How do helpers work?

[vem]

I haven't paid much attention to those until recently, but since this event kinda requires a good one to get the most out of it (at least at my current level), I'm trying to use a specific one from my ally list. Thing is, I can't figure out how to get him to appear on the list of helper options.

From what I observed, the helper list is always the same if you fight the same boss (or a level I suppose) multiple times in a row. So if I get him once, I can keep using him until the boss is defeated. But once I summon a new boss, the list resets and he might not be there anymore. But if I wait an hour or two, the list seems to refresh again.

Is there any other way to force a refresh, or do anything to make it more consistent? Would removing all other friends help at all (pretty crude measure though, rather avoid that)?

[Unregistered]

You normally need to wait an hour before you can reuse a given helper. Being able to use someone repeatedly for the event boss is an abnormality, but not a bug.

[vem]

Ah, gotcha, seems there is some delay before the timeout kicks in, which never occurred before since missions took quite some time to complete.

[Zandel]

I have noticed that after 3-4 runs of the event boss the list does refresh. I thought it was refreshing per boss but it seems to be a constant 3-4 runs.

[Discoceris]

You normally need to wait an hour before you can reuse a given helper. Being able to use someone repeatedly for the event boss is an abnormality, but not a bug.

It's not an abnormality, there is logic.

I play in a time period where the number of players online is at its lowest, and therefore, my list refreshes more frequently. I've been able to use the same helper multiple times in a row on many occasions, because most people on my friend list are not available during the weeknights (they got there due to me being online earlier on a weekend)

[vem]

I have noticed that after 3-4 runs of the event boss the list does refresh. I thought it was refreshing per boss but it seems to be a constant 3-4 runs.

Nah it depends on how quickly you do them. If you mash the skip button, you can get like 8 runs in. You basically get a couple minutes before the helper goes on a timeout. I'm assuming they tuned it for regular missions that last longer than that.

[steele1743]

so...the helper has to be online to be available then? I noticed a helper that I have always used is still on my ally list but doesn't show up anymore so maybe this is why...I also over time leveled and their team was at about 77K power and my set 1 team 1 is now at 82K so I don't know if that makes a difference.
Also I can post my friend ID later after work if a newer player needs the ally, I have about 4 slots open.

[Discoceris]

so...the helper has to be online to be available then?

No, not necessarily. If the helper was online at the time you first logged in, then as long as your session does not time out or expire, even if that player logs off or is no longer online, you'll still be able to utilize that player as a helper. You can test this by checking your friend list, noting down when the last time they were online, and then checking the available helper list. If, however, you are playing during a time when many players are online, then more than likely, your list will be populated with other players, and will "drown" out those from your friend list. Again, this is not abnormal behavior, but simply the fact that the game recognizes that some players do play during off-peak hours, and rather than punishing those players, the algorithm tends to be more lenient and helpful. There has been times, like during a holiday for example, where I've seen the only available helpers are those that are really low level/new players. That hasn't happen in a few months now, but color me surprised to say the least.

[Bloodsport Bloom]

It would probably be better to post it in the FKG ID thread, Steele, if you haven't already, or to make a new post in that thread to let newer players know that you're offering valuable slots to help them grind through the game.

I'm sure there's more than a few lurkers or newbies who are looking for allies in the forums but are probably not reading through in this thread in particular.

[kringley]

so...the helper has to be online to be available then? I noticed a helper that I have always used is still on my ally list but doesn't show up anymore so maybe this is why...I also over time leveled and their team was at about 77K power and my set 1 team 1 is now at 82K so I don't know if that makes a difference.
Also I can post my friend ID later after work if a newer player needs the ally, I have about 4 slots open.

They don't have to be online, but if they've been offline for too long (I'm not sure where that threshold is) they won't usually show up in the list.