Server population since launch

poythres

Hi all,

I played Vanguard for about a month after launch and I couldn't get into it. I enjoyed the game, but I could never find groups (as a Psionicist) and hunting in the wilderness made me ask myself why I was playing an MMO since I never saw anyone else around. I'd consider resubscribing if I could be reasonably sure I'd actually run into someone every now and then. Have they consolidated their server populations? Are more people playing? Or does the game still feel too spread out and barren?

I said it in another thread, but I'll say it again - I'd rather be fighting over spawns than playing by myself for hours.

I really enjoyed Everquest 1 because it forced people to group. I know a lot of people hated that, but it really did make people communicate and get to know each other. And sure, sometimes you met people you never wanted to see again, but I definitely made more friends than enemies in PUGs. Vanguard seems to have this same feel (it's a lot easier to hunt if grouped, although you don't HAVE to group), but the population just didn't support grouping.

 

Edited to add - Yes, I just noticed a very similar post below mine. But I don't see a lot of answers to the specific issues I asked above (other than they've consolidated down to 4 servers), so please comment more here on the server pop.

Vhayne

The server have merged.  Right now, there are about 4 or 5 servers total.  2 main PVE servers basically.  This consolidation has led to ALOT more people around and about. 

However, I will say, when creating a character, it all depends on the region.  Some are more popular than others, and the players usually stick to those areas for a while.  I would recommend starting in Kojan personally.  I started playing a few weeks ago, and although I've already left Kojan, there seemed to be plenty of people playing in that area.  It could still use more, but it was sufficient.  I actually didn't group much, but duo'd with my wife. 

As you level up, you'll start running into more and more players.  I remember the old days of EQ also, and it was very similar.  if you created an Erudite, or gnome, you probably weren't going to find many people around to group with until you leveled up and ventured into more popular zones.  But if you created a woodelf or highelf starting out, it seemed like there was always tons of people running around. 

Having said that, Vanguard has new players starting to play ALL the time.  People just like yourself who are wanting to see if the game has improved.....and it has, tremendously.  Just give it time, and especially with the free trial coming, there will be tons more people re-subscribing and beginning.

poythres

Thanks for the great reply!

I admit I'm very tempted to pick it up again, and I would probably start a new character from scratch.. any particular one of the two PvE servers have a higher pop?

Vhayne

I think they are both about the same.  Xeth and Seradon.  I really don't know of any differences between the 2.

Kaelaien

i actually just came back today after over 3 months off i was impressed with the amount of people around.  There may not be a ton but there is sure way more then there was 3 months ago.  Finding a group was pretty easy at 21.

Zorgo

Originally posted by Vhayne


The server have merged.  Right now, there are about 4 or 5 servers total.  2 main PVE servers basically.  This consolidation has led to ALOT more people around and about. 
However, I will say, when creating a character, it all depends on the region.  Some are more popular than others, and the players usually stick to those areas for a while.  I would recommend starting in Kojan personally.  I started playing a few weeks ago, and although I've already left Kojan, there seemed to be plenty of people playing in that area.  It could still use more, but it was sufficient.  I actually didn't group much, but duo'd with my wife. 
As you level up, you'll start running into more and more players.  I remember the old days of EQ also, and it was very similar.  if you created an Erudite, or gnome, you probably weren't going to find many people around to group with until you leveled up and ventured into more popular zones.  But if you created a woodelf or highelf starting out, it seemed like there was always tons of people running around. 
Having said that, Vanguard has new players starting to play ALL the time.  People just like yourself who are wanting to see if the game has improved.....and it has, tremendously.  Just give it time, and especially with the free trial coming, there will be tons more people re-subscribing and beginning.

This is a good response, but I'd add something. Kojan humans, wood elves, half elves and raki would be a decent way to start, but yesterday I rolled a goblin and the newbie area was a ghost town. So I'd avoid orcs or goblins unless you want to solo up to about lvl 12 and even then youll need to move to a more populated area.

I also rolled a thestran human, and I have to say Tursh looked like it was launch day. There were so many people around I couldn't believe it, not so many that I had to fight for spawns, but you usually always had another player on the screen, and in town it got down right laggy. I think if you want to pick a very high population I'd go with Thestran human, or even dwarf (they can move to the tursh area relatively easy).

 

adderVXI

Ive been around the rajin stronghold area, noobie area...i think i spelled it right, anyhow lots and lots of new players! im amazed!  Actually grouped with some people, was a great time.  Also have a 26 ranger and around fisher pen, theres always players coming and going, crafting and doing quests, quite refreshing!

Valentina

As I say, best way to really tell is to play!

kalade

Grouping is soooo much better since mergers.  On my 34 warrior I can consitently find a group and even have found groups as late as 1 at night (pacific time).  You may have to travel from where you are currently soloing to join groups, but they are out there.

Also while there are a few areas for each level that are really popular, even in less populated areas I am finding people to start up small groups for quests and whatnot.

One final thing to note is that when I came back I started a Ranger just to make a new character and I found that you may start out soloing alot (small groups or duos here and there) but as you get into the high teens and than the twenties grouping becomes a lot more desirable and people are looking for groups more often and thus you start to group more.

But the game really is quite good for grouping especialy when compared to some recent MMO's.  It doesn't force it like EQ and it allows you to solo which is nice, but grouping is still the focus, the most fun and the most desireable as you level up.

Kalade