Ryzom really is a challenge *if* one decides to accept it. I decided for myself that it is way more fun to discover most of it's secrets by myself. I try to avoid looking at maps (locating NPCs and digging spots), other people's recipes for crafting, "best" recipes for occupations (occupations only exist on mainland), etc.
If you play like that, progress will be much, much(!) slower. But it keeps me interested. Things that others experience as numb grind, take more time and thus actually feel less of a grind to me. Sounds like a paradoxon, but try to think about it.
Also, on one day I can play in a calm mood, maybe just doing roleplay, some easy occupations, or some easy digging.
On others I can try to sneak around to get to those difficult to reach digging spots, or even try to trek alone from one capital to the other. Adrenaline is pumping, even though most of the time you're just standing somewhere, looking around, trying to anticipate every move of the beasts around you. You start to time the migration of harmless animals which always attract some predators and thus are also dangerous to you.
And finally, you can participate in teams going to battle against other players, or fighting huge mobs, or just to practice some fighting skills and/or get to some animal loot for others to craft with.
So day-to-day experience varies a lot. And it's all your choice. Every single day. Love it.
If you play like that, progress will be much, much(!) slower. But it keeps me interested. Things that others experience as numb grind, take more time and thus actually feel less of a grind to me. Sounds like a paradoxon, but try to think about it.
Also, on one day I can play in a calm mood, maybe just doing roleplay, some easy occupations, or some easy digging.
On others I can try to sneak around to get to those difficult to reach digging spots, or even try to trek alone from one capital to the other. Adrenaline is pumping, even though most of the time you're just standing somewhere, looking around, trying to anticipate every move of the beasts around you. You start to time the migration of harmless animals which always attract some predators and thus are also dangerous to you.
And finally, you can participate in teams going to battle against other players, or fighting huge mobs, or just to practice some fighting skills and/or get to some animal loot for others to craft with.
So day-to-day experience varies a lot. And it's all your choice. Every single day. Love it.