I think it's fair to say the combat in this game is quite enjoyable, the biggest plus. Making builds is also pretty fun...to an extent. The realms are great to look at and take in the sights and environments.

But this game has too many glaring issues the more you play and get over the honeymoon phase.

Let's talk about elements/ailments: They're lazy. Even if you really enjoy the game, think we can all agree they're very boring and just there, they can all be removed but just bleed and NOTHING would change.They ALL do the same thing, they all just DoT(Damage Over Time) Fire, chill, wind, curse, bleed, earth. All just dot. Why is this? Could they really think of anything else?

I'm going to spitball some ideas.

Fire: The more you attack the mob, they'll explode dealing large damage to the target while also sending out a small AoE (Area of effect) weak splash damage. (Think Blast from Monster hunter)

Ice: Freezes the Mobs. Simple and easy

Earth: Slows the movement and attack speed of mobs.

Wind: Shocks the mobs and paralyzes them, their attacks and movement randomly get interrupted.

Curse: Mobs become more vulnerable to light and heavy attackers, their hyper armor becomes ignored (Doesn't work on mini bosses and bosses)I admit that I have a hard time thinking what curse can do, if you have a better idea comment.

Poison: Stackable DoT

Remember when I said builds are interesting to an extent?The fact that all elements are DoTs is why. You honestly only either build CRT, Break, Soul shatter or DoT happy.

Valorplates: One of the game sellers that the devs claimed that totally change the way you play...well as you can tell, this was totally a marketing tactic to get people excited and buy the game. As many have said it...

The Valorplates offer NOTHING, but a "VERY" ignorable passive buff and slightly different rage modes.I say slightly because elements are nothing but DoT and a lot of the Valorplates buff these element dots.There is one Valorplate that has an interesting effect for their rage that seems great for co-op.It gives the party a defense boost.

That's cool and all...but unless you build so you can go in rage more. It doesn't matter that much.Honestly, just pick which Valorplate looks the coolest to you and you're good to go.Unless you REALLY want to min and max...Overall. Valorplates are disappointing and the devs should have been honest with their player base and just said they only give you small buffs so all an all, just pick which looks the best.

Combat: Clearly the Best Part about the game but there are somethings that should be fixed or changed.

For one. You should be able to block/parry in a combo string and not have to come to a full stop to block. This also leads into using your special ability, northern and southern.

Why are these so hard to chain into your attacks? Why do you have to sometimes totally stop attacking to use these? Why do you even NEED to charge these to use them?
Granted its a small charge but we should just be able to use it instantly. Makes no sense and makes the otherwise good combat, restrictive and lose its flow.

MatchMaking: Ok I have NO idea why there is no matchmaking but did they think everybody has friends?(Lol...) seriously...for a game like this.
It's so silly not to add one, having to use third party apps like discord just to play co-op is NOT good.

Nobody wants to be social like that, nobody wants to download discord just to find people to play with. This community is already small enough as it is because its a new IP.

Some people like myself and many others just want to play with other people and show off your badass gear to randoms...or just play with random people for fun.

Extra: I personally don't have a problem with the hunts and side quest after missions. The repetitiveness is part of the game. Its a Looter afterall, there is not one looter that's not repetitive. You Grind for the best gear.

I also want to bring up the music...I know this is totally a preference thing but can...we have better music? like this game combat is quite fast pace and there is like zero music or rather its so unbelievable boring and generic, I'll say it can actually make some otherwise cool boss/mini fights seem less epic.
Music can go a long way in making the game more enjoyable so I hope in the expansion they improve A LOT in the music side.

Overall...I like this game. I want it to be good, but the fact its not a live service, we're stuck with what we got and only going to get bug fixes and QoL.Nothing big like a new raid or sweeping game changes and revamps or added weapons.
As a Looter game, this game needs "content" updates or people will get bored and leave.I can see this game sadly fizzling out if something doesn't happen.