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This is probably contributing to my issue some, looking for coolness in a build.
Here is an example of my mindset. A Ranger with one or two skeleton archers following along, they poison break the armor and I can do something to that consumes the break and loop that process. Or a Warrior with a with a four armed gorilla as a side kick that can split the damage a little. But these are not really practical because of the limits of stats, support gems and equipment based skills.
You say they're not practical, but they're viable concepts at core. It's investing in the details to make them practical. I'm walking around with spear and crossbow, with an antlion that has Hinder aura, plus an artillery ballista. I'm throwing scattershot spears then blowing them up with Explosive Shot. If the Hinder aura isn't enough, I'll get Spearfield out for more slows, or Glacial Bolt to shape enemy pathing. That I'm a Mercenary is only relevant when it's time to consider what ascendancies bring to the table, until then it doesn't matter if I'm a Ranger or Mercenary as they're close enough in the passive tree to overlap.
Now a Skeleton Archer element with a martial weapon is going to require Int. Currently the only choice then is the quarterstaff until druid/templar bring skills for the top left side of the passive tree. It's also Int gear where you find +Spirit affixes. So instead of "2 archers that break armour", you'd be thinking along the lines of 5 archers shooting through Flame Wall and applying some other debuff that are relevant to quarterstaff skills.
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Posted bySchverika#2698on Apr 9, 2025, 6:33:42 AM
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This is probably contributing to my issue some, looking for coolness in a build.
Here is an example of my mindset. A Ranger with one or two skeleton archers following along, they poison break the armor and I can do something to that consumes the break and loop that process. Or a Warrior with a with a four armed gorilla as a side kick that can split the damage a little. But these are not really practical because of the limits of stats, support gems and equipment based skills.
You say they're not practical, but they're viable concepts at core. It's investing in the details to make them practical. I'm walking around with spear and crossbow, with an antlion that has Hinder aura, plus an artillery ballista. I'm throwing scattershot spears then blowing them up with Explosive Shot. If the Hinder aura isn't enough, I'll get Spearfield out for more slows, or Glacial Bolt to shape enemy pathing. That I'm a Mercenary is only relevant when it's time to consider what ascendancies bring to the table, until then it doesn't matter if I'm a Ranger or Mercenary as they're close enough in the passive tree to overlap.
Now a Skeleton Archer element with a martial weapon is going to require Int. Currently the only choice then is the quarterstaff until druid/templar bring skills for the top left side of the passive tree. It's also Int gear where you find +Spirit affixes. So instead of "2 archers that break armour", you'd be thinking along the lines of 5 archers shooting through Flame Wall and applying some other debuff that are relevant to quarterstaff skills.
This all good information for more educated players who understand your approach better and have the reflex's switch weapons and use the secondary skill bar when pressing CTRL at speed.
I probably should have clarified more on the lack of understanding combining mechanics and skills. Me being a neophyte when it comes to POE2's concepts makes it harder to find what I can manage and have fun with.
Here's why it takes me a while to get a character to 40 ish. ( skill issues )
So I don't know it's bad for me until around then.
Let's use the spear field to slow them down as an example.
I used it and did not see it really working to slow them down.
Maybe I'm using it incorrectly or missing the tree for the forest.
I did use the vine on the ranger and saw the slow effect better.
But after the patch not so much, perhaps something changed I'm un aware of.
Thank you for the suggestions and insight.
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Posted byBanditv1#6344on Apr 9, 2025, 6:52:21 AM
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This is a great conversation, I'm seeing some aspects that were not quite as apparent when I posted. I'll definitely try some other builds and classes.
This is probably contributing to my issue some, looking for coolness in a build.
Here is an example of my mindset. A Ranger with one or two skeleton archers following along, they poison break the armor and I can do something to that consumes the break and loop that process. Or a Warrior with a with a four armed gorilla as a side kick that can split the damage a little. But these are not really practical because of the limits of stats, support gems and equipment based skills.
At first I wanted to play a ranger build that could utilize the flask recharge passives and an aura, aoe, or large presence with the alchemist persistent buff.
To heal my friends, I sort of had it almost before the update.
But the limits on the support gems made it hard. I'm not sure what the intended direction is on the limits.
Personally I don't see why I can't use the same support gems on different skills. Example, Contagion and Despair why can I not use magnified effect on these two? Perhaps someone can let me know "it's because of X reason" and why they decided this. Then provide some oversite on how to know what gems can work together without having to engrave them all first to see the supports window you get after engraving one.
Thanks again for all the information.
usually the reasons why and why not boil down to - "if we did that, it would become the best option, rendering everything else comparatively useless" because as we know, players always gravitate toward the strongest things.
As for your build, imo - its possible, but the issue is the congruence between your imagination (the rule of cool) and the rules of the game.
If you could do everything, or even too many things - then the point of "options" would stop existing - for this game. Im vaguely quoting the Devs here, but I am also of the same opinion.
after all, there ARE games that do exactly as you imagine - but those games have a different philosophy in mind. Usually RPGs though, like Kingdom of Almur: Reckoning, or Elderscrolls.
Part of playing games, is recognizing the rules you are playing by, and making peace with the difference between what you imagine you want, and what you can actually have. lol I know, just like real life right?
We just get to suspend disbelief for games, but every game is limited by some manner in this aspect. Elderscrolls make you play alone, this game has you play character balance.
That is my answer to your question, why. I hope this helps.
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Posted byjihaku87#7034on Apr 9, 2025, 9:16:45 AM
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This all good information for more educated players who understand your approach better and have the reflex's switch weapons and use the secondary skill bar when pressing CTRL at speed.
I probably should have clarified more on the lack of understanding combining mechanics and skills. Me being a neophyte when it comes to POE2's concepts makes it harder to find what I can manage and have fun with.
Ah, this is the core of our different approaches:
- I never hit the "switch weapons" button (except when looking at how the passive tree changes around with specialisation points)
- I never press CTRL
It was a detail mentioned in the pre-Early Access teaser videos: the game will switch weapons for you if you use a skill that can only be used with it. Holding a spear and you press the button for Earthquake? Your character takes a fraction of a second to swap for you then does the Earthquake.
As for CTRL, the first thing I did after starting my first character in 0.1.0 was to change the key bindings. I use WASD for movement and:
- F is my life flask
- G is my mana flask
- Q, E, R, T, 1, 2, 3, 4 are my keyboard shortcuts for skills
- I have 5 mouse buttons for skills, the last two being typically associated with "Back/Forward button for web browser"
- Nowhere do I need to press CTRL to access all the possible skill shortcuts
Last edited by Schverika#2698 on Apr 9, 2025, 9:28:45 AM
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Posted bySchverika#2698on Apr 9, 2025, 9:27:28 AM
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Hello,
This post is just about my experiences and my skill issues.
With that out of the way I'd like to describe how the game feels to a low skill player.
I'm that low skill player, with slow reaction times and who has yet to grasp the concept of POE2's current landscape. When early access came out and I played on day one the experience was a lot of fun. Because even with a mediocre build I could at least get to end game.
Now I can't get out of my own way.
Yes it could just be that I'm that bad of a player and the game has exceeded my abilities and understanding of the game mechanics or something has drastically changed. To be honest even before the update I doubt I was ever going to be able to complete all the accidences and had no chance at reaching the high level maps. Despite that I was having fun smashing monsters with my friends.
After the update: for me everything seems twice as fast, monsters are two or three times more spongy, and the passive trees seems less visible. Before the update in the standard league I had a Ranger that was dedicated to poison / armor breaking that let my friends builds consume the armor break. Even with this build I could still solo to end game at a slower pace.
Currently I have a Ranger level 39 lightning arrow / lightning rod and it feels bad. It's to slow to setup now, the monsters blaze right to you and that makes the lightning rods useless, and yes it's probably mostly a skill issue.
But you couple that with what feels like a currency / gear drop famine, and the fun is gone. ( for me )
Currently I have maybe 1/10 of the currency I had in the standard league.
I've a couple pieces of ok gear, I was stuck on a serval pieces form act one until I started act three. This brought my progress to a super slow crawl.
It's my impression this game is supposed to be a combination of currency / equipment drops that you RNG build gear with as you go along.
If I'm wrong about the concept feel free to elucidate me one what is what.
Lastly before you troll me in the reply's let's address a couple things.
Everyone says go look up a build on the POE2 build tool.
To me that is no fun because it's playing some one else's way.
I've tried to look at the builds to understand the concepts behind them.
Get good, yeah I already acknowledged that one.
Just quit, everyone has a vice so here were are.
I'm good with the game being challenging, it just seems like it's now challenging at Shroud's level and no longer at a normal human level.
Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.
And trolls you be you, it's a forum post after all.
Expect frequent buffs in the upcoming weeks to bring more skills up to snub. Hopefully it benefits you. As for your current situation, continue tinkering with your support gems to find the best synergies between your skills, make sure you skill tree enhances what you’re trying to accomplish with said skills, and overlevel to compensate for your current lack of DPS. GL
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Posted byN3vangel#0037on Apr 9, 2025, 9:52:06 AM
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I'm 46 and the focus on combo gameplay worries me. I already have a bad middle finger from using using mouse for 30 years. They need to consider ergonomics when coming up with such gameplay loops. Having to use middle mouse or lot of buttons on the keyboard is a bad experience, physically straining and a hurdle for anyone who isn't the quickest anymore.
My dad has completly messed up hands and some games he can't play anymore at all.
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Posted byFlowneppets#0528on Apr 9, 2025, 9:53:51 AM
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Hello,
This post is just about my experiences and my skill issues.
With that out of the way I'd like to describe how the game feels to a low skill player.
I'm that low skill player, with slow reaction times and who has yet to grasp the concept of POE2's current landscape. When early access came out and I played on day one the experience was a lot of fun. Because even with a mediocre build I could at least get to end game.
Now I can't get out of my own way.
Yes it could just be that I'm that bad of a player and the game has exceeded my abilities and understanding of the game mechanics or something has drastically changed. To be honest even before the update I doubt I was ever going to be able to complete all the accidences and had no chance at reaching the high level maps. Despite that I was having fun smashing monsters with my friends.
After the update: for me everything seems twice as fast, monsters are two or three times more spongy, and the passive trees seems less visible. Before the update in the standard league I had a Ranger that was dedicated to poison / armor breaking that let my friends builds consume the armor break. Even with this build I could still solo to end game at a slower pace.
Currently I have a Ranger level 39 lightning arrow / lightning rod and it feels bad. It's to slow to setup now, the monsters blaze right to you and that makes the lightning rods useless, and yes it's probably mostly a skill issue.
But you couple that with what feels like a currency / gear drop famine, and the fun is gone. ( for me )
Currently I have maybe 1/10 of the currency I had in the standard league.
I've a couple pieces of ok gear, I was stuck on a serval pieces form act one until I started act three. This brought my progress to a super slow crawl.
It's my impression this game is supposed to be a combination of currency / equipment drops that you RNG build gear with as you go along.
If I'm wrong about the concept feel free to elucidate me one what is what.
Lastly before you troll me in the reply's let's address a couple things.
Everyone says go look up a build on the POE2 build tool.
To me that is no fun because it's playing some one else's way.
I've tried to look at the builds to understand the concepts behind them.
Get good, yeah I already acknowledged that one.
Just quit, everyone has a vice so here were are.
I'm good with the game being challenging, it just seems like it's now challenging at Shroud's level and no longer at a normal human level.
Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.
And trolls you be you, it's a forum post after all.
sorry but I have to disagree. I am almost 50 year old. I struggle to play any games because of my reaction time being too slow even to play RTS. Yet.. I am doing extremely fine in POE2... have not died a single time until act 1 cruel yet.
The game is NOT about reaction time.... it is about memorization of this enemy I need to deal with this.. this move I need to dodge.. that move I need to get close. Your reaction time can be super slow. I can play this game into asia servers with ping 400 ms and the result is the same.
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Hello,
This post is just about my experiences and my skill issues.
With that out of the way I'd like to describe how the game feels to a low skill player.
I'm that low skill player, with slow reaction times and who has yet to grasp the concept of POE2's current landscape. When early access came out and I played on day one the experience was a lot of fun. Because even with a mediocre build I could at least get to end game.
Now I can't get out of my own way.
Yes it could just be that I'm that bad of a player and the game has exceeded my abilities and understanding of the game mechanics or something has drastically changed. To be honest even before the update I doubt I was ever going to be able to complete all the accidences and had no chance at reaching the high level maps. Despite that I was having fun smashing monsters with my friends.
After the update: for me everything seems twice as fast, monsters are two or three times more spongy, and the passive trees seems less visible. Before the update in the standard league I had a Ranger that was dedicated to poison / armor breaking that let my friends builds consume the armor break. Even with this build I could still solo to end game at a slower pace.
Currently I have a Ranger level 39 lightning arrow / lightning rod and it feels bad. It's to slow to setup now, the monsters blaze right to you and that makes the lightning rods useless, and yes it's probably mostly a skill issue.
But you couple that with what feels like a currency / gear drop famine, and the fun is gone. ( for me )
Currently I have maybe 1/10 of the currency I had in the standard league.
I've a couple pieces of ok gear, I was stuck on a serval pieces form act one until I started act three. This brought my progress to a super slow crawl.
It's my impression this game is supposed to be a combination of currency / equipment drops that you RNG build gear with as you go along.
If I'm wrong about the concept feel free to elucidate me one what is what.
Lastly before you troll me in the reply's let's address a couple things.
Everyone says go look up a build on the POE2 build tool.
To me that is no fun because it's playing some one else's way.
I've tried to look at the builds to understand the concepts behind them.
Get good, yeah I already acknowledged that one.
Just quit, everyone has a vice so here were are.
I'm good with the game being challenging, it just seems like it's now challenging at Shroud's level and no longer at a normal human level.
Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.
And trolls you be you, it's a forum post after all.
Notice how the majority say trade up without explaining how they got the boom boom item to drop.
This game advertixes solo but its designed for a 6 man Loot squad, meaning you need to rely on others to let you have the loot that drops.
Notice how when you do a search for a party to join, that the leader says my loot your exp. they are using you to gain your drop chance and quantity chance to beef up the loot.
The game does not explain this, and advertises solo game play but its a hustle, only the players that group up and let the one take the lead on the drops, gets the good stuff leaving all the noobs behind.
Till you understand this the game will never be to your liking unless you join up with a cartel style guild that exploits the 6 man bonuses.
Brewskie
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Posted byBrewskiesBrew#0748on Apr 9, 2025, 10:07:38 AM
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"
"
Hello,
This post is just about my experiences and my skill issues.
With that out of the way I'd like to describe how the game feels to a low skill player.
I'm that low skill player, with slow reaction times and who has yet to grasp the concept of POE2's current landscape. When early access came out and I played on day one the experience was a lot of fun. Because even with a mediocre build I could at least get to end game.
Now I can't get out of my own way.
Yes it could just be that I'm that bad of a player and the game has exceeded my abilities and understanding of the game mechanics or something has drastically changed. To be honest even before the update I doubt I was ever going to be able to complete all the accidences and had no chance at reaching the high level maps. Despite that I was having fun smashing monsters with my friends.
After the update: for me everything seems twice as fast, monsters are two or three times more spongy, and the passive trees seems less visible. Before the update in the standard league I had a Ranger that was dedicated to poison / armor breaking that let my friends builds consume the armor break. Even with this build I could still solo to end game at a slower pace.
Currently I have a Ranger level 39 lightning arrow / lightning rod and it feels bad. It's to slow to setup now, the monsters blaze right to you and that makes the lightning rods useless, and yes it's probably mostly a skill issue.
But you couple that with what feels like a currency / gear drop famine, and the fun is gone. ( for me )
Currently I have maybe 1/10 of the currency I had in the standard league.
I've a couple pieces of ok gear, I was stuck on a serval pieces form act one until I started act three. This brought my progress to a super slow crawl.
It's my impression this game is supposed to be a combination of currency / equipment drops that you RNG build gear with as you go along.
If I'm wrong about the concept feel free to elucidate me one what is what.
Lastly before you troll me in the reply's let's address a couple things.
Everyone says go look up a build on the POE2 build tool.
To me that is no fun because it's playing some one else's way.
I've tried to look at the builds to understand the concepts behind them.
Get good, yeah I already acknowledged that one.
Just quit, everyone has a vice so here were are.
I'm good with the game being challenging, it just seems like it's now challenging at Shroud's level and no longer at a normal human level.
Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.
And trolls you be you, it's a forum post after all.
Notice how the majority say trade up without explaining how they got the boom boom item to drop.
This game advertixes solo but its designed for a 6 man Loot squad, meaning you need to rely on others to let you have the loot that drops.
Notice how when you do a search for a party to join, that the leader says my loot your exp. they are using you to gain your drop chance and quantity chance to beef up the loot.
The game does not explain this, and advertises solo game play but its a hustle, only the players that group up and let the one take the lead on the drops, gets the good stuff leaving all the noobs behind.
Till you understand this the game will never be to your liking unless you join up with a cartel style guild that exploits the 6 man bonuses.
not really true.. I always played solo except when a friend says he is stuck in a boss or trial and needs help.
Loot variance can make the game harder for soempeople, but no you do not NEED to farm of even trade to advance. SSF only makes you go slower.
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Define slower? Witout MF on your element, nothing drops, If you put MF on and Quantity to drop, you start to get a few t5 items to drop.
If you go all dps and defense, your screwed, uless you join a 6 man loot beef up, and upto 900% mf can be had with a a few buff items.
Dont tell me that loot drops at lover than 50% MF cause your just not telling the truth.
it takes a 6 man squad, with over 900% MF and quantity to drop well over 100% to get any t10 to t12 items to drop.
The game advertises solo, and this format of a 6 man and all the uniques that go with it is never mentioned.
Solo players get the crap and the base of pros take advantage of all the noobs that show up and never help them out. They say go to trade or a 3rd party site to get good.
Brewskie Last edited by BrewskiesBrew#0748 on Apr 9, 2025, 10:19:04 AM
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Posted byBrewskiesBrew#0748on Apr 9, 2025, 10:14:15 AM
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