The current scene of bases are nearly impossible to raid, due to how they are built. Bases really operate on the premise they should be impenetrable, which ruins the chance for successful raids. Naturally, you want your base to be safe and hard to raid, but the current system really emphasizes using solely the best of the best, to the point it's unbalanced and to an extent ruins the roleplay immersion, as well as causing lag. (For Example) The tunnel bases make sense strategy wise, but not from a roleplay perspective. Realistically why would a town allow you to take over an entire tunnel. Beyond that, when you walk into town you're greeted with loads of props. IIRC, there are two tunnels, meaning just walking into town you have to see two mega bases, as well as depending on when you play you might see several flags, text screens, and people running around. Personally it halts my computer for a second, despite my computer being decent, so for people with less, that must suck. It also constrains people walking in and out of town due to the tight squeeze.
But, it also causes server lag. Mega bases tend to do that, especially when there are several. In fact, entire parts of the map are often dedicated to mega bases, and town is really only where the roleplay happens. One part is often vacant (the urban part where the admins build), and the other is usually just mega bases (behind the town.) This limits the roleplay as people just afk at base. And even if they leave, they can look through cameras or have notifications to let them know if someone tried to go through their doors, which means they can run back.
But in terms of base design itself being an issue, people tend to do what is the best option. That just makes sense considering you don't want to be raided. You can even spawn saved bases if you play long enough. Which makes sense, you don't want to rebuild everything over again, that would be tedious. But, that means if your base works really well, and it's hard to raid you, it will always be hard to raid you. No building flaws, or bad design, you can have something that always works. Now, I am not suggesting we get rid of spawning saved bases, but rather what bases are allowed since in theory if it's possible to have an impenetrable base complying with the rules, that strat will be status quo. And a lot of bases just have the feature of not being able to see who is basing, but the person basing knows where the door is, or where you are, which pretty much means your death. Even if you brought people with you, people can base in numbers, meaning the ratio effectively stays the same. As of right now, it's not skill based, if you get that perfect base up you're golden. They can sit back, afk, and get notified when you arrive (via noises or keypad.) That doesn't really contribute to the server at large. It's practically 0 interaction with the general population.
Bases are also often not constrained by map structures. People who build in the sky, or in a tunnel have a much more flexible design considering they control an entire area and its volume without having to work around walls or anything else. It would also make more sense for people to base up in buildings, but some just stand out as a base on a roof, or something similar. It's good to leave buildings open to RP, sure, but it's jarring to have several floating structures, or roof bases.
What would base reform look like? I think the community should decide. Balance is delicate, and what should be done should be talked over. Though it would have big impact, it is a necessary one. My suggestion is limiting mega bases, clearing town of mega bases, ban on tunnel bases, and adding something to entice people to leave bases to roleplay.
But, it also causes server lag. Mega bases tend to do that, especially when there are several. In fact, entire parts of the map are often dedicated to mega bases, and town is really only where the roleplay happens. One part is often vacant (the urban part where the admins build), and the other is usually just mega bases (behind the town.) This limits the roleplay as people just afk at base. And even if they leave, they can look through cameras or have notifications to let them know if someone tried to go through their doors, which means they can run back.
But in terms of base design itself being an issue, people tend to do what is the best option. That just makes sense considering you don't want to be raided. You can even spawn saved bases if you play long enough. Which makes sense, you don't want to rebuild everything over again, that would be tedious. But, that means if your base works really well, and it's hard to raid you, it will always be hard to raid you. No building flaws, or bad design, you can have something that always works. Now, I am not suggesting we get rid of spawning saved bases, but rather what bases are allowed since in theory if it's possible to have an impenetrable base complying with the rules, that strat will be status quo. And a lot of bases just have the feature of not being able to see who is basing, but the person basing knows where the door is, or where you are, which pretty much means your death. Even if you brought people with you, people can base in numbers, meaning the ratio effectively stays the same. As of right now, it's not skill based, if you get that perfect base up you're golden. They can sit back, afk, and get notified when you arrive (via noises or keypad.) That doesn't really contribute to the server at large. It's practically 0 interaction with the general population.
Bases are also often not constrained by map structures. People who build in the sky, or in a tunnel have a much more flexible design considering they control an entire area and its volume without having to work around walls or anything else. It would also make more sense for people to base up in buildings, but some just stand out as a base on a roof, or something similar. It's good to leave buildings open to RP, sure, but it's jarring to have several floating structures, or roof bases.
What would base reform look like? I think the community should decide. Balance is delicate, and what should be done should be talked over. Though it would have big impact, it is a necessary one. My suggestion is limiting mega bases, clearing town of mega bases, ban on tunnel bases, and adding something to entice people to leave bases to roleplay.
