So I just started playing this game (im about 2-2) and I just wanted to ask a couple questions before I get too into the game.
First, how does gear work exactly? I know there is a shop of some sorts, but are these items that other players have found in game?
Is there rare gear that can only be found on certain floors or bosses?
My second question is, what is the ultimate goal of the game?
Welcome to the game. There are basically three ways to get gear:
1. Craft it yourself, using a recipe. This is the "regular" way to get gear. You can buy most recipes at the Hall of Heroes. But a few recipes are available only at Basil, who is in the Clockworks, and there are several exceptions.
2. Buy it from another player. You can do this through a knight-to-knight trade, but usually it's done through the Auction House. Yes, the items there were put there by other players (except for the featured auctions, which come from the game itself). You should (almost) never buy anything over 3 stars, because it requires an expensive unbinding fee.
3. Buy it from Brinks using tokens. This is how you get certain boss reward items. Most of them are not really rare, because tons of players have them. There are a few exceptions, such as Black Kat equipment, which you get from a weird process involving a token, a fight, a rare material, and crafting.
There's not really an ultimate goal to the game. You just play through all of the content, getting better at beating all of the monsters. In the plot, the ultimate goal is to re-launch the Skylark. But you don't ever get to do that in the game.
I agree with Blazecat-Percival that you should work through the rank missions. When you get stuck, play the Arcade gates for a while.
Finally, we have an extensive wiki. It's not perfect (and right now a lot of the images are missing), but it contains lots of information. Search it to learn more about the topics here: "Crafting", "Basil", "Auction House", etc.
"There's not really an ultimate goal to the game. You just play through all of the content, getting better at beating all of the monsters. In the plot, the ultimate goal is to re-launch the Skylark. But you don't ever get to do that in the game."
For all the grinding and farming that thousands of people do everyday, for years, wouldnt you think we could've done virtually anything by now? -_-
but anyways, I thought the main goal was to get to the core? or is there more? (by goal, I mean game-wise, not story-wise)
You want a goal? Make one.
Here's a common example for a goal.
Create a costume with a Frosty Cloak and Hood, Glasses, Wings, and Mechtennas.
This goal is about wanting to look good.
There's other goals like...
-Get 4 schemer scraps for the guild hall.
-Find the Divine Avenger recipe.
-Obtain the powerful Voltedge.
-Defeat Darkfire Vanaduck and then make Snarby Set.
-Defeat Margrel and get the BKC.
Make your own goals because in a game where you can be or look better you always strive.
Currently my goal right now is to get 5 Schemer Scraps for the guild hall.
Though if you want a plot-based goal I got one for you.
Try your best not to rant about updates.
but anyways, I thought the main goal was to get to the core? or is there more? (by goal, I mean game-wise, not story-wise)
You do that in Dreams and Nightmares. So then, what. You stop? Have you done Heart of Ice yet? Have you done a Shadow Lair? If not, then you do them. The game has little enough content that I can't imagine stopping playing without trying all of it.
So I'd say that the goal of the game is to play everything at least once. Other players might say that the goal is to master everything, or to collect all of the items, or to build the perfect costume. To each his own.
But one thing's for sure: There's no "Congratulations, you have completed the game!" screen followed by the production credits.
First off welcome! Spiral Knights is a game which mainly has goals based around grinding or fashion. But mostly grinding.
Gear is essential. Your proto sword is zero stars. That means it deals effective damage in the lower leveled areas and is pretty useless anywhere else.
Gear is usually crafted using recipes, and get more stars when upgraded with better recipes.
Example: Calibur (2*) is upgraded to Tempered Calibur (3*). Tempered Calibur does more damage than the regular.
But imma give you some good advice now. Keep doing missions, and do not buy new weapons or their recipes until you reach Rank 4. At around Rank 3-2 you will receive free equipment that is 2-Stars, more than just a step above your armor. After you reach Rank 4, potential will await you!
If you have anymore questions, ask me or someone smarter than me like Bopp or Fangel.