Every single item in the game; armor, weapons, decorations, power leveling, can be bought using your wallet.

What is "winning" in an MMO? For some MMOs (like SotA) it's usually about your goals you set for yourself. Want to own a house? Have vendors? Level up your character? Anything this game or the players offer can and are sold for real cash.

Before you decide to send cash through Paypal to pay for that cool item, realise you could be breaking Paypals EULA.

Just today https://www.shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/real-money-transactions-and-shroud-of-the-avatar.109237/#post-937868

They are allowing Power leveling services through their player base. They maintain they're still not P2W, because they're not selling the XP themselves, but it's allowed to buy it from another player. It was up until today that Power leveling for money was considered against TOS, but they have amended their stance and it is allowed now.
A fine line between P2W if you ask me, they don't sell xp, but their players do.

The best thing about Shroud's tiny cult like audience is they are so blinded by the bubble they aren't even aware of what's being simulataneously said on their own forums;

https://www.shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/terms-of-service-and-pay-to-win-with-powerleveling-service-provided-on-marketplace.108644/

Real money trading to sell direct levelling up and power is declared legal.

Then again, this is a community that spent Xmas threatening my family with rape and death, who were laughing about swatting critics, and which has been endlessly reported to the same community moderator and no action is ever taken.

EVERYTHING is fine, as long as you're making money for it in Shroud.

I've been playing MMO's and online games since they started. Exactly what is it one pays for in SOTA that gives you a direct advantage? A more ornate house feature? And what is it one is winning? I'm also one who plays mostly on my non steam account and usually log in here to keep track of any Achievements. Been playing since the start. Just my opinion and not directed as any type of insult.

Pay2Win means different things to different people. If you talk to people that have been playin mmo's since inception they would probably define p2w as being able to pay for direct advantages. This game you can pay for that so, it's a slippery slope and lots of games now design some sort of p2w aspect into the game.

I am using the normal non Steam Client, so thats why I write "You don't need to be intimidated by my playtime." Dont read and comment ?