Feedback - Soulbound items

[Bonpan.8762]

I think for some items it doesn't make sense to be soulbound and that the term 'soulbound' isn't accessible for new players.

I'm new to the game (~ 5 days) and not accustomed to some of the mechanics. Here's my problem: While playing on my second character I found the cultural weapons vendor in the human capital city. I looked at what she had to sell and saw a Rifle that would suit my main character and decided to buy it (spending most of my karma). A message popped up, telling me I wouldn't be able to use the gun, since it's not meant for my profession. I ignored that message, as I thought I would just transfer the weapon via the bank to my main character. Well, as it turns out the weapons you buy there are 'soulbound' which apparently means it's stuck to my character. So now I spend 10k karma on an item I have absolutely no use for, I can't trade, salvage, nor do anything else with it other than destroying it.
I knew that some items are account bound (because it literally says 'account bound') but I don't understand why character bound items are not just called that, but instead are called 'soul bound'. I also don't understand why I am even able to buy these items, if it can impede on my playthrough so much as a new player.

[Inculpatus cedo.9234]

You can always use the skin on a rifle your other character possesses. 

(Check carefully the tool-tips; it usually says 'Soulbound on Acquire' if it is character-bound when, well, acquired.)

[Farohna.6247]

I was very familiar with soulbound items from other games, but still something occasionally catches me not paying attention and I mistakingly buy it. 

I'll agree that soulbound can be confusing for some players, and frankly some items I wonder why they're soulbound (character story and all that aside).  Sorry for your frustration OP.

[DeanBB.4268]

In case you haven't discovered it yet, the wiki is an excellent source of info. In-game, you can type in "/wiki" + whatever you are interested in, and it will open. Like

/wiki seraph rifle

There's a link at the top of this page as well. Bookmark it.

Often the items you purchase for karma are primarily to unlock the skins. Sometimes they work as level-up gear. Note that any upgrades (rune, sigil, etc) you put into them, you cannot get back out.

[Bonpan.8762]

I will definitely be more careful from now on. Just as a new player it's not something I'd have expected (especially since, like I said, the term isn't exactly on the nose). Still, thanks for the tips and the sympathy! 

[Solvar.7953]

What is odd in this case is that there are certainly items you get that are account bound, but once equipped, become soulbound to that character.

It would seem like the same could be done for these cultural items.

That is probably what throws off new players - you don't expect this inconsistency - you get an account bound on acquire/soul bound on use reward for something, and think most things should work that way, but in fact don't.

 

[Vavume.8065]

Soul bound should be removed from the game and replaced with account bound.

[The Boz.2038]

19 hours ago, Bonpan.8762 said:

I think for some items it doesn't make sense to be soulbound and that the term 'soulbound' isn't accessible for new players.

I'm new to the game (~ 5 days) and not accustomed to some of the mechanics. Here's my problem: While playing on my second character I found the cultural weapons vendor in the human capital city. I looked at what she had to sell and saw a Rifle that would suit my main character and decided to buy it (spending most of my karma). A message popped up, telling me I wouldn't be able to use the gun, since it's not meant for my profession. I ignored that message, as I thought I would just transfer the weapon via the bank to my main character. Well, as it turns out the weapons you buy there are 'soulbound' which apparently means it's stuck to my character. So now I spend 10k karma on an item I have absolutely no use for, I can't trade, salvage, nor do anything else with it other than destroying it.
I knew that some items are account bound (because it literally says 'account bound') but I don't understand why character bound items are not just called that, but instead are called 'soul bound'. I also don't understand why I am even able to buy these items, if it can impede on my playthrough so much as a new player.

The karma guns are mostly bought to unlock the skin. Getting new, better weapons while leveling up is trivial.