No one should have to unless they are theory crafting min-max builds or discussing the game. No person should be getting stuck at the gem wall grind, ever, and they shouldn’t require 3x3 AOE handouts in order to enjoy the game.
Trading with other players is not an option for people who buy Boundless because they want to play solo. It goes against everything that player wants in the game. If something in the game isn’t fun for a player, then it needs to be made fun, or have other gathering options added, much like there are orb farms, and you can gather wild orbs.
Telling someone, “Hey, you don’t enjoy mindlessly slamming an iron hammer at a gem wall for 30+ hours? Go trade.” Is not a solution for many players.
Based on the player count, I’d say it’s time we question designing all systems around Boundless being an MMO.
This game is just insanely complicated compared to other games. Beacon controls, Guild Controls, districts, Helixes in districts, warping, the forge, not to mention how absurdly complicated farming is for min-maxing instead of something simple like Stardew Valley. Every year Boundless alienates more and more casual players, retaining only the diehard fans.
Is it REALLY working?