Patch 1.05 Preview

[Archon_Wing]

IMO, it's very viable to self-farm your own gear-- it's not like pre-1.03 where it was literally impossible to gear yourself for the next act. Act 1 only dropped 61s as the highest and Act 2 only dropped 62s as the highest. This was obviously a terrible joke-- trying to take on pre-patch act 2 with 61s was the equivalent of wiping your behind with sandpaper and progression wasn't possible for 95% of players had people not used the skip act exploit and acquired higher level items to sell on the AH.

But now 61s and 62 drop in hell mode. Most of them still suck, but you can prep your character through inferno.

It would still take a much longer time than using the AH, but I don't really see the problem with that. Trading with other players is supposed to make the game easier, just like how the game is easier if you have a group helping each other out and sharing items.

Of course, I love the AH so much I want a web browser version of it, so YMMV. My current Wizard in hardcore has hilariously outgeared the content in hell just because I was so worried about dying that she's maxed out as much as I can given my funds. I've always liked to get ahead on the progression curve for many rpgs I've played. But at least it's funny and allowed me to survive disc'ing in front of elites.