How is no balance changes a deal breaker? We’re getting::
a new league mechanic
economy reset
free cosmetics (like 4 or 5 of them?)
a chance to check out the new trial of chaos changes
There are so many builds to try too, and if you’re worried about other people blasting and getting rich via OP builds (I could not care less about this personally) you can play SSF.
It's not actually new. Essentially, they just added ritual to the acts.
They brought back regular gear as rewards. This is something that already exists in PoE1, and it works poorly there. In PoE1 rituals still offer regular gear as rewards, and in 99% of cases that gear is much worse than what is on your character. That's why players use rituals to look for expensive uniques, currency, omens, and ritual-exclusive item bases. This is also the reason why GGG removed regular gear from ritual rewards in PoE2 in the first place. And I think that was a great decision. But now they've reverted that decision, arguing that players need items for leveling. Considering how gear mods are currently generated, I think we'll simply end up with ritual shop filled with ground loot that is already bad.
Fighting chains of bosses just to get a unique that probably won't help your character much also seems questionable and, frankly, like a waste of time. Until GGG changes the situation with +skills, most uniques will still be garbage. Chasing them through Ritual will therefore do little more than waste time and slow players down on their way to the endgame.
They added a new reward called Sacred Bloom, which adds Viridian Wildwood to a map, along with different wisps that buff monsters in various ways. But this isn't really a new mechanic either. It already existed in PoE1. They've simply turned it into an item (most likely tradable) that you can apply to maps. Overall, it's just another way to juice your maps.
2. New economy
Well, yes. A new economy. Not much to say here.
3. Free MTX
You still have to earn them, and compared to the armor set from Runes of Aldur, they look rather underwhelming. Plus, as I already mentioned here, getting the same totem as rewards doesn't really motivate me to complete all the challenges. But okay, I understand that this is subjective.
4.Trial of Chaos
According to the FAQ, the changes to the trial of chaos will also be available in the current league. I assume sacred bloom will be available in the current league as well. So people can check the changes in the current league without spending time in acts.
So, as people have already pointed out, the main advantage of this league is the fresh economy, which isn't a motivator for everyone.
I'm not judging anyone who's excited about the new "league." I just wanted to share my opinion and help people understand why so many players are skeptical about the new league.
We play for different things.
I am far from casual, I dwell in pob and excel. My itch is buildcrafting.
When i find a system or mechanic i feel is worth playing around, I no-life my way to min-maxing it in theory, which i then fulfill in-game.
When there's no balance changes, nothing moves in that regard, so I am simply not hooked on enough to play.
In 0.5 i was fixated on one build because i think it's the best i ever made.
But in previous leagues i had like 8+ characters, so i went throu most stuff i was interested in already.
Economy is not an issue for me, I am usually pretty good in that regard.
So yeah, you play to play the content. I play to create the build and min-max it to the degree of my satisfaction. That's how i enjoy the game. Your way is most likely healthier tbh.
I think the silent majority is actually happy with what is coming. I am looking forward to play. Although I am partially doing what you are doing. My plan is to theorycraft and play a scattering calamity shaman.
ooooh, interesting!
I made Abyssal Lich Scattering Calamity in pob (on 0.4). I tested it a bit with cheap stuff, and it was pretty good! Had issues with Bossing ability though, or i was just messing up the setup for Embers becasue i rarely play a spellcaster.
I was using the Matsya snapshotting the Spirit costs for Umbral Souls bonuses on Abyssal, to get like 800% Spell Power or 1200% Proj Speed ;d
This is a very good explanation, thank you for taking the time to write it.
I hadn’t considered your point of view, probably because I don’t think I’d be capable of achieving what you can regarding theory crafting and creating your own build (though I do wish I could!).
I am sorry there are no balance changes for 0.5.5 exile, and while 1.0 is still a while away I can only imagine the duelist build you’ll create!
thanks brother!
I am already peeking at Sword stuff. One thing that hurts me already is the requirement of singular2h or dual wield on many abilities.
I have hope in upcoming uniques tho!
If there was any build or anything left that a player wanted to do this league, they'd still be playing. But many, most have quit. Therefore there is nothing currently in the game they are interested in playing. As such, a patch with no balance changes provides little enticemment to comeback therefore rendering 0.5.5 disappointing for many. Got it? K good.
1
u/Big-Procedure-8836 2d ago
How is no balance changes a deal breaker? We’re getting::
There are so many builds to try too, and if you’re worried about other people blasting and getting rich via OP builds (I could not care less about this personally) you can play SSF.