Season 28 altar more bugged than previously claimed

Playing on switch we were somehow able to make the altar work for player 2 by constantly closing the game, changing player 1 slot, then logging in with the second account as player 1. Using the alter with the second account.

So far we managed to get the auto pet collect going etc.

For some reasons, when account 2 now, playing solo, that account is not able to get any shield by picking up health potions for example.

That account is also not getting any pylon effect when taking the health drink.

The fact that those two are not working makes me wonder, if all these 30% damage buffs etc are working or not.
Pretty sceptical about that.