Captain Jack Shadow

I have played on many servers with S+, that allowed for clipping objects into the terrain, but this does you no good as it disables the ability to interact with it. Try that. Take a metal chest, for instance, and try to hide most of it in the mesh...something somebody might try to be able to make a chest go unnoticed near their base. When you do that, you can no longer access the inventory. This is the answer to exploits of that nature. write the code such that certain items become unusable if clipped into the mesh. The only thing you do not want this to happen to would be doors, gates, hatches, etc... Basically, just building structures. For things like the walls, foundations, etc...all you need is the ability to demolish or pick up. Everything else can be disabled, and a warning could pop up saying it will not be usable. Or just let the person quickly test it before the timer expires. This does not take a lot of code. Nothing really has to change except the basic building structures being allowed to clip. There is no game play advantage here. But, it does prevent this... getting trapped where you would have placed a foundation. This also allows for less sever load, as one of the main fixes for this is to use ceilings and wall to do what one foundation could have done. This is of course, why stacking foundations is also a good thing. We could use some larger pieces also, to help keep the structure count low. Why build four single walls, when you can build one wall that costs the same as 4 single walls? Why not a 3x3 like in the CKF mod?

I hope you play PvE, because putting a light on your ship at night, in PvP, is a really bad idea.

Are they going to rethink their skill tree, and split the users from the creators? The Captain is not the ship builder. I will make a thread addressing this.

Does anyone know of any reason why they shouldn't allow for clipping of building structures? We need to understand that building structures are different than things such as beds, supply containers, mounted weapons, crafting stations, etc...

Yeah, this works, but it is much harder for a small crew, or single player, especially with the Alphas. They regenerate health pretty fast, so make sure you have a lot of arrows, because even if you spec'd the power shot, which is supposed to make all your arrows hit harder (not the armor piercing shot), you don't do much damage to an alpha with each hit...even an alpha sheep or pig. So, if you have to make more arrows, you will find that the alpha has regained a whole lot of health back. The issue with the predators is the long aggro range, the not so smooth way they move towards you, causing you to waste precious chances for a hit on them, and the way they heal every time they hit you. If on land, I don't find the Crocs to be much of a pain because they are a big, slow target. The animals that are a frustration, so far are Any Alpha Predator Wolf Tiger Lion Giant Snake Rattler Because of the Island we are on, being large, with lot's of valleys, it funnels lots of these things to you. It's not uncommon to try to battle 2 or 3 lions or wolves, and have 1 to 3 snakes join in on the action. When we have 3 or 4 of us, it's somewhat manageable, but with two, it's not uncommon for both to get killed, and if just one, it's pretty certain death unless you can find a rock you can get on, that they cannot. Good luck with that when you are out foraging, and they surprise you.

What you miss, with your emotional thinking, is that if we all sit around talking about how great the game is...it isn't...nothing will get fixed. They don't fix what you are happy with. So we point out what we are not happy with, so that it will get fixed. Those who defend what is wrong, are wrong because they inhibit the change that is needed.

Patrick Soderlund, is that you? Battlefield 5 Merchants wish you would have kept your mouth shut. Wrong...we point out what's wrong with the game in hopes that it gets fixed. Stop using emotional thinking, and use rational thinking instead.

100% not true. We use plate, and if we are not using pistols, the wolves and lions are a major pain. There also seems to be little difference in power of a level 2 vs a level 56. They kill with about the same amount of bites. Anyway, while the tip was true...yes the water is good for killing wolves and lions, the issue is that you can't hide by the shore all the time. Other than stone, there usually isn't anything there. Most of the resources you need, on our island, are inland, in valleys that funnel these predators to you. You can stand on a large rock, look around with the spyglass, see no lions or wolves, or see them in the distance, then get down, mine the rock, and just as you finish, you turn to see the face of a lion or wolf. If you are lucky, you can get your boy and arrow, or other weapons up to shoot. I have learned that when they are charging, there is a point where you think you have time to shoot, but you don't. The wolf/lion hits you are the same time as you are shooting, and it makes you shot miss. Now you are screwed. You have to take the next hit, often, so that you can line up on the bounce back because if you rush the shot, you miss again as their hit makes you turn slightly just as you are shooting, so you miss again. So what makes this whole thing so frustrating is that they heal every time they hit you. That's absurd and needs to be removed. This whole aspect of the game is draining the fun. I have talked to many people about this, in and out of the game, and they agree that the predators, and the sheer amount of Alphas ruins the game for them. As one of my friends stated...if he wanted to do this, he would just stick with ARK, because at least those creatures are more diverse and interesting. In short, he didn't come to this game to have his focus be on wolves, lions, tigers, crocodiles, etc...

Sometimes gamers criticize just to criticize, and sometimes, the criticism is legit. EA can't be an excuse for everything. With Star Citizen, I have criticisms, but I also see that they are headed in the right direction. This game, with some of the things that exist, even after ARK...seems like too many lessons weren't learned from ARK. Have a look at my post titles, This isn't funny anymore. A building system that has major flaws...and those existed in ARK official...were fixed by a modder with S+. That modder also showed genius in that he made the S+ TEK shield lock in place, if it was damaged. If it is not damaged, it can be picked up and moved. Collisions with terrain is a problem, but not with S+. I totally understand that you do not want that for things like storage boxes, and beds, but the structures should be able to clip into the terrain, or other structures...just not things like storage boxes and beds. Do I have faith in them to fix this nuisance? No, not at all. The animals are beyond absurd...healing very quickly in the middle of a fight, for instance. Saps my enjoyment. I would love to enjoy the sailing ship aspect of the game, but spend more time trying to get to my dead body. I never had that problem in ARK. Once in a while, yeah, but with this game, it is multiple times a day. Your ability to deal with it depends on what you spec'd into. So the fanbois who claim it's all so easy...just ignorance talking, so I ignore it for the most part.

You will enjoy an unofficial server more. Trust me on that one. You might have to shop around a bit, but we found a good one on the second try. The first one was a hot mess, and we learned that quickly. Second one was just right.

What to do? Get away from Official. Why put up with that toxic mess? Unofficial servers are more fun. You actually get to enjoy the game as much as it can be enjoyed at this stage of the dumpster fire. If the Devs don't fix it, modders will, and those fixes will only be found on unofficial servers.

A whole lot of people have already used that door. Seems a major game company said that to the gamers, and a whole lot of them said, OK, we won't buy it. Not very smart.

And what are you supposed to do there smart guy? You have to forage, since the resources are very spread out, or sometimes in just one spot, well away from your base. You come over a crest, and two wolves spot you instantly, and charge. If you do not have friends with you, you are screwed. If you have two guns, you might have a chance, but if you miss once, good luck. When you look, and the coast seems clear, you start to harvest something, often to hear a growl and or footsteps right before you get bit. Often you only have time to turn just in time to see a screen full of teeth. Then, the absurdity begins. They actually heal each time they bite you. What rocket scientist thought up that garbage? As you reload your guns, they begin to quickly recover health. Again, what rocket scientist thought that was a good idea? Your tames get no such benefit, so taking tames out is a fool's errand. That's if an Alpha snake doesn't somehow get into your pen and kill a take before you know it's there. I am on the highest level of leadership in an extremely large gaming Org. Many have asked me if this game is good, and should they buy it. I tell them no and no...wait...but if they can't wait...join me on unofficial. At least that fixes some of what's broken. Like I tell them, the skill tree is beyond stupid. It doesn't even make sense with what they claim the game to be. OK, try this stupid on for size. I am supposed to depend on others, right? But wait...everything I need them to do, I can do for myself, if I spec'd into it. See, why do I need anyone to tame an animal for me. If I can't tame if myself, I can't ride it. You have to spec into the crafting of something, to be an expert user of that item. I spec's heavily into archery, so I don't need anyone to make anything for me. See how stupid that is? Thankfully, I play of a server that will allow us all to be spec'd into everything by the time we hit max level. Being locked out of major parts of the game isn't interesting to me. It's tedious.

The whole system with animals is broken.

I give up! Shoot me now!

Never before in human history, has it been so dangerous to walk a single mile.

So a foundation can't clip into the ground? Uhmmm...they always clip into the ground. So how much can't they? I mean, the top of this one clears the ground. Wait...I guess they can. No, I guess not....but wait... It CAN...and it can't...those empty spots are empty for a reason. How about a wall? Can it clip into the terrain? It CAN!!! Wait...no, it can't. What about the foundations finishing into an existing Behemoth gate, to complete close off the structure so the bad guys can't get in and kill the tames? Surely this will work, right? No! So wait, what about a ceiling? No dice! You know, as I look at the picture below, I realize that games should be fun, and challenging... ...not frustrating. There is no reason to prevent the basic structures from clipping into the terrain, or other structures. Containers, and crafting stations, beds, etc...yeah, I get why those should not, but this is just beyond ridiculous. If this just has to be, then alter the way you do the S+ mod inclusion. Use the S+ TEK shield as an example. It can't be picked up when it is damaged...even one point, but it can be picked up anytime it is not, and done so with a point and click tool for reaching the high stuff. Do the same here, so when you learn 80 to 90% into the build that the terrain there is fubar, you can pick everything up and start over someplace else.

Nobody said anything about fists or a spear. How about a level 42 character with full metal armor, and a bow, when you have spec'd for the powershot, which is supposed to be more powerful, but isn't. This powershot is every shot you take, not a feat. That is how it is described. And...how it should be. 2 levels were wasted on that. But yes, the pistol when it connects does a ton of damage. It's wonky gameplay. The game is out of balance with how near impossible it is to walk on foot across the large island we are on. The amount of Alphas makes it even worse. The silent attack is also part of the problem. And don't say anything about realism because one arrow to the face of a lion or wolf, and they are breaking off their attack. Being injured, for a wild animal, is likely to lead to death. In short, a warrior in full metal armor, trained in the use of a bow, I will bet on him every time in a fight with one or two wolves or lions. There is a video of a lion who was shot as it lept at the shooter. Momentum carried it into the shooter, knocking him down. The shot wasn't fatal, amazingly, and the lion instantly retreated as it regained its balance after the collision. It's simple nature. Which is also why these predators prefer sick, lame, and vulnerable prey. In the game, they are beyond ridiculous. And further, take a poll...most people didn't come to this game for the animals and monsters. They came for the ships. Period. I would like to focus on my ship more, and less on recovering my tools, weapons and armor.

Nobody else wants to see this on the front of their ships? Nobody thinks there is something missing when they see a ship in the game? I mean they look good, but this will make it look great. But yes, I understand there are bigger fish to fry...before somebody steals your wood.

Well, at least you admit that this game is NOT about PvP.

1. The idea is for it to only be where you have your port. If this needs to be limited, so be it. Each company should only have one port. 2. Agree, and it should be tailored to do just that...keep megas from ruining the game for others. 3. I don't think people understand what I am after here. OK, so you make it to a lawless area, and build your ship, but you can't get back online for a week, and you need to get out onto the high seas and stake your claim. But you can't do that if you ship was destroyed before you can get back online. Or, maybe your base, and port were destroyed, and now you no longer have a claim, but your day is done, and you need time before you can find another claim. Thus, this could be an option reserved only for those who do not have a claim...a port area on a claimable island, where you can park your ship, and enjoy the same protections as noted in 1. Once you have a claim, you can no longer park at a freeport, safely. 4. That would be OK if you didn't have to waste so many points spec'd into what you don't need. They need to separate many of these things. For instance, why do I need to craft item to use them, and yes, that's the way they have it set up. Why do I have to spec into beast mastery to ride. Why do I have to spec into tools, then firearms, and then into artillery crafting, to get to what I actually need, the skills to shoot a cannon well. This is why their system fails. But problem solved. I play on an unofficial that boosts the points such that when you are fully leveled, you will have all of the skills...all of them, or extremely close to it. That works for me. Besides, you see, I love a challenge. If I am shooting my cannons at the other guy, I want to win because I am just better at shooting, not because I spec'd into that, and he didn't have the points to spec into the skills that allow him to shoot on my level. But that's the type of player I am. When I played WWIIOL, I always chose the side with the worst tanks, and still finished in the top 15, every single campaign. 5. Anything is better than starting from scratch. Yes, they are going to lose a lot of sales if people leave the game in droves, and tell friends to save their money. 6. Exactly. 8. Yes, we need more NPC ships, even in PvP. However, what we don't need are modern warships (and that's what SotD are), sinking any fool dumb enough not to run from them. Yes, SotD are modern warships. I'll take a guess on the reason for this is that the Devs can't figure out how to make an NPC sail a sailing ship correctly, so that you have a reasonable encounter with one. Either way, these SotD are exactly like modern warships. They shoot in any direction with hugely powerful guns, and they are not at the mercy of the wind. They have no sails to catch on fire, or disable. They are simply a mess. If they announced that they were introducing normal pirate ships, and merchant ships in all of the categories we have, and that they would have a specific logo on the sails, or some other way to identify them, there would be a collective roar of approval from the player base. Most of it anyway. 9. Exactly. And also, I am not going to pay for somebody else's Elephants. We will tame our own. I do not trust that I am getting his best line. I fully expect them to run two lines...the ones with best stats, they keep, and the ones with lesser stats, they sell. If they want me to buy animals from somebody else, I need to see all of his stats on all of his animals, so I can pay commensurate with what he is offering. This is reasonable, because in the real world, you are going to employ an expert in such animals, who can tell you what quality is being offered, whether you should buy, and how much you should be paying for it. Also, some price controls may be needed because some guy is going to ruin the game when he corners the market on something, and then decides that you have to pay 1000 times more than something's worth, just because he can. Yeah sure, you can do something about it if he is a small operator who cornered the market on elephants, but what if he is part of a Mega? Nah, you can't always model a game on the real world because the real world is much better at penalizing you, in some cases, and in other cases, the bad guy has no penalties, but I don't want that in a game. I play games to get away from the real world.

More and more, I know that I won't ever step foot on official again. Why do that? Why restrict yourself from so much of the fun? I really now believe that some people just don't value their time. They have some warped notion that unofficial is easy so it's not worth it. No, you can find all kinds of things on unofficial. You just have to find one that suits you. The best of them keep it challenging, but at the same time, they remove many restrictions that limit how much fun you can have. The best most will experience on official, is to be a slave in a Mega, in the hopes that they get to take part in what passes for PvP, when they raid a hopelessly defended base, or an offline base...which is not even PvP.

Get yourself to an unofficial server. Official is not where the challenge is at. Official is where people hide from challenge, and choose instead to be a slave in a Mega.

Would love to get some Elephants, but how in the heck do you get an Elephant onto a Brigantine? Also, I know what they are after. They want you to trade and barter for something like Elephants. No, sorry, I won't. I won't trust somebody to give me the best they have. I would fully expect a company to run two lines of Elephants. One with the best stats for themselves, and one with lesser stats, to sell. Not going to do that. Will wait for the mod that disables that "feature." If no mods come along, the server owner can just drastically shorten the breeding cycle. So you breed them after you buy them, on that Island. The other option is to have an Ally there that allows you to keep your breeders there. In turn, he keeps his breeder wolves in your base.

Oh good lord...kill me now. Longer? Glad I am on an unofficial. The owner can boost that, I am assuming. If not, a mod will be out in time to correct that.