Written by Top 100 Arena on 2012-05-16

We all have been to a dungeon with some people who shouldn’t be playing a game that involves social interaction. Some people just don’t know how to behave, especially when it comes to running with other people. Many games have dungeon-finder functions, where you cue up for the dungeon and are thrown together with a few other strangers from around the game. Here are some tips on how to get along for the duration of your pick-up group.

The Dungeon Begins

Say hello to everyone, and be pleasant. This is not a social activity, though, this is a dungeon, and some people will be all srs bznz about it. They may not say hi back. Other people however are chatty and friendly, so don’t be afraid to socialize, just don’t expect it. Eitherway, greet your fellow dungeoners and be friendly.

Leave Tanking to the Tank

As a tank myself, there are few things more aggravating than someone who pulls before I do. The tank is the one who controls the flow of the dungeon, because he or she is the one pulling all the aggro and holding it so you don’t die. Not only should you not pull ahead of the tank, you also should always make sure you’re attacking whatever the tank is. This prevents monsters from changing targets and coming after you, but it’s also the polite thing to do. If your tank is going too slow, feel free to say something, but be polite. “Pull big” is one of the most annoying phrases in the human language when all that is needed for most tanks is a gentle reminder to chain-pull.

Good Breeding

There are certain situations, such as rezzes, where another party member doessomething for you. Always say thank you when someone does you a favor. When asking for a favor make sure you say please. And make sure it’s “please” you say, and not “pls” or “plox.” If you’re asking someone fora favor, have the courtesy to type out the whole word. It’s even more important in a situation with strangers to have good manners because these people don’t know you and are more likely to be ruthless toward you if you’re an asshole to them.

Editorializing

Sometimes we might have an opinion or a tip for another player in a dungeon. It is far too simple to come off as elitist or rude when offering help to another player, so be careful and polite in how you do it. Keep your criticism constructive and your outlook positive. Don’t be a douchebag,especially if the person you’re advising really isn’t good at their class. There are ways to give a bad player advice that don’t involve bludgeoning them over the head with your opinions.

Only Need It if You Need It

Ninja’ing is the practice of taking gear whether you need it or not for financialgain. It almost goes without saying not to be a ninja, because it’s obnoxious. However, sometimes people put themselves on priority to receive items they don’t necessarily have a use for. This is the worst of behaviors to engage in, especially if there are members of the party who could actually use the drops. Only put yourself on priority if you have an actual need for the item because it is an upgrade. Never ever need on treasure, as that is not fair to everyone else rolling.

Asking for Gear

Sometimes it does happen that a party member accidentally hits need on an item they don’t need, and you do. Don’t be afraid to ask for a piece of gear, especially if it is an upgrade for you but not the other person. However, be polite about it. Accidents do happen so calling someone out as a ninja right off the bat is also not a good idea. Simply ask ifthey actually need the piece of gear and if not, can you have it. You’d be surprised how often you’ll get the piece if you’re courteous and respectful.

Assholes

Sometimes real jerks wind up in your party and there is no getting along with them. Short of voting them out of the party the best thing to do is ignore them. Do not, however, entangle yourself in their trolling and behavior. All that does is reflect poorly on you. Everyone can tell who the asshole is. There is an old saying that “It is better to remainsilent and be thought a fool than to open one\'s mouth and remove all doubt.” This is especially true of dealing with a troll or other type of asshole.

The End of the Dungeon

At the ending of the dungeon, it’s always nice to thank the party, especially if you leave it before they do. Don’t just leave without saying anything. The people you ran with have taken just as much of their time to run with you as you have with them. Recognize them for that time by thanking them for the run.

Manners Count

Some people will put down manners as unimportant fluff. The fact is, even Warcraft retail puts in its “tips of the day” one-liners that being polite will get you invited back into parties and raids. Even the best geared person is useless if they’re an asshole. So behave in dungeons and be good people, and it will enhance your gaming experience by quite abit.