Getting most out of Meta builds and build guides

Based on what I have been seeing here and some other platforms most news players follow one of the few most popular build guides blindly and most of the time without even questioning. I get that it is a complex game so of course it makes sense to look for guidance. But I think trying to understand why and how a meta build works goes a long way for developing into a better player in the long term. I see so many people don't have the slightest clue why they are picking certain nodes on the passive tree, why certain gear is recommended and so on. And when they can't afford to buy the next upgrade suggested on the guide they hit a wall and complain about game being unfair. My short suggestion is trying builds per league (follow the guides sure), try to understand why they work then try to experiment to develop your game knowledge. Which lead more success in character power, more crafting and trade knowledge and adaptability when meta changes happen.

I just posted a video discussing this topic explaining some of the risks and how to start getting more game knowledge as a new player and benefit from meta build beyond directly copying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjvEf4JZyFQ

With regard to a particular build, everything depends on the quality of the guide, but GGG is also making efforts in this direction - their "Build of the Week" column can visually explain how it works.

However, we must accept that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not a motivation to learn. People will continue to take the finished product. In order to develop mass creativity and study mechanics, it is necessary to create conditions.

I have proposed, and I still propose, to expand the build palette by holding weekly (or even three-day) racing leagues with rewards, in which the choice of skills, support stones, and items will be limited (a league with only a Short bow, for example). This time is not enough for the appearance of guides and meta, but it is enough for experimentation and learning through them. And some of the successful experiments will flow into the main meta, or become its basis.

All this will eventually have a positive impact on the market and on the gameplay as a result.

netdecking scrubs will always be netdecking scrubs, it cant be helped haha