Solo class instances

Everyone likes to solo an instance.

Some of us like to plough through a low level instance purely for the joy of decorating the floor with corpses, one-shotting Van Cleef or racing to the end of an instance in 10 minutes that used to take hours.

Others like the challenge of taking on an instance that requires more toons. Maybe a full party, maybe 3-4 toons. It’s the challenge that makes it worthwhile.

The reality of these runs is the only reward (apart from low level enchanting mats) is the joy of knowing you can do it… Not a small reward admittedly.

What if Blizzard introduced some instances that were intended to be completed solo?

Edit: I started this draft post a while ago in response to a post about class only quests. Since then Larisa has asked about skill improvement and I have mooted boot camps, so on with the slightly modified post.

• Class skill training
• Player skill development
• Class quest

My Vision

I envision an instanced space, specific for each character class eg:

• Mage: a multi-dimensional Mage tower
• Rogue: sewer complex
• Paladin: cathedral training grounds
• Warrior: arena training ground
• Warlock: the many layers of hell.

These instances will unfold, additional areas will be unlocked as your character levels and your skills improve.

Think of them as levels in an arcade game. You need to score the points (levels) to progress to the next map level, but you also need to be skilled enough to make it through the screen.

Class Skill Training

In future you wouldn’t just visit the trainer, hand over you 50 silver and receive training in your new skills.

No, in the world I envision, you would need to earn them.

At level 2 you would clear a room with skill specific challenges. On completion of the challenge you receive your new skills.

At level 4, you once again tackle the level 2 room, then have to complete the level 4 challenges. The level 2 room has scaled to test your level 4 abilities.

This process continues on through level 80… 85.

Player Skill Development

Already your ability to play your class is being challenged, but these instances aren’t just about class skill acquisition, they are also about player skill development.

Can you nuke the boss while remaining below a threat meter… Can you do it fast enough by using your class aggro drops to pass the level?

Can your hunter control your pet well enough to make it through an obstacle course.?

Can you maintain the polymorph, counterspell the caster, avoid the void zone and DPS the boss while doing the safety dance?

The bosses you encounter in each room have mechanics similar to instance and raid bosses, so while improving your skills, you are also perfecting the tactics required to down a boss.

This is your boot camp.

Each room, each encounter, reinforces the class and player skills required to excel in both solo and group play.

All you need now is to be rewarded for your efforts…

Class Quests

Class quests have fallen out of favor, but were once bread and butter of the early levels and occasionally made appearances at higher levels.

Shamans have to earn their totems.

Mages had to earn their Polymorph: Pig.

Then there was the epic level 60 Hunter’s quest which would have guilds turn out to protect the hunter and his kill, while cheering him on.

Now there are no class quests of note. So what I propose is that in addition to gaining your skills every 10 levels, you are also presented with a greater challenge, a trial of your skills which rewards you with an appropriate benefit. Whether it unlocks another skill (or option of skills) or whether it is some level appropriate loot.

Whatever the case, reward the player for achieving the level and beating the trial.

I would suggest that a part of the reward is a title. I know, another bloody title… but I have always been envious when checking in with the NPCs and discover they have different ranks.

Why can’t I be an Adept, or a Master, or a Grand Master…or…

Arch Mage Gnomeaggedon of Gnomeragan, quaker of worlds, stoker of volcanoes, bringer of the Cataclysm.

Gnomer and Out!

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http://gnomeaggedon.net/2009/09/08/solo-class-instances/