How does an old player return to playing

So this is my most played game on steam. I played it way back when the level cap was 20 up to when chaos was introduced. However I eventually got tired of what was being done with the game and stopped playing. I want to jump back in and give it another go but I can't get past the barrier of not knowing where to start. Apparently I got to chaos 6 before quitting and have some gear from that but I have no idea what the metal is now and I don't remember what heroes I used and which towers. I have 2 bags full of shards that ivy held onto. Any tips for what to do to get back into it without being overwhelmed?

if you have chaos 6 gear, you can try expeditions-chaos 6

try to use flame auras if you dont know what defence to use

I would start by just playing. See what Chaos level you can build for and survive on, so that you can farm it over and over again. Even if that is a lower tier - that is fine. Get a few build layouts down, and familiarize yourself (or reacquaint)  with each Chaos' new enemy and make sure you know how to counter them. See if your main layout towers  have the basic shards - Power/Speed/Range. Add MODs to each as well, again you can't go wrong with Power/Speed/Range on most attacking towers. Read up on forum pages - there is a ton of info here. Look on YouTube for videos by the awesome Juicebags that can walk you through chaos tiers and other modes. Come here and ask questions as much as you need to - we are happy to help. 

 This is a game that takes time, so take some time to get back into the swing of things. As you learn more and more, you will ask better and better questions, and refine your layouts and towers more and more. There is PLENTY to do. 

Most of all - have fun doing it.

I have been gone for about eight months, maybe ten.  Coming back has been eye openning.  The game actually feels much closer to a "finished" product now.  The mods are great!  The one big change was three shards mean everything on defenses (when coming back at least).  Those shards are : Deadly Strikes, Destruction, and Defense Rate.  Everything seems to be about attack speed right now.  I actually really like the ancient Power system, it will be nice to get like 10 resets done because the XP bonus will be much more meaningful then.  Other than that, mods are freaking fun!  The game has the life in it that I have been hoping for for a long time.

@Kambien quote:

I have been gone for about eight months, maybe ten.  Coming back has been eye openning.  The game actually feels much closer to a "finished" product now.  The mods are great!  The one big change was three shards mean everything on defenses (when coming back at least).  Those shards are : Deadly Strikes, Destruction, and Defense Rate.  Everything seems to be about attack speed right now.  I actually really like the ancient Power system, it will be nice to get like 10 resets done because the XP bonus will be much more meaningful then.  Other than that, mods are freaking fun!  The game has the life in it that I have been hoping for for a long time.

Hey welcome back btw:)  

@MaJean quote:

@Kambien quote:

I have been gone for about eight months, maybe ten.  Coming back has been eye openning.  The game actually feels much closer to a "finished" product now.  The mods are great!  The one big change was three shards mean everything on defenses (when coming back at least).  Those shards are : Deadly Strikes, Destruction, and Defense Rate.  Everything seems to be about attack speed right now.  I actually really like the ancient Power system, it will be nice to get like 10 resets done because the XP bonus will be much more meaningful then.  Other than that, mods are freaking fun!  The game has the life in it that I have been hoping for for a long time.

Hey welcome back btw:)  

Thank you! :D