Trove
" Creative voxel-based MMORPG with diverse classes and social play but hampered by pay-to-win and grinding "
Trove Review
Trove is a voxel-based MMORPG that combines sandbox building and RPG elements, attracting players with its creative freedom and social gameplay. The game offers a variety of classes, dungeons, and building mechanics, making it enjoyable particularly with friends or clubs. Players appreciate its colorful graphics, frequent updates, and the vast amount of content available for free. However, the game has evolved significantly since its beta days, with major changes impacting gameplay and player experience.
Many players highlight the grind-heavy nature of Trove, especially at higher levels, where progression slows and requires extensive farming or monetary investment. The introduction of pay-to-win elements, such as classes locked behind real-money purchases and premium subscriptions (Patron Pass), has created frustration among the community. Server instability, lag, and bugs further detract from the experience. Despite these issues, Trove remains a fun, social, and creative game for those who enjoy voxel worlds and cooperative play, though it demands patience and time commitment.
Highlights
Players praise Trove's creative building mechanics, allowing custom club worlds and unique constructions.
The colorful, Minecraft-like graphics are charming and suit the voxel style well.
The variety of classes and dungeons offers diverse gameplay, and the social aspect, including clubs and cooperative play, enriches the experience.
Frequent content updates and a friendly community are also appreciated, making Trove engaging for long-term players who enjoy grinding and exploration.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the heavy grind required for progression, especially in late-game content, which many find tedious and unrewarding.
The game's shift towards pay-to-win mechanics, such as monetized classes and premium boosts, alienates free-to-play players.
Players report server lag, frequent disconnects, and bugs that negatively impact gameplay.
Content repetition and limited end-game goals lead to boredom, and slow developer response to community concerns exacerbates frustration.
Pros
- • Creative building system allows players to design unique club worlds and structures.
- • Colorful, voxel-based graphics provide a charming and approachable aesthetic.
- • Wide variety of classes with distinct abilities enhances gameplay diversity.
- • Social gameplay encourages cooperative play and forming in-game friendships.
- • Frequent updates introduce new content and keep the game fresh.
- • Accessible for casual players with easy-to-learn mechanics.
- • Extensive free content available without mandatory payments.
Cons
- • Progression involves extensive grinding, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- • Pay-to-win elements restrict free players and unbalance competition.
- • Server instability causes lag, disconnects, and frustrating gameplay.
- • Bugs and glitches remain prevalent, reducing overall polish.
- • Late-game content lacks meaningful goals, causing player boredom.
- • Classes locked behind real-money purchases limit player choice.
- • Daily quests and mount acquisition systems can feel monotonous.
Rating Criteria
Grab your friends, hone your blades, and set off for an epic procedurally generated adventure in Trove! Battle the Shadow in realms filled with dungeons and items created by your fellow players. Whether hunting treasure or building realms of your own, it’s never been this good to be square!