Social Code for Newbies

[Ordie]

Dear Forum,

I am a new player, both to this game and to real time strategy games in general, which leaves me in a bit of an odd place. Every place has a certain code of behavior that is part of the background, and for many, it tends to fade into the background without much though. As a newbie, I don't know what that code is however. I was hoping this could be a place to discuss what some of the expectations are. Here are my immediate questions:

When a game is titled "Experienced" or "No Noobs" what is the metric to judge that? At what point is someone considered experienced or not a noob? I don't want to be rude and join a game where I'm not wanted though to respect that boundary I need to be able to understand it.

Is there an expectation to say GLHF, or similar, at the start of the game? Several posts have indicated that this is expected as part of the RTS community, yet it tends to be hit or miss in games itself. Is this expected?

Thank you for having me, and I hope to see you in game!

[Wise Windu]

When a game is titled "Experienced" or "No Noobs" what is the metric to judge that? At what point is someone considered experienced or not a noob? I don't want to be rude and join a game where I'm not wanted though to respect that boundary I need to be able to understand it.

The meaning of "experienced" varies. It really depends on the person setting up the game. Some will require a certain number of hours played, others are looking for in game army level of 60. The best way to get games is to set up your own lobby and title it with "new players" or something similar. It's much easier than joining a few different lobbies and being told you're "too new".

Also, try joining this group: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1927

welshy heads it up, and they do relaxed beginner matches for anyone interested. They're also hosting a 2v2 beginner tournament in November: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2118

Is there an expectation to say GLHF, or similar, at the start of the game? Several posts have indicated that this is expected as part of the RTS community, yet it tends to be hit or miss in games itself. Is this expected?

It's really up to you. Some people say some variation on gl hf, some people don't. But it's not a big deal. As long as you aren't insulting people in game, there shouldn't be an issue.

Welcome, and gl, hf

[Ordie]

Thank you for the response Wise Windu, and let me say thank you for keeping our game such a good looking.

The issue I run into is, how do I know when I am no longer a new player? I tend to do well enough in many public games that are simply listed as 3v3, and many of the players in the New Players games (thank you for linking that group). For many of the new players, my army level, 30s, list me as too advanced to be part of those groups.

In short, I'm a pro to the noobs and a noob to the pros. I was hoping there was some uniform understanding, but it sounds like its best for me to take it game by game.

[Wise Windu]

Hm, well there seem to be some around mid level players in welshy's group, so I'm sure you'd be welcome there.

But yeah, probably best to take it game by game, see where you fall in terms of skill.

Not sure there's a point where you stop being "new". It's a gradual process, and you'll notice yourself maybe beating players you didn't before, or at least putting up more of a fight. Once you start meeting some people you match up well against, send them friend requests. That way you'll be able to find games you can fit into well much more easily.

[Skyward Sorceror]

I'd sorta be considered a newbie, but I have a fair amount of Singleplayer DoW 1 exp.

[Narcolepsy]

Way the beginners tourney is run is <250hrs in game to be a newbie. The 2v2 tourney next month is <500 or so. Levels are kinda irrelevant, you can lose every game for a thousand hours and have level 60 across the board. Join the nubclub, we're a mixed bunch.

[welshy]

Yeah man come along to my group. We have players who can beat you and players you can beat so plenty of fun to be had there.

Our skill levels are all over the shop even on a daily basis. Some games I can beat x and some games x can beat me. All part of the learning process.

Add me on Steam (left HS under profile picture) and lets get you having some fun!

Avoid Therin though... as a Swede he is a bit off (unless you are a Swede, so in that case Swedes are awesome and therefore Therin is just the odd one out)

[Narcolepsy]

Stupid, sexy Therin.

[Ordie]

Another question. When a game is marked private, does that include the observer slots?

Edit: For that matter, what about 'no noobs games' that have an open observer slot?

[Wise Windu]

People will usually let you observe if they aren't specifically waiting for someone to observe. Depends on the lobby. People won't get upset if you join the lobby and ask though

[welshy]

We run private games through the public lobby and generally we have an observer slot open if we are waiting for one of our guys to observe. We think more about the guys we have coming into the game rather than thinking about the public players.

[Ordie]

Cool, thanks for letting me know!

[[EL] The Emperor]

Also anything marked as being held by the Emperor's Loyalists [EL] are usually matches that contain higher level players. So as a heads up you may be excluded from such matches but we do however allow people to observe as well as ask for advice, and tips!

But anyways welcome, and I think I speak for everyone when I say its great we have newer blood entering our community! I also definitely suggest you get involved with the FA community because they are a pretty good place to get started, and improve your skills!