Elemental flexibility and build diversity

The essence of ARPG's for me is the creativity by chance and choice. Let me start by saying I absolutely love POE2 and the hard work that GGG dedicates to simply making good games.

But one thing that has been hard for me to work around is the lack of ability to take builds in the direction that I want. I think a good example of what i'd like to see more of is the node Blackflame Covenant. Not only does it open up the availability of a pure chaos build but it also changes the visuals of pre existing skills to keep the self imposed class fantasy.

I also think the druid skills are a good example of a roadblock to diversity. I love all the forms and the skills we have, you guys did an amazing job with that. I only wish that there was a possibility to take skills like the druid forms in non intended directions like a poison based wolf or maybe a ice focused bear build, while staying away from stacking effects. Sure I could make an attempt at a rabies druid, but can I make that same attempt while staying away from freezing visuals. Its hard for me to express just how much i feel limited sometimes while also having the most freedom ive ever had in a game.

Personally im more than fine with MTX's to cover alot of these bases but i also look at the Blackflame Covenant node with such admiration and think there is something there that could really make every build so personal

Sorry for bad punctuation, also swords when?

They seems to be limiting options on purpose.

Elemental Infusion gate keep splashing into them and given only certain skills interact with others, it further limits options. The Druid or should I say Talismans were the biggest disappointment so far.

They said it would be a weapon swap class but only 3 wheels in the Druid starting area support this. All other wheels are "While Shapeshifted" making it impossible to create a caster/animal hybrid.

They said they'd add a version of Divine Shield Keystone because, big surprise. Armor + ES and Evasion + ES don't work very well without these patchwork mechanics. Something they didn't bother to fix from PoE1. The keystone is simply awful. No one will take it.

That's pretty much been PoE2 in a nutshell. Coping flaws from PoE while making new ones.

I've been playing other new ARPGs and GGG has some real competition right now and coming soon. They think time and branding is on their side but they might be wrong.

Agree. I also made a post about this the other day

https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/3926702