This update definitely seems like a good one, but I do have my 2 cents to add in there too. To the poster who said they need to make besieged offer a better type of reward, I agree 100% on that.. I hear lvl 8 besieged is something like 1400 exp or something and takes anywhere from 1-4 hours to do.. I just see my time better spent sitting in the mire soloing because I can solo 1.4k faster than it takes to beat besieged, plus I get drops which equals money. I went to maybe 1 or 2 besieged when it was first introduced, but due to horrendous lag, I decided it really wasn't worth my time. Sure, we get to keep the AC (and seeing as though it took 3 days to get it back last time) I see how much it improves hunting. Sure the mire's empty, but it also takes close to 45 minutes to get to the camp.. The exp isn't reduced by much, and the imperial standing loss is bearable, but it's just that boat ride to get there is just too time consuming. Making it a joke is one way to ensure it won't happen too often because people really don't care to go and get it back after it's already taken. I saw countless attempts, but they sat at 2-5/??? for at least 2 hours before they finally gave up. So yea, to get more people to actually go to besieged, offer more of a reward because most people's time is better spent farming or soloing, not going AFK in besieged to get some EXP..
Second is the final missions in the Aht Urhgan story line, seem like they are kind of rushing it because of WotG coming out this winter.. I haven't made it to 38 so I'm not sure if its really that rushed, but it definately seems that way to me.. I'm up to AU 22 and the only thing I couldn't solo was "The Black Coffin".. Hell, ZM was short, but it wasn't easy.. The quests just seem like a complete joke if you ask me, but hey, it's their game..
Last is the increased drop rate and nerf on the boreal mobs. I'm leveling up a 2nd rdm who's sitting at 43 right now and when I heard about this little change, I was pretty happy.. I knew I would be able to solo G1, but I also knew it could take an extremely long time (Papyrus) if luck was against me. G2 was going to be a little wierd though. I figured I should be able to solo it, but honestly, I've never tried.. Now that a pt of 6 51's are going to be able to defeat it, I'm positive I'll be able to solo it now so I definately like the idea so I don't have to waste an entire day doing both G1 and then another half a day doing G2 unless I couldn't solo it.. Sure, I understand people are kinda miffed that they are doing it, but like everyone said.. The people who started years ago are in endgame and that takes up a lot of time so it's very hard to find a few 75's to decimate the NM's for you.. Doing it this way just saves the people of a lot of waiting for high lvl help.. The game is older, it's what would have happened eventually.
No real comment on chocobo's because as far as I'm concerned, chocobo raising is just not for me.. Wasting 19 days to find out your bird is yellow when you want a specific color just doesn't work for me, even if it does only take checking it for 5 minutes every day..
Mission Additions and Various Adjustments
From PlayOnline.com:
The following is a sample of what awaits adventurers in the next version update:
Treasures of Aht Urghan Missions
The final battle is about to begin, and the fate of the Empire is in your hands! Join forces with companions new and old to unlock the mysteries hidden in this final chapter of the epic Aht Urhgan missions!
For a recap of previous missions, click here.
It is recommended that players who have not yet completed "Playing the Part" avoid viewing the aforementioned link.
Besieged
To oppose the overwhelming power of the level 8 beastmen forces, Al Zahbi's five Serpent Generals have spent the previous months honing their skills. In addition, the Empire will be putting into effect a decree which allows additional distribution of temporary items after a certain number of invaders have been defeated. Finally, if the beastmen forces are not defeated by the Empire, or capture the Astral Candesence, they will automatically retreat one Earth hour after their arrival in Al Zahbi.
Einherjar
In an effort to lower the difficulty level of Einherjar, the HP of all monsters in the Hazhalm Testing Grounds will be reduced in the upcoming version update.
We will make further adjustments should this challenging area continue to prove excessively difficult.
Assault Mission "Nyzul Isle Investigation"
Currently, the data for the highest floor you have investigated in Nyzul Isle will be deleted after defeating the monsters on Floor 100. Unlike with other floors, this removes the possibility of retrying the floor in an attempt to obtain the treasure you seek.
As of the next version update, the data will still be deleted after clearing Floor 100, but in exchange for the loss of data, the chance for obtaining the armor pieces will be increased to 100%.
While clearing to Floor 100 is no easy task, we are sure there are heroes out there that are up to the challenge!
The Chocobo Hot and Cold Game
Chocobo Abilities
Resting your chocobo for thirty six hours (Earth time) after playing the Chocobo Hot and Cold game will allow you to dig twice more, as well as increase your chances to "hit the jackpot" the next time you play the game.
Furthermore, chocobos of players who succeed at finding treasure in any area three times in a row will temporarily gain the "Treasure Finder" ability. Chocobos that already have "Treasure Finder" will have the effect of the ability temporarily doubled.
Chocobucks
A new reward will soon be available in the form of vouchers that can be exchanged for chocobucks, with the chocobuck reward varying with the difficulty of the area.
The vouchers will always be found inside the treasure chests in addition to the standard rewards.
Limit Break Quests
With the current level of advancement of the majority of the player base, it has become increasingly difficult to find fellow adventurers who have yet to complete the limit break quests. In an effort to alleviate the woes of newer players, the limit break quests from level 50 to level 60 will have their difficulty reduced in the following manner:
Level 50 "In Defiant Challenge"
Drop rates for the quest items will be improved.
Level 55 "Atop the Highest Mountains"
The relative strength of the quest monsters will be reduced so that a party of six level 51 characters will be able to defeat them.
Tags: FinalFantasyXI, News
