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. This is a common feature in modern MMO’s and is sorely needed in GW2.
I think we can all agree that we’re not satisfied with the current commander and squad system. Some really constructive feedback has been given since BW1 and I hope the devs have had the chance to sift through some of it.
I’m a bit confused and maybe someone could clarify? Wouldn’t guild chat and guild tag color serve this purpose if only grouping with guildies seeing how they will all be in guild roster?
Often not everyone in the guild is doing WvW, or not always guild only groups…. sometimes friends of the guild join. It would be nice to have a specific in game chat channel for those groups specifically doing WvW/events.
In WvW only the 5 people in your group show as blue dots. Every other ally, even guild members in another group, are just green dots. Nor can you set a “waypoint” that every other group can see like the squad system allows.
Simply allowing commanders to hide the pin, and still retain all the functions of the squad system gives huge flexibility for guild play styles and player grouping. People could choose to lead a public zerg, or setup more private focused units for specific gameplay.
Would still love to hear if any Commander and Squad changes are planned for the march update.
Hopefully the C&S system get some love in the March update. Seeing as it’s the only way for more than 5 people to group in GW2. It need some flexibility to form private or guild only squads…. especially with the new guild missions coming.
Kinda hard doing a private guild event when everyone in the zone joins your squad and flocks to the pin.
I’m also curious if we’re going to have a system for grouping multiple guild groups for the new guild missions? All we have currently is the commander and squad system. Often running guild events with the commander pin up you get flooded with random people joining, asking what’s going on, etc. Removing the commander pin dissolves and disbands the squad. If you want to do a private guild event you have to do it as separate 5 person groups using VoIP. It’s sometimes very frustrating to coordinate 2-4 groups using only a 3rd party VoIP.
As has been suggested numerous times, if there was a way to “hide” the commander pin and still retain all the functions of the squad system… that would be perfect for guild only events. Basically a private squad. Is this something we might see in the future?
I’m also curious if we’re going to have a system for grouping multiple guild groups for the new guild missions? All we have currently is the commander and squad system. Often running guild events with the commander pin up you get flooded with random people joining, asking what’s going on, etc. Removing the commander pin dissolves and disbands the squad. If you want to do a private guild event you have to do it as separate 5 person groups using VoIP. It’s sometimes very frustrating to coordinate 2-4 groups using only a 3rd party VoIP.
As has been suggested numerous times, if there was a way to “hide” the commander pin and still retain all the functions of the squad system… that would be perfect for guild only events. Basically a private squad. Is this something we might see in the future?
I stand corrected.. came across this.
“Colin: Modifications to the commander book are coming, with more features. Will remain character bound”
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/DragonSeasonCom/status/304238508007108609
I sure hope they allow the commander to “hide the pin” while still retaining all the functions of a squad. This would create the ability for guilds and players to create private squads of multiple groups for WvW and the new guild missions. Sometimes you just don’t want the pin up and invite every single person in the zone to your guild events, but you still want to keep the squad intact.
Currently if you hide the pin it dissolves and disbands the squad.
“Colin: Modifications to the commander book are coming, with more features. Will remain character bound”
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/DragonSeasonCom/status/304238508007108609
First of all, anyone hear of what the “modifications” are? And does “are coming” mean the WvW patch in March or later this year? I read a couple weeks back that they have no plans to change the commander system “anytime soon”. Not sure if they changed their minds for March.
I sure hope they allow the commander to “hide the pin” while still retaining all the functions of a squad. This would create the ability for guilds and players to create private squads of multiple groups for WvW and the new guild missions. Sometimes you just don’t want the pin up and invite every single person in the zone to your guild events, but you still want to keep the squad intact.
Currently if you hide the pin it dissolves and disbands the squad.
Post any info you find here guys!
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
So sad.. they don’t plan on making ANY commander changes anytime soon.
Don’t expect any changes soon, according to a interview done recently.
Q: Is there any more functionality that is going to be added to the commander book?
Colin: Certainly there will be, that’s on the list of stuff that we’re not working on currently, but down the road we absolutely wanna make that more involved, [introduce] more stuff you can do as a commander. Anything that you guys can think of that are really strong community supporting tools, those are the types of things that we would really want to do this year, [that would] just make it easier to play with other people, coordinate other people. The more of them we can do, it’s just better of the game.
http://dragonseason.com/Front/tabid/124/EntryId/210/Lunch-with-Colin-Johanson.aspx
If you disable (turn off) the commander pin it also dissolves and disbands the whole squad. I think what many people want is an option to turn on the commander pin but make it private.
Private = Only people invited to the squad can see the commander icon. It would not be visible to any other allies in the zone. You would not have people flocking to the pin or random people joining a guild only squad or event.
So yes… you could have it ON/OFF/Private for both WvW or PvE.
yes, dont show love for 95% of the WvW players and instead focus on the other 5%
I guess 95% of the people do zerg…. as there is no other option if you have more than 5 people. If you have the option to create a medium size group system for 2-4 grps to coordinate in game how is that a bad thing?
Players, guilds and alliances will still use the system that works best for them. Right now we only have two in-game options to use.
@ Ahmrill
In your situation I agree unfortunatly any sweeping change affects all servers differently
In your case you can do what I have to do mumble for alliance and ts for guild grps
I’m don’t wish to completely eliminate the zerg, just have options so medium forces can be more effective for less populated servers or off-peak times. I don’t wish to see anyone forced to play any way they don’t want. That being said, they need to have a grouping system that reflects all different play styles, so players and guilds can use the system that works best. I’m not even looking to see an entire new grouping system added to that game. Just change the commander and squad system so you can hide the pin AND still keep all the functions of the squad.
Small – 5 man group
Medium – Squad system but commander pin is visible only to people IN the squad. ideal for 2-4 groups doing specific things.
Large – Current commander system with pin visible to all allies (zerg)
3rd party VoIP as a solution simply isn’t enough. And it’s either 5man it or zerg it if you actually want to use in-game visual tools to coordinate. Allow a grouping system for all different playstyles and let the players and guilds choose what works best for them. This would have more medium size forces on the battlefield not just 5 mans or zergs.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
@ ahmrill
I hear you my friend but please define what a zerg is on my server it is less than 20 and less than that at certain times of the day. We may have 8-10 on the whole map. Tactics reduces zergs and thats up to the alliances to organise that. However if you are on a high populated wvw server zergs will rule the day and they can still have 10 at each camp tower etc
I suppose I’m basing my idea of a zerg with 40-50 people which is often seen on Jade Quarry in T1. If you run with 2-3 groups, like our guild often does, you either run with our zerg or run as multiple groups using only VoIP to coordinate.
If we run as 2-3 groups and get zerged… well that was our choice. But it would be nice to have the in game tools to actually organize our 2-3 groups to be more effective. If we put a commander pin up, our 2-3 groups becomes a zerg and we’re expected to lead. Having some other system for medium forces would be nice.
Also the COMPLETE lack of support for non-commander grouping systems for multiple groups to coordinate together. Not all players or guilds running 2-4 groups want the commander pin up. They are forced to run using a 3rd party Voip with no in-game visual coordination or support.
If you want to reduce zergs, how about giving an option. It’s either 5 man groups or join a zerg if you want to use any in game system to coordinate.
100% agree.
I’ve posted this a ton of times since BW1. I don’t bother starting any more threads, I just comment on others. Lack of flexible grouping systems to fit many guild’s playstyles are FRUSTRATING. I suggest the Devs do a search on “commander” there has been a ton of players asking for this since the Beta Weekends.
Nothing beats the thrill and unpredictability of fighting a human opponent as opposed to NPC’s. WvW is even more unpredictable compared to Spvp as you don’t know what lies behind the corner.
It’s fun!
The Zerg if it runs from place to place map to map and just takes camps towers keeps etc but can port at a moments notice to defend I can partially agree with you. However when i upgrade fully a keep such as hills and run supply protect yaks do you not think there should be benefits to that. If you could not port then why build in the first place why take hours running yaks and retaking camps.
If the point is to try and reduce zergs I feel you have to change this. If you have a zerg of 50 people, no one bothers to actually stay at a keep. They just join the flock and wait for the timer reset if enemies get on a keep. If people had to actually make a choice to defend or join the roaming zerg…. some would stay. That 50 person zerg could get knocked down to 35 or 30 people now.
Door tagging mmm if no tag then people would be forced to sit in a tower keep for hours doing nothing at all. Having enough players to spend their playtime just watching is hard enough now without needing 10 plus in each place when nothing is happening. I politely ask if you would be willing to do this all evening.
One player shouldn’t be able to stop an entire server from using a waypoint upgrade. A single thief can contest a waypoint indefinitely. It’s just silly. A waypoint should become contested from a legitimate enemy force. If you have 5-10 players in the area and/or any section of the keep/tower has at least 10-15% damage it would then become contested. I’m taking my experience from DAOC, having 25% or more damage on a section would contest the keep waypoint. Also having a certain number of players in the area would contest the waypoint. This was an extremely effective system and would work well here.
Your final point about communication is the least and quickest issue to overcome We have alliance chat on mumble TS for our guild and I know what every team small and large is up to on 4 maps and what each commander is doing and why. Without communication its like fishing in a empty pond
We also use VoIP for our guild. But using VoIP AND a visual in game system like the commander and squad is much more effective. Our guild likes running Havoc forces, we don’t like leading zergs. Many guilds and players use the C&S system to coordinate their multiple groups with no intention of leading major objectives. This causes issues of to many pins, people being called “bad leaders” and being harassed in /team and /map chat. I’ve seen it happen to others and it’s happened to us, even when I explained the pin was for our guild groups. Creating a system for 2-4 groups to coordinate better in game, without a public pin. will result in more medium size forces on the map. It will also not interfere with those commanders who are actually leading the zone.
I simply want a way to spread players on the map more, reduce zergs and allow those medium forces (2-4 groups of players) to coordinate visually in game better. I think these changes will be healthier for WvW in general.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
1) They need to remove gate tagging to contest a keep/tower. You should have a combination of minimal players (say 5-10 in area) and/or a damage percentage (say 10-15% dmg to wall or gate) before a keep becomes contested. (white swords).
2) NO porting to contested keeps at the DE event timer reset. If you add step 1 above you stop single players from constantly contesting the waypoint. This forces people to actually defend, instead of joining the zerg knowing they can port back at the timer reset. Players also will have to actually run to a keep/tower promoting more open field PvP.
3) I wouldn’t have a problem with orange swords for 25+ players now if they added steps 1 and 2.
This would reduce zergs and create a more dynamic WvW.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
Yes, they should defintly improve the guild system, and also add capes, which I miss from gw1 so much :c
It would be nice to wear any armor model I want AND still display our guild emblem.
Out manned needs to be something relevant to WvW. It should give stat buffs or ability buffs that actually HELP out manned players. Nothing to overpowered, but enough to help somewhat in a fight.
NO! bad idea IMO.
They need to start adding features to Reduce the zerging. Couple of things offhand.
- Eliminate door tagging to contest a keep. Only gets contested if it’s hit by siege and/or has 15% or more damage. (this is needed to allow the next point below.)
- Eliminate waypoint porting when the DE timer resets. It’s way to easy to keep a zerg together when everyone knows they can port back to a contested keep at timer reset. Now people will actually have to stay and defend which means a smaller zerg in the open field. If people now ALWAYS have to run to a contested keep it will increase more open field skirmishes.
- Have a FREE system for 2-4 multiple groups to coordinate. Either a raid system or C&S system that shows no pin on the map to attract a zerg. You will have more medium size forces on the map and less people zerging on the commanders “blue zerg magnet” pin.
They simply need to make changes to promote more medium size forces on the map.
There is simply nothing better out there for this type of large scale PvP. I sincerely hope that the devs listen to player feedback and make changes that will ensure player interest for years to come.
There are a number of issues, if not corrected in a reasonable time frame, will drive players away permanently. They need to realize that WvW is the endgame content for many players and needs tweaked.
I have an easy solution for it..
option to turn it off.
And that’s it. Allow players to turn off the commander pin while still retaining the ability to form a squad. You still get a private chat channel, waypoints all groups can see and /supplyinfo without interfering with other commanders who DO want to lead.
In fact ANYONE should be able to make a private squad, but you have to pay to have the commander pin visible to all allies. (like it currently is).
yeah… very disappointed they have no immediate plans to change the commander and squad system or grouping systems in general. I read a post from the devs in January stating it was not on the radar.
Having no system outside the commander and squad system for our multiple guild groups has been one of our biggest frustrations. C & S system is useless for private guild events or trying to create a medium size havoc force in WvW.
- Minimal number of people must join a commander’s squad before he can flag his pin (20-30 people). People will join a good commander, they won’t join a bad commander. This will reduce bad commanders pins on the map.
This will also allow guilds with multiple groups to use the squad system who DON’T want to actually lead with a pin on.
That’s a good idea. The fact that many commanders don’t bother to create squads now speaks volumes to the failure of the current system.
You’d actually have people making an effort to join a squad now. And you’d also have a way for 2-4 groups of players / guilds to use the squad system without flagging the pin and expected to lead (if they don’t want to).
- Minimal number of people must join a commander’s squad before he can flag his pin (20-30 people). People will join a good commander, they won’t join a bad commander. This will reduce bad commanders pins on the map.
This will also allow guilds with multiple groups to use the squad system who DON’T want to actually lead with a pin on.
I think we can all agree that we need more guild functions and some love for guild UI in general.
I understand your frustration, I feel it to…. but that suggestion could lead to issues.
Many commanders on the map are often just trying to coordinate multiple guild groups. If we had support for medium size forces (2-4 groups) then we’d see a reduction of “bad commander” pins on the map.
You could also have a minimal number of people that must be in a squad before someone can flag a commander pin. IE: Once 20 people are joined in a commanders squad he’s allowed to flag the pin. This way if we have a someone in WvW who has no idea what he’s doing then no one will join his squad, and he can’t put his pin up.
Either way they need more FREE support for multiple groups to coordinate in game without having a commander pin up.
I want to see a grouping option for guild members exclusively. You’re only allowed 5 members in a party, which is standard but if you’re trying to do PvE etc as a guild that caps quick.
I want to see a roster type interface (similar to WoW’s raid interface) that let’s you add more people in the party. Maybe called a ‘Guild Band’? and the make the cap 20, 30 or maybe even 40 players able to be in the system.
Out of all the things suggested, having a private grouping system for multiple guild groups Is what I’d like to see first. The commander and squad system is useless for what many guilds need. The C&S system was designed for leading zergs in WvW and has no flexibility for medium size forces doing private events.
- FREE multiple grouping system for doing smaller/private events.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
isn’t that kinda what join a squad is?
Having a squad up means you have a “big blue zerg magnet” pin that draws in everyone on the map. It also means if you have your pin up that you are expected to lead the zerg. And if by chance you have the pin up, don’t lead the zerg and say do NPC events or jumping puzzles in WvW, then everyone starts ragging on you.
There needs to be a system, even a private squad system would work, that allows multiple groups to coordinate in game without having a Pin on the map. Just a way to retain the squad functions, but hide the pin to everyone not currently in the squad.
A lot of people have been suggesting something like a “guild commander” upgrade that allows guilds to form private squads. Private = allies NOT in the squad never see the pin.
If you guys are using VoiP (TS3, Vent, Mumble), then this shouldn’t be a problem.
100% agree with more grouping systems.
Using VoIP AND using an in game system to coordinate multiple groups is 10x more effective than VoIP alone. Our guild always runs with VoIP and the times we use the commander and squad system our effectiveness as a unit dramatically increases.
Often having the commander pin up for guild events/groups or specific objectives causes problems. When you have the pin up you are expected to lead. I see people and guilds getting harassed for “not leading properly” when they are simply trying to coordinate their groups.
In this day of MMO’s it seems silly to me that our only option for running private multiple groups in WvW is using a 3rd party VoIP program. It’s shameful.
You need some kind of guild upgrade or free system for 2-4 groups to coordinate similar to the commander and squad system. A way that only people actually IN the raid/squad can see the pin, so it won’t interfere with the current 100gp commander pin system.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
The need to have more mechanics to promote more medium size forces on the battlefield instead of promoting zergs.
Starting with a better grouping system for 2-4 groups (that does not have a blue zerg magnet pin).
However they decide to change or not change the Commander & Squad system, they still need a FREE way for multiple groups to coordinate in game.
Either a Raid or private Squad system where 2-4 groups can coordinate with a dedicated chat channel, waypoints all groups can see, and different color dots for people in this new raid/squad system. Only people in this new Raid/Squad system should see the leader pin.
This is what guilds are asking for. A system for medium sized forces to coordinate without a visible pin for everyone on the map to flock to. Having a system like this will reduce “zergs” and spread the fighting over WvW maps more.
Let’s face the truth… the lack of proper grouping tools forces people to use a commander pin. You have people running around as commanders, not because they are good leaders…. but because there is no other way for more than 5 people to group!
Like many other people, I purchased a commander pin to help our multiple guild groups coordinate more. I didn’t purchase it because I had aspirations of leading our server or zones. I just wanted to help coordinate our multiple guild groups the most effective way. I barely use that pin now simply because of the “expectations” you must lead the zerg… I prefer doing private stuff with 2-4 groups.
They NEED either a new or modified commander and squad system that allows 2-4 groups of players to coordinate without costing 100gp and forcing a “blue zerg pin” on the map. Medium size forces basically have to run using only a 3rd party VoIP program… it’s silly.
agree, need the MOTD to be more noticable. I’d prefer a popup window that appears everytime it’s changed and the account is logged in since the change.
guild ui needs a facelift.
Might even help reduce zerging because instead of a massive commander beacon drawing all members to the one spot, you’d have to either join a warband OR find a roaming warband and try and keep up.
This point exactly. I see a lot of posts about people complaining about WvW zergs. There is simply no other option to create medium size multi-group raids/squads.
Having to tools to create a private 2-4 grp grouping system would create SMALLER sized forces on the map and improve the quality of WvW. Right now it’s either run a 5 man group or zerg it. Add the mechanics to allow players and guilds to form the grouping size they prefer for WvW.
Forcing people to use VoIP only for running private multiple groups is a sad solution.
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
lots of improvements needed for the C&S system, it still feels like it’s in beta.
Oh wait… it IS the same system from BW1. Time for a major facelift on the C&S system, but i read they have no plans to address it anytime soon.
Whole C&S system needs a facelift.
It’s a one trick pony system with no flexibility.
Culling, Que Bugs and..
- An alternate grouping system for multiple groups that doesn’t put a “big blue zerg magnet” on the map. Basically a commander and squad system that can be flagged as “private” or “guild only”. All the benefits of the C&S system but without the extra 50 random people flocking to the pin.
It would be nice to wear ANY armor model you want and still have a guild emblem showing. Right now we are stuck putting a guild emblem on a single armor model.
Cloaks would help…
I don’t think Guild commander icon is a good idea. I’m coming from a big WvW guild myself and yes sometimes it’s annoying when strangers and non-associates join the group but that’s why it’s turned off.
Instead we use voice chat.
I disagree. I feel it’s a great idea and sorely needed… coming from someone who often runs multiple guild groups. Voice chat works to a point, but its not NEARLY as effective as running voice chat AND having a visual pin in the game. Visual pin for multiple groups to rally, dedicated chat channel for those not in VoIP, waypoints all groups can see and /supply info. These are all things that are currently in a commander and squad system…
The problem is sometimes you DON’T want to have a “blue zerg magnet” up attracting an extra 30 people to your guild event/groups. Sometimes you are not prepared to lead a zerg/zone and are simply trying to coordinate multiple groups for specific purposes. It’s very difficult to create a fast moving, sneaky tactic havoc force with the commander pin summoning people in flocks. It’s also hard to ambush when those extra 30 people are running around gathering, killing NPC’s on main roadways. You currently have to turn off the commander pin to avoid this and run with VoIP only. Turning off the pin also dissolves the squad.
There is certainly no reason we can’t have some kind of “guild commander upgrade” or a way to flag the current commander & squad system as “private” or “guild” only. Keeping the benefits of the Commander & Squad system but allowing ONLY people in the squad to see the pin. This would also avoid multiple commander pins all over the map.
There is simply no way to have over 5+ group unless you include the whole server to join you. This doesn’t make sense to me as players and guilds have different playstyles and different ideas of what is “Fun”.
Why don’t we have a grouping system to support these different playstyles?
(edited by Ahmrill.7512)
Need either a “guild commander upgrade” or a away to make commander& squad system flag private (pin only visible to people actually IN the squad) for multiple groups or guild groups.
Also agree a “last logged in/represented” feature would be nice on the roster. I still have no idea how many of our members are actually still active…. no way to check or trim the roster.
Engineer – First skill interrupts and pulls one target…to the engineer. Second skill is a blowout. By far the easiest stomp…poor engis.
Your not kidding. The worst is when engineers get stealth spiked… we have no counters except to “try” and self heal. Our blowout is on a 20 sec cooldown, which means we always get spiked before it’s up. Our other two downed abilities are targeted… which are useless against a stealthed spiker if we are fighting one on one.
having a newsletter / guild wide mail would be nice as everyone doesn’t always read the MOTD.
You could have people spamming mails, so perhaps a 24 hour time limit between mails?
Seeing lots of threads about this started by different people.
Arenanet…. I think this is something many guilds are looking for.
100% agree.
Guild leadership needs a “last time logged in/represented the guild” feature. How are guild leaders able to manage their guild if they have no accurate idea of active members are in the guild? Should we start recruiting, do we have enough players… there is no way to check who is still playing regularly.
add this feature!!