OK Mates, lets discuss, be serious, see every scenario, and every perspective; Outpost camping is a problem that's not going away

  • MysticDragon297
    Master
    Insider

    so what to do about it then? people are discouraged in playing solo or playing the game in general because they were spawn killed multiple times or they were jumped at an outpost.

    personally, i believe the ultimate solution is to just fix spawning in general, but like i said, lets think perspective. its not just about being killed over and over again within an outpost area, its about being caught off-gaurd so many times and having little to no power to stop it besides scuttling your ship. the goal is to make outpost camping occur less often than it does now.

    first, let's all agree, scuttling a ship to avoid conflict is implying that scuttling a ship is a part of the PvP gameplay. if it is, its a very flawed method, one that punishes the victim more than the guilty; load screens and all are a waste of time, only to find more outpost campers and repeating the same method over and over again. let's also agree that quiting an entire server and visiting a new one is equally as flawed as a method to avoid spawn/outpost campers (more, longer, load screens).

    so here are the issues at hand:

    the ultimate form of outpost camping

    if not camping at a single outpost, a crew is able to make a course to that lines up with every outpost on the map. this method of outpost camping makes it more likely to run into players and more likely for a outpost camping crew to catch other players off-guard as they are cashing in chests or choosing their voyage.

    ditching your boat and becoming a landlubber pirate.

    players are able to just camp outposts in general. they can scuttle their ship and hide somewhere on an outpost until a ship approaches. they have the element of surprise. this is a very lite problem because its manageable. footsteps, an explosive barrel near the faction tent, and mermaids can be a dead giveaway, but that is not to say that campers cant adapt to the situation either.

    outpost supplies

    upon camping outposts, players are presented with a great amount of supplies so that they can keep firing their cannons and rarely run out. take into account that they can also take supplies from their victims. supplies almost never run out so long as you keep visiting an outpost, making problem one an even bigger problem than it already is.

    now, im going to say that, in general, there is nothing wrong with these methods of playing the game. its a pirate game, so its great that players can be creative every once in a while. the problem is when they are done repeatedly like an old joke and there is no punishment or restriction for doing so. even pirates got in trouble and hanged for it.

    note, that it is not just about treasure chests. sometimes people just want to PvP all the time and they do not care if you've recently cashed in, or if you are going to scuttle your ship.

    so each of these need a solution. no telling a player to git gud because we've seen it multiple times and players need to believe people when they say that everything they are recommending has it's own limitations. the default thing to say is to just "scuttle ship and move on," which as i've already covered, is a pretty bad solution. there is no moving on. its just scuttling your ship over and over when it happens again and again. you are going to have to visit an outpost sometime!

    no safe zones either, or at least the concept in general ("all outposts are now safe 24/7"). we all know why outpost safezones are a bad idea, starting with the fact that they would be the default way to escape from other players, which is equally as annoying as outpost camping.

    i really hope everyone thinks critically about this problem. in my eyes, outpost camping is end game, or the best method of finding other players within the world and fighting them without a thought.

  • Login To Reply
    108
    Posts
    69.3k
    Views
  • DracLFD

    @mysticdragon297 I've played almost 100 hours of SoT, and I've never experienced an Outpost being camped. Seems like a boring play style that won't last long, given the number of different Outposts you can visit.

  • name333
    Captain
    Insider
    Founder

    Outsmart them. Be careful when going to an outpost. Keep someone on lookout until your chests are in. If you see someone camping one outpost, go to a different one. There are two on the far east side that I have NEVER seen another ship at. Park around the back of those for extra stealth.

  • Marine4121
    Seafarer

    Im a solo player myself, i have never experienced outpost campers myself, i do a circle around the outpost looking for ships or a mermaid

  • GetSchmitOn
    Marauder
    Insider

    Don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure that there's only 5 ships per server and I know that there's six outposts, so if an outpost is occupied and you don't wanna fight the people there, just go to another outpost. If you wanna be super safe just have someone check the outpost on foot without any chests to make sure there's no one there. If there is just go to another outpost.

  • TouchDown1504
    Castaway
    Insider
    Founder

    @mysticdragon297 Never once have I ran into campers at an outpost. The spawn mechanics can use a change, I agree, but I don't have the solution. I am really beginning to wonder if outposts do get camped. Now, there is such a thing as a "blockade". i would not consider that camping an outpost, a ship sitting outside or near one waiting. Pirates near the turn in NPC, definite camping, just haven't seen it, in my sessions, on YouTube, Twitch, so on....

  • Uber Knight72
    Marauder
    Founder

    Not another one of these posts..

    Look, if there is a ship at an outpost, go to another. If you didn't know there was a ship at the outpost, you should have made a scouting pass first. If they scuttled their ship, look for mermaids around the island during your scouting pass.
    Finally, this is absolutely, positively, surely NOT a problem..

    I have dumped over 100 hours over the course of the alpha/beta. And NOT HAVE I ONCE experienced this terrible phenomenon. Or seen it happen for that matter, or heard ANY of my regular crewmates talk about experiencing this either.

  • Ecljpse
    Commander
    Insider
    Boatswain
    Founder

    @mysticdragon297 I have played 280 hours and only experienced 1 pair of outpost campers. Who were promptly killed.

    I have run into multiple other ships showing up to fight and turn in stuff as well, but they weren't camping.

  • Sytoki
    Marauder
    Insider

    I understand and respect your position but unfortunately I am going to have to disagree with you. While I haven't personally ever seen this happen, obviously I can't say that it means it doesn't. But in terms of whether or not this is a problem that needs to be fixed, I think it's fine the way it is. Spawns I think we can all agree need tweaking but in a game that really has no punishment for losing fights, having to worry about other players coming and stealing your booty is certainly a good balance imo. The title is sea of thieves after all and being cautious is a valuable trait in this game. Furthermore this camping can be easily countered. Theyre circling the island with their ship, go to another outpost or engage them in pvp. They're hiding at the outpost with their ship scuttled, go and engage them first until you've killed them enough to force them to spawn at another outpost with their boat. Too many posts are appearing to want ways to turn this game more pve which I think is a step in the wrong direction.

  • LaughsManiacaly
    Master
    Founder

    Firstly the issue is rare although it is noticeable. So noticeable that rare have already said they're looking into it either for a resolve by launch or soon after.

    Secondly this is situational. If spawning into the server you spawn on an occupied island then honestly that's just bad spawn mechanics and can be tweaked IF however you sail to an island and suddenly get killed 5 steps from the trader you need to stop and think about your tactics.

    Live by the rule of three Ms:
    If Mermaid or Masts, Move on.

    It's done me well so far also scope an outpost with the spyglass from both afar (for the Ms) and if you get closer then scope it again for anywhere that would hold an advantage.

    Finally, know where your trader is, being able to dock up just off from the trader will give you the clearest line of sight for saftey but also the shortest distance to travel.

  • O1dGuy 0

    Let the Roc attack them if they stay in the outpost for a long time (maybe 15-more mins)

  • KattTruewalker
    Vanguard
    Insider
    Founder
    Deckhand

    @mysticdragon297

    I, also, have played many, many hours in game and I don't recall being victim to Outpost campers ever.

    Yes, we've had our ship sunk when we've just spawned in by some passing pirate.

    Yes, we've occasionally landed and found other pirates at the Outpost who will either be hostile or friendly - but there is always evidence, another docked ship or a mermaid or a ship in close vicinity.

    Yes, we've fallen victim to ships we didn't notice - lesson learned.

    Yes, we have no hesitation in scuttling our ship, even from the Ferry, in order to get out of a combat situation.

    Basically you have to be wary.
    You need to keep an eye on the horizon for sails - if you can see them, they can see you.
    You have to be prepared to sail elsewhere, even if it's across the other side of the map.
    You need to prepare your ship wherever you drop anchor to leave quickly - raise sails and anchor - ships move in faster than you think.
    Hide your ship on the outer side of islands, use the landscape as camouflage, cliffs, trees etc.
    Choose routes that avoid major islands, take advantage of storms.
    You might have to abandon quests if there are ships at an island you need to go to.
    If there's a mermaid in the water - go to another Outpost.
    If you're being attacked by boarders, wait on the Ferry til your whole crew is there and exit together, rather than singly.
    Restock your ship at every opportunity.

    There are always more Outposts than ships per server, so one will be available.

  • bitmapman
    Master
    Insider

    @mysticdragon297 I've played the game at least a good 30 hours between closed beta and the stress test, almost all solo, and I've yet to encounter anyone camping an outpost.

    Can't you just do a loop around the island to look for ships/mermaids before you go ashore?

  • Kawaii Dumpling
    Founder

    I'll say what I've always said before, shortned: It's only occurred during Alpha and Beta builds, where to most people, there isn't much to do. PVP may as well be the highlight for many, or being campers just to satisfy that void of doing nothing.

    The numbers will surely dwindle down upon full release because of the increased amount of things to do, and I don't think people will cough up money to just camp and troll since it was fairly easy for some to get access to the Alpha and Beta without pre-ordering.

    I could be entirely wrong, but we just gotta wait and see.

  • keyl0ggs
    Marauder
    Founder

    solution: 1 jumps off and is checking the outpost. if there are any enemys, the other one will just go on as his partner(s) are going to be teleported to the ship anyways.

  • Shragh
    Master
    Insider

    I think the problem with camping the outposts is solved by its self.
    At one point the people, who open one whining thread after another here, will know how to play the game and avoid outposts with campers easily so it is not worthing for the landlubbers to camp the outpost.

  • M4ST3RofSQWANCH
    Founder

    @mysticdragon297 I am yet to encounter any camping pirates in the game. A cannonball to the face usually sorts out any beach dweller.

  • KigreTheViking
    Founder

    @mysticdragon297
    Its NOT a problem.

    Just go to another outpost.

    Thats it. Solved.

  • Thewolfman321
    Captain
    Founder

    @MysticDragon297 It's not a problem though........

  • Aprovoked Mango
    Insider
    Founder

    Camping only works atm because people havent learnt the giveways - e.g mermaid in the water, there will always be one if there isnt a ship and if theres a ship...well, need I say more.

    There is always another outpost, dont sail in blindly assuming its safe, especially when solo. Do a quick cruise around looking for a mermaid, dont see one then its all good.

    If you choose to dock whilst another ship is within visibility that is your own risk.

    I have only ever seen someone camp me once, they failed dramatically, so much so it was hilarious.

    Theres no need to change anything when its a mechanic thatll die the instant someone knows what to look for.

  • DISLEX fx
    Captain
    Insider

    I've only played about 3 hours total, but I have yet to find anyone camping an outpost. I have pulled up to some while they were selling chests. No outpost campers though.

  • Porkns
    Master
    Insider
    Founder

    Outpost camping doesn't exist!!! Players need to start using their heads! You don't need to return to the same outpost that you got your voyages from to sell chests!

    1. Check for nearby enemy ships with cutlass. Progress to step 2 if you spot an enemy. Jump to step 6 if clear.
    2. Look at map.
    3. Find another outpost.
    4. Sail to outpost.
    5. Repeat step 1.
    6. Moor ship at outpost. Sell chests.

    SIMPLE

  • DutchDeadSchot
    Master
    Insider
    Founder

    @draclfd @MysticDragon297 I know for a fact this happened (as I would often left my ship sail into the distance and jump onto an outpost just waiting to plunder). I did so as a change of pace. Like literally the previous 6 hours I was digging up treasure and PVPing ships. But I doubt I’ll do it any if at all in the full game because there’s so much more to work for than just gold hoarders.

  • Dr Blake
    Captain
    Insider
    Founder

    @mysticdragon297

    Is this really a "problem"? I have played this game for quite some time now and have never ever experienced "Outpost camping".

    Sure, I've met pirates friendly and hostile on Outposts. And I've been on both sides of that friendly and hostile spectrum.
    I've been chased from and to Outposts. Sometimes, when my sloop has been loaded with treasure and ships have been at the closest Outpost – or even just close by, I have crossed the seas to find a safer harbour.

    This is the progression in SoT. You have to learn and adapt. Always scan the horizon, scope out the Outpost from afar - if there are ships, consider your options, make a decision – go for it or sail away? If approaching an Outpost with pirates on it, signal your arrival with an friendly "Ahoy" - do they seem friendly back, can you trust them, will you take a chance? A lot of amateur pirates reveal their colors to soon, giving you the option of retreat!

    Sometimes I've even hidden some of my treasure on a nearby island before testing my luck. There are many ways to pirate!

  • SillyColt302271

    @laughsmaniacaly said in OK Mates, lets discuss, be serious, see every scenario, and every perspective; Outpost camping is a problem that's not going away:

    Firstly the issue is rare although it is noticeable. So noticeable that rare have already said they're looking into it either for a resolve by launch or soon after.

    Secondly this is situational. If spawning into the server you spawn on an occupied island then honestly that's just bad spawn mechanics and can be tweaked IF however you sail to an island and suddenly get killed 5 steps from the trader you need to stop and think about your tactics.

    Live by the rule of three Ms:
    If Mermaid or Masts, Move on.

    It's done me well so far also scope an outpost with the spyglass from both afar (for the Ms) and if you get closer then scope it again for anywhere that would hold an advantage.

    Finally, know where your trader is, being able to dock up just off from the trader will give you the clearest line of sight for saftey but also the shortest distance to travel.

    Very true. Especially when you first log on you should never spawn anywhere close to another ship. They should put you at the furthest point from any other ship on the map. I mean when you first log on you haven’t even gotten any supplies yet, or even talked about a game plan for the day(if you joined with randoms).

    I totally get it, most PvPers don’t want a fair fight or the challenge so they would want to be able to sink people right as they sign I (pathetic, but true). The good thing is in this case is that they will never bring in stronger weapons or ships. That is something that will get the hardcore people to leave soon, which will be good for the game

  • D0mino28
    Rogue

    Surprise surprise about getting robbed in a pirate game........
    Outsmart them, the only opportunity you will get.

  • canadianmuscle3
    Founder

    Like what @Porkin5 said. It doesn't happen. In my 180hours of testing. Even in both the beta and stress test. I never once was outpost spawn camped. I don't know where people get it from. I talk to every one about the game when I play with new crews and I have never heard anyone say anything in game about it.

    Follow what @Porkin5 said and you'll never have an issue. Its exactly what I do.

  • avecrux
    Captain
    Insider

    @canadianmuscle3
    reconstruction of events
    where is the nearest outpost, hmm ... here. We sail there. Have you checked if there is a ship? There is no sure, swim quickly, because we have 40 chests. They died because there was another crew. www.seaofthieves.com/forum -> new topic -> SPAWN CAMPERS EVERYWHERE

  • Ghostpaw
    Legend

    I have not experienced problems with players outpost camping. I could imagine a group giving it a shot, especially if they believe another ship will be coming soon to offload their stuff. It would take a lot of patience to simply wait for long periods in hopes that another ship will 1) pick that outpost out of all the options available, 2) not circle to spot other ships or merfolk waiting offshore, 3) have enough on their ship to make the wait worth the trouble and boredom. I think it is more likely that newer players will run into crews who were in the process of offloading and restocking already who would jump at the opportunity to pirate the treasure of a new (or just naive) player parking next to them.

  • Lasikuu
    Founder

    I've also played around a 100h and have never experienced outpost camping. I have been attacked while sailing up to an anchored ship at an outpost, but I knew the risks so I didn't have much to lose and it wasn't an issue.
    I have also been part of a crew that managed to ambush another ship's crew by hiding boom boom barrels inside the golden hoarder's tent with one crew member hiding, ready to fire. We knew the ship would have loot, because we saw it sailing all around the islands that were within visible distance of the outpost we were returning chests at. Lo and behold, they decide to head straight to our outpost, so we left the gunpowder barrels and the crewmate on the outpost and pretended we were sailing away by going behind the outpost. Any sane crew would have looked for another outpost and hightailed out of the area, for some reason they did not. We saw an opportunity and took it.
    I feel like most of the complaints about outpost camping aren't really camping, just a crew seeing opportunities and using them. I find it really hard to believe that someone would find enjoyment in waiting at an island for who knows how long until a ship arrives that might have something worth the wait, rather than actively sail and look for treasure (or straight up pvp), no matter how repetitive that may be at the moment.
    I do think the current way of telling if someone's still on the island via spotting the mermaid is a bit, eh, gimmicky? I think something like the tavern turning their stove on when someone comes to the island, causing smoke to come out of the chimney being a tell. Although if that was something that was used, I'd like the chimney smoke to stay on for a bit after everyone has left, so you still have a chance for those ambushes and the risk vs reward for the ships who see the smoke.

    I also don't see any issues at all for a crew to plot a route going through all the outposts with the purpose of engaging other ships for their loot, that is like, the most basic tactics of piracy: go through the areas of high traffic.
    You just need to have a crew member on the lookout for any ships. You can see them from so far away that running away shouldn't be difficult. If you are alone, don't take big risks unless you're ready to lose it all, and take every precaution because you just don't have the manpower a bigger crew has to delegate important tasks.

  • Spectrazy666
    Insider

    Imo this kind of stuff will less happen in the release because ppl will have way more stuff to do and explore beta was limited ( dont get me wrong totally enjoyed every second ive played ) so what ppl did ? Chasing boat and kill ppl

  • Labarge28
    Master
    Founder

    I would not be shocked that, upon implementation of the skeleton keep cloud/raid event, you see players looking for a "sure thing" pvp to camp those instead. We shall see.

  • ExplosiveBoby
    Captain
    Insider
    Founder

    @lasikuu I have just sat at outposts and waited for people a few times while I watch something else and I think thats the only situation that its worth it to sit there for hours and wait when you could easily mess up when someone finally comes to turn in

  • GodsPhoenix13
    Marauder
    Insider
    Founder

    Wha''s wrong wit' a wee Outpost campin'? Nothin' like swingin' down from a high point on an Outpost 'n pilferin' all that booty!

    Grogs Up!

  • Dag 13eRniT
    Marauder
    Insider
    Founder

    I have an "out of the box" thought here.... How about rewarding the "make friends" emote? Instead of worrying about changing what is already part of the game (you do have options like kill the spawner, go to another outpost, incorporate help to defeat the spawner etc) let's reward positivity. This for some would change the game for others not so much but you'd be stupid not to at least consider making alliances. Here's the concept: When you make say 10 friends the payout odds you receive from the merchants increases by 1%. This rewards positivity! Cap it at say 20% meaning a friendly merchant trader will be paid out 20% more over time than a not so friendly pirate. This concept is actually historically accurate for the fact that many ports wouldn't even accept commerce trade with pirates. To further advance this system add a "despise" emote that notify's a player that he's been despised which after 10 votes decreases his payout by 1%. This system would definitely draw a line in the sand between merchant trade and pirates! Thoughts?

Login To Reply
108
Posts
69.3k
Views
1 out of 108