I am against requirering influence or something similiar for commander tag. Most commanders on our server are leading the mass of randoms with teamspeak on our server without making use of guilds.
A lot of guilds and players have no support for doing Private events. If you want to coordinate over 5 people you have to use the C&S system. But this now basically invites every player on the zone to join you. At least if they had a “guild commander” or something based on influence the guilds could have private events.
Even as fail as Warhammer is/was it’s warband system was Waaaaay better than this one.
God’s yes! If they need the best grouping system to model…. Warhammer did it right. It was by far the best Raid UI system I’ve used for PvP and PvE. For all the innovative things GW2 did right…. it’s like they stepped backwards a decade for the grouping systems.
Grouping systems and social interaction is one of the main things for a MMO…. but something is missing right now in GW2.
I don’t think you can easily break up the desire of people to play in groups – and GW2 is based around social gameplay concepts – so I think the answer would be to make it easier to operate/organise as a small group but give the ability to keep that group small by hiding the group (when desired).
There is NO support for small multiple grouping forces in GW2. None, zip…. nada! You have a group of 5 people or a zerg. Players and guilds need to have a way to coordinate multiple groups together in medium size forces of 2-5 groups.
The recently changed how crossed orange swords worked for less than 25 people, but you have no way to control the number of people with the C&S system . If you want only 20 people in a force you need to have them in 4 separate groups running together with no in-game system to coordinate.
Either a new grouping/raid system is needed or they need a way to hide the commander pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad to allow for flexible grouping.
If they just allowed commanders to hide the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad system…. it would be some much better. Smaller forces could still use the C&S system without flooding the map with pins and taking away from those commanders that are leading the zone.
Please do something with the commander and squad system…. it still feels like it’s in beta testing.
Why they didn’t make Guild Commanders and raid parties i will never for the life of me know. It’s like they are trying to do there utmost to drive away from anything organized. I’m the commander bring your mam, dad, gran, grampa and uncle Kenny bring it all. Sort it out this has been said enough times.
They need to do exactly what you said. Why is grouping multiple groups so difficult in GW2? It’s a zerg or nothing with the commander and squad system.
Let’s get some changes and actually make it easy for groups of players to work together who don’t want to zerg.
I don’t understand how this post was infracted either. The complete lack of flexibility of the commander and squad system is frustrating. WvW needs to be about allowing guilds and players to coordinate groups of all sizes and for different purposes.
The only system we have in the game for coordinating more than 5 people is a system that’s completely useless for anything but a zerg. All the MMO’s I’ve played in the last 5 years had better multi-group systems than GW2.
I sure hope they do something with the commander and squad system. They need some support for NON zerg force grouping in WvW. Just no in game tools to coordinate multiple groups running together effectively.
How does a game do everything mechanically so well but then polish it with the most abysmal UI possible?
WvW is an unorganized zerg fest, commanders run around with an unknown amount of players/siege/supply counts.
No simple raid UI, no ability to manage group make ups, no quick supply count without calling for everyone to stack on your location and type a command.
No quick way to label groups in order to assign tasks. No surprise it’s a massive zerg fest since release.
Totally agree. They need to make the commander and squad system into a flexible system for all player styles and WvW force sizes. You have no in game way for more than 5 people to group unless it’s the commander system.
They need to allow commanders to “Hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad system. This way 2-4 groups can organize a private force without flooding the map with commander pins. It hard to have a private guild event when you can’t control who joins the squad or how many people join it. Orange crossed swords only appear now if more than 25 people are in the area…. no control of that with a commander pin up.
Should also have unique colored dots for those people in the squad. How many military leaders go into battle not knowing how many soldiers they have or where they are? Major UI facelift needed for the commander and squad system.
i know, the point is it shouldnt be visible outside there guild/group
i know a few commanders who bought commander just to badge farm/karma farm for epics without caring about the game at all.
Exactly why they need to allow commanders to “Hide” the pin and still retain all the functions of the squad system. Only those players currently IN the squad will see commander pin. This will give the flexibility to use the commander system for every guild’s play style or custom function.
Commanders should be able to “hide” the pin and still retain all the functions of the squad system. I can’t understand how this has not been implemented yet.
It is impossible to do a private guild event over 5 people as you have no control over the squad. As soon as you “flag” the commander pin, anyone can join and you have tons of needless pins clogging up the maps. The grouping tools and system in GW2 need a huge facelift.
Two options could help that…
- Allow commanders to “hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad system. Some people in PvE areas are using it so more than 5 people can have a private chat channel…. that would resolve it. It would also remove some of the commander pins in WvW/PvE as often it’s simply 2-3 guild groups trying to do a private event. I can’t believe how many guilds use a commander pin and are simply trying to do private stuff… there is simply no other way in the game to group over 5 people.
- Make commander pins not visible to allies until a certain number of people join the squad… say 10 people. Would also help removing “bad commander” pins as no one will probably join their squad.
My wish list, from small tweaks to larger overhauls:
- Last online/last repped/rep%
- Join date.
- A way to edit guild announcements. ATM it is a total PITA to change just a small thing.
- A static portion of the announcement (for stuff like forum address, vent login details etc.)
- Showing the guild announcement automatically in chat on log-in (if repping of course), just as in GW1.
- Guild Squad Leader. Like a commander, just with a different map symbol only viewable to guild members.
Agree to all the those ones, especially that last one. They need to add a guild commander or a way for the current commander to “hide” his pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Lack of private grouping system for over 5 people is terrible atm.
If each sub-commander had a similar icon on the field and his own squad (up to 10 ppl say?), it would make it easier to deploy small groups for the purpose of sweeping all the supply camps, dolyaks, sentries or taking down an unguarded tower instead of the whole zerg being occupied on it.
All they have to do is allow commanders to “hide” their pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Currently if you hide the pin it disbands and dissolves the squad.
If they made that change, tons of guilds would use it to do what you mentioned above and be much more coordinated.
What I propose: Keep the commander system for now, its too late to drastically change it and not upset some folks.
I agree, to late now. But they could certainly make a minor modification that would allow the C&S system to be used for any situation and any number of people. Allowing commanders to “hide” the pin AND retain all the functions of the squad system might get rid of some bad commanders. Still surprised this hasn’t been added yet.
Yes, I was in Stonemist castle lordroom the other night and all 3 servers had players battling inside. The culling was actually quick good, but the ability lag was unplayable.
Hoping it was simply testing they did.
Make it so.. much needed change.
Still no links or info yet? I’m getting different devs saying changes are coming, but not saying if it’s anytime soon.
I think it was designed so player name becomes recognized and gains a reputation. They didn’t think it worked properly if the person is switching alts all the time.
What they don’t realize is some people get the commander book simply so they can organize their guild groups better. Some people don’t want to lead the zone, they have to buy the commander book as it’s the ONLY way in game to organize over 5 players.
Arenenet seriously needs to modify the C&S system to meet player needs. If they don’t want to add a new FREE grouping system then they need to allow the C&S system to do that. Basically allow a commander to “hide” his pin to all allies (except those currently in the squad) while retaining all the squad abilities. Currently if you hide the pin it dissolves and disbands the squad.
There is simply no in game system to group over 5 people unless you use the commander pin. When you use the commander pin you are expected to lead the zone, even if you are only trying to organize 2-3 guild groups.
Culling and the Commander & Squad system are the two things that need worked on.
Sounds like culling is being modified, but haven’t heard much on the C&S system. They need a way for commanders to “hide” their pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Unique colored dots for everyone currently in the squad. I could go on and on, just do a search for “commander” and a ton of threads with player suggestions will pop up.
- Commanders should have the option to “hide” their pins AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Some people are using the commander and squad system for guild events or multiple group coordination and are not really interested in leading the zone. A lot of the people labeled “bad” commanders are not actually leading, this will help remove them.
- Commander pins only become visible to allies once 15-20 people actually join the squad. If you have a bad commander on the map, no one can join his squad and the pin won’t be visible. Good commanders will always have people wanting to join their squad, this is basically a “voting” option based on people who join. Could be a problem on low pop servers though.
Both those options above can help reduce the amount of “bad” commander pins on the map.
I’m curious how multiple groups and guilds can coordinate effectively in game without any effective grouping systems? Many of the bounty missions require more than a group (5 people) to complete. There is actually no way for more than 5 people to group except for the commander and squad system, which is ineffective for guild missions and some specific WvW content. Even if you try and use the commander and squad system for guild missions, you still can’t see where the guild members are located in a zone, as only people in your group show a unique color. Using the C&S system also invites every single player in the zone to join your guild event.
Would it be to hard to have a couple of modifications to the C&S system?
1: Unique colored dots for everyone currently in a squad, visible in all zones.
2: Ability to “Hide” the commander pin from allies, but anyone currently in the squad still sees it. Basically it would become a private squad.
The lack of in game grouping systems and customization for guild or private events is really noticable now since guild missions have been implemented. Having to use 3rd party voice programs is not a great option, but the only one we have.
Do a search… it’s amazing how many times this has been suggested and asked for.
100% agree they need to show a member’s “last online / represented” feature.
I’m curious how multiple groups and guilds can coordinate effectively in game without any effective grouping systems? Many of the bounty missions require more than a group (5 people) to complete. There is actually no way for more than 5 people to group except for the commander and squad system, which is ineffective for guild missions and some specific WvW content. Even if you try and use the commander and squad system for guild missions, you still can’t see where the guild members are located in a zone, as only people in your group show a unique color. Using the C&S system also invites every single player in the zone to join your guild event.
Would it be to hard to have a couple of modifications to the C&S system?
1: Unique colored dots for everyone currently in a squad, visible in all zones.
2: Ability to “Hide” the commander pin from allies, but anyone currently in the squad still sees it. Basically it would become a private squad.
The lack of in game grouping systems and customization for guild or private events is really noticable now since guild missions have been implemented. Having to use 3rd party voice programs is not a great option, but the only one we have.
I only understood about 30% of that post.
It sounds like you are not happy with the fundamental mechanics and game philosophy for GW2. Much of the stuff you want is something you’d find in WoW and Rift. Heavy raid focused PvE content. I can’t imagine any significant changes to arenanets design plan to some of the stuff you suggested.
That would be a great idea.
I would also like commanders to have the ability to unclaim towers/keeps/camps. That way guilds who actually can provide buffs can claim them.
if that happens, the commander book should be made alot more expensive to prevent random kiddos becoming major griefers.
Not sure about having commander able to claim or unclaim other guilds keep/tower/camps. To much room for griefing or new commanders doing something dumb.
15 people would be a more reasonable number.
What people don’t understand is Arenanet made multiple content to appeal to all player types and interests. I don’t understand the need to lump it together…. if you don’t like the game, stop playing….. lots of MMO’s out there.
guild missons cost 50.000 influnce wtf anet dailys getting more grinder o by the way just bought the new charr backpack and now i cant see it on my char at all im so kitten off right now {rage}!!! no back items show on char now wow
huh?
Think of this….
Guild Missions – No support for multiple private guild groups or events. Popping the pin invites everyone to your guild event.
WvW changes – Orange swords won’t show now for less than 25 people. Yet we have no way to control how many people join using a commander and squad system. Forced to run as seperate groups using 3rd party voice.
They are making changes and adding content that require multiple groups to organize without giving us the tools to do it properly. I sure hope they add something in the WvW patch…
How about separating the WvW and PvE commanders?
A WvW commander only shows up in WvW and a PvE one only in PvE?
That way you could have WvW commander cost badges and the PvE commander cost laurels / gold / mossy mandibles / whatever.
It’s not as much about WvW or PvE than it is about having a “Private” system for guild events. About having some control over the people in the squad or the number of people in the squad. Different group makeups and tactics for WvW just don’t work with 50 people. With the new changes to orange swords not showing with less than 25 players…. how do you control that?
There is no chance of creating a squad with less than 25 people when you have a big blue pin up inviting everyone in the zone to join you. You are forced to run with seperate groups trying to coordinate in 3rd party voice programs. That’s a sad option IMO.
Further, as pointed out by Ahmrill and others, there are reasons that groups might want PvE commanders.
PvE and also WvW. There are times our guild likes making a Havoc force. By that I mean 2-3 groups that get behind enemy lines causing trouble. We move fast, ambush and hit and run keeps and towers destroying wall siege or cutting of reinforcements.
It’s pretty tough trying to be stealthy and ambush with a commander pin. The extra 30 people flock to the pin, run all over the place killing mobs and gathering for dailies. So much for the element of surprise… lol.
Our guild gets the most enjoyment running havoc forces, not leading the whole zone. It what gives us enjoyment….. yet we have no way to coordinate in game for our private guild groups. We are stuck using 2-3 separate groups and coordinating in 3rd party Voice programs. There is no reason they couldn’t allow commanders to “hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Give us the tools and let the players decide what works best for them.
I think it would be helpful to have an identifying color to the members of a squad for those who have joined, and maybe at the very least some quick links to number of squad members and total amount of supply, this way you have fast info on hand without a large UI to deal with, and avoid playing to the UI. Also an option to have the icon only show to your squad members or the map would be extremely helpful.
Just some random ideas.
Great Idea and have been suggested MANY times in the past. There is just not enough flexibility in multiple groups to coordinate in GW2 right now.
I realize that a new grouping system or massive changes to the C&S system will require dev resources and time. I think in the short term I’d simply be happy if they could allow us to “hide” the commander pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad.
This small change still allows people to be commanders if they choose, but they can now have a way for private guild groups or multiple havoc groups to coordinate better. It allows us to form a squad depending on how many guild members are on, or what we actually enjoy doing. It gives us flexibility.
I love some of the other detailed suggestions you guys had. I’m going to shoot for a small change first though… as I think that’s more likely to be modified.
Still waiting to hear any news about this.
Or just add a grouping system for multiple groups that you have some control over. A lot of times the “bad” commanders are not actually trying to lead, they are just trying to coordinate multiple groups. People are using the commander system for things OTHER than leading the zone.
They need a grouping system that allows multiple groups to coordinate better without attracting the entire server to the squad.
This is something i -and others i know- feel its missing. We do guild events in WvW with a group ranging between 15-40 people and it would be perfect to have a “guild icon” that the leader can toggle on.
I would rather support a special guild icon that only the members of your guild can see. The guild leader could then specify what guild rank is allowed to toggle on the guild icon. That functionality within the guild can then be achieved by buying it from influence points.
Agree completely. Either a “guild commander” upgrade or allow current commanders to “hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad. There is simply NO support for multiple groups to coordinate in game without putting up a pin that attracts everyone in the zone.
Sometimes we actually want to do guild events with only our guild. It would be nice to have a grouping system that allows us to do that better.
Just allow a FREE way for multiple groups to coordinate in GW2 and some people will stop using the commander pin. If you allow a way for 2-4 groups to coordinate like a squad (but without the pin visible to allies) it will reduce the “bad” commander pins.
Seriously lack of flexible grouping in gw2 atm and I hope they add stuff soon.
As a member of a non-WvW active guild who plays WvW a lot, it doesn’t take long to figure out who the commanders are by name whether they have a tag on or not. Plus it’s easy to determine which commanders are worth following or not.
Well the problem is some of the people being viewed as “bad” commanders are actually not even trying to lead as a commander. They are simply using the commander and squad system to coordinate multiple groups better in WvW.
Until we have some changes that allow multiple groups to coordinate better in game this will keep happening. Still looking for details and hoping they allow commanders to hide the pin while still retaining the functions of a squad.
No counter for engineers being stealth spiked. We can’t use explosive charge (timer 20 secs) before we get spiked and if there are no NPC mobs or low target players in the area all we have is our single heal ability.
Single channeled heal vs Stealth Spiked = lose every time
This is a terrific idea. Also, why not add the option to set 5-man group leader and make it a different color. Thanks for your contribution.
Lots of good suggestions! let’s hope these make it into the patch next month and they don’t ignore grouping problems.
I was surprised this wasn’t in a modern day MMO either.
Alliances are a great way for smaller groups of guilds and friends to stay together but have a larger community and pool of people to group with.
I would like to see this.
Bumping this once… hoping someone heard something new!
Warhammer had one of the best raid / grouping system for PvP multiple groups. I’d even be happy if they allowed you to “hide” the commander pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad. Basically a private squad.
At this point I’ll take any system that allows 2-4 groups to coordinate better in GW2 without leading the zerg or relying only on a 3rd party Voice program.
No idea, I made a similar post about 5 days ago… no details yet.
No way for multiple groups to coordinate in-game unless you plan to have a zerg follow you by putting up the commander pin. Sometimes you just want to run with 2-4 guild groups and not lead the whole zone. The only option is to use a 3rd party VoIP program without the benefits of the squad system
I sure wish commanders had the option to “hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad system. Currently when you hide the commander pin it dissolves and disbands the squad.
In a game about player coordination and tactics you are stuck with a 5 man group system or leading a zerg. No support for medium or private guild groups using an in-game system.
Yes there needs to be a feature to show “last time online and last time represented”
How are guild leaders supposed to manage a guild or know when to recruit when they have no way to track active members.
Just give the commander system some love and you will have lots of good things being a commander. Some great constructive feedback on the forums since release about how to improve, just need the devs to seriously consider it.
Foremost is allow the commander to “hide” the pin AND still retain all the functions of the squad system. You know…. sometimes we just want an in-game way for multiple groups to coordinate and not have a zerg form on us.
Right now the ONLY option is to use a 3rd party VoIP if you have more than 5 people and don’t want to be a zerg. The commander and squad is simply for zergs. you have no control over who is in the squad and the blue pin invites everyone in the zone.
If you have 2-4 groups of players and wish to do something private…. the only way to coordinate is with a 3rd party VoIP. Until they allow us to hide the commander pin AND still retain all the functions of a squad….. VoIP is all multiple groups have.