Do I need crafting?

[boru]

I understand I will only be able to graft one type of item decently. Also seems like a massive pain to level up for self sufficiency in just one item.

 

[Kaemik]

No. Absolutely not. Self-sufficiency is a bad goal in this game. It's meant to be played as a group. Even if you're going the solo route you need to make friends you can trade with.