Public Test Server: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Phantasie just released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) thread on the forums, answering the most common questions about PTS.

Source: http://forums.defiance.com/showthread.php?204164-PTS-Frequently-Asked-Questions-(FAQ)

Contents:

• What is PTS?
• What is the goal of PTS?
• Will everything on PTS make it's way into the actual game?
• How do I join PTS?
• What should I do on PTS?
• Where are the PTS Patch Notes?
• Wait - PTS is PC only? What about consoles?
• Can I get my character copied?
• Character wipes on PTS?
• How do I get goodies on PTS?
• How do I report bugs?
• Why should I spend my time on PTS?
• Is the Defiance Store available on PTS?
• Is there a PTS Clan I can join?
• Why is question XXX not in here?

Hi

This post if for frequently asked questions regarding PTS. If you have questions or know of previous topics that you think would be useful, please let me know and I'll add them!

What is PTS?

PTS stands for Public Test Servers. It is a small environment that we give free access to for players to test content, patches and bug fixes in advance of it going to the live servers.

What is the goal of PTS?

Trion has a dedicated Quality Assurance team. However sometimes players do strange things - and those strange things cause bugs. We use PTS as a means for players to experiment and play the game, and at the same time supplement the bug finding process. Additionally, we will test out game mechanic/balance changes on PTS with the intention of getting player feedback before it goes live.
PTS is not meant to replace internal Quality Assurance on the game.

Will everything on PTS make it's way the the actual game?

NO! PTS is a "Test" server for a reason - so we can periodically test things out that we have no intention of moving to the live servers, or we may release content in an unbalanced state with the intention of tweaking it based on player feedback.

But we certainly want to hear your feedback regarding changes on PTS, just keep in mind that the content is not final until it goes Live (and even then it can change). Keep the pitchforks sheathed until then.

How do I join PTS?

Take a look at this guide for details on how to join.

What should I do on PTS?

Play the game as you normally would. We post PTS patch notes - pay particular changes to the most recent ones. Sometimes we will ask for specific testing requests too!

Where are the PTS patch notes?

Dedicated PTS Section with all Patch Notes on Defiance Data can be found here: http://www.defiancedata.com/pts.php

We only post the patch notes on the forums. Look for the most recent thread, typically with a patch version number one higher than what is currently live (which are listed here).Once a patch moves from PTS to Live, we typically update the thread title with a "[Went Live: DATE]" (for example)

PTS patch notes are rough, non-final, incomplete, and are not edited for accuracy. We feel it is more important to get patches out to players to test, rather than add the additional burden of vetting and verifying all notes (like we do for live patches), since this process can take significant time. Please keep this in mind if you think there has been a mistake.

Wait - PTS is PC only? What about consoles?

This is a common question, and its a good question.
See this article for an explanation of some of the challenges around MMO patching on consoles, and why we only support PC.
And, while we would never say the builds are the same acrosss PC, XBox and PS3, it should be noted that the code base is completely shared, save for console/hardware specific differences. There are no (or extremely inconsequential) differences from a gameplay standpoint.

I have a 5932 EGO on one of the live servers. I don't want to do all that work on PTS. Help!

We can duplicate your character from the live servers to PTS. This does not affect your live character in anyway. See this guide for details. Please read/follow the instructions; if they are not followed we can not do the copy.

Note: Character copies are not officially supported - meaning bugs introduced on PTS because of the copy are expected, and Customer Service will not handle them. Additionally, the copy is a manual process. Team members do this work in their spare time - and are happy to do it - but please keep this in mind if your request isn't completed quickly.

I heard that PTS servers sometimes have character wipes. I like my character. Will that happen?

It might . But we would only do that in a catastrophic situation (perhaps to run a test to prevent something more serious on Live). However I strongly doubt we will need to do this, nor have we had to do any PTS wipe or rollback, and the environment has been around for quite awhile.

How do I get DLC, Bits and other goodies to help test?

See this guide for a code you can enter to give you these free stipends on PTS. (No, they do not apply to you live account ). The code will automatically re-apply monthly, onwards.

Note: There is a rare bug with the code where Bits or other items may not be granted. We don't have a good solution for this yet.

How do I report bugs?

See this thread for a discussion on reporting bugs. Post to the forums, or use the in-game bug report.

What's in it for me? Why should I spend my time on PTS?

Well, there is the satisfaction of finding bugs! Plus, when we test out things on PTS to get your feedback, you get the chance to shape the direction of certain mechanics/systems!

However we periodically do thing's for the players on PTS: Granting a title to their live account, and some extremely dedicated members have been inducted as Trion Supporters, getting access to unique outfits on their live account.

Is the Defiance Store available on PTS?

It is now! See this article for details.

Is there a clan on PTS I can join?

Yes, there is a PTS clan. It has the acronym PTS. Send Fuzzy a PM if you would like to join. And ask around why they chose PTS as the name.

How come question XXX isn't in this thread?

Send Phantasie a PM and he will add it, if its helpful for the PTS community!

Future questions go here...