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Empathic connection needs a buff to compete with botany

Balancing the Healing Game | Community Demands Buff for Empathic Connection

By

Elena Russo

May 8, 2026, 12:52 AM

2 minutes of duration

Illustration showing Empathic Connection and Botany perks side by side with healing symbols, highlighting the difference in effectiveness.
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Gamers are increasingly vocal about needing a buff for the Empathic Connection perk in light of its current comparison to Botany. Arguments have surged across various forums following a post suggesting a boost to 50% healing efficiency, igniting a discussion featuring strong opinions.

The Current State of Perks

Empathic Connection offers a 35% healing increase and lets injured survivors see your aura. However, many players argue this perk is overshadowed by Botany, which provides a 50% boost to healing, including self-healing. One player noted:

"I see no reason why EC canโ€™t be 50%. It would give it a genuine reason to run vs Botany."

Community Opinions

Many player comments express mixed sentiments about managing perks effectively in gameplay. The community is torn on the balance between Botany and Empathic Connection:

  • Aura Insights vs. Healing Speed: Some players argue that while Empathic Connection reveals your aura, Botany does not, giving it a unique edge.

  • Niche vs. Power-Creep: Users express concern about power-creeping. Comments highlight,

"If this was boosted to 50%, you wouldnโ€™t need Botany."

Players also addressed the issue of diminishing returns (DR) impacting how perks are valued. Several pointed out that many viable builds are failing, calling for a reassessment of the current balancing system employed by developers. One user exclaimed,

"DR is the worst thing they have ever done to this game."

Potential Changes on the Horizon?

As discussions heat up, some gamers suggest an overhaul in perk dynamics. Ideas include a pick/ban system for perks in team settings to avoid overwhelming balance issues.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŽฎ 50% Healing Buff: Community pushes for the Empathic Connection to match Botany's efficiency.

  • โš ๏ธ Niche vs. Balance: Arguments for both perks highlight unique purposes in healing strategies.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Call for Overhaul: Many believe that current DR methods diminish strategic diversity.

Final Thoughts

This growing conversation among players underscores a pressing need for developers to listen closely. Is it time to reevaluate perk strengths to promote varied builds and enhance gameplay? Only time will tell if changes will come, but the communityโ€™s voice is loud and clear.

Future Buffs Likely on the Way

Given the strong community outcry for a buff to the Empathic Connection perk, developers may make adjustments sooner rather than later. Thereโ€™s an estimated 70% chance that a healing increase to 50% could be on the table in the next update. This trend follows previous game balancing patterns, where developers rushed to address perceived disparities, especially when a community consensus emerges. Expect a re-evaluation of the current perk system as voices grow louder and complaints about diminishing returns gain traction, potentially leading to sweeping changes that better promote diverse gameplay strategies.

A Lesson from Strategy Games

The situation with Empathic Connection and Botany mirrors the early days of real-time strategy games, where certain units dominated the meta, leading to calls for balance adjustments. Much like how developers introduced unit buffs or nerfs to maintain fairness, the ongoing discourse around perks suggests a critical need for reevaluation to avoid stagnation. This reminds us that gaming, much like history, often requires a continuous cycle of adaptation to maintain a competitive and enjoyable environment, fostering an ever-evolving narrative driven by player input.