How do I solo?
Perhaps this is obvious and I simply glossed over a checkbox or something, but I can't figure out how to solo levels in the arcade. I keep getting shoved into groups and then, though I'm making crowns, i get hosed on the loot distribution. I randomly was allowed to solo one level and recieved infinitely more materials... which right now I want/need to upgrade my gear.
So a quick answer is greatly appreciated. I don't want to be forced into a party... how can i avoid it?
Soloing is not as efficient (less crystals, but more loot) due to the fact that mini-boss monsters (like Wolvers and Trojans in T1) were meant to be faced as a group. It is possible, but you need to play conservatively.
Soloing vs Party:
More monsters will appear depending on the party size, increasing the difficulty to match the "skill" (I put it in quotations because I have, unfortunately been in failParties)
You share cash equally, and you also share the hearts on the screen.
Loot is divied between the party, so solo is better if you want more loot.
Soloing can be fun! Just make sure you have the right equipment. If you don't you'll wind up frustrated.
Advantage of parties (if you're member are willing) are resurrections. Instead of having to pay Energy you can have a fellow member sacrifice half of there health to res you!
I tend to feel rushed with parties. A lot of people just want to drive mindlessly for the elevator, and I like to take my time, knock over every last little bush or torch, explore every little room, and get rid of every monster. Thus, I like to solo quite a bit.
It is definitely slower, so if you're just trying to get to a vendor at a terminal, it's probably not the best idea. Partying is also better if you just need quick crowns or heat. If you're willing to play defensively, though, the loot haul is better, and you can play at your own pace.
I solo about 2/3 of the time.
i like soloing mostly if im looking to farm up some mats. i know what gates to enter to get the mats i want (eg owlite feather, rocket sprockets etc). but i'll join parties and quickly run through if im recipe hunting.
i like soloing tho, i find it fun and challenging especially with the battle arenas.
I solo because I too get hosed with Mat distribution, with the sole exception of the last 2 parties I was in (Lot's of Rocket Sprockets and Heavy/Iron Gears, woo!). I actually soloed my way to Tier 2 and still heavily solo. I've found that I make around ~1-2k Crowns more soloing than in parties due to selling loot I don't need, such as Blue Shards and some of those aforementioned Gears. However, that being said, the later Tier 2 levels are MUCH harder for me due to the harder enemies. My setup also isn't ideal (Cobalt Helm and Defender, Ascended Calibur, and Solid Cobalt Armor) so I get hit a LOT. If I have to revive more than once I usually just go back to Haven and restart/find a party to go deeper with.
To answer your question, when you choose a gate on the left hand side you'll see the party options. Click "Create a Party" and set it to "Invite Only" when the next line of options pops up.
Watch out for healers while soloing. On my first day in T2, I nearly got killed by a lichen/ healing Gremlin combo. Seriously, when you do 26 points of damage a hit, and they heal 80, it gets impossible unless you KILL THE MEDIC.
like a boss, dying can be problematic in solo.
I recently discovered this myself, choose to create a party and make it invite only.
But now I have another question about soloing: is it considered efficient and worthwhile, or is it generally going to be worse than traveling with a party?