Ulduar Raid

Ulduar Raid

Let’s be quite clear. I love raiding. And perhaps not for the reason most people do – loot. No, I enjoy raiding for the complexities of getting 10 or 25 people who probably don’t know one another to work together to a common goal. To get certain individuals to do unique jobs while keeping an eye on up to 24 others.

It’s a challenge, fantastic stuff. I don’t raid lead. That would spoil the enjoyment for me. But I do raid assist. I know my DPS is good. I pick up tactics fast and I can explain them quickly and efficiently to those who may be struggling. Talk to them one on one and explain their bit of the fight, so they can concentrate on that.

Having said all that, the enjoyment of raiding goes out the window if:

  1. The raid leader is weak (stamping on loudmouth’s, loot whores and in-fighting – fast – is essential)
  2. More than 50% of the raid is inexperienced (explaining to that many doesn’t work – you have to wipe over and over before they get it)
  3. More than 50% of the raid is undergeared (not enough healing or DPS will stall your progress – no fun for anyone)
  4. Your loot distribution is unfair / biased (these people put in a lot of effort – DON’T piss them off, if they earned it, give it them)

Most of these issues can be avoided with good Guild management and raid group construction. Choose your raid leaders well and give them ranking positions in the Guild so it is clear who is in charge. Disperse your top players among two or more raid groups if you can, so you can gear up three less experienced people in 10-man raids, ready for 25-man raids where six or seven ‘lesser’ players can survive. Use a loot system that rewards effort but also ensures most of your raiders are gearing up at a relatively equal level. EP/GP with a bit of common sense is the best way I have found. But again, you need a strong raid leader (or loot master) to ensure this runs smoothly.

Finally, you really MUST make sure that you publicise your planned raids to as many of your Guild as possible and then be strong with those who sign up but fail to show. It’s a community game and the community has to work together. Throwing numbers at it won’t work – no point having a 200-strong Guild if only 10 people are prepared to commit to raids on a regular basis.

If your top players also want to form a closed raid of their own, blitzing through Naxxramas or trying Ulduar Hard Mode achievements then you should encourage that. Their experience will prove invaluable on other raids and their improved gear will make it that much easier for your less committed raiders to feel their way in.

Plus – it’s fun to do! I am attempting to commit to two nights a week in a 10-man Ulduar raid group of our best. Some nights it goes well, some nights not (and it DOES depend on how many ‘non-best’ we have to include on a given night).

My own Guild, Coffee on Ahn’Qiraj-EU, is going through a transitional period right now. Any and all tips on successful raiding (and Guild management) gratefully received!