I've been trapped in my 2 star stuff FOREVER, simply because I can't find the recipes from basil. So I was wondering, instead of using fun stuff like Wolver set, Brandish upgrades, Alchemers, should I go for Cobalt and Defender just so I can get to tier 3 sooner? What do you think.
Don't be in a rush to get to tier 3, because you'll die VERY quickly there if you're not prepared both equipment-wise and skill-wise. Practice some more and maybe you'll find the recipes you want.