Spells - viability and value

[raestlin_x]

After playing the game for a bit it seems like certain spells are just objectively miles better than others.
Hex Orb is a worse Cthonic Charge that fires slower and is less useful
Solar Pulse does negligible damage and takes up 1 of 4 slots

thinking of similar games if there were other benefits, (i.e. vampire survivors Garlic, if Solar Pulse negated projectiles except the boss monolith drop) or hex orb did more damage, split apart and did more area damage, it would be better

[Jean]

Yes and no. There's a case-by-case basis which must include all factors and condition and it's our feedback that partly guides this.

Hex Orb -> Strong agree. I think it's complete garbage on it's face, but as a result, I've barely experimented with it. I know it has the divider upgrade but if it works like other such upgrade, it is almost useless for such a slow firing weapon. I'll try it a few time and come back with you on this. After playing with Hex Orb specifically I find that (while still bad) it does have a lot of potential in a way that's different than Chthonic Charge; bounces damage isn't reduced per bounces like splits, but globally, so both lightning and fire works with it very well. There's a fairly massive death trail going on behind the player in a V-shape which is good while leading a mob in a straight line. Less versatile than Chthonic but also more safe. I found it fun.

Solar Pulse -> Strong disagree. It's a great starter and mix very well with all elements, and in particular, lightning and ice. Added bonus: Only requires spending one Upgrade to get the most out of it. Also the circle get pretty huge under the right conditions which is fun.

I'm sure if you listed more spells you think underpowered people would point out the ways they are not; I'll note that after playing many games, the various Spells are generally surprisingly balanced. At least as surprising as can be considering how similar the spells and their upgrades are, anyway.

[mavensngrxvi]

Just to chime in, after some time in the game there does seem to an imbalance in the importance of spell selection. 1-2 single hit spells? No worries. Lawd help you if you don't grab at least one area spell that can (as it's name implies) can deal multiple instances of damage over an area: Swirl, Pules, Sword, rockies, Charge, etc

It -feels- like the devs want us to use certain spells with certain infusions to really bring out their shine.