While I see where Nemesis is coming from with his cons, his pros need a bit of caution if you're starting new.
1. Sieges bring folks together most of the time, but during weekday mornings, the population fades, then slightly rises in the afternoon and evening, but organizing groups now takes way longer than six months ago.
Many in-game features feel outdated. Eventually, you'll find yourself repeating the same three to four runs and sieges endlessly. If you're into that, great. It's wise to join a friendly legion, which can help you tackle agent and tougher runs, as getting invites with basic gear can be a challenge.
2. Even though some manastones are selectable, gathering enough in a single day, let alone slotting them, takes time and luck with the RNG gods.
When you're exploring Aspharanta as a beginner, things aren't too kind. While seasoned players farm Spirit gear effortlessly, newcomers starting with basic Kherub equipment find even basic quests tough, more so if Elyos are lurking, ready to attack. Quests in South Aspharanta with tougher mobs might be tricky, even for a group in basic Kherub gear. All are doable, but be ready for a slog with beginner gear, so teaming up is advisable. Some southern quests reward you with spirit gear pieces, but they are random, and it may take a while to gather the right ones without using the broker. Morphing them is an option, but you'll need materials.
When Nemesis says "some time," it translates to at least half a year, maybe longer, depending on playtime and luck. You can earn money, but don't expect to swim in riches in a week unless you're carried in Ara for valuable loot you can sell. You could also hunt mobs in Tempus Fugit for rewards. Improved final stigmas hover around half a billion, while lower-level stigmas are a few million each. Using them to enchant becomes costly at lower levels, making purchasing them probably more economical, albeit you need half a billion first.
3. Like always, without GP, you're bound by the same limits as in every other version.
4. As a rookie, the end game feels out of reach unless you've got a good legion, helpful friends, or deep pockets, playing one character constantly.
The gap between newcomers and veterans keeps growing with each update. Avoiding the shop leaves you feeling stagnant for months.
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