I am honestly starting to think this is a massive step backwards. I haven't played this game for a very long time. Like I played for a few months after release and then quit. So my friend tells me the game has been seriously re-vamped, the crappy energy costs for elevators is gone, and there's a new crafting system that doesn't use energy. At first, I was happy about all this because the stupid energy system and subsequently broken economy were the reason I quit.
But now I'm starting to think otherwise. Orbs of Alchemy, from what I can tell, are way too damn rare to make crafting an option. I've been doing elite runs, solo currently, and getting jack-all. I've gotten a single orb drop. Considering that these recipes require 3 orbs each, and the content is gated behind a gear check...This is feeling even more pay-to-win than it was before.
Look, I'm not expecting to get these things by the dozen. But honestly, considering that I'm going through runs and walking out with at minimum six fire crystals per floor, I think the orb drop rate could use a serious boost. Crafting is a core mechanic of this game, you can't just get gear off enemies like other MMOs, and the gear sold in shops is trash. You NEED to craft your gear. The biggest mistake that F2P games make is burdening the player in order to turn a profit. That's been a problem with this game from the beginning and 3Rings has gone and made it even worse.
Orb drop rates need to be improved. They are terrible, and it's going to do more harm than good. This game is on life support as is.
How is this worse than the old system?
Before: You needed energy to craft, so you could either buy some with real money, or buy it with crowns.
Now: You need Orbs to craft, so you can buy Orbs with real money, buy them with crowns, OR grind for them.
Buying Orbs from Supply Depot costs the same amount in energy as it did with the old system. You're complaining about having an extra option.