Good afternoon,
This is my very first post here. For context, I have been playing LE since the beta and have invested thousands of hours in ARPGs, mostly POE. I appreciate the dedication and innovation you bring to the game, and I’d like to share my detailed feedback—specifically regarding the recent adjustments to Explosive Trap as well as some thoughts on Acid Flask.
Overview of My Build and Experience
I’ve been playing a Crit Acid Flask (fire convert) / Explosive Trap build for Season 1.2. This feedback is based on first-hand experience from testing and playing this build through various stages—from level 1 to 97. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:
Levels 1–50: Early Game with Acid Flask
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Choice of Skill:
I chose Acid Flask for its significant buffs and strong performance in the campaign. The skill feels both expressive and fun to play. -
Synergy with Cinder Strike:
Since there aren’t any obvious synergies with “builder” throwing skills, I relied on Cinder Strike, which effectively buffed my flasks and worked very well throughout this period.
Levels 50–70: Mid-Game Challenges
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Area of Effect Limitations:
The AoE on Acid Flask is very restricted. Even with investments to boost area of effect, its effectiveness is limited—especially with the slow throwing speed in early monos. -
Manual Casting and Kiting Issues:
Early in the game, lacking exalted options for throwing meant I had to manually cast Acid Flask. This worked fine at first, but the short throwing distance made it difficult to kite enemies. As a rogue with few defensive options, this often resulted in dying because I had to approach enemies closely to deal damage. -
Suggestion:
An increase to the AoE or a reduction in the mana cost of Toxic Salvo would greatly enhance the experience. Greater projectile speed or extended throwing range would also help maintain the fun and strategic depth of the build.
On a positive note, using the falcon added a unique synergy that made the archetype exceptionally fun to play, and I truly appreciate the creative design in combining these elements.
Levels 70–90: Transition and the Role of Explosive Trap
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Transition Away from Acid Flask:
Beyond level 70, using Acid Flask exclusively became unsustainable. I lacked the necessary damage and clear to survive, and with Toxic Salvo off the table, it was challenging to maintain mana using Cinder Strike. -
Switch to Explosive Trap:
After hitting T7 –mana cost rings, I shifted to using Explosive Trap as my primary spender, while retaining Acid Flask as a sustain skill (thanks to reaching 0 mana cost). -
Mana Cost Issues:
However, the new mana cost for Explosive Trap (20 mana) combined with near-100% throwing speed causes me to run out of mana within seconds. Running out of mana nearly guarantees death as I can’t use my skills to kite or leech effectively. -
Suggestion:
It would be beneficial to introduce more options for mana generation for rogues—especially since key skills like those for the falconer archetype have such high mana costs. Alternatively, allowing the Instruments of Alchemist to proc sapping strikes might also alleviate the issue.
Additional Feedback: Potion Pickup Radius
I also want to commend you on the improved radius for looting items—it really enhances gameplay. However, since I rely heavily on potion triggers, I’ve noticed that even when running directly over potions, they occasionally aren’t picked up. It would be fantastic if you could apply a similar radius improvement to potions. Perhaps even enabling our falcons to help collect them would add another interesting layer of synergy (wink wink).
As someone who LOVES trap archetypes I would love to be able to play this forever as it already is so fun, and why I’m passionate about changes to make it even better, as i know this archetype is one that a lot of fans love.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations on an outstanding Season 2. I look forward to experimenting with new builds and strategies this season. As a lifelong fan who has invested significant time since the beta, I truly appreciate all the hard work and dedication from the EHG team.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my feedback. I believe these adjustments will help maintain the fun and balance of the game while enhancing player strategy for these skills!
For my build reference, here is a link:
https://www.lastepochtools.com/planner/o3J8ENVB
Sincerely,
Vyvid
A Lifelong Fan