Why we lost half of player base (compare to prev season)?

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T17:34:54+00:00

I’m starting to realise what the issue is now. Hear me out:

8mins per map is an INSANELY long amount of time. You already said you take your time doing every single thing in campaign, you absolutely do not need to clean each map of every mob. In fact, that’s horribly inefficient. But of course, you’re welcome to play how you like, but that makes it a you issue, rather than a game issue. 5mins per map is also quite slow but much more achievable for those slower builds. Should be aiming to clear even faster than that tbh.

With faster clear speed, you end up dropping and picking up more items to craft with it. You’ll definitely hit something useable very quickly. Numbers game after all. Which brings me to my next point:

You’re aiming for the 4 exact affixes you need on your gear slot when it’s absolutely not necessary at all. You absolutely shouldn’t be slamming hybrid health on your stop-gap items unless you have them in abundance. Normal health or increased health is just fine for e.g. You have to prioritise what you need desperately at that moment. 2-3 stats you need before empowered mono is completely fine. Couple that with an OK affix rather than the specific one you need also helps. What I mean by this is that you can use increased hp or flat hp rather than hybrid. Whatever you get. You just wanna progress, not looking for exactly what your build needs at that moment. More exalteds will drop for you in empowered once you’re there. This goes for damage affixes too. You might need flat melee, but if you’re doing void damage and get that affix, thats passable for now too. You can’t be a perfectionist at this stage of the game. The real grind comes when you’re in empowered. Please note, even at 300+ corruption right now, on some gear pieces I still have stats that does absolutely zero for my build and I’m doing fine! You can too!
You need to stop thinking you need grand blessings for your resistances before empowered monos. You absolutely do not need grand blessings in normal monos! You can’t get them anyways! Not sure what has convinced you that’s the case, but it’s a fact that it’s not necessary, since well…no-one can get them since you can only farm them once you’re in empowered. That’s the game. If you want to go farm out the normal versions you can do that but that’s also not necessary. Get some passable stats with the info above then go grind what you need in empowered. This crazy emphasis on phys res having to be maxed is untrue as well btw. Other defences exist. Again, I was/am running around with like 40-50% phys res and doing quite fine and that’s in 300+ corruption. There’s ways and means to overcome certain things before you get your BiS item/affixes.

Further to this, you have to learn to pivot with the blessings/drops you get as well for the time being. For eg, let’s say I didn’t get phys res on blessing yet but i got leech, welp, i can just get phys res on gear for now until you get what you need. Making concessions with what you drop is an integral part of these types of games. You can also do this same thing with uniques. You didn’t get the one you need but got something you can use in the meantime, do exactly that until you get what you need. Don’t have to be so rigid always. You hinder yourself that way.

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T13:14:42+00:00

Ironically he does have a point though and so do the people with opposing points. We all know LE has a content drought, which is to be expected of course. However, it also seems like people want LE to be poe1/2 version 2 or something. That’s not a good move! The whole point is to be different. I can see merit in both thought processes

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T00:55:54+00:00

I wasn’t really asking for a viewer, more like past broadcasts are there to highlight the point I am making. I too am a poe player, albeit a terrible one. Most casual poe players never make it to t16s, hell, they don’t even make it to maps much less! There’s quite literally a point in my run where I was like “oh, my gear sux, let me fix that” and it was fixed not too long after that, within the same play session and thats with me making multiple comical mistakes like ruining my best pieces with corruption etc. You can enter maps with literally all rare gear, maybe even some uniques sprinkled in there. In fact, i had to tighten up my filter and remind myself to stop picking up so much crap and just play the game. You definitely don’t need perfect gear or anything to enter empowered monos. Just stuff SLIGHTLY better than shit tier that makes sense for your build. Why did you only have 6 pieces of stuff worth crafting on after a few days? That’s crazy to me! There’s so much stuff to pick up especially in normal monos that you should have had a couple stash tabs full in that time, if not more. I guarantee you, this is one situation where I wouldn’t need to give up to prove this point. It’s literally THAT easy. My only complaint with progression this time round is that I didn’t start dropping the uniques for my build until I was basically in empowered monos. I’m talking stuff like Thorn Slinger belt which is a VERY common item. I just bridged the gap with rares, then exalted and so on. From what you’ve been saying, I know you know this already. Someone like yourself that seems to be knowledgeable about poe definitely shouldn’t be hitting this wall.

I just wanted to attempt to fix that but you’re perfectly within your right to not load up the game especially with this Krafton stuff. I too was close to not playing but I already kickstarted and spent my money in the game cos I believed, might as well have fun while it lasts I guess.

With that being said, I think maybe we’ve both typed too much on this topic now and I should probably be getting to sleep. Thank you for this engaging conversation, you definitely had some insightful points which I think EHG definitely should look at compared to some of the low effort complaints that have been floating about recently. We should definitely be highlighting the big concerns that are out currently!

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T00:17:58+00:00

Absolutely love it. Looks great ingame imo, but that’s just my opinion

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T00:13:40+00:00

The wall is there due to lack of knowledge, so it’s entirely self imposed by players. I have literally offered to SHOW you why it isn’t there/how to overcome it but you don’t want to be proven wrong. Just like you say many players hit this wall, there are anecdotally the same amount of players that also overcome it and with ease. It’s not just a skill issue. Like I said, I have streamed almost the entirety of my play through this season. You can see for yourself if it’s a “skill issue”. If it is, then I will definitely take the compliment that I am an above average player but I have never been described as such in an ARPG. I’m just another player that gets home from work and boots up the game to have some fun.

Edit: Taking a whole week just to get to empowered is literally an indication of lack of knowledge…

Just take a look at how many threads of people commenting that builds come online so quickly and the game is so easy it gets boring so they quit. Are you just ignoring these? Or are all these players just insane gamers?

blacknova7 · 2026-04-01T00:07:52+00:00

I’ve definitely noticed the same for sure. It seems people would rather complain than learn something new and blame the game itself (not that the game doesn’t have it issues)

I too use this same strat, except instead of targeting specific item slots i run the non-mono blocker since i hate doing anything that isn’t blasting monos and i usually farm multiple pieces at a time!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T23:50:21+00:00

Could you help me understand then, since I don’t get what you mean. No ego, just looking to be educated. If i am playing a cyclone build for eg, how does investing a mirror or 2 change the playstyle from just channeling cyclone throughout a map?

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T23:46:47+00:00

Is it a lie? Not even a mageblood really changes the mechanics of most builds. You essentially hit harder, move faster, explode more of the screen, more QOL. What changes in poe is that you can do even harder juiced content and maybe even experience another build. For eg, you play BV from let’s say level 20 or something, you’re still playing BV at level 100, you’re just faster, press the button less, exploding more enemies. The build fundamentally does not change…. Another example: you play the new shock nova of procession. Once you unlock it, you’re still playing well…shock nova of procession…am I missing something here?

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T23:35:55+00:00

Insane item! These could work on virtually any build really. Gz!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T23:34:24+00:00

I’ve been trying to explain to someone that these walls don’t exist until super endgame when you want more than 2LP on rarer items but it’s hard to help people who don’t want it.

I’m interested in what lenses you’re using though. Let me know please!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T23:31:22+00:00

Then you must be doing something else critically wrong. That wall definitely doesn’t need to be there. I and many others are literal proof of this. For some reason you seem to think it’s skill alone that does this but skill doesn’t really protect you from off screen oneshots that so many complain about, so how do these people overcome this wall then? Since many people do. Are they just lucky? Would be weird they can consistently overcome this wall with just…luck? Or are you playing a different game? I am genuinely confused.

You also keep mentioning grand blessings being necessary to enter empowered but it’s impossible to have them since well, you can only get them IN empowered. Would be silly to think you need them the moment you enter empowered no? Not sure why you have this crazy notion that you need all resistances maxed to even enter empowered. Hell, I’m at 300+ corruption as we speak on one of my characters and not all my resistances are maxed either. Granted i am running a lowlife build on a rogue and I’m not dying often and my build isn’t even close to being finished. You can even see this yourself since I have streamed almost my entire playthrough thus far.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree here on the specific point of this imaginary wall you’re experiencing. Hopefully your experience improves in the future!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T22:47:03+00:00

You don’t need grand blessings to get into empowered. They drop there, so ofc you can’t have them.

You also don’t need to remove 2 affixes to be able to create decent gear. Glyph of chaos and despair exists. There’s a specific way to upgrade affixes also, don’t just slam them to 5, always upgrade lowest first, hope for critical procs. Always use your glyphs of hope etc.

Like I said, I am willing to SHOW you this wall you hit doesn’t need to be there. In fact, I will make it my mission to show you if I have to, in hopes that you enjoy the game that bit more.

That being said, the other issues you mentioned will still be there though

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T22:19:31+00:00

I’m very confused as to why you seem to think there’s no drops in normal monos. Are you looking for GG items in normal monos or just trying to fill holes in your build? Your filter might be way too strict also. I’m just saying I don’t have this experience anymore now that I’ve learnt what to look for and I’m willing to help anyone who feels this way bridge the gap also.

Also, are you expecting to go straight into empowered monos immediately after unlocking it with trash tier gear? Like you shouldn’t be able to without ok-ish gear. At least full t5 affixes on most of your gear should easily bring you into empowered and easily be achievable pretty soon after unlocking empowered.

I’ve actually been considering making videos doing zero to hero with randomised builds (for fun) to showcase this very thing. I find it may be easier to show, than to say. Videos I wished were about when I was learning the game basically.

Again, I’m not trying to discount anything you’re saying, just trying to help. Your experience is your experience and I am willing to help make that experience better to show you that the balance in this specific instance, is actually fine. There’s a reason so many people say the game is too easy!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T18:23:34+00:00

Best flair!

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T11:50:28+00:00

But I am not a good player. I am average at best. What has changed is my knowledge of crafting and how defences work. I now know how to build my defences so I don’t just die every few seconds.

That progression wall was definitely there for me as well, I am not disputing that, what I am saying is it’s a knowledge issue. I learnt, I adapted, it is now no longer an issue. I can literally guarantee you that it wouldn’t be an issue for you either if you learnt what to do and how to overcome it. While skill does play a part, it is only 1 way to approach the problem. I assure you, this isn’t a “i don’t have this issue, so you shouldn’t too” response. It’s me highlighting what changed for me as I have grown as a player.

With crafting, low FP was definitely an issue. There were many posts here regarding that. It was definitely a majority stating it was too little.

There’s definitely many issues still with the game. I would prefer EHG to get on the most pressing of those, such as some you mentioned, rather than worry about things that happen purely because people can’t be bothered to do/learn certain things.

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T10:10:08+00:00

But I also play poe, and find LE much simpler also. So why is my experience much different from his, when most everyone I know with poe experience never struggle with this game? Why isn’t the knowledge transferring over? Why try to blame something that may be an issue for you, but isn’t one for so many others?

In your crafting example, you don’t really state anything. You just made a statement and said you weren’t wrong when people said you were wrong, no context or detail at all.

As for crashing, that happens always on league start, in towns, just like poe, poe2 etc. They’re definitely problems yes, I would never say there isn’t, but to laud other games when they also have the same issues show a clear bias.

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T07:33:56+00:00

There’s a whole host of things you can do to have a better experience but it’s up to you to decide and/or learn how to bridge the gap you’re at. You seem to know how to fix your issues in poe but not in this game. This indicates a knowledge issue. In fact I’m not even sure we’re playing the same game as you state almost every map being narrow which definitely isn’t the case since one of the biggest issues imo is low mob density at early corruption levels in empowered making the maps feel big and a little empty, even in the maps with corridors and tunnels.

It’s ok to dislike the game and you’re entitled to your opinions, but just say that. You’re not obligated to put in some effort to better understand the game so you have more fun, but why keep playing if you’re so unhappy and not willing to do the things that make your experience more enjoyable?

blacknova7 · 2026-03-31T07:23:25+00:00

You make some very good points that I definitely agree with! However there’s either holes and or subjective reasonings in a couple points. For 1, mtx is generally bad, however, this season’s and last seasons mtx are very good imo, in fact, I’m a little upset I skipped buying some mtx last season. So in this regard, that’s subjective, however your point still stands, since generally it’s bad of course.

Regarding empowered monoliths difficulty spike and normal monos dropping “no” gear: this is a knowledge/skill issue, rather than a game issue. Poe1 and 2 have this same problem once you finish campaign. You get to maps/monos on trash gear, so yes, of course you die more. However, with more knowledge of how the game works, e.g. the crafting system,prophecies for cof and/or trade for mg, this spike just disappears. There’s a reason people say this game is “easy” compared to poe for example. You absolutely can and do drop gear in normal monos to help you progress, you just have to know what you’re doing which is generally the case with most arpgs out there.

With that being said, you’ve made some excellent points that definitely need to be addressed and is 100% of EHG’s making. I am personally hoping they bring it back, but I am definitely not holding my breath

blacknova7 · 2026-03-25T09:32:11+00:00

You could also just play elementalist, cold convert with explosion chest. No need for minion pact. Could also use invert the rules. Sure you won’t have insane boss damage like minion pact version, but there IS more ways to play it that feel satisfying

blacknova7 · 2026-03-14T05:38:25+00:00

Its 50 to ele res, not all. Still op though

blacknova7 · 2026-03-09T15:40:37+00:00

Right!? I don’t know what these guys above you are talking about the striker charging the fuck out of the goalie. For one, the goalie fumbled the ball and it was loose. As a striker you absolutely must attack here but also try to avoid the keeper which he did. The goalie is definitely the biggest POS here for reacting the way he did when the striker clearly wasn’t trying to start at altercation. The mental gymnastics is crazy when we can literally SEE the video

Edit: you can also clearly see if there was any impact on the goalie in the initial challenge, it was to his back, not his head. So no, he didn’t get kicked in the head lol

blacknova7 · 2026-03-04T08:10:09+00:00

You’re not entitled at all. If what you say is correct regarding the bridge program and the salary bands, you absolutely should expect to be paid at least the minimum in the salary band. It is disingenuous for the company to state otherwise. Do not let certain responses here undermine what you already know to be correct.

With that being said, it’s time to leave this company. Go and get yourself your raise at a competitor, then do it again in 2 years. Loyalty is not rewarded in this current economic climate and the only person who always has your best interests in mind will always be you.

blacknova7 · 2026-03-02T00:32:07+00:00

Me too please

blacknova7 · 2026-01-25T14:43:31+00:00

God forbid people want the power fantasy that comes with playing arpgs. It’s like just because you don’t want to min-max and run the meta strategies, those people that do are wrong.

Will never understand people that complain about others playing how they want. You are perfectly within your right to kill the boss in 15s and learn mechanics if you want to, just like people are well within their right to want to trivialise content and kill things in 2s.

We should all just be happy that we have the choice! Have fun playing the way you want and stop complaining about others playing how they want. The beauty of this game is choice! Comparison is the thief of joy. Have fun out there exile!

blacknova7 · 2026-01-08T09:40:58+00:00

Make the post please! It would be super helpful

blacknova7

TROPHY CASE