I'm new here, I read some guides but still I've got some questions.
1. Does run through Tier 1 (using 100 energy) may provide more money then cost of 100 CE(+6k crowns)? When cost of 100 CE is lower (hours)?
2. What's best way to earn crowns with 2-stars EQ only?
3. Is it better to go solo or in party?
4. Does this equipment is good for swordmaster?
Wolver Coat and Cap, Calibur and Owlite Shield
5. What equipment should I get from 5-star stuff?
So to not make another thread, I've got another question. Which abilities/unique variants are best? Attack speed increase/Charge time reduction/damage bonus vs./resistances? If damage bonuses then vs. which monsters and if resistances then which ones?
Let's look at my playstyle. Then maybe you'll get an understanding.
I'm very proficient in using swords, so I try to go for gear that compliments that. Now only certain gear compliments my sword-style (Wolver, for example), so I go for that, but there are two that stick out. Vog is ASI, while Snarbolax and Skolver are Damage. I've got both styles, but this will go toward what you like the most. I like hitting heavily, so I choose Snarbolax over Vog most of the time.
Going further, A full Snarbolax set (Helmet, Armor, Shield) will grant you a Max Damage Bonus. Any additional damage bonuses (pure or vs. a specific monster) will have no effect, so I would look for ASI or CTR bonuses.
Now let's look at weapons. Since I use Leviathan Blade the most (I love Normal Damage and the charge attack), and I'm wearing Snarbolax the most, I would want ASI and CTR bonuses. I have three UVs on my sword (CTR Low, Beast and Slime Medium), so if I ever switch to Heavenly Iron or Vog, or switch my shield to fit the need, I will still have additional damage against certain monsters. Yea, I could keep rerolling UVs, but since my survivability is quite high and I don't PvP much I don't worry about it.
A wrap-up: Pretty much what Trying said. It depends on what you are wearing, but it also depends on how you play. I have friends who love ASI, while I love the Damage Bonus. Of course, those types of UVs are only on Weapons, so armor gives me the extra damage/ASI I need. In terms of resistances, I tend to go toward things that normally hinder me. Shock is a killer, or Curse if you are a Gran Faust user.
A tip for you: If you love the Brandish line of weapons, check out CTR. That can be a lot of fun!
@Sykura A full snarbolax is very high, same as a skolver. You still miss the last 2 damage, ultra and max.
Personally, I run full skolver and double elite quick slash. This gives me vh asi and vh damage. If i ever get to making slash trinks, I might make a vog. Add on proper shield for levels I find hard, otherwise bts for the extra 2 points of damage, which then puts you at max.
@Demonicsothe, I count the shield with it. I know I shouldn't, but it just seems so obvious! It was stated in my wall of text up there. You just might have missed it.
It isn't obvious. Besides, its misleading to say that if you want damage, you pick snarby. Skolver works fine, the only difference between the two pieces is the defence and resistance.
A full snarbolax set is actually just the cap and coat. The shield itself is called barbarous thorn. See where the confusion comes up?
Not to mention, you didn't exactly read the op. He's new. You expect him to get a snarby as a first 5* armour set?
I must apologize, Demonicsothe. Perhaps the Spiral Knights Wiki has caused me to be incorrect.
For Reference - http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Snarbolax_Cap
The wiki incorrectly lists at the bottom that the shield is part of the set. Of course, the armor shows the Barbarous Thorn Blade as part of the set instead of the shield. I will see to it that it is corrected.
Also, I will be sure to put in bold next time key words such as "My playstyle", "Snarbolax", and "Skolver", just so a misunderstanding like this one doesn't happen again. It was mentioned, but since I was used in the example Snarbolax was mentioned more. Once again, I apologize.
Lastly, I must apologize to Enfeebler for assuming you have at least the basic knowledge of the game. I will take Demonicsothe's advice and keep it simpler next time.
And now my remade answer for his second question:
If you like attacking fast, ASI.
If you like big numbers, Damage Bonus.
If you like your charge attack, CTR.
If you like survivability, resistances against what you are going against.
All based on what you like as a Swordsman, free to be mixed and matched.
P.S. http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Skolver_Coat
Wiki may be right, or it may be wrong. I don't believe the owlite is part of the miracle set, it is just one of the best elemental shields out there.
Thanks for all replies, I'm glad that you wanted to help me. I'll probably make Leviathan Blade, Skolver Coat and Divine Veil and Barbarous Thorn Shield as my 1st set and try to look for CTR UVs because I like to go solo and do hit/run. And @Sykura, you don't have to apologize me :)
Enfeebler, think about trinkets before you start rolling for uv's. There is a trinket for asi, ctr, and damage for all weapons. No asi for bombs. Good uv's are rather expensive.
No T1 run gives enough cr to turn profit on a ce run. Unless you manage to get triple arenas in strat 2.
2* allows you to access rjp, royal jelly palace. That is the best place for crowns for T2 players.
Go in a party to learn how to deal with the stronger monsters.
The armour set is good for swordsmen.
5* equipments is determined by what you wish to do with that set. Look up Jdavis on the wiki. He has several guides on equipments for their purposes.