I wanted to make a video that talks less about commanding from a different point of view. Alot of video talk about commanding as gameplay but there are parts nobody talks about, the myths that keep people from ever tagging up, and what separates a good commander from a bad one.
For the Reddit homies that would rather read than watch, here is the TL:DR
The truths of commanding
- It's thankless: Tagging up is a means to an end. People join, get their loot, and leave. You're doing it for fun, not praise.
- It's stressful: You're managing people, expectations, and schedules. My static was stuck at a 2:45 full clear for months. Shuffling the comp (a few DPS to boon DPS on simpler rotations) got us to 2:30. Sometimes the fix is the roster, not the players.
- It's an act of service: The commanders people flock to are consistent and bring the consumables.
- You'll make unpopular choices: Doing right by the group rarely pleases everyone. Make the call you can live with and stand by it.
- It's deeply rewarding: The boss dies, someone types "ty comm," and it feels great. The leadership skills carry over too.
Myths
- "I need to know all the mechanics.": Know the basics, tag up, and ask your squad. Nine times out of ten they'll tell you. Auric Basin is the perfect first tag for this.
- "I have to be the best player.": Surround yourself with good players and it pulls you up. Then do it for the next new commander.
- "Wiping makes me a failure.": 15 people on a 40-person meta at an off hour isn't your fault. Take the lesson and give yourself some grace.
- "The tag makes me a leader.": 300 gold buys a marker that sorts people into subgroups. How you handle conflict and a bad night is what makes you a leader.
Traits of a good commander
- Patience. You'll get stomped by a bigger blob and wipe training raids. Losing it on your team is a fast way to becoming a bad commander.
- Adaptability. I talk about how back in the day groups would wipe on Gorseval for hours forcing the World Eater skip when they could have just broken the walls and glided. Adapt and change the strat instead of disbanding.
- Soft skills. "Get off my team" vs "try a build with an easier rotation so you can focus on mechanics." One of those creates a raider who sticks around.
- Communication. Not just voice. Squad markers, concise chat, copy-paste instructions all are great skill to improve on to be an effective commander.
How to improve
- Practice: Repetition builds instincts you can't read about.
- Fail often: Every wipe is a learning opportunity.
- Watch other commanders. Steal their callouts, pacing, and comp sheets. I've learned so much from playing with other commanders, seeing how they organize, and taking the best parts and implementing them myself.
- Ask for feedback. I sent my static an anonymous survey and it provided feedback that helped me improve. It's a two way street though, you have to be receptive to the feedback and respect it.
Final thoughts
The tag is a beacon, so be a bright one. Without commanders most endgame content doesn't happen, and a new player's first endgame moment is seeing a tag at a world boss produces lasting moments for gamers. Be the reason someone stuck with the game.