So min/maxer or munchkin players actually recognize that they are so? How do we define munchkin? https://t.co/8pPnSoSj4P
— SlyFlourish (@SlyFlourish) June 13, 2018
I don’t definite Min/Max or Munchkin-ing as a problem, but an optional way some people enjoy the game. That play style doesn’t always mingle well with others, though, which is why an early convo about play styles is so important with any game.
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) June 13, 2018
I have to agree that min/max ing isn’t an inherent problem, but it can make some more powered in certain situations than characters with actual personalities. And they may harm their own ability to function in other situations. If you mix up your game between combat, social (1/2) and exploration, a munchkin will find itself at odds at least a third of the time where they can't contribute much to the game. Thus is the problem of hyperfocusing.
— A Rogue Named Wizard (@devnuhl) June 13, 2018
Indeed. Then, you get to have the conversation about “Why do you feel you can’t engage as well as the others?” It can be a lesson on how to become self-aware, and tweak your min/max style to be a little more open to the other player’s’ styles as well.
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) June 13, 2018
I’ve found it hard to have that conversation when the players are a) too new to the game or b) not self-aware of their play style.
Expectations are important. Yeah, it’s not always an easy convo (especially new players). You kind of need to try and introduce the idea of the conversation, then check in every now and then as they settle into their gameplay styles & preferences.
— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) June 13, 2018
Min/maxing is not a problem! The game is filled with ways to customize your character to make them stronger and is built on a system that actively incentivizes you to optimize, and rewards it. Who cares!? If someone likes min/maxing they’re having fun! Maybe they shine in combat encounters but do nothing the rest of the time. Why is this an issue!? Why would it be an issue for a character to only be good at one thing while the others shine in certain situations? Hell this sounds more like a great emergent aspect of the game to me! If you seriously can’t stand someone who min/max’s, you have a specific and personal preference that is completely arbitrary and made up. Min/maxing is not a player problem, but having problems with min/maxing is an everyone else problem.