I haven’t played in a long time now and have never even actually beat the game so I’m curious on everyone’s opinion if I should get the DLC (or is it free?) I just re-installed this because I was craving some diablo ii time and as we all know d3 is the worst. So now I’m back. Any huge new changes in the last year that I should know about without reading a hundred change logs. 
The Crucible is free if you backed during the Kickstarter or bought from the website during that time frame.
It’s basically a survival mode… it isn’t required but it’s nice if you’d like a bit more of a challenge and a different way to farm items.
As for changes in the past year… that would mostly be balancing stuff too numerous to write about and would require you to sleuth on your own if that kinda stuff excites you.
Edit: of note, not sure if you stopped before the Hidden Path was added to the game:
http://www.grimdawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40019
[Major New Features]
New Content: The Hidden Path. Venture down the elusive route taken by the followers of the Witch Gods and discover the secrets known only to their most loyal servants. Your journey begins near Lower Crossing, but requires some Dynamite.
The Hidden Path includes a wealth of new lore, 5 new bosses, a new dungeon, 3 new Monster Infrequents and 7 new Unique items.
That may interest you to explore it if you did miss it.
Also, Port Valbury.
http://www.grimdawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48845
[Major New Features]
The Fall of Valbury, a new Aetherial roguelike dungeon, is now available.
With this massive new outdoor dungeon come 4 new Monster Infrequents, 2 new Unique items, 6 dangerous new bosses and mini-bosses and pages of new Lore to discover. Venture into Port Valbury and witness the complete destruction of a once vibrant commercial center and a reminder of the grim future that awaits all of Cairn should you and the Black Legion fail.
Those seeking death in Port Valbury can begin their adventure in the Conflagration, northeast of Homestead. Those Honored with the Outcast may also want to pay her a visit.
So yeah, I suppose there was a couple things besides just balance. That should cover it more or less.
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I know I pre-ordered the game, I am not sure if I bought during kickstarter however. when I click DLC in steam it’s not free so I assume it’s not?
I’m going to work my way through the game first one more time and then I’ll give it a go I think. Is this game still really active?
One way to find out is to put your email into the Humble Key Resender
https://www.humblebundle.com/resender
If you backed during that period it would show up there and Humble is where you would retrieve the needed key, if available.
Alternatively you could search your emails for GD related stuff to zero in on what you did. I think anyone who backed prior to the Kickstarter is also eligible.
Of course. As active as it has always been. We have an expansion coming later this year and an Xbone port of GD I suspect may also show this year.
Thanks for all the updates, doesn’t look like I did it. I just know I pre-ordered, not a big deal however.
I did find a build I think I will attempt as a solo grind however :
http://www.grimdawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52940
I’ve always wanted a blademaster so here we go. 
Always a fun choice imo… I’m working on a BM now as well, tho Dualwield/Shadow Strike focused.
I try to play solo / self found but I’ve never finished the game and play on HC Veteran, I think I may turn Veteran off… I think that’s where my biggest challenge lies… especially never beating the game.
Thanks for all the info/help ect.
Well, you could always leave Veteran on and skip the HC until you get a better handle on things. They have drastically improved resistance buffs on gear nowadays so it isn’t that hard to equip yourself to face the challenges ahead. Still, gaining experience with unfamiliar game areas first before taking it on thru HC is always helpful.
You know that’s probably a smarter idea, I can learn how to gear. What to expect ect. I found gearing really hard when I played a year ago, I was probably geared wrong but none the less haha.
When you’re leveling, should you be focused on defense/res or are things like +direct stats more lucrative? Should you stop and farm anywhere or should you just push through to the second difficulty?