u/Grunthos_T_Flatulent

I'm thinking about picking up this game on PS5 and i have a few questions (if that's allowed) here:

Is a headset/microphone necessary? The one I own is broken and the ps5 built in microphone is terrible.

Is the learning curve steep?

Is it worth getting for a casual player? I have a few hours per week to play and can't grind relentlessly.

As a single player will it be hard to survive in (like Rust)?

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

EDIT: Thanks everybody for your answers! I am definitely going to buy it!