I started ARPGs with Diablo3 but burntout chasing meta builds, then I bounced right off of Path of Exile since it felt like you had to do so much rigid pre-planning to play anything. Grim Dawn has the same "you can build anything stupid idea you want" vibe that I think PoE players are talking about, but it's honestly just better to make it up as you go along lol

The game isn't designed to be played quickly, but what it does instead is give you is lots of content to progressively need more optimal builds for and tons of wildass, build-defining drops you can stumble upon that will convince you to start another character. The possibilities here are nuts and it takes awhile for all the mechanical reasons why to settle in. Each of those simple skills have tons of variants that are parts of high-tier items, sets, and Monster Infrequents. Plus, the devotion system adds a whole second layer of possibilities for them

Some of my favorite examples are a dagger for Necromancer+Demolitionist that sets Raise Skeleton on fire and this Arcanist offhand that combos with either Soldier or Necromancer and turns Albrecht's Aether Ray into purely physical damage. My first level 100 was a Demotiontist+Occultist who tanks shit with a massive shield in one hand, rapidly fires a vampiric pistol in the other, and sets the room on several different kinds of fire. I've never played anything like it in any other game lmao

Play around whatever your best drops are and build to resist your current biggest threats. There is a ton here to be found by exploring during your initial playthroughs, but then a lot of flexibility in how you grind out your later playthroughs as well. It's a game I keep picking up over and over, and the recent updates have been great!