Hey! So, I’ve never made any sort of tutorial and I don’t have kick butt videos on youtube. I do have knowledge of the game and how to help newer players. Lately I’ve been having a hard time helping out with the new players because of work and the time it takes up, but I do enjoy it. So, to make up for the time I’m not currently available in game I will kind of make a guide here. You may feel free in asking me questions here or in game.
I’m going to tell you up front. I’m no Magnus, Chris, Njthug, or any of those other awesomely skilled players in game. I do know team work and I know how to succeed in the game. I’m probably an above average player that’s really social. Lol. So I hope you do find this helpful in getting into the game and enjoying it to its full potential.

What would you recommend upgrading first in the game?

I know this is a very much debated topic and this will be the lengthy one here and what your entire experience will be based off of when you first start the game. Because if you pick something lousy that you don’t find useful or helpful then you are pretty much going to give up within a few days.
Weapons

Buy different weapons and go on runs to Basil (recipe vendor) over and over until you find your nitch. Find what you enjoy to do. They are all fun and all have their uses within the game.

Bombing is more of a support and distraction. Bombing isn’t for everyone. If you don’t know how to bomb properly you can be more of a hindrance than a help. You need to know when to use the right bomb and to memorize the different spawn points in each map.
But if you want to be more up in the action being a swordsman is good, too.

Swords need to know the right time to attack or stand back. Shielding is VERY important with swordsman. Also, knowing when to charge your sword for the super attack of awesomeness is crucial. All it takes is one wrong charge attack with a sword in the caliber series and you can kill your own team mates. It’s really important to not just run around charging your sword because you think it causes MAXIMUM DAMAGE, but really you’re scattering the monsters and making it harder for your team mates to get to them, or even knocking a monster mid attack into your team mate and it kills them. We will go over thoroughly about game etiquette later on in the post.

Gunning is very very helpful, and I LOVE a good gunner in the team. They can hit gun puppies without me(a bomber) ever having to set foot near one. Gunning is more of a stand back and hit them in the face with awesomeness role. There are times to gun and not gun so it’s good to have a sword on you. Gunning and bombing can be a conflict so if you’re gunning around a bomber be careful and aware of the bomber at all times.
That’s just a sneak peak of the roles. I will describe each more later.

Shield

Having a good shield is probably the most important thing to have. It is what protects you and gets you through the game. There are many great shields for all kinds of different occasions. The basic shield is the defender series. It’s a good starter shield. If you want something that’s really long term the owlite series is good for that. Having multiple shields for various things is important and should be considered.

Armor/helm

Your armor protects you from different statuses and gives you extra health and what not. Your armor/helm really enhances your character and your role within the game. It’s like your statement to everyone of how you play. You can get health increase, status defenses, and you know… look super awesome as well. I won’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t get, because that depends on what role you play.

You can get by, for the most part, with a good weapon and shield. That way it leaves your armor and helm the last things to pick from.

My high recommendation on what order to upgrade your gear is:
Weapon> Shield>Armor>Helm

I will update more as I go. There is quite a bit of stuff that I would like to share and I hope that you all find this helpful.
Be looking for the next update, "Guide to save money to get better gear faster". Also, I'm working on, "Guide to clockwork run etiquette".

Thanks!
-J