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#### New tester Glitchlings

I was lucky enough to be added a couple of weeks ago when we had the weekend long testing. Wow talk about brain over load. So much to see and seriously to much to learn with out feeling faint. It is certainly a very big learning curve. Especially for me as i'm not into IT in any shape of form, so how Glitch has been made developed and worked has been mind boggling to say the least. By the way LOVE it well done devs.
From what I have gathered so far [could be totally wrong] So many of you have been here for quiet some time and quite a few new testers were added the same time as me.
Now here is the problem I am having. I have met some very helpful people who have given me answers, items and also taken me out of places if I have gotten lost in. But having looked I can't find a place where maybe "Glitchlings" could gather and swap info with out feeling there being a pain in the neck to more advanced players. I of course want to be able to make friends with people from all levels and experiences but can't help thinking my constant "how do I" "where can I" will eventually drive people nuts.
So i'm hoping maybe new "Glitchlings" can come here and ask away and some of you lovely older players can answer questions for us or just point someone in the right direction. Then hopefully what goes around comes around. As new players progress they will be able to answer questions to other new Glitchlings. I thought about making this a group but then a Glitchling is not going to find it other than accidentally falling over it, while trying not to stand on someone foot"
If someone has already done this please feel free to come tell me off and I will remove this post.
ps
as long as you also tell me how :P

Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink

### Replies

- Being a relatively new player myself, I know the feeling of being overwhelmed in a giant world seemingly populated by only high level players. Luckily the first time I played it was newbies only, so that helped out a bit.
  The good thing about this game is alpha is that there honestly isn't too much to learn about. I'd suggest that you lurk the help channel a great deal, as well as explore so that you get to learn to world around you very well.
  And of course, if you ever need immediate help don't hesitate to ask anyone, myself included. This game's community is among the best (if not the best) I have ever seen.
  Posted 23 months ago by Aldaris | Permalink
- Thanks for starting this Misha ;) I too started at the long weekend a couple of weeks ago and have been enjoying it immensely and marvel at what the developers have done with the game.
  I've been a bit hesitant about asking any "veteran" players for advice...
  We all have to learn sometime and before long there are going to be even more newbies and I really hope I'll be inclined to take the time to stop and assist anyone.
  I have to leave for a bit but I'll be back to ask specific questions :)
  Posted 23 months ago by PittyPat is sad | Permalink
- The best place to ask for help is in the Help channel. I know it looks like a lot of high level users are using this channel for their own purposes but it's main purpose is to allow the new or old player to ask questions and get help with the game.
  If you have any questions which you would prefer were answered off-line you can send a message through the link in the bugs forum. You can also ask in these forums or approach any high-level player. We are here as testers not players at this point. :)
  Posted 23 months ago by bluto | Permalink
- Agreed with bluto there. My best advice is to just click stuff, the worst that can happen is die and that is easily reversible.
  Posted 23 months ago by Ani Laurel | Permalink
- i feel like for some reason i am always imagining up new skill paths, or probably just half-remembering an idea that was already suggested, but it might be fun to have a higher-level skill or skill path (ok, skills aren't linked to levels anymore, so maybe it would take a multiple emblems to unlock) that could lead to a 'sensei' role, where players could choose to volunteer for something along the lines of greeters in puzzle pirates (see yppedia.puzzlepirates.com/G... )
  but otherwise, yeah, what bluto said. while it's nice to have a truly global chat in the help channel, i hope new players jump in with questions or comments without feeling like it's being dominated by a more veteran "in group" as was suggested in the chat interface thread!
  Posted 23 months ago by katlazam | Permalink
- agreed agreed...it pains me to think that there is even the perception of an "in" group, but I understand how that can happen. Certainly anyone can IM me in game to ask any question, although I am certainly not an exhaustive source of info.
  Posted 23 months ago by Nanookie | Permalink
- Thank you for starting this thread Misha as it all does become overwhelming to start with .......although there is the help channel it all whizzes past to fast for little old me and I found it difficult to scroll back. Although thats great to have people there at an instant ,this will be of use when questions come to mind when we are not in the game too.
  Posted 23 months ago by Tilly | Permalink
- Agreeing with the help channel suggestion. While there are a lot of higher level players/long time testers using it for personal use, all of us are willing to help whoever has a question!
  Posted 23 months ago by Leviathan | Permalink
- And I remind everyone that if the help channel doesn't work, always try local chat. I do my best to help anyone who asks for it, and I know many others do the same.
  Posted 23 months ago by Aldaris | Permalink
- Thanks for starting this Misha! I have been slightly overwhelmed with everything, though I am loving it while playing! I didn't even know about the Help Channel, so there's some help here already :)
  Posted 23 months ago by Cabinwood | Permalink
- I do keep a close eye on the help channel but as we all know that's a work in progress. I'm sure I must look like a little old lady squinting into a tiny box, asking the same thing three time because someone did not see my question or the answer came and went in a flash.
  Alpha testing is all new to me, to be honest unless im missing bluto's point, if I don't play at it how can anyone test? Yes I understand the dev's are testing out how something new like the subway works but are we testers not all being tested on how we persuasive the game plan [ if there is one] and our reactions to it as well. I do also understand so may things we see now are open to big changes but I just wanted to have a place I could come to and see if I have an answer to a question, or indeed have a solution to one before or after a test session.
  Like for instance after searching and posting on various forums today, I found out next time there is project going on I need to go speak to the Giant in that area. If a new tester can find simple information here it may help not clog up the help channel so much during a test. Also It means I can actually accomplished something other than stop ask, stop ask. Especially like yesterday when it was hard to get a word in. But thank you to anyone who did come out and help :)
  I do also have a question. I have found that the vendors buy back items [don't know all of them] at different prices. I have been trying to find out the best place to sell moon stone. It said up to 1000 currents but so far 800 is my best price. Anyone know where the best price to sell mining items is. It is as obvious as Ilmenskie Caverns
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- I also started a couple of weeks ago and am very impressed. I've waited (and whinged) so long for a game like this without the inherent violence of most of the online games. I have to say I have taken little notice of the help screen whilst playing, too much to find and explore and I am rather wary of asking anyone (don't want to be a nuisance) - so I read the forums and make lots of notes for next time. I've learnt so much from reading the forums but having somewhere to post questions to be answered later, and not be lost in the whirlpool of playing would be excellent.
  Posted 23 months ago by Teena | Permalink
- Am finding the local chat an easier way of both helping someone else and getting my own questions answered.
  Anyone can ask me a question anytime (I'm not promising to have an answer)... if I don't answer right away.. it's because I'm there but away from the screen.
  The ability to play both as a loner (I've resisted property buying so far) and as a social butterfly ( love the projects and parties) is a huge draw for me.
  I'm hoping that the help channel gets better in time when the scrolling problems get fixed. It's the reason why I don't even open it anymore. I'd ask a question and then be unable to scroll to the answer that went whizzing by.
  I rely on the forums to help me figure out most things that have perplexed me in this game and hope they remain.
  Posted 23 months ago by caley dunn | Permalink
- at the beginning of the last test, the devs told us that the test was focused on testing project phases.
  normally in the help channel, people are recommended to take most project talk to the new streets group - but since the test had no new invites and the only change was to the project, the project talk in the help channel was more than it normally is.
  Posted 23 months ago by striatic | Permalink
- Misha, et. al. everyone was new when they started. Don't worry about getting it "right." A great way to learn is to explore and try things out. When I started, the more experienced players would NEVER tell me how to do something, but provide hints so I could learn for myself. That behavior, like solving puzzles, will help you as you get more experienced. Don't be impatient, don't be afraid to ask for help, but don't be afraid to discover for yourself. That makes Glitch Glitch. See you around the game. Say hi!
  Posted 23 months ago by Mac Rapalicious | Permalink
- If you created a 'glitchlings' group, and people join it, anyone who has joined it will have it as one of the chat channels so they could talk to each other - isn't that right?
  Posted 23 months ago by Emu | Permalink
- Mac Rapalicious, I will make sure I do say hi if I see you around :) Beryl I did not know you could do that Thank you.
  I did think about making a group .But my intention was not really to separate anybody. Im also not wanting to create a step by step guide in how to play, where is the fun in that. Just some helpful information is all i'm looking for and in the same place. I also unfortunately work full time so trolling the forums is a hobby not a full time occupation, as much as I would like it to be I don't have that much time on my hands. I will just hope the help channel does improve greatly in the future and people also know they can use it to find help and hints not get cough up socialising in it. But till then I need somewhere else I can also find things out. I'm not the only one who feels like it as I see others do too. :)
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- If only experienced players still refused to give information. I've ruined much of the learning curve by asking in the help channel. Unfortunately, information is free, and if keeping a game good and interesting relies heavily on the lack of simple information, then there's an innate gameplay problem.
  Posted 23 months ago by RobotGymnast | Permalink
- [ if only experienced players still refused to give information]
  then only experienced players would be left playing! :(
  When this game goes live you will have all kinds of players. Helpful, friendly,even selfish. Also those who just like to keep quiet and figure it out their way.Those who actually NEED help will look for it and those who don't wont. I don't assume everyone who will play or even who do now all have the same abilities or even intelligence to be just left to fend for them selves. This I was hoping- to be a forum to gain some insite not an instruction manual or even a debate on whether it should be here at all?
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- I didn't say that people refused information. On the contrary, everyone has always been very helpful and friendly--if a bit obtuse, at times. It's the difference between giving someone a fish, and teaching them to fish. I guess it depends on player goals/styles. Some want to level up and "win" (whatever that might be, but everytime i leave the game, God tells me I was just about to win), but i think the gameplay in Glitch is focused around explore, learn and share. We are trying to help the giants expand the world. I think...
  Posted 23 months ago by Mac Rapalicious | Permalink
- I misspoke, but the point I was trying to make is that if a too-easy path is available, many players will take it, and ruin half the fun for themselves. I've asked for help a number of times, because it's there, but it's never been as fun as when I figure it out for myself.
  Posted 23 months ago by RobotGymnast | Permalink
- RoboGymast I full agree with that ;) I don't want step by step instructions at all. But if I don't know how to get a sauce of some sort, I just need someone to tell me I need a sauce pan. I can figure out where to buy it and how to use it my self. What I personally don't want to do it walk around aimlessly for two hours trying to find sauce. It is the really, really simple stuff I need help with. The big things will come from experience and time and I hope with some fun on the way :) I also know people who just don't have the confidence to even shout for help of any sort and I think that's a shame. Not everyone is as gobby as me [ thank goodness for that lol]
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- The truth is, global chat isn't really sustainable as the number of people playing the game grows. Right now, even with a limited number of players in the game it becomes difficult to ask for & receive useful information. As the population grows, this problem would only get worse, so … Help Channel has a lifespan.
  The forums are a great way to share information, but we've also made some in-game improvements that should help you figure out some of the basics more easily.
  Most items now have a much-improved "info" window associated with them that gives you information about the item, as well as its association with other related items. You can get tips on where to find items, how they can be used and which tools facilitate their use.
  It's not yet complete, but it's a pretty darn good start.
  There are also some improvements being considered for the new player experience. Nothing concrete just yet, but we're on it.
  Posted 23 months ago by jdawg | Permalink
- :O I can't imagine Glitch without the Help channel...!
  I've wondered... even though the new info windows are great and all, but how are players meant to 'get info' on items that they don't even have in their inventory (the only way is to click on that item and 'get info' it... which requires having that item to hand obviously - but the point is that they don't have it to hand)...! Perhaps each ingredient in a recipe, or item in a vendor shop, should link to the info window when clicked?
  Posted 23 months ago by Hburger | Permalink
- +1
  I do also think because of the last test window we had, ie the last two tests felt a bit like a smash and grab. I felt it frustrating to have to spend at lest two hours trying to figure out how to make something and had no clue with each ingredient. [cant think what it was] needed to buy a saucepan to make a sauce. That was just one of the ingredients needed It was taking to long even after I got the pan. So I just gave up and carried on exploring. Obviously that's because of the testing time limits that I felt pressurised.
  So looking forward to some improvement there.
  While im here, where on earth do I get honeyy from. Do I just buy it or can I make it somehow?
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- You buy honey from vendors or at auction. At the moment we can't make or harvest it. :)
  alpha.glitch.com/items/179/
  Posted 23 months ago by bluto | Permalink
- It's true that you need to 'see' an item in order to 'get info' about it, but we also have the encyclopedia: alpha.glitch.com/items/. Some of the tips aren't as great as they can, or will be, but it's getting there.
  Someday we'll likely have a system that lets you type an item name into the local chat window. That item name will become a link that takes you to the 'get info' window for that item.
  Posted 23 months ago by jdawg | Permalink
- @hburger: "I've wondered... even though the new info windows are great and all, but how are players meant to 'get info' on items that they don't even have in their inventory (the only way is to click on that item and 'get info' it... which requires having that item to hand obviously - but the point is that they don't have it to hand)...!"
  Well, there are few ways, though not all of them are in the game yet: (1) There are often links from one item to another or from an item to a skill or skill to an item (e.g., getting info on cardamom tells you that it can be made with a spice mill — "spice mill" is a link and reading it tells you that you need the "spice milling" skill to use it, and that is a link, and so on. (2) Very soon, you'll be able to click on the names of ingredients you are missing in a recipe to get info on them, even though they are not in your inventory. (3) A bit later, every time you see an item (or place, or skill) mention in a quest description, it will also be a link.
  Eventually, with multiple places where the info windows can be opened and plenty of inter-linking between them, the hope is that the obvious questions will be easily answered.
  Posted 23 months ago by stoot barfield | Permalink
- I saw a lot of that already working really well in the last test. I have asked a couple of times how to do something when I was really frustrated after lots of time trying to do it - but also after I played the game for a while and saw that things would eventually become clear if I just kept experimenting. It's definitely more satisfying to work it out yourself. If you don't get too intent on doing one particular thing, and just put it on the back burner until you have played a bit longer, then you don't get so frustrated.
  Posted 23 months ago by Emu | Permalink
- I started a thread in the ideas column that could be an interesting take on how to share knowledge and info in a game like Glitch.
  alpha.glitch.com/forum/idea...
  Basically, there is always going to be a supply and demand chain for knowledge and info about the game. There will be dedicated players who will leave no stone unturned and there will be new and or casual players that will need help.
  Why not build some game mechanics around sharing game knowledge. Imagine each player having an empty knowledge tree that served as an in-game wiki. As you play the game and discover/learn things it gets filled out, completing sections of the knowledge tree could be rewarded.
  Each bit of knowledge is represented in the knowledge tree as an item (maybe a pearl of wisdom, cheesy I know). If a new player needs help with something, you could share that "pearl" of wisdom and in doing so earn yourself some XP/Favor/Currants (or something) thus rewarding those dedicated players for helping new and casual players.
  In a sense, knowledge becomes a sort of currency that exists in-game making it something that can be incentivized to share and offering higher rewards for the dedicated gamer while helping the new/casual gamer.
  Posted 23 months ago by en | Permalink
- I actually think Misha's original suggestion of a new player's group is a good one. A lot of games have a "newbies" message forum and it can be very helpful to have a place to ask questions without feeling like you're bothering people. I'm sure a lot of us oldbies would join as well to answer questions.
  The problem is how would glitchlings know about it? What if there was a quest in the beginning that would ask a new player to join that group? It is a quest that requires a player to do something outside of their game window, but it would be a way to teach new players about the message forums in general and the glitchlings group in particular.
  Posted 23 months ago by FrankenPaula | Permalink
- As a newbie this last session, one thing that was very confusing to me was the tutorial focus on the hoe, weeding, and planting seeds, and then seeing absolutely no spot where I could weed much less plant a tree. I also ended up with the "tutorial reinforcement" quest stuck in my queue forever because I couldn't find a single patch of dirt to hoe.
  After playing for a while, it seems like the actual gameplay focus is on at least three major things: questing (and otherwise building your xp), learning skills, and limiter maintenance (mood and energy). More tutorial focus on the third in particular would be good. For example, it took some trial and error to figure out that it was a really good idea to quickly obtain Animal Kinship 2 in order to make pig nibbling a viable energy trade. Some advice on which skills to pursue first, especially in terms of helping you out with quests and limiter maintenance, would be useful. I went after Meditation because it seemed like a good way to guarantee mood and energy, and then got a nasty surprise when I ran out of meditations for the day.
  A couple things that remained fairly mysterious to me: what exactly are the Giants, why is favor with the Giants useful (aside from getting the third tier of some skills), and what could I do with a house if I were to buy one?
  As an aside, I was an old school GNE player (Sawall on there), and love seeing a similar concept animated into a side scroller!
  Posted 23 months ago by mirth | Permalink
- en and FrankenPaula I also like your ideas alot, especially the learning tree :)
  @ mirth, if you started playing yesterday4th Feb, then there was a project going on, to build a new street. It included needing 600 soil/dirt. That was the reason you could not find any soil as so many of us were looking for it.
  I find petting and nibbling pigs better than using the orb. But the orb is still worth keeping and using as a top up.
  Buying a house is very useful as you can off load alot of your "stuff" in them and also grow trees and have your own pigs/chickens in your back garden/yard.
  Posted 23 months ago by Misha | Permalink
- One question.. when someone asks if they can visit my house - if I should miss seeing the request does it show somewhere that I can see it and accept later as it seems they cannot ask again?
  Posted 23 months ago by Teena | Permalink
- Hi all! I am from the most recent batch of n00bs (those FaunaSphere refugees) and we are all looking for new game friends, hints and general in-game hilarity. Please, anyone/everyone, feel free to pop over to our forum and set us straight or buddy-up with our wartorn selves. We're looking forward to meeting some new peeps!
  Posted 21 months ago by Mistress*of*Fishies | Permalink
- EN-Thumbs up on the suggestion of an "idea tree of knowledge". I love the thought of helping others learn the game even when I myself am a newbie so I don't know much yet. The idea of getting points for that is a bonus and a really cute (fitting within the game parameters) idea.
  Posted 21 months ago by Holly Waterfall | Permalink