Greetings, Adventurers,
We are excited to announce the release of the Expedition Group Finder!
Players can use the Group Finder to more easily form parties and complete group activities. In this article, you'll find step by step instructions as well as an FAQ. We plan to roll out additional features in future updates.
How Does It Work?
How do I find the Group Finder?
Group Finder is an Expedition-only feature. Once you’ve discovered (visited) an Expedition, you will be able to access the Group Finder UI in one of two ways:
1. At the Expedition Entrance
At the Expedition Entrance, you’ll now see a “Find Group” button. Click it to view the Group Finder for that Expedition.
2. From the Map, At Any Distance
On the map, there is now a “View Expedition” button on the tooltip for each Expedition Icon. Click it to reveal that Expedition’s Entrance Screen from anywhere in Aeternum and then click the “Find Group” button to use the Group Finder.
You can now also enter any Expedition regardless of your location through the map’s “View Expedition” button, even if you don’t use the Group Finder.
Note that if you’re viewing a Mutated Expedition, the “Find Group” button will select whichever Mutated Difficulty level you have selected in the list on the left. There is currently no way to view Group Lobbies for all Mutated Difficulty levels at once. That functionality is a high priority for future versions of Group Finder.
How do I use the Group Finder?
After clicking “Find Group,” you’ll see a list of Lobbies. These are different than groups. Lobbies are staging areas with a dedicated Lobby chat channel for communication. Once full, the original poster can start the Expedition and convert that Lobby into a group.
You can either apply to existing Lobbies (up to 100 at a time), or create your own. You can also leave the Group Finder UI to keep adventuring while your applications are pending and even when you’re waiting for a Lobby to fill. A widget in the top right (similar to Outpost Rush and Arena queues) will notify you of their status as you play.
Lobby creators can set the minimum Level and Gear Score for their Lobby, and inspect all players within the Applications list and the Lobby itself to see their current Level, Attributes, average Gear Score, and equipped Weapons and Mastery Scores. Each player applying to a Lobby must designate themselves as a Role (Tank, Healer, or DPS) so that the Lobby creator is able to form an ideal group composition. Once the Lobby is converted to a group and enters the Expedition, these roles are displayed on the side of the Group HUD (currently only available to groups formed through Group Finder).
FAQ
Will I have to run to Expeditions to access the Group Finder?
No! You can access the Group Finder for each Expedition via the map, or at the entrance.
Are you able to be in a group while in Group Finder?
Yes! If you’re in a group, you can apply to Group Finder Lobbies or make your own Lobby without leaving your group. Once your current Lobby is converted to a group by entering the Expedition, you will automatically leave your previous group.
Can you play Outpost Rush and Arenas while you wait for an Expedition lobby?
No, you can only be in one Lobby or queue at a time.
How do I remove myself from listings?
You can cancel your application to any Lobby by clicking a button on the Lobby listing. Your applications will all be canceled if you enter an Expedition, or go offline.
If you are in a small group, what happens when you want to open a Lobby? Do you disband and force them to find you? Can you pull them in?
Yes! When you are in a group and create a Lobby, you’ll have the option to include your groupmates in the Lobby on creation.
Thanks for your support! We'll see you in Aeternum.