Level Grinds for Guilds

One of the frequently ignored topics in guild leadership is leveling for an expansion or new game. If a guild’s primary function is to raid or do max level content, the leveling policy is more important than in other organizations. Frequently, leadership is content to just say “get to max level ASAP” and go about their day. This can be an unwise methodology that can lead to waste, loss and drama. There are some easy to use tricks that I’ve had success with in the past that can lead to a successful grind for you and your guild.

Be available

One of the easiest tricks to ensure a healthy leveling environment for your guild is to simply be around a bit more than usual during the process. Guild members can be fickle and skittish. Not seeing their officers around during a “stressful” time can really lead to questions. Even if you’ve already finished your grind, pop on and hang out. Talk in guild chat, help coordinate groups and generally make yourself useful. A little bit of face time and encouragement goes a long way to getting your leveling done quicker.

Avoid cliques

In any guild you will have groups of members who are friends. They will naturally level with people in their friend group and not necessarily be inclusive of non-members. Frequently they’ll play at certain times and basically will seem anti-social. This is rarely the case but any good guild leader knows that perception trumps reality. You should never discourage friends of friends from leveling together but you can set a good example. If you have an empty group slot, invite a straggler. Try to nudge people towards each other if you know the times will work out well. Set a good example, help those falling behind, and keep everyone as close in level range as possible.

Set a deadline if you’re a raid guild

If you’re a raid guild, the game doesn’t start until you’re max level. As such it is not unusual to expect your players to be quick about their grinds. Set a date that all members must be max level by or risk losing their slot on the team. It may seem draconian but it really isn’t. The more casual the guild, the further the date can be away. I used this to great success in Iniquity. Other than the fact that a small minority would level even faster and then demand to raid without a full force. You just have to stand firm and make those people wait regardless of them claiming the competition will pass your guild up. They never came close for us.

Provide resources

If you find good quests to do, a great dungeon or short cuts to frustrating quests you need to get that data to your members as soon as you can. Being greedy with it really doesn’t help you in the long run because it hurts the guild as a whole.

Use these simple tips and you’ll reduce the drama and heart burn for your next big level grind. With any luck you’ll have everyone maxed out in a reasonable amount of time without too many losses!