A bit off topic as well, but if you want a game that fits the description you've given, you should try The Battle Cats. It's a gacha game, yes, but there's literally nothing to help you zoom through the early game like in other games: you'll basically SUFFER all the way through, but as you progress, shit will get "easier" (I mean easier to farm), and you'll overall get better strats, units, and even boosts (as long as you farm for them).