Paying for Mech Arena definitely makes it better, but it doesn't take much. A Battle Pass is $10. You can get some great buys for under $10 if you wait for them. There are occasionally some balancing issues, sure, but most fights seem relatively fair.

Getting premiums can mean just being patient. Took almost 2 months to unlock Zephyr. I wasn't buying the Battle Pass at that time. https://1921681254.mx/ https://100001.onl/

P2W players certainly come through, and it can be frustrating to face off against a god. It's not the whole game, though.