Switching from Everquest F2P to Project 1999

[Microfin]

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some guidance.
Here is the basic run down...

• I played EQ back in 2000. I had a level 23 High Elf Magician, and level 20 Troll Warrior
• Thanks to my older brother I got a lot of really cool stuff I shouldn't have had (Stein of Maggok, FBSS)
• I recently contacted Sony and managed to get my old account back. Surge of happiness seeing my old characters again
• Played Everquest F2P for a bit, confused by a lot of what I saw, old zones I used to go to are totally empty
• To get myself back into the groove, I created a new character and played through the kobald mine tutorial. Discovered the map feature, quest log, etc...

That's when I found out about Project 1999. All the people who played in 1999-2001 say It's WAY better and seem to think the current EQ incarnation is kinda... trashy. I just gave Project 1999 a shot, and, It's pretty cool, but is it wrong to feel totally lost?

Just today I started a Dark Elf Necromancer, opened up my inventory and found a note I'm supposed to give to Xon Quexill. I spent 30 minutes randomly wandering around Neriak until finally giving up and Googling the guy's location. I didn't think about it at the time, but I realize now my older brother guided my 12 year old self through everything and I really don't know crap about EQ, and probably never did!

So I guess my main question for you veterans is, how do fresh players know where to go and find things? Should I just play P 1999 and alt tab every few minutes to find whatever vendor has the spell I need? I keep thinking this is the wrong way to play the game and I'm missing something, so I'd love some advice.

[Mardu]

As you wander, you'll learn. Zone here, merchant here, trainer here. As you progress you'll be more confident It is pperfectly okay to feel lost. Welcome back. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Derubael]

Nothing wrong with feeling lost, and many players spend many hours with their maps open and prolific use of the /loc command. Protip: /loc coordinates in Everquest are displayed in Y, X, Z format, as opposed to what you may be used to, X, Y, Z. This means that when finding your location on a map, the first number will be the vertical axis (up and down) and the second number will be the horizontal (from side to side). A lot of people don't know this and having the information cemented in your brain will help you to navigate Norrath ease.

Soon enough you'll no longer need the maps or the /loc's. You'll just be able to find your way around by memory! Good luck, and welcome to the server!

[Hobie819]

Most experienced players utilize internet tools as well sometimes, so don't feel too lost. Even back in the day, web based sources such as "allakhazam" were used extensively (I can't tell you how many maps I had printed out in a drawer somewhere.

With the advances in technology and windowed mode, I now play with a second monitor and can open things up there.

But yes, as you play more, you'll learn more. I'd recommend trying to find some folks that play around the time you play and are around the same level. This will help you a lot while learning the game.

[Phat_Paul]

If i had a second monitor, I would have maps pulled up, but instead I have them open on my tablet. Quick reference is always helpful. timers too

[Arkaan]

Being totally lost is part of the essence of classic EQ! You have a note with your guild master's name, but there is no map with a big yellow ! and a compass telling you which direction to face to get to him. You have to explore, that is the point.

You could, like many other players, google where to find items and spells. But don't forget that there is no need to rush! The game is free, look around, and explore! Check out the vendors on your own. After a while, YOU will know where everything is without google or maps or big yellow !'s

Not saying you shouldn't google for info, that is crazy. Just saying that it's cool to find stuff on your own [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Bodek]

The developers that designed the layout of the cities in EQ are evil, evil people. Few dungeons are as confusing as navigating the labyrinth of Qeynos or Freeport. Many newbs have died from starvation, usually found slumped in a corner near that zig zag zone line. I remember waiting 3-4 minutes to load a zone (1999 computer) only to run, turn the corner, get a little graphic lag and accidentally run back through the zone line and have to wait another 3-4 minutes just to do it all over again. If I was lucky I didn't get kicked off while zoning. Now loading takes like 15 seconds and a smart phone can load up a map for reference [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Microfin]

Thanks everyone for the support and helpful advice! I read through every ones response and feel a bit more confident.

My Dark Elf NEC is level 4 now, after 5-6 hours of grinding entry level mobs. It only took about 1 hour to reach level 6 playing on EQ F2P, probably because all those tutorial quests giving easy EXP. 14 years ago it felt faster too, probably because all the twink items I had. So I guess what I'm experience right now is a normal pace, ya?

Again, thanks to everyone for being so understanding!

[Necran]

Welcome aboard man. You've made the right decision!

[Microfin]

Thanks!

A quick question about forum etiquette. I have 5 or 6 small questions that I can't seem to find the answers to on the wiki. Should I just dump everything here or create a new thread of the various questions? (if there is a simple questions/simple answers thread around here that'd be great)