Apologies for taking so long to make an “official” update on this (I’ve mentioned it a few times in Discord), but sparring with other players and training under a master are now implemented into the browser game.
If you’re at the same location as a master, when you click on their avatar a “Train” button will show up in the modal:
It uses the same timer as self training does, so you will have to choose between self training and training under a master. The master also needs to be stronger than you to be able to train you.
To spar with another player, click on their avatar, then click the “Spar” button in the modal:
Sparring also uses the same timer as self training and master training, so you’ll have to choose which one you want to do. If either you or the player you’re challenging to a spar has self trained or master trained for the current time block, you won’t be able to spar.
The other player will get an alert that you’ve challenged them to a spar, and they can accept or decline:
If you’re curious what/when will give you the best gains, I have a strategy topic about it on the forums that I will link below. Basically, Self-Training will give you the best gains under normal gravity until you reach 1,000 PL. At that point Training under a Master (2%) will always give you the best training gains moving forward, or Sparring with a Player in x2 Gravity (2%). However, if you are unable to find a Master, have out grown them, or don’t want to be vulnerable in the open, you can Spar with another player. Perhaps you just want to travel the map together but also get the benefit of Sparring instead of Self-Training. Sparring (1%) is always inferior to Master Training (unless you’re Sparring in a base with a training room, then it is the same 2%). If Master Training is not an option, Self-Training is your best option until you reach 3,000 PL, then normal gravity Sparring (1%) becomes better.
Namek players, you can still Meditate 3 times a day on top of Sparring and/or Master Training, just like you always could with Self-Training. The same numbers above apply to them.
1-999 PL: Self-Train in normal gravity
1,000+ PL: Master Train or x2 gravity Spar (in some cases x2 gravity Self-Train is better or the same)
3,000+ PL: Master Train or x2 gravity Spar are still the best, but normal gravity Sparring is now better than Self-Training.
I’m dangerously gonna sound like Seifer for a moment, but should we really give people all the data in figuring out what’s best to do in PM?
Being a math guy myself, there’s no way I’m telling other players my strategies for maximum gain. I’ve always seen that as a, “Figure it out and Earn it yourself” kind of mentality.
There’s obviously info that we kind of ‘need’ here and there to develop new ideas, but I don’t think complete training brackets and numbers should just be available to everyone for free. Have them earn that stuff by investing in the game. Refs/Mods benefit from it for balance and testing, but players just get free work done for them.
In my experience in any game, if I didn’t earn it… the instant gratification caused my drive to play to plummet.
So I’m pretty heavily against the sharing of the ‘numbers game’ for others to have just for the sake of having it. Earn your keep!
Using the term ‘Open Source’ isn’t defined enough for me to comment on what that actually means. But the 3rd bullet point is more towards where I think we should sit on in game numbers and strategies.
I think with base information given on the PM website and a calculator, players should be doing the leg work themselves. It should only really be a Ref/Mado that would give extra info based on what they deemed ok as common knowledge.
I’ll give a for instance:
Say someone figured out and ran all the numbers on how Hidden Combos work, then gave a complete rundown on that to everyone in a post. Now an entire element that players could learn and use has become common knowledge.
This is also my issue with games nowadays, thanks to forums and strategy sites, where figuring out the best way and earning that knowledge has been replaced by ‘Just run the Meta’. On a personal level, I’ve always hated Metas and feel they are what ruin the longevity and enjoyment of a game.
TLDR: I think supplying too many numbers and strategies develops a ‘Meta’ mindset and destroys the capacity of original ideas and meaningful play.
By open source I just meant you can find all of the info on the website, you don’t even have to play the game to gather the numbers and put the info together. You addressed this in your reply that you think they should have to do the math themselves. I find it interesting that you have a problem with that, but I’ll respect it.
I do see what you’re saying about a feature you have to learn through experimenting and time playing the game, like the Combo system. Should that be something you take to the grave? Not even share it with friends? If you put the work in, can you not do what you want with it (share with friends, sell it, or share with all)? Are we needing to go underground with info we learn from playing the game? Does this mean no telling anywhere where a master is, what moves they teach, or even sharing maps? Sharing anything in-game is just forbidden?
I actually do agree with your last point with games these days though.
It all depends on how extreme you take the message. I think knowledge is power, and in most cases pricy. The cost of an alliance, Zeni, or anything really should be on players mind in terms of when and why to share.
Say someone figured out and ran all the numbers on how Hidden Combos work, then gave a complete rundown on that to everyone in a post.
If this happens someday, I’d say we’ve done a good job.
Once Public PMCS is released, it’d be cool to see someone/team grind out the hidden mechanics for the Combo System.
+1 more thing to do while waiting on updates.
