I’m currently on NG+8 (at 120 hours played) I think and it’s funny how i’m becoming like the other starborn just rushing all the artifacts and not caring about anything. I could probably do it in two hours per but I do get distracted.
Currently level 75-ish (can’t remember exactly) and I do get sucked into at least upgrading weapons, and in the Starborn Guardian the final space battle can be rough so I also end up getting the Razorleaf and working on getting it to C class stuff. But realy the upgraded weapons aren’t necessary, can usually find a good-enough weapon getting the artifacts.
But the artifact chase means there’s no point in building anything as it’ll just be gone. Sometimes I think I’ll chill on this run, but then i’ve gotten all the artifacts and it’s close enough to finishing one more time that I eventually just go for it.
I’ve become just like the other starborn - building relationships is pointless, interacting with merchants is annoying. Phased Time VII is godlike - these stupid mortals need to get out of my way.
I’m doing the same thing. I couldn’t stand the fact that in my first play through, I wouldn’t be as powerful as I could be.
So I made the decision to leave everything behind, grind all my skills to 10 and then FINALLY start playing the game in NG9. Lmao.
Takes me about 4.5 hours to comfortably get through a new game, and I’m halfway through 5 right now.
It is a grind. Be warned y’all.
There’s no turning back for me now.
I maded it to NG+11 I think, once you get Phase Time X you don’t need to do go any further. Actually basically the last run I didn’t buy anything other than some ammo, using whatever I found on the way and since you can have Phase Time on all the time, there’s no challenge (other than the final space battle).
I’m done for now at 136 hours played, next time I get into it, will definitely start a fresh character!