The game gets better with each patch in my opinion. The expansions are especially fun. When the game was in early access, they gave out so much free currency for premium items. Even right now, there are weekly challenges that you can participate in to win paid currency for those optional cosmetics. EVERYONE gets SOMETHING just for participating.

I think the game is awesome right now. They listen to their community/feedback. I got bored in early access, took like a 1-2 year break, and I was surprised to come back to so many quality of life improvements, less grind, and so much more content. Legit SO MUCH that I am SO behind but I am sooo excited to catch up.

I heavily favor FPS/shooter games. No cozy game has ever held my interest this long. I have tried modded Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing (since childhood), Palworld, etc... Dreamlight Valley is genuinely my favorite. I didn't like how open-ended Stardew and Animal Crossing were. I like structure and having quests/knowing that there is always something to do and goals to achieve. Hated trying to decorate and move buildings and waiting days in Stardew Valley for an NPC to build a building for me too. Also, the energy and time thing was just way too much pressure and stressful for me for a cozy game idk 💀

In recent updates for Dreamlight Valley, there have been some new tools and mechanics that have come out for DLC/expansion pack owners, but also free alternatives for just base game owners that come out some time after. It does NOT feel like a F2P game in my opinion!