I really want to recommend the game but there is just too much negative things about it in general.
To maps, levels and combat.

well there is some fun to be had, and the combat or gameplay is/are more tedious now, slow and dull...

I remember my time with it (ranged attacks like a crossbow being OP as F.... but a bit more fun)

Levels being a bit too limited, also the most curation they can give is the fact you have to beat yourself I mean your map once to publish but keep in mind they can have quite the good weapons or abilites for that run making it harder for lower level players.

As I have gotten with my maps, they could be too much for some players since they have worse equipment to deal with such leading to mass murder insted of flow of the maps as I played it like.

Then I think it's just not a game for you specifically.. definately if all you've played is 8.6 hours, and are already tired of it.

@.IOsaac - it will take you years to get to level 60 if you actually play without EXP gear. The game *requires* you to use it later on.

"The only real effective way to level up and make progression is to farm rats with +EXP gear."

Or to have fun playing the game. I played for 2 hours on my new character and i'm already level 9 with pretty good gear. + there's reward maps wich you get 6 a day. They give better loot drops and bonus XP.

"The entire premise is based around user-created maps, but they aren't curated whatsoever."

They're not curated, but you can always check the most-liked maps and see the upvotes, meh-votes and downvotes on the maps before you play.

"and abilities and combat are lackluster."

I somewhat agree with the combat statement, since it's mostly mashing your fight-button and dodging/blocking hits from strong enemies.. But there are quite a few abilities that you can pick and choose. (sign to the right of your little hut)

yeah the combat now I think is much worse then how it was 2 years ago ;_; ....
Dunno how that worked with levels it was something like that but a bit different?