Improvements to the Conservation system

[-CLM-Joker]

When it was first introduced, the animal conservation system was an optional activity players could engage for badges and decorations, as well as another way to get standing for the main syndicate on free roam maps.

Now that it's been integrated in the main gameplay loop of the newest update, Heart of Deimos, its current state cannot be justified any longer.

Let's consider another free roam system's mechanics, mining:

• Minimap shows nearby veins locations
• HUD shows the distance to the nearest vein under a certain distance
• Audible clues let the player know if they are walking towards or away from a vein, as well as whether or not they are facing the right direction
  • This can be an issue for people with hearing problems, but it's still a feature
• Recently added diamond-shaped marker highlights the vain when in proximity to it

Compared with conservation mechanics:

• Recently added diamond-shaped marker highlights the starting point when in proximity to a starting point, however it does not highlight nearby targets
• Tracks that lead the player to the call point can be difficult to see, as they often do not contrast well with the terrain (or can be covered by vegetation)
  • Walking while looking at the ground isn't very engaging gameplay
    • (side note) Symaris Target tracking has a similar issue
• Tranq-rifle audio clue only informs the player if there is a target in range or not
• Target highlight can be difficult to see due to the target size and its contrast with the environment
  • This is further complicated by flying targets, especially the recently added Avichaea

 

One of the simplest solutions would be to add the target's distance in the HUD, perhaps showing it when not zoomed in just like the mining one. A more precise audible cue would also help knowing where to look for the target.

Another solution that could be implemented would be to change the animal tracks into a "trail" similar to the one used to show connected tumors in the Cache Retrieval bounty mission. That way players will not have to walk looking carefully at the ground until they arrive at the destination.

 

Please consider adding those features into the game, as it stands now Conservation is a problematic and at times frustrating activity that players are required to do in order to progress in the new update.

[Dark_Lugia]

Yeah the animal tracks and flying ones are really difficult to see.

A bonus audio clue if you are aiming at an animal would be nice and maybe something like the synthesis dna floating above the stracks, so it's a bit easier to see/follow.

[Papersuit]

I agree with this. The system is terrible and frustrating in its current form. I just gave up after a while because i found it so unfun. I also don't like having unfun content being forced into the main gameplay loop.