“Vulnerable” is making the game boring.
Why, you ask? Because there is already a dominant stat called “Critical”. We have to include “Critical”, so we must consider CSC and CSD. This is acceptable because it’s just one thing we have to include in the build.
However, now we’re also required to incorporate “Vulnerable” because it is overwhelmingly powerful compared to all the other types of damage, such as fire, shadow, curse, overpower, closed, distant, etc. All other damage sources are meaningless next to the omnipotent “Vulnerable” damage.
Let’s discuss the game. I have a Level 90 sorcerer and a Level 85 necromancer. For the sorcerer, the only reliable way to apply “Vulnerable” is through the frozen nova. All sorcerers are coerced into using this uninspiring spell. Just try to find a sorcerer who doesn’t use frozen nova.
As for the necromancer, it’s slightly better. I can use either bone spear or corpse tendrils to apply Vulnerable. But I’m forced to build around one of these spells. Guess which combination is the best? Bone spear and corpse tendrils.
We used to have one rule to guide our build; now we have two. If your build doesn’t include “Critical”, it’s useless. If it doesn’t have a reliable way to apply “Vulnerable”, it’s inadequate. However, if your build incorporates both, it’s a top-tier build.
Creating a build is like making a sandwich. We should be free to use any ingredients, as long as the end result is palatable.
“Critical” is like saying, “You have to use beef as the ONLY meat”. It’s not great, but it’s manageable. I can live with it, because I still have the freedom to choose different toppings.
Now there’s an additional rule, “You must use tomato as the ONLY topping.”
So, what choices do I have left? Selecting a sauce?