strike against it)
2.) I hope the pvp is optional (which, in the context I'm referring to, it isn't)
@h0rse Character creation is coming... It's awesome, with near endless possibilities.
Just sayin', so you can knock one of your list :)
@musicmee Yes this is true. During my TA session I only had 2 encounters. I was kinda on the fence about that because I want to explore and level up the exploring but you also want to encounter people too. If I had to say what I thought of my experience... Im leaning towards saying they handled it good with the rare times you encounter someone. However I wasnt in a 4 man crew either. I would think Id be easier about a possible encounter with a full crew, as to me being alone or with one other player Id probably want to experience less encounters. I still dont have a solid opinion on this but I think it was handled good. I just dont have enough experience to have a solid opinion of this.
@musicmee That is great to hear :) I too was hoping for this. I cant wait for this game to release so I can share the beauty and fun of it!
A question for a RARE Employee if you read this... will we be able to share screen shots or videos in the CLOSED and im assuming OPEN BETA?
Me and a friend already pre-ordered and Im trying to convince others to join us.
@laughsmaniacaly said in Is pvp avoidable?:
Based on your comments thus far id say it might not be your kind of game, thats not a bad thing by any standard it's just that it has too many variables for your preference.
Personally i enjoyed my alpha experience even with the hostile encounters
It very well may not be my type of game, but if I were to give it a shot, what happens when you die? does your attacker(s) get your loot? Is there some sort of "punishment system" for dying?
@h0rse
Every session plays different.
Ive had sessions where every pirate I came across was friendly, others where there has been a mixture, and others where when a ship sees me they engage.
When i came into this game I also didnt much want to PVP and failed often when i did. Now I play quite a lot on the sloop, and can maintain a low profile. Keeping an eye out means that i spot ships and can act accordingly.
My point is, while exploration and pure pve would be fun. It isnt what makes sea of thieves sea of thieves, if that makes sense. Sea of thieves will focus on that ship encounter ratio being somewhat infrequent, so that you can sail relatively peaceful yet theres always the possibility of being spotted/found. I see that encounter ratio as the mechanic that ties it all together.
If you die, you respawn after a set time. Nothing is lost, as treasure is a physical object. It can be stolen and taken back. If you sink, you can respawn, and try to reclaim your treasure from the people who took it.
@erinom3 said in Is pvp avoidable?:
@h0rse
Every session plays different.
Ive had sessions where every pirate I came across was friendly, others where there has been a mixture, and others where when a ship sees me they engage.When i came into this game I also didnt much want to PVP and failed often when i did. Now I play quite a lot on the sloop, and can maintain a low profile. Keeping an eye out means that i spot ships and can act accordingly. >
Do you feel this will change after launch, with the playerbase numbers rising significantly?
My point is, while exploration and pure pve would be fun. It isnt what makes sea of thieves sea of thieves, if that makes sense. >
It makes sense and I never proposed a "pure pve" formula, rather one that allows a more....peaceful mingling of both pve and pvp.
For what it's worth, I'm not just making this idea up. Other games open/shared world games already use systems like this, which is where I got the idea.
Sea of thieves will focus on that ship encounter ratio being somewhat infrequent, so that you can sail relatively peaceful yet theres always the possibility of being spotted/found. I see that encounter ratio as the mechanic that ties it all together. >
again, do you feel this ratio will become "out of whack" after launch?
@musicmee said in Is pvp avoidable?:
@h0rse Character creation is coming... It's awesome, with near endless possibilities.
Just sayin', so you can knock one of your list :)
Will it be available at launch, or is a feature that will come afterwards?
@h0rse
I think players will continue playing the game based on their own set of rules. As more people join, i think we'll see a little more of everything. It also depends on what gets added between now and release.
I understood your idea of different servers. Its just that the chance of that happening, in my eyes, is unlikely. However it wouldnt surprise me if rare added some reputation system. A visual representation of your playstyle, for example.
As more players join, rare will still monitor and adjust the encounters. Plus, it isnt one big world for a huge amount of players. The numberd are more managable, and it very much works off the ratio of player encounters.
@h0rse
To answer your question (sorry if it has already been answered) there is no direct death penalty you mearly respawn near or on your ship. Should that be distroyed it too will respawn in a safer location the only loss then is the cargo you were hauling.
@laughsmaniacaly
I honestly believe that I did not know that mechanic so thank you it does help a little
@h0rse I'm an explorer and not really in to PvP, but can I say that when the situation has arisen and we've had to fight it has been a good experience. I don't mind that there might be an encounter or two and most of the time like @Musicmee said, we also see if the other ship will sail on by or fire first. Also if we really don't want to fight, and are pursued, we are pretty good at out running our foe. :D
@h0rse currently SoT is an open world PvP adventure game.
This has always been a heated discussion on the forums, from Rare having two Servers style and options for a PVE or private servers... To some kind if justice system, to toggle switch options to become PvP or pve only to NPC bounty Hunters going after those who spawn camping and Outpost camping... Etc.
The only way to avoid PvP is keep head on a swivel, avoid other ships and Players, and learn to use the environment to make PvP'ers think it's a waist of their time to chaise you.
In short.. there is no way to avoid PvP, if someone See's you they most likely will attack you on sight.
Just have to play smart, and stay alert, know your surroundings, trust no one.
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/UnpleasantAdvancedDuckbillplatypus-max-1mb.gif
@techno-warwitch said
In short.. there is no way to avoid PvP, if someone See's you they most likely will attack you on sight.
Just have to play smart, and stay alert, know your surroundings, trust no one.
kinda goes against Rare's whole "friendly environment, removing the barrier to entry philosophy," doesn't it...
@h0rse well the game about freedom and every one on an equal playing field. It’s not about being a care bear server or pvp server.
Yes we do not want trolling or a toxic community. So to prevent that logging in is random and the server you join is not saved. Every time you join the game it can be a new crew new people and a new server. Your reputation and gold as well as unlocked cosmetics will move with you.
This randomness is done in hopes of creating a friendly group dynamic since most things aboard the ship are done by voting. When some one on the ship or joining is toxic or Uncooperative or hostile the crew can vote them into the brig(ship jail)
Honestly I feel the way they have it set up sounds pretty good
Yes you can play pvp and aggressive but no matter what your level the only advantage you have is experience. The games Deciding factors will be luck skill and experience.
The only thing that will be different from an Old Experinced Sea Dog and a Noob is one will have better looking cosmetic and his adventures from the NPC factions will be higher level and prolly pay better
But the good news is if your nice maybe that Old Sea Dog will share that adventure with you!
@h0rse said in Is pvp avoidable?:
@techno-warwitch said
In short.. there is no way to avoid PvP, if someone See's you they most likely will attack you on sight.
Just have to play smart, and stay alert, know your surroundings, trust no one.
kinda goes against Rare's whole "friendly environment, removing the barrier to entry philosophy," doesn't it...
True that... It's not a "play the way YOU want" it's PvP , Force to PvP, run being PvP'ed, with a few moments of peace here and there.
If you don't PvP, you will not survive long, best to look at every video Rare put out. There is adventures yes... But unless you are very skilled at PvP, or very tactical and aware of your surroundings good luck getting missions in....
With that said; Rare might be looking into the ballancing of PvP/PvE.
New Year,... New Testers, hopefully Rare is working on the spawn camping, and other grieffing going on.
Rare is keeping everything under wraps... Loose lips sink ships and all that.
So we will have to wait and see what Rare is going to do to make SoT more player friendly, and a way to make both sides of the table happy.
They have 3-5 months to figure it out... We would not be surprised if SoT is released as it is with a DLC or a few patches later down the road to do ballancing... Like all games that start out patches are a thing of the normal and the forever delicate balance between PvP and PVE as the game develops.... It's going to be a few months after SoT launches until we see how the longevity of the game will be.
Here is a video Rare put out to give you an idea of what Final product may look like...
@h0rse Here is A Rare released video to help hopefully answer a few if you're Q & A.
@h0rse well the game about freedom and every one on an equal playing field. It’s not about being a care bear server or pvp server. >
that's hardly what I proposed... I proposed a system where it is a win-win for everyone, where PVE players and PVP players can coexist, with the option for PVE players to engage in PVP when they choose, but not engage when they don't.
I don't see how wanting players to be able to play without having to worry about PVP ruining their experience when they are not interested, while simultaneously allowing players to also engage freely in PVP when they agree to it, as being a bad thing.
Sure, you can argue "but they're pirates," but this is also a video game, with focus supposedly on being "welcoming to new players" and not on being a Pirate Simulator...
I understand that this is not the path Rare took, and bringing it up likely won't change things, but after hearing replies about how this is apparently a hot issue and has been discussed previously how to address it, and for the system I propose (which other games already use) either not to come up or not be utilized, as what I see, is the best method to making both camps happy other than having separate servers, is kinda frustrating.
@h0rse
"I don't see how wanting players to be able to play without having to worry about PVP ruining their experience when they are not interested, while simultaneously allowing players to also engage freely in PVP when they agree to it, as being a bad thing."
It's a terrible thing. That's simply not what piracy is about. There are supposed to be unwilling victims involved. Pirates only attacking other willing pirates is beyond boring. There should very well be unwilling merchants and explorers that get raided. That is the heart and core of what Sea of Thieves is about. It really just sounds like fully open games where pvp and pve are nonsensical terms is not the game for you. As you said yourself, you like to do one or the other without worrying about the other side of things at any given moment. SoT is more for players who want a completely blended environment.
This statement peeves me lol. How can you expect to play an online pirate game and be safe from PVP? Not to sound toxic, but that is a rather silly question to ask. Half the fun of this game is that exhilarating feeling you get when you see sails on the horizon and you begin your pursuit; or that nervous adrenaline rush you get when you have a load of gold and you see a ship pursuing you. Those moments are definitely what I live for in SOT.
If you are looking to avoid PVP I will say this, you will be SOL in SOT. I am one of the many people who will be actively looking for a ship to ship battle or who will be attempting to plunder another's loot in this game. I am, after all, a pirate ;)
Half the fun of this game is that exhilarating feeling you get when you see sails on the horizon and you begin your pursuit; or that nervous adrenaline rush you get when you have a load of gold and you see a ship pursuing you. Those moments are definitely what I live for in SOT. >
That "adrenaline rush" you feel, equates to anxiety for me...
