The Elder Scrolls Online "One Tamriel" Interview
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The game's "One Tamriel" update and the changes it introduced to the Craglorn zone are the primary topics of conversation in a new article-style interview with The Elder Scrolls Online creative director Rich Lambert over at Massively Overpowered. A few paragraphs to start you off:
“Experienced players can and will probably enjoy trying to solo all the content.” Lambert replied when I asked about the expected skill level for the zone. “Less-experienced players will be able to complete the solo path, and will probably need to bring a friend to complete the group content.” Count me firmly placed in the latter group. Even the solo content was adequately difficult for my level 50.
In fact, I found some of the solo areas difficult not because of the strength of the mobs but because of the number of NPCs in a given area. I found myself fighting sometimes six to seven mobs at once. I asked Lambert about this and how the developers had balanced the zone for solo and duos. “There are two major balance points in Craglorn now – one for the solo path and one for the remainder,” he explained. “For the solo path, we reduced the density of monsters in some places and adjusted monster health/power. For the group areas, our focus was mainly on monster health/power… density was left alone.”
I should make it perfectly clear that when I say something is difficult or that perhaps I cannot get through some area without help, I’m not really complaining. Far too many video games — especially MMOs — tend to tune toward the lowest common denominator. I know where my video game skills lie. I know I’m not even close to the top 5%. I’m lucky if I’m in the top 20%. So if something is difficult for me, I know there others who are more skilled and find this kind of content less a challenge. But at the same time, I love a challenge and welcome the opportunity to better myself as player. If a video game — especially an MMO — hands me everything, then what I gain from the game becomes less meaningful. And Craglorn is very meaningful to me, if you get my drift.
