So the one thing I've noticed about Loka in my short time here (about two weeks now) is that there is a very large amount of stuff you can do and so many cool features to every aspect of the server. Unfortunately, new players have a hell of a time trying to figure out any of this information. If it wasn't for Grubul messaging me and telling me about everything I would have probably left the server within a day or two. Also, I noticed that the only two alliances and the towns in them are all created by long time members. There's nothing wrong with that of course but it does point to the idea that most new players just don't understand enough to form their own town or make their own alliances.
I know the wiki and the website give some instruction but in general there is still a lack of information about the true magnitude of cool things you can do here. In general here are the main areas in which I see information lacking: (I know that some of this information exist and I bet there are probably already plans to address some of these problems but by opening up a thread about it hopefully we can tackle the problem completely and have new players getting incredibly excited about joining the server.)
1) Continents: Until Grub explained how each continent is unique in the resources, landscapes, crops, and animals it provides I had no idea. This, to me, was a very cool idea and I believe deserves more attention. Deciding where to go is important to many players and I believe this should be mentioned as one of the really cool things about Loka.
2) Industry: This is by far the coolest thing about Loka in my opinion. Minecraft is all about building stuff but for the first time ever I can create buildings that matter and effect my gameplay. This idea is fantastic and it's executed very well. Unfortunately, until I stumbled upon the industry buildings when joining Auru I had no idea they existed. If I had known about this feature and nothing else, I probably would have started my own town and still been playing today. This idea all by itself will motivate people to log on and play.
3) Towns: In general, this idea is easier to understand and the player is probably more or less aware of it when logging on. The only help a player is given though for creating a town is how to build a generator. Although this is a great start there needs to be an easier way to start a town. The idea of a diamond block being a requirement seems fair but its a steep price for any new player. I'll be honest since I started playing I've only found 5 diamonds. Now granted, I haven't been specifically hunting diamonds and the other members in Auru have found plenty of them. My only point is, perhaps there should be a village generator or some cheaper generator to allow people to get started which they can then upgrade to a full town. this way players can get started on their towns right away instead of having to provide 9 diamonds right off the bat. With this more info on towns should be available in general to help the player along. As I have not yet started my own town, and don't really ever plan on doing so, I'll need someone else's opinions on what specific info would help someone get started on a town/village fastest.
4) Shards: I'm a big fan of the way money works in Loka. Having a physical object as money is a great idea and even the way in which you turn ores into shards is original and interesting. Again though, without Grub's help I never would have figured this out on my own. There should be a simple quest to help explain the money system. Simply "Go give this person the money I owe." they then explain the money in the game and what you can get for it.
5) World Map: The world map for Loka is another unique feature that really interested me. For me personally, I was able to find the map right away and used it from step one. As a matter of fact I saw the map before I even logged on and being able to see the towns and everything was very cool! This is part of the reason I logged on to begin with. I recommend putting a link to the map somewhere all new players will see it and be very much aware of its existence.
Ok, that's all I can think of for now. The community here is super strong and even if nothing comes from this post I know the current members of Loka will still help new players as much as possible and get them interested as Grub did for me. hopefully though, if we can give the newbies a bit more to start out with more of them will stay and get excited about all Loka has to offer.
I know the wiki and the website give some instruction but in general there is still a lack of information about the true magnitude of cool things you can do here. In general here are the main areas in which I see information lacking: (I know that some of this information exist and I bet there are probably already plans to address some of these problems but by opening up a thread about it hopefully we can tackle the problem completely and have new players getting incredibly excited about joining the server.)
1) Continents: Until Grub explained how each continent is unique in the resources, landscapes, crops, and animals it provides I had no idea. This, to me, was a very cool idea and I believe deserves more attention. Deciding where to go is important to many players and I believe this should be mentioned as one of the really cool things about Loka.
2) Industry: This is by far the coolest thing about Loka in my opinion. Minecraft is all about building stuff but for the first time ever I can create buildings that matter and effect my gameplay. This idea is fantastic and it's executed very well. Unfortunately, until I stumbled upon the industry buildings when joining Auru I had no idea they existed. If I had known about this feature and nothing else, I probably would have started my own town and still been playing today. This idea all by itself will motivate people to log on and play.
3) Towns: In general, this idea is easier to understand and the player is probably more or less aware of it when logging on. The only help a player is given though for creating a town is how to build a generator. Although this is a great start there needs to be an easier way to start a town. The idea of a diamond block being a requirement seems fair but its a steep price for any new player. I'll be honest since I started playing I've only found 5 diamonds. Now granted, I haven't been specifically hunting diamonds and the other members in Auru have found plenty of them. My only point is, perhaps there should be a village generator or some cheaper generator to allow people to get started which they can then upgrade to a full town. this way players can get started on their towns right away instead of having to provide 9 diamonds right off the bat. With this more info on towns should be available in general to help the player along. As I have not yet started my own town, and don't really ever plan on doing so, I'll need someone else's opinions on what specific info would help someone get started on a town/village fastest.
4) Shards: I'm a big fan of the way money works in Loka. Having a physical object as money is a great idea and even the way in which you turn ores into shards is original and interesting. Again though, without Grub's help I never would have figured this out on my own. There should be a simple quest to help explain the money system. Simply "Go give this person the money I owe." they then explain the money in the game and what you can get for it.
5) World Map: The world map for Loka is another unique feature that really interested me. For me personally, I was able to find the map right away and used it from step one. As a matter of fact I saw the map before I even logged on and being able to see the towns and everything was very cool! This is part of the reason I logged on to begin with. I recommend putting a link to the map somewhere all new players will see it and be very much aware of its existence.
Ok, that's all I can think of for now. The community here is super strong and even if nothing comes from this post I know the current members of Loka will still help new players as much as possible and get them interested as Grub did for me. hopefully though, if we can give the newbies a bit more to start out with more of them will stay and get excited about all Loka has to offer.
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