No this isn’t the typical cap stone. Most RPGs rely on builds based on equipment [i]sets[/i]. Which has been the model for Destiny since D1 release. You find random rolled armor whose perks line up and make a complimentary set. True rpgs focus most of the work goes into [i]finding[/i] it, not snail grinding a blank slates power. That’s new. Like you pointed out, this is for a single almighty set of armor. It’s [i]versatility[/i] much more so then depth. The depth is near the same as before, that relies on permutations. Giving you a blank piece of armor to customize is a good change of pace for [i]this game[/i] but the cost is [u]astronomical[/u]. The fact that you said you need to wait, when there are caps on resources used in the process, means you [i]can’t[/i] wait forever until you have all the pieces you want. To know the best builds you need to be able to [i]experiment with them[/i] and you can’t do that without a complete maxed out set to play with. The cost of making a whole set is outrageous. Because you need to do it three times, one for each character. That’s even more of a time investment then we’ve had already. I found a great set of armor within a month of Forsaken coming out. That can’t happen now. It’s another case one step forward and several steps back.

I completely understand the purpose. That doesn't change that is over inflated, bloated mess that adds zero value. I was so bored with infusion, perks and mods that I just turned it off. It's not for me at all.. Just busy work on top of busy work.

Wouldn’t be as bad if armor pieces weren’t element locked therefore dictating what mods you could use in them. Completely dismisses any experimentation on builds when you have to pour all those resources in to get the armor energy high enough to slot multiple good mods in. Can’t agree with you that this is in anyway fun or good for the game.

[quote]Completely dismisses any experimentation on builds when you have to pour all those resources in to get the armor energy high enough to slot multiple good mods in.[/quote] The experimentation is with the MODS....not the armor. You guys are still STUCK in the box of how armor 1.0 worked. Once you have armor with the base stats and elemental affinity you want....you can swap in and out as many different perks as you have the time (and the glimmer) to explore.

But you need to increase energy on the armor to slot multiple mods and energy is only increased through masterworking.

1. Unless your 900+ you shouldn’t be slotting any perks. The armor dropping now is disposable. It has low stat rolls. 2. You don’t need to go above energy level 5 to replicate armor 1.0 (2 perks). 3. You only need to go above 5 if you want to slot a third perk, or one the powerful enhanced perks. Which you shouldn’t be doing right now. Save that for armor piece that has just the right base stat role. [b]This is endgame min-maxing. You should only be doing this for a small number of ideally spec’d pieces you know you’re going to keep a LONG TIME.[/b] I’m almost power 900 and I’ve only infused 2 armor pieces...and that was to level up for the dreams bane armor for the final campaign mission, and I haven’t increased the energy level on a single piece of armor. Because everything I’m getting are bad rolls (Low intellect)

Bungies problem with going this way is that.... There isnt going to be enough fresh or fun content to grind for, that equates this type of system to be desirable or worth the effort for most. They want to have MMO elements without the structure and size of one. They want to he an RPG, yet want you to play the way they want. Another problem Bungie has always had with Destiny is that when they try something new ....they go way to far left or right. Finding a medium point for Bungie equates to stumbling upon a Sasquatch.

[quote]There isnt going to be enough fresh or fun content to grind for, that equates this type of system to be desirable or worth the effort for most[/quote] Disagree. The beauty of the system is that you get out of it what you put INTO it. If you just want to plop down and pop head? Fine....use the generalist mods....don't bother with powering up your armor past about 4 or 5....or worrying about stat rolls. But if you a high-level comp player....or a PVE player who wants to min-max around a particular build? There is enough in this system to keep you grinding (by choice) for MONTHS. Unlocking the right mods. Gettign the right stat rolls. Collecting the proper resources. Testing to see which combinations best suit what you want to do with your intended build..... ...and then spread that accorss mutliple characters..... ...accross multiple game modes.... ...accross multiple play styles (I want to try that arc soul skill build Lisa Brown was showing off). [b]This is what happens when you give a game DEPTH. [/b] Something that this game---as an RPG---has NEVER really had before. Destiny has always been fun....but a VERY shallow, and often predictable experience as an RPG. Well....now that changes. There are systems here in place that you can lose yourself in for MONTHS if you wish to explore them fully. But one that is simple enough that they don't block you from enjoying the game (Warframe) if you choose not to do so.

Do you know what gear you are planning on keeping? Do you honestly think you are going to use THAT gear all year long? What is the point of adding more RPG elements if the game basically prices you out of experimenting with them? Most games that do this(increase upgrade cost exponentially), have a fixed endgame loop where it is possible for a player to farm up as many materials as they like(negating any issue, and ultimately trivializing the system). Destiny is not like that for MOST players. Now couple this cost with a game loop that actively prohibits you from experimenting with gear while you level up. As I played last night, I went back to the "good old days" of D1 where I didn't progress my effectual power, but was forced to use up inventory slots with useless blue gear to maintain my perceived power to ensure I kept getting drops. That's fun, how? I'm what, pigeon holed into using random drops until I have gained enough resources to trivialize a pointless infusion system, only to then have to grind out a ridiculous amount of materials so that I can be pigeon holed into using JUST the gear I can afford to put time and resources into? What happens next season when new gear drops and I like that better? It's reasonable that I just abandon my time and investment to use the new content? Start the loop over again? No. Masterworking should be expensive, but not THIS expensive, and the infusion system is just a joke at this point.

Completely missed the point. The only thing you are forced to accept long term are the armors cosmetics (and even that isn't a big deal because you can put Eververse ornaments over the set to change its looks), the six base stats (Mobility, Resilience, Recovery, Intellect, Discipline, Strength) and the elemental affinity. EVERYTHING ELSE YOU CAN CONTROL AND CHANGE ON THE FLY. So to answer your question. 1. Yes I know which armor sets I'm going to build around...and I do plan on using them for the rest of the year. Because they look badass. 2. The real issue is what BUILD are you going to run. I typically create builds based on either weapons I'm planning on Using.....or activities I plan on running. So I'm going to spec on most of my sets into Intellect, Discipline, Resilience, and Recovery. Then I'll focus on ARs because the increase to base damage has made them much more viable on console....and most of the artifact perks are built around ARs, SMGs and hand cannons. So all I'm doing right now is just levelling up. I'm not going to even think about perks or infusing anything on any of my armor pieces until I'm to 900 power level. THEN I'm going to start farming for the stat rolls I'm looking for in the sets I want to invest in. By that point I'll have a pretty good idea what builds I'm looking to run....and I'll look to unlock those perks. THIS is how build-making works in other games. Yes, this process is expensive. But if you are playing so little that these material costs seem excessive...then I would argue that you aren't playing enough to derive much value from this kind of character min-maxing. OTOH, levelling has never been this easy in this game. I still haven't finished the campaign yet...and my main character is already 820 power...and would be higher if it weren't for a fusion rilfe that's stuck at 773, but is my best-in-slot-weapon right now. I fully expect to be deep into the 900s...by the end of the week. So, honestly, I'm really not sure what it is (exactly) that you feel the need to complain about at this point. There is NOTHING stopping you from experimenting as you level up. You just are not going to be able to take it all along with you.

[quote] The only thing you are forced to accept long term are the armors cosmetics (and even that isn't a big deal because you can put Eververse ornaments over the set to change its looks) [/quote] Eververse ornaments look sh*t