Willow skill tree issue

[snipzy]

General Criticism:
The rework of Willow is terrible in almost every aspect. Skill trees should help characters better use what already exists in the game world, not give them new toys that don’t match their visuals or lore. The character suddenly turned into a damage-dealing wizard without developing the logical aspects she already had.

Missed Opportunities:
Willow could have been expanded through existing items such as winter coats, the Dragonfly armor, the Fire Staff, and nightlights.
If the goal was to turn her into a combat-oriented character, it could have been done in a way that fits the game's preparation style.

Alternative Concepts:
She could cast abilities that build on existing mechanics instead of having Ethereal Embers mechanic.

For example:
creating an arena made of nightlights or Dragonfly floor tiles,

dealing much more damage while "burning" or overheating and receiving some drawbacks from it

extending the effect of starcaller and fire stаffs instead of creating her own magic version.


Lore & Progression Issues:
I really dislike how characters can improve themselves using shadow magic or an altar right from the first days of the game in a new world.
Skill trees should be scattered throughout the world in the form of abilities connected to existing items and events—not something characters can access out of almost nowhere.
I understand that Klei won’t throw away their previous work, but it would be healthier not to build new systems on top of old mistakes. It’s better to fix them, even if it requires such a rollback.

Edited December 9, 2025 by snipzy