So you want to raid…

Often times veteran raiders like myself forget that an entire new generation of players is joining us in MMOs. We forget that the things we take for granted in raiding might not be so apparent to the uninitiated. Over time I’ve seen a lot of “how to raid” guides but I generally feel they leave something to be desired. I’ve come up with a quick and dirty list for anyone who is about to embark on their first raid. Follow these instructions and you’ll probably survive the affair!

Listen to the Raid Leader – It might shock you to know that a lot of people don’t do this. Many MMO players get distracted with a web site, whispers, television, or whatever other excuse they can come up with to not give the guy in charge the common courtesy of their attention. If you’re new DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE of not listening and paying attention. It will show and you’ll get a bad reputation immediately. Listen to every word, hear them (this IS different than listening) and understand them. If you don’t get something, send a quick and easy tell asking for further explanation.

Do as you’re told – Another shocking realization! A lot of MMO raiders don’t follow instructions. This is usually because they didn’t listen. If the raid leader tells you to move left when he says to, MOVE LEFT. Doing so will already elevate you above the rest of the lot. Having raiders that follow instructions is like crack for guys like me.

Do some homework – If you know what raid you’re going to be doing, ask some questions from veterans before you go. You’ll never understand it until you experience it but try to know a little something about it. Don’t read strategies, though! Your raid leader might do things differently. You should do it his way, not yours. Don’t point out that X guild on Y server does it Z way. You’re new and don’t know the situation on the ground. Don’t be a backseat leader on your first outing.

Be prepared – If you show up to your raid without your gear fully repaired and the consumables you need please don’t come to a second raid. In fact, forget the whole thing. People who’ve been raiding a while do this and it is inexcusable. Repair your gear, get the items you need and be prepared! Better preparation means more success.

Don’t worry about loot – You’re new here. If you get anything consider yourself lucky. Raiding is about experiencing content and winning. It isn’t about you getting loot. If you think it is, you really need to consider another line of play. If anyone ever tells you it is about loot you need to find another guild. Loot is a tool, nothing more. It lets you know you’re appreciated and it lets you progress to harder raids. Focus on the win. Loot will come later.

Don’t pester the raid leader with trivial things – If you don’t understand an instruction it is perfectly find to send a tell to ask. You may be redirected but it is better to know than not. Don’t bother the raid leader in the middle of the raid with silly things, though. Don’t ask to change group or how many mobs until yours. That person has a lot going on and doesn’t need further annoyance.

Expect some yelling or stern words – Raiding is somewhat like being in the military. Each raid has a leader and that person will dictate instructions to everyone else. Don’t get your feelings hurt if you’re yelled at a little bit. That is par for the course. If your raid leader is belligerent and demeaning, however, I’d suggest going elsewhere. It doesn’t take “the more DoTs” guy to win. Trust me.

Don’t worry about the parse too much – On your first raid you should be more concerned with following all the instructions and reacting well than being the top DPS player. Be sure you don’t do horrible but as long as you’re around the same place as others in your class you’re fine. Don’t get too hung up on that parse.

This is a team sport – I’m sure you’ve heard this before but you need to hear it again. Raiding is a team effort. No matter how awesome you think or actually are, you’re not going to defeat current tier raid content solo. You probably couldn’t get together with five of the best players around and defeat it either. You need friends. Always be mindful of that. The guild that works together wins together.

Don’t wander – Don’t poke your nose around the zone. Stay with the class. Doing so will get you and likely the raid killed. This will anger everyone. Don’t wander away from your PC without telling someone or for long periods of time. You’re there to raid, you can do whatever it is after in most cases.

There are many more aspects to being a raider but if you follow this basic guide you’ll do alright. If you follow it closely you might end up being one of the favorite raiders of the leader. Some of these things people just don’t do and, if we find players who pay attention and the like, we love them!