Was thinking the other day, after reading some new players posting questions here, that the game is confusing for new players
They don't know much about how the game works, what to do, or how to do it
Do you guys think there needs to be a proper (offline) new player guide?

Adam your site was my new player guide when I started. There is so much information on this site. And yes I think there should a a PROPER new player guide.

Yes,

but I doubt you will ever see one again.

Plus there is the fact that you would need basically 2 guides, one for 2D and one for the KR client. Since the commands are different for each.

Its really not worth the time/effort to go through. Like it or not, believe it or not, UO is a niche game, has been for a few years. EAMythic dropped the ball, decided to not even try to market the game. Everything Online wise for EAMythic now rests with Warhammer.

I agree Warsong.

I think so. I barely remember flipping through my manual when I bought my very first copy of the game, but I always wanted an interactive online guide that would "hold your hand" through the whole process of doing multiple tasks. Not just on the web, but also in-game.

After all, isn't the whole point of a "tutorial" to show you how to do the most basic of things until you're squirming in your seat, eager to do it yourself?

Look at Runescape. Now there's a game that won't even LET you off Tutorial Island without accomplishing something with about 4 or 5 skills. Wait, isn't that what the quest system in New Haven is for?

As far as a player guide, the official one that's there could use a major GUI change. Japan's UO site could be the template...

I would SO love a proper new players' guide. My very first is so ratty and torn and bent up and highlighted and scribbled in that I keep it for sentimental value. I also have the subsequent guides for Second Age and LBR. Actually referred to the LBR guide the other day for a map of a town.

The best part of having the guides was the ability to read and study them away from the computer - at work on breaks or laying in bed...

Dorky, yes, but I absolutely loved having them.

"Do you think UO needs a PROPER new player guide?"

Yes.

• As a web based knowledge base (aka lore book) integrated into a newly designed web site.
• Also available as an Adobe .pdf file as a free download from the web site, and included on all release media.
• And as a deluxe bound print version. Available free as part of an expansion pack purchase; and as standalone purchase for those consumers not wanting the entire expansion pack just to get the book.

I agree with Warsong also.You only have to see the EA Warhammer page from a Google search

'EA Mythic - Warhammer Online
Official game website. Includes news, art, videos, frequently asked questions, and a members forum.'

and compare the same with the Google search for UO

'Ultima Online™
Publishes, chats, bunnies, and explosions - just another week in UO! This week's Five on Friday covers ... 2008 Electronic Arts Inc.'

which takes you to this EA UO page

I thought I was the only person in the world who did this.

No, and it shows how nerdily addicted some of us truly are.

Love the new sig btw.

Uo is known for being very hard for new players. A new updated guide would help keep the younger players playing longer!

To be honest, how many new players are there? Does UO even come as a boxed set or is it all just downloadable now. I can't say I've seen Uo on store shelves since ML. I would guess most "new" players are just those who have reactivated old accounts or opened new accounts...la