Social Systems & Guilds

Blade & Soul, while offering a rich solo experience, truly shines when you engage with its vibrant social systems. From forming temporary parties to joining a dedicated Guild, cooperation is key to conquering the most challenging content and maximizing your rewards.

This section will guide you through the various ways to connect with other players, from basic party formation to the intricacies of Guild management and benefits.

Forming Parties & Raids

Whether you're tackling a challenging dungeon or participating in open-world events, grouping up with other players significantly increases your chances of success. Blade & Soul offers intuitive tools for party and raid formation.

Party Formation (F8 Dungeon Lobby)

The primary method for finding groups for 4-player and 6-player dungeons is through the Cross-Server Dungeon Lobby, accessible by pressing F8. This system allows you to queue for specific dungeons regardless of your current server.

Accessing the Lobby: Press F8 anywhere in the world to open the Cross-Server Dungeon Lobby interface.
Selecting a Dungeon: Browse the list of available dungeons. Dungeons are categorized by difficulty and level requirement. Highlight the dungeon you wish to enter.
Queueing: Click the "Join Queue" button. The system will automatically search for other players queuing for the same dungeon. You can continue playing in the open world while waiting for your queue to pop.
Accepting the Invite: Once a group is found, a pop-up window will appear. You have a limited time to click "Accept" to join the party and teleport to the dungeon entrance.
Party Roles: While not strictly enforced by the F8 system, it's generally understood that parties will consist of a Tank (e.g., Blade Dancer, Destroyer, Kung Fu Master), Healer/Support (e.g., Soul Fighter, Force Master with specific builds), and Damage Dealers (DPS). Communicate with your party members to ensure a balanced composition.

Raid Formation (F8 Raid Lobby & Manual)

For 12-player and 24-player raids, the F8 system also offers a raid lobby, though many players prefer to form raids manually within their Guilds or through global chat channels for better coordination.

F8 Raid Lobby: Similar to dungeons, you can access the Raid Lobby via F8. Select the desired raid (e.g., Skybreak Spire, Temple of Eluvium) and queue up. This is often used for less organized runs or for finding fill-ins.
Manual Raid Formation:
1. Recruitment: Announce your raid in the global chat (e.g., "/say LFM Skybreak Spire, need 2 DPS, 1 Tank, PST").
2. Inviting Players: Target a player and right-click their portrait, then select "Invite to Raid." Alternatively, type "/invite [playername]" in the chat.
3. Raid Leader: You who forms the raid automatically becomes the Raid Leader. The Raid Leader can assign roles, set loot distribution rules, and initiate raid teleports.
4. Raid Interface: The raid interface will appear on your screen, showing all members, their health, and their roles.

Guilds: Your Community in Blade & Soul

Guilds are player-run organizations that provide a host of benefits, from social interaction to exclusive content and buffs. Joining or creating a Guild is highly recommended for any serious player.

Joining a Guild

The easiest way to experience Guild benefits is to join an existing one.

Finding a Guild:
- Guild Recruitment Board: Access the Guild Recruitment Board by pressing G and navigating to the "Recruitment" tab. Here, Guilds can post their recruitment messages, outlining their focus (PvE, PvP, casual, hardcore), requirements, and contact information.
- Global Chat: Many Guilds actively recruit in global chat channels (e.g., "Looking for Guild," "World Chat"). Keep an eye out for recruitment messages that align with your playstyle.
- Friends & Recommendations: If you've enjoyed playing with certain players, ask if their Guild is recruiting. Personal recommendations often lead to the best Guild fits.
Applying to a Guild:
- Through Recruitment Board: Click on a Guild's recruitment post and select "Apply." You may be prompted to write a short message.
- Direct Application: If you know the Guild's name, you can search for it in the Guild interface (G) and apply directly.
- Invitation: A Guild officer can directly invite you. If you receive an invite, a pop-up will appear, and you can click "Accept" to join.

Creating a Guild

If you prefer to forge your own path and lead a community, you can create your own Guild.

Requirements:
- Level: Your character must be at least Level 15.
- Cost: Creating a Guild requires a one-time fee of 5 Gold.
Steps to Create:
1. Open the Guild interface by pressing G.
2. Click on the "Create Guild" button.
3. Enter your desired Guild Name. Ensure it's unique and adheres to naming policies.
4. Enter a Guild Tag (a short abbreviation that appears next to members' names).
5. Confirm the creation and pay the 5 Gold fee.
6. Congratulations! You are now the Guild Master.

Guild Benefits & Progression

Guilds offer a wealth of advantages that grow as the Guild itself progresses.

Guild Levels: Guilds gain experience through various activities, such as members completing daily quests, dungeons, and contributing Guild resources. Higher Guild levels unlock more benefits.
Guild Skills: As your Guild levels up, you can invest Guild Points into various Guild Skills. These provide passive buffs to all Guild members, such as increased experience gain, reduced repair costs, or enhanced critical hit rates.
- Accessing Guild Skills: Open the Guild interface (G) and navigate to the "Skills" tab.
- Contribution: Guild members can contribute their personal Gold or crafting materials to the Guild vault to help fund skill upgrades.
Guild Hall: At higher Guild levels, you can unlock a dedicated Guild Hall, a private instance where members can gather, access unique vendors, and participate in Guild-specific activities.
Guild Quests & Challenges: Guilds can undertake special Guild Quests that reward Guild experience and valuable items for members. These often involve completing specific dungeons, defeating world bosses, or gathering rare materials.
Guild Chat & Communication: Guilds provide a dedicated chat channel for members, fostering communication and coordination. Many Guilds also utilize external communication platforms like Discord.
Social Hub: Beyond the tangible benefits, Guilds serve as a social hub, connecting you with like-minded players for camaraderie, advice, and shared adventures.

Guild Management (For Guild Masters & Officers)

Managing a Guild involves several responsibilities to ensure its growth and the well-being of its members.

Ranks & Permissions:
- Guild Master: The creator and ultimate leader of the Guild. Has full control over all Guild functions.
- Officers: Appointed by the Guild Master, officers can assist with recruitment, managing Guild skills, and organizing events. Permissions can be customized.
- Members: Standard Guild members with access to Guild chat and basic benefits.
To adjust ranks and permissions, open the Guild interface (G) and go to the "Members" tab. Right-click on a member's name to change their rank.
Recruitment: Actively recruit new members through the Guild Recruitment Board (G) and global chat to maintain a healthy and active roster.
Guild Vault: Manage the Guild Vault, where members can deposit and withdraw items or Gold. Set clear rules for access and usage to prevent abuse.
Events & Activities: Organize Guild events such as dungeon runs, raid nights, PvP tournaments, or even social gatherings to keep members engaged and foster a strong community.
Communication: Maintain open communication with your members, addressing concerns, sharing updates, and celebrating successes.

By actively participating in parties, raids, and Guilds, you'll unlock the full potential of your Blade & Soul journey, forging lasting friendships and conquering the most formidable challenges the Earthen Realm has to offer.