Very Positive(87%)
rich story
community
class flexibility
engaging crafting
story pacing
combat system
heavy cutscenes
ARR slog
subscription model
technical issues
Overall reviews express strong appreciation for the narrative depth and the community's welcoming nature. However, there is criticism of the early game's slow pace and the complexity of the subscription and expansion model. While the expansions generally enhance the experience, some players express frustration with dealing with technical issues.
Positive Points
The game offers a rich and immersive story that many players find compelling, with expansions like Heavensward and Shadowbringers being especially praised for their narratives.Players appreciate the class system that allows a single character to play multiple roles, such as a tank, healer, DPS, etc., offering flexibility and decreasing the need for multiple characters.The community is noted for being welcoming and supportive, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and receive help.The crafting and gathering systems are seen as engaging, with a depth that gives them significant standalone value within the game's ecosystem.Negative Points
Some players find the early game, particularly the A Realm Reborn (ARR) portion, to be a slog, with a slow pace and excessive fetch-quest style gameplay.There are frustrations with the subscription model and the need for additional purchases for expansions, which some find restrictive or financially burdensome.Technical issues such as long loading times, complex account linking, and errors with the game launcher are common complaints.Mixed Points
The story's pacing is a point of contention; while some players find it rewarding once it gets going, others are frustrated with the initial slower sections, particularly in ARR and the post-ARR content.The combat system receives mixed reviews: it is praised for its strategic depth at higher levels, but also criticized for being somewhat repetitive and simplistic in the early stages.Common Themes
A strong narrative focus is central to the game's appeal, with many players emphasizing the importance of the story to their enjoyment.The social and community aspects are crucial, with the game's ability to facilitate friendships and group play being a significant draw.There is a noticeable balance between casual and hardcore content, with enough variety to engage different kinds of players, from those interested in pure story to those focused on endgame raiding.Updated 12/17/2025, 12:01:49 AM UTC