Finding my niche as a player

[Squnk]

I've been playing dnd 3.5 for several months now, still consider myself a noob to tabletop games, but I have been having been having a hard time finding my comfort zone as a player. Trying to find my place in the game has seemed to be one of the hardest parts to learning the game for me.

I do try different approaches to the game, by trying different types and styles of characters, roleplaying a bit more, and even DMing a little. I'm glad I have done this because it has gave me more experienced as a player but I just haven't found that right thing that has just clicked for me, just haven't found my niche yet. So I turn to this forum which has helped me with many of my other problems, what has helped you to find you place as a player? Was it difficult or easy? How were you able to find your niche? Do you have any advice or story that could help? Do you have any personal experience with this or did finding your place come very easily? Or just anything that could be helpful.

Thanks very much, I really do enjoy playing I just want to be able to play a bit more easily and comfortably.

 

[Dark Mistress]

Honestly? Time. Just play, try different things. Try them more than once, as different experiences can make you see them differently. Plus most of us evolve as well. You start off liking somethings and then move onto liking other things.

When I started off I was pretty heavy into hack and slashing, but mostly I loved making huge treasure sheets of cool stuff my character collected. I was the one who's PC wanted all the statues and other odd things found. Not to sell but to collect.

Now I am into RPing, making indepth living breathing characters, puzzles, mysteries etc. Which is what lead me to start GMing. I find bring a world to life and making compelling and interesting stories for my players to explore a huge reward.

So not likely the answer you want, but just time. Welcome to gaming and I hope you enjoy yourself.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

has helped me with many of my other problems, what has helped you to find you place as a player? Was it difficult or easy? How were you able to find your niche? Do you have any advice or story that could help? Do you have any personal experience with this? Or just anything that could be helpful.

When I found the hobby at age 10 or so, most of my PCs were optimized (if at all) mechanically ONLY. In a way, even though my PCs ran the gamut of classes and races, they were all just a veneer over mechanical game machines.

Over time, I began to subordinate the mechanics to the PC concepts, and my characters started seeming more like characters.. But it took time.

One of the factors that shaped my game was entirely involuntary: my Dad was in the Army, so we moved frequently. That meant I had to find new groups all the time, which meant exposure to a variety of playstyles and- in some ways, more importantly- a variety of different RPGs.

Why did the different games matter so much?

Because each one has different assumptions, and that means you can't make your PCs on autopilot. Even if you're staying within the same genre, each different game will make you rethink your PC design process.

 

[Dice4Hire]

One more thing to consider is you might be more a DM and not a player.

I know I am.

 

[DumbPaladin]

I think it's still too early for Squnk to make this assessment, Dice4Hire. Most of his threads to this board so far have been to ask questions that a new player would definitely ask.

Squnk, the lovely Dark Mistress is correct: You need to play for considerably longer than "a few months" before you'll really get a feel for your game play. In all likelihood, it will take years, and it may change during that time.

For now, it's enough to just enjoy yourself, and try your best not to upset people at the gaming table.

 

[kitsune9]

Experience is going to be pretty much your only guide for you to find your groove. Keep on playing and you'll find your niche. Obviously try a lot of new and different things though instead of just being a player at a home campaign. Go play in the RPGA (or whatever Wizards calls it these days), go to a convention, play other games aside from D&D, and keep giving DMing a try. Your varied experiences will add up and at some point you'll feel fairly comfortable with being a player, DM, or both.

 

[the Jester]

Well Squnk, one thing that helps is having a good group. I don't know if you're close with the folks you game with, but having the people in your gaming group be the sorts you are comfortable around in the first place goes a long way. Also, if their playstyle preferences coincide with yours, it helps a ton too.

Can you put your finger on what is keeping you from the zone? If you can pin that down, you can probably address it.

 

[El Mahdi]

I think the biggest key to being comfortable playing RPG's, is to accept that there is no wrong way to play. The only hard and fast rule: Have Fun!

Do what interests you.

If it's the game mechanics aspects that interest you the most, then indulge yourself in that.

If it's creating characters (backstory, personality, etc.), then indulge in that.

Likewise for tactical focus, story focus, and any other facet you can think of...as well as any combination of those facets.

Also, your preferences don't have to be rigidly unchanging. Let them evolve. Enjoy and explore all the facets, then concentrate on the ones that bring you the most enjoyment. Just remember to not let your fun overshadow the fun of the people playing with you.

But above all else, remember that there is no wrong way to play. Don't be uncomfortable having fun. Just Relax and Enjoy.

 

[Dice4Hire]

I think it's still too early for Squnk to make this assessment, Dice4Hire. Most of his threads to this board so far have been to ask questions that a new player would definitely ask.

I said keep in in mind, not become one.

 

[MortalPlague]

In the DMG for 4th Edition, the first chapter goes into a breakdown of different styles of play and what each player enjoys. You might be well served to browse that chapter at an RPG store and see if you find yourself nodding in agreement with any of the play styles presented.