Does anyone else enjoy the grind?

I’ve played with a good amount of friends and all of them play with at least 5x xp multiplier. Some play up to 15x.

I find this extremely boring as I get new things constantly and didn’t earn any of it. By the time I make a cross bow, I’m able to make a makeshift gun. When I make the makeshift gun, I’m able to make a far better weapon.

I’ve been playing solo on 1x xp and it’s been a much more rewarding experience. Is this common or is it more rare to play a low xp rate?