Game Challenge: The No-Pointer (Islander/Ironman+)

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A decided to write up this quick challenge/guide as the idea picked up some steam and it might be interesting for ex-islanders or anyone who hasn’t islanded before, to try something challenging and fresh. I suck at writing these, but I feel I should have it written down in stone (lol) for future reference.

THE IDEA:
...is to reject the usual way of playing the game as much as possible. An ascetic way of looking at the game, especially Maple Island, where you strip away all of the unnecessaries, but still have a challenging progression.

The No-Pointer - an islander (for now) that limits himself by not using the AP/SP points when leveling. Other nicknames for this fellow is the bulb-lander, due to the everlasting quest prompt icon (which is a medal of honor), or the Iron-PETA-unskilled-neet-straightedge-monklander, or the F3-Menace.

What changes then? Your damage is brutally low compared to other islanders, progression is dependent on equips and scrolls, not level (except the required one for said items). There are also several gameplay changes that happen if one considers all the possible addons to those initial rules.

Cutting to the chase - to understand the build I think it helps to split the principles into two: provables and unprovables.
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PROVABLES (required):​

• NO AP added to stats upon leveling at all; ​
• NO skill points used at all; ​
• NO quests.​

UNPROVABLES (highly recommended as it changes the game a lot):​

• IRONMAN mode - it truly adds to the experience​
• NO picking up etc items or meso - you don't need it, you're self sufficient!​
• NO potions use as we don’t pick them up as well - just rest for a bit​

(optional):​

• NO monster cards - so there's no exp or stat bonus​
• NO chair (you rest 10 hp per 10 seconds) - no quests = no chair, event chairs might be an option of course​
• NO NX – cosmetics are of no importance to the philosophy of the build, we take what the land gives​
• NO pets – we don’t need them to be used as a picking up automaton​
• NO buying from NPCs except for event stuff that have special currencies and such, plus you don't need pots or have the cash to buy anything​

• EQUIPS – only the ones that upgrade your training/stats, i.e. no hoarding weapons just because;​
• SCROLLS – hoarding scrolls is allowed, due to their “upgrade” nature regarding equips,​
• (BONUS: F3 any high level islander and tell them that their level doesn't intimidate you.)​

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CONSIDERATIONS and TIPS:
1. The list of principles above are not just random, they seem to change the game in a more simpler, minimalist and at the same time challenging way (one example is the no potions principle).
2. Events items are okay, seeing as on the island there aren't many truly game changing ones, unless its a PQ of some sort or something that might interfere with the build philosophy of "letting go" of aspect of the game.
3. Sometimes items get in the way of the item you wanna pick up – I've picked up mesos in the attempt to get a scroll or weapon, or maybe the occasional red shell, but all you have to do is just throw it away – it happens rarely.
4. In general, ITEMS have more weight and meaning. At the beginning every mob is a boss battle when the damage range is 1-3. (Note, club instead of axe or sword gives 1-4 damage.)
5. It helps to remove stats screens hotkeys, as to not accidentally use AP; but also a pro move is to move the hotkey for picking up an item to an uncomfortable place (having it bound to what you’re used to could trigger the muscle memory to pick up items).
6. Things like getting a helmet DEF scroll means much more since several DEF points actually affect you far more than the usual builds. The 100% dex scrolls you can infuse a cape with (event item) gives you 5 dex that provides a big boost (relative to our damage output). Every 10% scroll that hits the gomu (+3 dex per scroll) is a boost.

Final words:
I think a guide-guide to every step of this experience isn't needed as figuring out the progression is part of the fun – like for example I was lvl 14 or so when I realized I wont be wearing the purse as it requires STR. I personally adhere (with NoPointer) to both listed provables and unprovables, but as long as you use the provables, you’re good. I find all of the points above combined make for the most rewarding gameplay. My NoPointer will soon be added to the official islander rankings, and as of this date is the first no-pointer to do so. Here’s a screenshot of damage, skills, stats, equips, inventory, quests, etc.

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Thanks to Shylander and Annot for making me think this really is a legit way to play by they themselves being curious about it and making the attempt with IGN: ZeroAPR, Havah. Fundlander too, who has made one, but is too busy grinding his other 9582 islanders.

For the rest of you, you're missing out if you haven't joined our ISLANDER DISCORD SERVER, especially if you're future masochists by trying this challenge.
discord.gg/WwccSsM
OTHER IMPORTANT THREADS:

Spoiler

Islanders 2021+ Community Thread
Islander Rankings
Comprehensive Islander Gear Guide

memes:

Spoiler: book of abuses

Spoiler

 

Fundlander mentioned, I approve of this thread.
My no-pointer will shine soon.

 

I've played some tough game modes but this one might take the cake for hardest lol.

 

my honest reaction to this thread as I was reading it

 

1000% thought no-pointer as in, no use of mouse clicks

 

This sounds chaotic, yet fun! I plan to make an islander....one of these days....