Ok, so I'm a returning player who never really made it past "new recruit" status (never been to T3). Like a lot of steam users, I made an account during the winter sale a few years ago, but only played for a week or two. Then I played for a week or so after they added missions, and during one of the Halloween celebrations, and now I'm back. Point is, I have inconsistent knowledge and a lot of questions. I have looked around the forum, but if any of these have been already asked and answered, I apologize.
1) What, if anything, is actually worth buying (either with $$ or crowns) energy for?
2) I gather that you should always add the maximum amount of crystals when heating equipment, but is heating 3* to level 10 worth it for the chance of prize boxes, given that you only need to reach level five to craft to 4*?
3) I usually take my time during a run. I kill absolutely everything. Is it smarter, loot wise, to run straight through only stopping for treasure boxes?
I've almost always played solo before so I know none of the "unwritten" party etiquette. Are speed runs the norm in groups, and will I annoy my teammates (or even be booted) if I check every corner of the map?
4) Do Moonstone and Valestone have any purpose now... at all?
Thanks a billion to anyone willing to help me out here!! I'd also love any other advice (or links to useful threads). I've read most of the "beginner's guides" but I feel like there a lot of situational intermediate tips that don't seem to get covered. I've always enjoyed this game, and I'm trying to make an effort to commit to it this time, as my schedule is unusually clear for the next few months. Tips on party etiquette, especially, would be appreciated.
P.S. (5) Should I be using my headset (for voice chat)? I have one for some games that I play with friends, but I don't usually like to voice chat with random internet people (it makes me anxious... yes I know that's sad). Also, it makes it harder to listen to music while playing.
Thanks again :)
Good to see someone come back to give the game another chance. I hope I can help here!
1) Honestly, it depends on what you want. whatever you see worth the energy, pay energy for. I've managed to get to 5* without actually spending any cash (Well, I did buy OCH before getting to 5*, but I basically made it without it). As a general rule, try not to spend energy on things, except orbs of alchemy in the lower tiers and danger rooms. Danger rooms are something you may want to put off once you're comfortable with your ability to fight large amounts of gun puppies.
You can throw money at the game to get to the end faster, but it's not necessary. The saying "Time is money!" applies here.
2) If you're a tier 3 player, always go straight for the 4*. 4* items do the same amount of damage in tier 2 at any heat level, so they're an instant improvement on the 3* regardless of if you heat the 3* up to max or not.
If you have the orbs, craft 4*. If you can't craft the 4* as soon as you get your 3* to level 5, keep on levelling it.
3) Killing everything is the standard and is generally accepted to be more cost-efficient except in a few select situations. The kinds of levels that earn you the most money (Arenas, boss stratums) are pretty much impossible to speedrun anyway.
In a party, stay with the group, and they will stay with you. if you come across two paths, one has a party button and the other doesn't, go down the one without the button. Buttons usually make the path a one-way, while the other path will be a return trip with treasure for you.
Perhaps the exception is if you come across the end of a level a long time after the last split in the path. A lot of people will jsut want to move on rather than trek all the way back.
4) No, they don't. we could see a change in the future though.
5)It's prefectly fine not to voice chat, most players I know do not use it unless they are recording a video or such. I've always had microphone/other people's mics muted entirely and it doesn't seem to have bothered anyone.
I hope this helps!
EDIT: The best guide you can get is your own attention. Study how enemies attack as you play. get used to the delay between them starting to attack, and it actually hitting. Look up shield bumping and shield cancelling, they're life savers.
If you want numbers, or info on bombs, look for Zeddy. if you want advice on what sword you should get, look for Bopp.
Once again, I hope this helps!