when the new update came out i started all over so i could grind out again, with other games when i was on top of all the builds you could do. a new update would come out and id grind that out for the new gear or what ever the new items were then it would be ugh cause i was back on top with not much to do. sure i could do personal goals on items or go crazy on buildings and what nots. but ya starting a whole new seed is almost like playing the game for the first time just knowing what your getting in to is all lol. happy hunting

I loved the update, too. Was better at the release though, more challenging. Personal preference and an unpopular opinion.

Blood magic is plenty powerful. Depends how you use it. Melee skeletons are great cannon fodder. Using them to distract enemies while I kill. Ranged ones make for a great meadows base defence.
The shield protects you from several weak attacks or one strong attack, no matter how strong it is. You can get ambushed by a 2-star seeker, get hit, survive and not even get staggered. The best thing is - you can apply it to allies.