EDIT: It’s come up a lot, so I’d like to state here: Yes, I’m aware it’s an MMO. Many people have pointed this out.
Hi! I’m writing here to make a suggestion for Blizzard. Just something that I think a lot of us would like to see in the game. As the title implies, it’s a kind of solo “Story Mode” option for certain content.
I’ll start off by explaining the problem: A lot of us don’t like group content. I know I’m not the only one who finds it exhausting to deal with people, even (or especially) in PUGs. Often, however, it’s actually necessary as part of a quest chain, like the mythics you have to do for the Kul Tiras and Zandalar questlines. It’s also the only way to see how the story progresses: It’s not just cutscenes, but dialogue between characters as the raid progresses, in and between fights, and all kinds of little things that bring it to life.
LFR is a good attempt at solving this, but I’m afraid it falls far short. In my experience, LFR groups are only marginally less likely to kick you if their Recount says you’re lagging behind, and they rush through everything haphazardly, leaving no time to listen to that dialogue or explore your surroundings. Half the group doesn’t care and just wants some new gear, and the other half is forced to follow along to avoid a wipe.
The worst part of all of this is that, since those of us who don’t like dealing with groups are generally not very talkative, this side of the story is rarely seen on these forums. One could be forgiven for not realizing we exist at all, because we hardly ever speak up. But there’s a lot of us, and we’re all struggling with things like needing the war mode talents but hating PvP, or wanting to finish a quest but not endure the constant barrage of vitriol that accompanies any PUG.
I think that having simple solo versions for dungeons and raids would alleviate a lot of that pressure. People like me wouldn’t have to choose between putting up with a rushed push through these things with people insulting us or each other the whole way, and just not seeing the content at all.
I welcome constructive discussion on the idea, of course, but let me head off a few issues I’m sure people will have:
First, I’m not trying to kill group content. I just don’t want to engage in it. The incentives for most people who do that content - particularly anyone who does it more than once - will still be there. Solo versions would ideally drop no loot, meaning there’s no gear boost, no mounts and pets, not even a new mog. It’s just to experience the content.
Second, as I said before, LFG and LFR are not solutions to this problem. Both of them force you to rush to keep up with a group that probably just wants to finish it all fast and collect their loot. You’re not really getting the “story” out of that, hence the need for a “story mode.” Plus, honestly, there’s way too much salt.
Third, I don’t hate the people in those groups. They want to play the game their way, and that’s fine. I want to play it my way, and that’s fine too. But right now I don’t have the tools to do so, and I don’t think either of us should be dragging the other along. Just like War Mode separates the people who want open world PvP (and sometimes, admittedly, those who are willing to grit their teeth and bear it for the talents) from those who don’t, this should be a way for more people to enjoy what they like best about the game. It shouldn’t detract from anyone’s experience to just have that alternative.
