TLDR: Just turn it on there's zero reason not to. Then remember you can now have choose any combination of skills you want, rather than only 1 of each Category. And now your action bar isn't locked yay! I think it's under Options --> Gameplay --> Interface
Edit: It's recommended you turn on Advanced Tooltips as well. For science.
So what is it exactly?
It's probably the dumbest mistake Blizzard's ever done assuming it's still there on release, which afaik it is. And it's not intuitive at all nor is it explained except if you get it in a lucky Tip while loading.
Basically, each class in D3 has a maximum of 6 active skill slots available to them (along with 3 passives).
Each skill belongs to one of 6 categories for each class, like Primary, Secondary, Defensive, etc. The default UI (ELECTIVE OFF) only allows you to have one of each type of skill learned. So only 1 Primary, 1 Defensive, 1 Tactical, 1 Secondary, etc. But actually any char can have any skill setup they want. You can have 3 secondaries and 3 tacticals or whatever you want, but only if you have Elective Mode on. Also it unlocks your action bar, which by default prevented you from being able to change what Mouse 1 / 2 did, or hotkeys 1-4 did. Seriously dumb.
More info here
Thank you for listening to this Public Service Announcement.
FYI I think it means "I elect to not be limited like I'm some sort of moron." mirriam-webster states Elective means - Beneficial to the patient but not necessary for survival. I guess that's true lol
Last edit: 2012-05-15 05:10:58
If Idra were a farmer he would be greg... nvm
Zaqwert United States. May 15 2012 04:35. Posts 388
Don't forget to turn on the detailed tooltips as well.
The default tooltips are COMPLETELY WORTHLESS in every way, they are basically a textual description of what the skill does with no numerical information whatsoever.
So ya, the very first thing anyone who isn't DERP should do is turn on elective mode and advanced tooltips.
On May 15 2012 04:35 Zaqwert wrote: Don't forget to turn on the detailed tooltips as well.
The default tooltips are COMPLETELY WORTHLESS in every way, they are basically a textual description of what the skill does with no numerical information whatsoever.
So ya, the very first thing anyone who isn't DERP should do is turn on elective mode and advanced tooltips.
Yeah i hit my head against a wall when I first played the beta. They should both be on by default.
Myles United States. May 15 2012 04:46. Posts 4096
I have no clue why they thought this was even necessary in the first place. Skill descriptions are hardly overwhelming and limiting slots to certain skill sets doesn't seem to help the uninitiated at all, either.
karazax United States. May 15 2012 04:46. Posts 473
I disagree that elective mode is 'seriously dumb', they stated they added it in because people were somewhat overwhelmed by the choice and weren't sure on what to put where or how to begin to approach skill assignment, as they didn't want people to have to look up guides before playing they went for this option.
It's a good idea, however I do agree there should be some kind of message that informs the player about elective mode / adv tooltips, this is the one serious flaw in their design, they rely on us to figure it out, and sure most of us will / have done but there will still be a lot of people out there, probably for a while who are unaware of elective mode and find it frustrating that they can't change skills around once they've got used to it.
On May 15 2012 04:51 adwodon wrote: I disagree that elective mode is 'seriously dumb', they stated they added it in because people were somewhat overwhelmed by the choice and weren't sure on what to put where or how to begin to approach skill assignment, as they didn't want people to have to look up guides before playing they went for this option.
It's a good idea, however I do agree there should be some kind of message that informs the player about elective mode / adv tooltips, this is the one serious flaw in their design, they rely on us to figure it out, and sure most of us will / have done but there will still be a lot of people out there, probably for a while who are unaware of elective mode and find it frustrating that they can't change skills around once they've got used to it.
yeah but elective mode on is still super friendly to newbies who dont know. why? because it still gives you the same skill choices as elective mode off, you have to know to click the little arrows at the top to change to other categories. see youtube video in OP
Good knowledge. It will make the game so much more customizeable, and will make the experience so much different for everyone, instead of a strictly linear build with beforehand defined skills / abilitys.
On May 15 2012 04:46 Myles wrote: I have no clue why they thought this was even necessary in the first place. Skill descriptions are hardly overwhelming and limiting slots to certain skill sets doesn't seem to help the uninitiated at all, either.
simply cuz they want to make it was easy as possible for newbs, and having one of each skilltypes is probably easier if you don't know what is good
skill description is pretty n/c though
Leporello United States. May 15 2012 04:58. Posts 1659
On May 15 2012 04:51 adwodon wrote: I disagree that elective mode is 'seriously dumb', they stated they added it in because people were somewhat overwhelmed by the choice and weren't sure on what to put where or how to begin to approach skill assignment, as they didn't want people to have to look up guides before playing they went for this option.
It's a good idea, however I do agree there should be some kind of message that informs the player about elective mode / adv tooltips, this is the one serious flaw in their design, they rely on us to figure it out, and sure most of us will / have done but there will still be a lot of people out there, probably for a while who are unaware of elective mode and find it frustrating that they can't change skills around once they've got used to it.
yeah but elective mode on is still super friendly to newbies who dont know. why? because it still gives you the same skill choices as elective mode off, you have to know to click the little arrows at the top to change to other categories. see youtube video in OP
You have a good point there, I would've watched that but I'm on a uni computer (IE6, no flash ¬_¬). Got my #160 wristband for the London D3 release, been waiting out here as its round the corner and they said we didn't have to stick around for 5-6 hours!
If it was automatically on and there was a 'restore default' button it would work for everyone. Seems odd they wouldn't change it to something more suitable. I guess they just wanted people to have no choice until they figure it out? That's the only reason I can think, like those people who propose passing an IQ test before you can vote...
Oh My God, this is huge.... This means we can now have both Slow Time and Teleport for the Sorceress, right? This opens so much more possibilities, now idea why they did not specify it right away...
Zelniq United States. May 15 2012 05:12. Posts 6940
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Zelniq United States. May 15 2012 04:32. Posts 6940
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