You’ve been playing your favorite MMO for some time now, and maybe you’re not having as much fun as you once were. Playing an MMO for the first time can be quite an exhilarating experience. Exploring all the game has to offer, discovering new areas, and learning about the game’s mechanics all contribute to the excitement of playing a new game. That excitement can only last so long, as players eventually become familiar with these aspects of the game. This doesn’t mean that the game can’t be fun anymore. Rather, it paves the way for a deeper, more rewarding gaming experience.
A Player-defined Experience
MMOs have quite a few attributes that set them apart from other video games, and can offer an exciting, unparalleled gaming experience. One of these characteristics is that there’s a great degree of freedom in how the game is to be played. Arguably, a player’s MMO gaming experience is more determined by how he or she chooses to play the game, rather than by the limitations of the game itself.
Players should find what aspects of the game they like most and stick with them. These aspects may not necessarily reward the player with powerful rewards (i.e. gold, better items, a higher level), and there is nothing wrong with that. Oftentimes, players let the competitive nature of the game get to their heads, opting to achieve a better “power standing” instead of actually enjoying what they like to do most. In this sense the game can easily become more work than play.
Ultimately, an MMO is what the player makes of it. There are hundreds, if not thousands of ways to play, so don’t limit yourself to just one!
Don’t Go it Alone
Another unique characteristic of an MMO is the inclusion of a strong social element. While teaming up with others is often not required, doing so can certainly liven things up. Often, the better times had in an MMO can occur when a group of people get together, even if they are all taking part in a tedious task. Sometimes the conversations had can be more fun than the quest at hand.
That being said, joining a friendly guild can improve an MMO experience dramatically. Making friends while accomplishing tremendous in-game feats can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in all of gaming.
Try All the Flavors
If one part of the game is starting to get stale, take a break from it. Try your hand in another area, whether it’s crafting, making money through the game’s economy, helping others with quests, or exploring unchartered areas. Diversifying your playing style can infuse new life into an MMO. What you do in one aspect of the game will also positively affect the others. (Ex. Crafting armor will improve your ability to vanquish enemies and make money.)
When in Doubt, Help Someone Out
If you’re not sure what you want to do, or if you’re just plain bored, helping another player can be a really positive experience. Helping somebody can be a great way to meet a new friend and make the game a little more interesting. At the least, you’ll have someone to talk to and hang out with. Oftentimes people you help will offer to return the favor, so it’s a natural win-win!
Join an Online Community
Lastly, most games, and especially MMO’s, have online communities where people can get together for discussion. Joining a forum, for example, can provide you with more insight into the game your playing, as well as provide the opportunity for you to share what you know with others. This can be a rewarding experience as you are able to help other players and learn more at the same time. Online communities can keep a game both refreshing and interesting, while also providing an outlet for game-specific humor and entertainment. They are a great way to stay involved with a game when not playing.
