So I really love this game. It challenges me and keeps me alert. I love the aesthetics and even the sound (well, sometimes). Knowing that I can team up with others via the Discord server to play the game with someone else and play dungeons at 1/2 stamina is a no-brainer, right?

Most of the time I have a good time playing with others. However, I've noticed something that's been happening with increasing frequency: People tell me that the monsters I have vs. what my skill levels are don't match up, and I should practice before potentially wasting someone else's stamina with a loss.

Here's the thing though - I am practicing. Every day. I've watched YouTube videos and read combo guides, and I've actually progressed a lot in the ~35 days I've been playing. When I'm out of stam or can't find people to play with, I load up Endless and practice some more there. I'm getting better, but yeah sometimes I can't hit 8 combos on the 7x6 board. I consistently hit 6-7 combos, though!

Also, if I'm employed, paid well, and have money to spend, why can't I buy a pack or two (or three) for GodFests? Yeah, my account is young and I'm not extremely skilled, but it's filling out my monster box, and that's the way I want to play the game.

The thing is, most of the time we actually do clear the dungeons. Even with successful clears, I've had people tell me I play too slowly or I'm not consistent enough and that they don't want to play with me any more. Or, in this most recent case, I cleared 75% of the Challenge Descends with one guy (starting at the top) and we failed once on Kaguya-Hime. He told me he was tired of carrying me and I'd be better off "finishing them myself." Then he blocked me on Discord.

I've even resorted to letting people know ahead of time that I'm still practicing and don't hit 8 combos 100% of the time. I give them the opportunity to play with someone else.

I'm not rank 600. I don't have 1000 days under my belt. I only have a few 297s. I don't have a Dios team. I don't have a full laser team. But I'm trying! I get that other people should also be able to play the game they want, and if they aren't feeling up to playing with a scrub, that's totally fine.

But now sometimes I feel like not even advertising my stronger monsters because it comes along with an expectation of how I should play. "Oh you have that monster? WTF you're only rank X? Dude combo better."

So should I really sideline them until I'm better? How long should that take, given other peoples' experiences? I don't want to sacrifice fun for the game and make it feel like work. Should I avoid certain dungeons on co-op because it really is rude to potentially waste someone else's stamina? I really don't want to bring people down or act like I deserve more than I do. I just want to have a good time playing.

Lastly, does anyone out there feel the same way I do? If there's anyone who is still practicing crosses or 8 combos and wants a buddy, I'll play with you! No pressure, no expectations, no getting mad when we lose. I'm still learning more about this great game every day!

I won't post my monsters specifically because turning this post into a humble brag of any sort was not my intention. I have a few different teams ranging from 8 combos, to rainbow, to Fire Fire X/Wood Wood X etc. PM me if you want to know more!