How to Get a Group!
The first thing you need to know is that it is best to have atleast one healer, one fighter type, and someone who can disarm traps. The rest of the party can be filled in with whatever is around. Some people might say this is a flaw in the game, but it's not, it IS the game, and if you ever played the Pen & Paper version, you know what I mean. You didn't just create 6 fighters and go off killing things. Or atleast if you did, you didn't last long if your DM didn't send some NPCs along with you.
Now that you know what you need, let's figure out how to go about getting it. Some of the best places to lurk for group members are the taverns across the land. The Leaky Dinghy is a great example, and is located in the 1 city area (After you get done with the harbor quests and get through the gates). When you are in these places, use /say feature and just talk to the room. Feel free to roleplay the situation if you want, or just bluntly ask if you don't want to RP.
There is also another feature that really helps in DDO to get a group. Look at the profile icon at the top of the screen, click on this, then click on LFG and create. This will put a LFG Token above your head, so everyone around you knows you are looking for a group. Look through the list as well, and look for one that may be looking for your particular class. If you can't find one. Scoop up any others that are in your level range looking for a group, and start a Looking For Players listing of your own.
The key here, is to not be afraid to talk to people. They are all playing the same game as you, and even if they have completely different tastes besides that, atleast you have that. Most people, if they are not already in a group, are in the same boat as you as well, so just ask.
Another good tactic is to wait near a quest that you really want to do. You'll find people heading into that quest, and just ask them if they have room for you. You will find alot of times people head to the quest with 1 or 2 slots open, because they want to get going. Take advantage of that, and ask them for that slot. They usually won't care who fills it in either. So you can get into a group, doing the quest you want to do, with a minimal amount of work.
Join a guild. The bigger the better if you want a group. Try to find one that fits your play style, but find one! You will find a great tool is the guild wizard at LQGaming Services:. (guilds). Talk to guilds on your server once you find one you like there, and just talk to one of the officers. Find out how to get into the guild. Some guilds requires a trial period. Use it. Make sure the guild is a good fit for you. Once you are in the guild. Join every group you can! Even if you've done it before. The more friends you make in the game, the more chances you will have to group with people.
Another tactic is to start a weekly group. Or even a group that meets to quest a few times a week. If someone out levels the group, you can just find a new member. Feel free to look for other people on our message boards, or on the DDO message boards to join your group or guild.
DDO will definately push the boundaries of gamers everywhere. There are alot of folks out there content to sit back and solo, and this will definately test their skills, and patience. In the end, I hope this article helps you get a group! If all else fails, Find me, and I'll group with you!
