This is a post from a non F2P player.
Since there have been many posts on F2P, I thought I should share my non F2P experience. Many have assumed that f2p players have it good… but I assured you that it’s not. Each phase of transition has been difficult… but I learnt to manage my expectations.
Background
I’m currently on my 81 day and have 3 141 character (lazy cap, pun and hulk). My patch is around 110 and will be my 4th 141 character.
Expenditure
I spent way more than I should have (never realised how much I spend until I did a tabulation).
How much did I spend? Way in excess of $200. I did not purchase any iso, and health packs and HP-boosts only once.
Most of the money was spent on buying covers packs during my 2* to 3* transition. That was the time when 10 packs feature only 1 hero, and the percentages were at 20%. I wanted to build up my lazy cap, hulk pun and falcon, so I purchase a few of those 10 packs. Pretty soon I realised it’s cheaper to buy the packs individually rather than buying the 10 packs.
Once they change the packs to a max of 6%, I have not bought any of the 10 packs any more. Will only consider upgrading it directly.
Playing experience
Having spent so much money on my rosters, at first I assume that it would be an ease in my playing.
I was wrong. The game is always challenging throughout my 1* to 2* to 3* experience.
1* - I have so much iso and not enough covers. My characters quickly die to prologue nodes and I just can’t play them quick enough. I listened to the forum advice and only pay for rosters. That helped… but only a little. I ended up using my iso to purchase the standard tokens and was happy whenever I get any 2* tokens.
2* - this was before they revamp the pvp system to give random 2* characters. This was a frustrating phase because the covers took so long to gather. My OBW was stuck for a long time.
Add on the monotony of fighting the max 2* and sometimes even a 141(!) In pvp, it’s gets more frustrating. (Note:This was before they change the sharding)
This was the phase which most of my expenditure occur. Buying packs to improve my 3*, and also happy to receive 2* tokens.
3* - Ah promised land reached with my Pun and Lazy cap at max level.
Or so I thought.
The game didn’t get easier. On some occasions I can still lose to a Obw cascades (when I go into the match without full healed). On other occasions, I am matched up with opponents with 3 141 characters (like the recent patch and BP pvp).
It was frustrating trying to climb the pvp and falling out of reach of the progression rewards as many people hit you along the climb. Even with a max hulk and lazy capt, people are not deterred from attacking me. Shields are mandatory to reach top 50. boosts are almost essential to overcome similar strength 3* teams. (Note: I don’t tank but I heard that those who tank have it easier)
Summary
In short, regardless of my expenditure, the game is always able to curveball me. That can be frustrating throughout all phases.
But I like to put things in perspective. In a sense, the game is able to be constantly challenging me. In 1* phase, I’m learning the ropes. In 2* phase I’m learning how to beat the 1x 141 team with my obw and thor. In 3* phase, I’m learning how to time my push, shield hop and using of boosts.
While I no longer want to spend money on this game, I am still enjoying it. I try to push for top 50 and sometimes top 10 with multiple shields. The HP are now spend on shields only as it is a reliable source of covers. Being in a top alliance helps;5 deadly alliances are good in getting those alliance covers.
My advice for both F2P and non F2P players is to manage your expectations. The game will keep it challenging for you. If you find yourself getting burnt out, play at a lower pace and switch to a smaller alliance. There is no need to try to get all rewards.
It seems to me that d3 is planning to make pve mainly for newer players (grinding essential, and greater hp rewards. Last pve was 500hp!). And pvp will be for players who has the HP for shielding. (Shielding and boosts are essential in pvp)