Strict Machine

Tasos posted details concerning a forthcoming update to the game for new players. This is just one of the many changes they’re working on to address the new player experience in Darkfall. Is it a step in the right direction? Maybe, but there are other issues concerning the alignment system, wardecs, farming alignment, and more that I think could have a larger impact to the newbie experience.

Regardless, I’m cautiously optimistic that this is a good move. As long as they respond quickly to any abuse that arises through the newbie system by patching and refining the feature, it could certainly help. The forum thread discussing the changes is already 13 pages long and growing.

….
We’re introducing a new feature possibly as soon as the next patch which provides optional protection against player attacks to brand new players. This functionality is very limited and only lasts a few hours but it should be enough to allow someone logging into Darkfall for the first time to learn to control his character and to get his bearings while still having proper access to the live game.

If you’re a new player entering the game for the first time, newbie protection is on by default. There’s an option to turn it off if you don’t want it.

You won’t be able to damage other players and other players won’t be able to damage you.

You can only damage monsters.

The protection only lasts for a few hours of gameplay. There’s a visible count-down timer. You’ll get a warning before the protection expires

The protection is active only in the racial starting areas. If you wander outside your starting area, you’ll get a warning and if you don’t return within a couple of minutes, you will lose the protection.

There’s a visual indicator that signifies you’re a new player with protection on.

You can trade and interact with NPCs without restrictions

You cannot use any items that cause structural or player damage (battle spikes, warhulks, cannons, ships etc.)

You cannot use mounts

You cannot unspawn objects

You cannot teleport

You cannot use Runestones

You cannot use portals including Nexus

You cannot create a clan

You can give and receive buffs and heals

You can join a clan

Newbie protection works only for new accounts

You cannot skill up on other players or be used to skill up on

….