A returning Veteran, needs help!!!

honoursword

Hi all, hope you're well.

Ok, for about the 5th time I have decided to give SWG another go. I was there long ago when this game first came out and still have fond memories of it until the dreaded CU & NGE. However, unlike last time I rolled on a server which actually has a large population which made a massive difference, I was also prepared to have a more open mind this time as I will admit the wounds of what they did to this game still run deep. The good point is exactly that, there were plenty of people on this server, the bad point was they were all level 90 or at the very least level 80. I didn't see anyone any lower than that which suggests the game isn't really taking on new players, which also suggests it will be nigh on impossible for a new player to get into the game.

I want to get back into crafting, I have no interest at all in loot, gear, combat or anything else that most players seem to be after. I am a roleplayer and want to establish my own little business somewhere and roleplay with fellow players. I decided to be a domestic crafter making food and drinks and actually open my own pub in a player created city. I started my character and managed to get about 10,000 credits after the learner quests. After a while I went to several player cities to see what was happening, you got to give SOE credit as the player cities, player housing and housing customisation is absolutely second to none. I saw houses, pubs, shops all decorated and highlighted in incredible detail, it must have taken the player ages to craft all that and then of course put it all together.

However, they were all deserted nobody appeared in these cities and I just don't understand why players seem to just gram around the starports doing nothing but standing around. Am I missing something? Back in the day you had many players around the starports but you had people selling their wares, roleplaying, doctors selling there buffs it was the hype of activity now nobody seems to do anything. Why?

After a while I decided I want to be a structure crafter instead. Nothing to do with the game, just a personal preference that's all. However, I do have a number of questions that I would appreciate being answered. They are:

1. What server is the best for roleplaying? Do people roleplay at all?

2. Are there any active player cities?

3. What is the current state of crafting? I know item decay has been removed but which out of the crafting options, Domestic, Structure etc... is still pretty viable?

4. What is this game biggest problem to date?

5. Finally, are there any starter guides for crafters? I was a master weaponsmith back in the day has it all changed?

Based on what I have seen so far it pains me how bad this game has crashed down from what it was to what it is today. I know that is subject to opinion but the crafting and non-combat elements of this game are what keep pulling me back to it. I really want to get back into it, I have no interest in the quests etc... but am after the more social elelents of the game.

Maheret

If you want to be a crafter, and want to role-play, I would sujest starsider server and be a tailor.  You wont get very rich being a tailor, however there are many roleplay oppertunities involved around tailoring, in my experience anyway. You can run a tailor shop, stocked with clothing, the resourses are cheap and roleplayers are always looking for another outfit.

I am also a structures trader, however I found that lately everyone seems to have the buildings they need, and there is so much competition that the resourses are worth more than the buildings.  Even if you want to go the route of harvesters, you will spend alot of money on the resourses to make the components and whatnot, or spend months waiting till the right ones spawn, only to sell them at cost.