I’m Tired of the Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary Loot System in Gaming

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I’ve finally spoken up about it. The constant repetition of the loot system in games is leaving me drained. I’m not ranting about gacha games, they have their own unique challenges. Instead, I’m voicing my frustration over the ubiquitous color-coded items and weapons that seem to rule looter shooters and RPGs.

Initially, it was thrilling as a new advancement in gaming; it allowed players to swiftly evaluate the caliber of equipment following a demanding dungeon expedition or a taxing boss fight. However, over time, it has transformed into an unending cycle, which games such as Destiny and contemporary Assassin’s Creed series intentionally foster to maintain player interest.

And that’s exactly why I’m sick of it. Let’s talk about why.

It Creates Artificial Difficulty

Over time, the system that rewards items based on colors unavoidably increases the game’s challenge. This is because it gives a significant edge to those players who acquire high-level equipment first, leaving others at a disadvantage and having a tougher time.

Indeed, many sought-after items are hidden within advanced game content, adding an element of allure to the task. However, one might ponder if the effort required to unlock them truly outweighs the rewards.

Consider the example of taking on Destiny 2’s Salvation’s Reach raid in Contest mode, my team and I included. We carefully adjusted our equipment to deal damage to The Witness’ substantial health bar. Our guide warned us, pushing us to discard underperforming weapons. Initially, I was using Outbreak Perfected and Retrofit Escapade, but he suggested I switch to Microcosm, the Exotic Trace Rifle earned from a lengthy questline with Micah-10 in the latest expansion. Since I had it, others who didn’t were left with lower damage output during the DPS phase, prompting them to resort to alternatives like Commemoration or the dependable Gjallarhorn.

After finishing “The Final Shape” in Destiny 2, I decided to take a break because the gameplay was starting to feel repetitive.

On multiple occasions, Destiny’s loot system has experienced issues, resulting in an expansion of its Exotic and Legendary weapon and armor assortment. However, over time, this has often led to power imbalances (and the occasional Telesto glitch) known as “power creep,” which makes older weapons less effective. Consequently, these items become more like nostalgic choices or “joke selections” if a player decides to employ them in gameplay.

In essence, it would be challenging for Destiny 2 to discard this system without altering its core essence as the leading loot shooter. However, it’s clear that the pursuit of Yellow and Purple items has a profound psychological effect. Bungie, along with other prominent developers employing this system, are fully aware of the implications.

It would be tough for Destiny 2 to get rid of this system without changing its fundamental character as the top loot shooter. But it’s obvious that the search for Yellow and Purple items has a strong influence on players’ minds. Bungie, along with other developers, understand exactly what they’re doing.

It Unnecessarily Extends Game Time

You won’t get the best weapons unless you grind for them. That’s the looter-shooter formula.

In these games, such as Destiny and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the best weapons and equipment are made inaccessible by time-limited content.

Are you eager to obtain the Exotic Bow? I’m sorry to inform you that it will only be available in a future release. If you’re aiming to finish your Bane-themed setup with the Notorious Scarecrow weapon, I regret to say that it will appear during the upcoming season instead.

Even if you ultimately acquire the weapon with your desired traits, those perks may not be ideal. Disassemble it and start over. It merely requires a moment or two to press and hold the button – yet that brief instant symbolizes countless hours spent farming for resources.

In another instance, after enduring a tough challenge, you discover that the prize you sought did not appear. It’s quite frustrating, yet perseverance in hoping for a random drop demands patience.

For approximately five years now, I’ve been immersed in action role-playing games where you collect loot (let’s say I’m a beginner, but hey, who isn’t at the start?), and they draw me into an endless cycle of grinding – constantly seeking to improve my weapons or armor because “that’s what’s best.” I’ve invested countless hours on Destiny 2’s Dual Destiny mission in pursuit of the perfect perks for my Warlock class armor. After many days of persistence, I finally managed to get the Solipsism roll with Star-Eater and Inmost Light perks.

In regards to Suicide Squad, it wasn’t about grabbing top-tier loot for me – I aimed for the Platinum trophy instead. However, getting that demanded having the highest-ranked Infamy weapon (or seasonal weapon), which meant countless repetitive missions, fighting the same adversaries again and again to boost my Finite Crisis rank. Every moment was torturous, but I persevered. Why? Because it was something I felt compelled to do. It was a psychological challenge that I had been conditioned to tackle.

It shouldn’t have to feel like I’m playing a 40-hour game filled with 60 more hours of grind time.

It’s Spreading to Other Games

I’ve grown to dislike the latest Assassin’s Creed games as they’ve adopted a looter-shooter approach with an RPG twist, and Odyssey was particularly frustrating for me. Instead of enjoying the gameplay, I found myself breaking down ineffective equipment too often. It was then that it struck me that Ubisoft might have deliberately structured the game this way, providing “time-saving” packages to lessen the grind. These packages temporarily boost your resources, making you overpowered initially, but at the expense of authentic advancement.

Currently, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows share a similar design approach. Upon seeing the menu system of Shadows, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. It resembles the same crowded, loot-laden chaos found in Valhalla. The same random numbers are plastered everywhere: ATK UP +35, DEF UP +40. To me, these elements seem insignificant and superfluous, taking away from what truly matters – immersing oneself in the gameplay experience.

The Harsh Reality

This issue doesn’t seem to have a genuine fix. It’s a psychologically crafted mechanism, meant to perpetually entice players with the anticipation of the next reward – be it yellow or purple drops. I find it frustrating. I’m just exhausted by it.

I’m fully aware that I won’t give up. I’ll persist, continue striving for that flawless roll, and remain hopeful that circumstances might alter somehow.

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2025-02-10 20:12