I am currently an Apprentice at rank 3-2. I am looking for an effective loadout with weapons easily accessible at this point in the game, but here is my current loadout.
Armor: Spiral Scale Mail
Helmet: Spiral Scale Helm
Weapon 1: Heavy Hatchet
Weapon 2: Super Stun Gun
Shield: Spiral Scale Shield
...or is it simply a better idea to complete the Cobalt Set?
The best weapons are the ones that lead to the best 5-star weapons, because that's where everything ends up. As Krakob said, all planning should be done in terms of 5-star items (and Swiftstrike Buckler). If you want advice on how to build a sword or sword/gun load out, then you might consult my detailed sword guide.
No 1-star items lead to 5-star items. You should not invest any effort or money into obtaining or heating them.
The missions give you Cobalt/Calibur-type gear early on. It's not the best gear in the game --- in fact, Cobalt is some of the worst armor --- but it's strong enough to get you through many missions. So just use that, while you do your research for better equipment.
Until you reach tier 2, it pretty much doesn't matter what you use.
That said, if you plan on using those Simple Orbs, it's best to plan ahead and use 2* gear that you can later upgrade into 5* gear. Other than the swiftstrike buckler, pretty much everything that doesn't have a 5* is useless.
Also don't waste your orbs on anything Defender or Cobalt. They suck.
Is this any better? (For Tier 2)
Armor: Wolver Coat
Helm: Wolver Cap
Wep 1: Calibur
Wep 2: Autogun
Shield: Defender
Yes, it is much better. But as I explained in post #2, you should be planning your equipment in terms of 5-star items. In fact, I do this automatically when I see your stuff:
* Vog Cub or Skolver (or Snarbolax, but that requires a Shadow Lair run)
* Aegis
* Leviathan (or Cold Iron Vanquisher, but that is worse)
* Blitz Needle (or Volcanic Pepperbox, Plague Needle, or maybe a new gun)
Vog Cub and Skolver are great. Aegis is one of the worst shields in the game. (It's usable, but you might as well get a shield that offers more defense and/or offense.) Leviathan is okay, but you should consider specialized swords, as I explain in my sword guide linked above. Blitz Needle is one of the most over-powered weapons in the game, so it's a good idea.
That's definitely okay. Consider switching out the Defender, though. Aegis (its 5* incarnation) is considered one of the worst shields in the game.
The Calibur line of weapons is good but it's not very powerful in comparison to other swords, save for using the charge attack against stationary/heavy targets. Take a look at Bopp's sword guide linked further up if you wish to reconsider.
One problem with only having a sword that inflicts piercing/elemental/shadow and an Autogun is that you might find yourself challenged if your enemies are resistant to your sword and you're forced to rely on your Autogun. If you do get a specialised sword, consider getting two swords in addition to the Autogun so that you're ready to face any situation.
I'm aiming to replace my Calibur and Defender with Cutter and Owilte Shield. Is that a good idea?
Owlite Shield is very good, probably the best defensive shield in Spiral Knights. Barbarous Thorn Shield and its dmg bonus med is good too.
The Cutter, however, isn't that great. You should try to get piercing, elemental and shadow dmg. The brandishes and flourish type swords are great.
I think you should get a brandish instead of cutter, if power is what you're looking for.
And owlite is good, a I'm told.
The sword guide that I linked offers my opinion on the Cutter swords: fun, but among the weakest in the game. Calibur/Leviathan is definitely more practical than Cutter/DVS/WHB.
Go for the Skolver set, Owlite, Brandish (Glacius in my opinion is best for Vana, C42, and LD), and for guns I'd wait until the gunner's update comes out.
As above, hold on the gun but start working on two brandishes, an Acheron and either Glacius/Combuster/Voltedge(note this requires PvP making it not very good to start with). Wolver line gear is great, craft according to whether you have the skill or connection to not get hit in FSC. Take Skolver if you do, take Vog if you don't, take half-and-half if you're in the middle. BTS takes more effort but is generally superior to Aegis; in fact, most shields are.
So, now I've got this:
Armor: Wolver Coat
Helm: Wolver Cap
Wep 1: Brandish
Wep 2: Autogun
Shield: Owlite Shield
I would reccommend you to upgrade the auto gun to a pepperbox due the fact that in missions you find alot of slimes and constructs. Also, Jelly King and Roarmulus Twins are slimes and construct themed. You will probably grind JK and RT quite alot to get your 3* and 4* and going on the needle shot path will make it alot harder. Once you unlock FSC you can get another auto gun and start working on a blitz needle.
Yes, but you can beat the Royal Jelly Palace and Ironclaw Munitions Factory with just your Nightblade/Acheron. The only monster that resists it is the occasional silkwing. And those are perfect for Needle Shot/Blitz.
So I recommend that you start upgrading your Autogun toward Blitz Needle. But don't upgrade it very quickly. Try to let the gunner update happen, before you reach five stars. Because the update might change your optimal plan.
Is it a good idea to sell my Cobalt Set, then?
Tier 2
1. Twisted Snarble Barb (.....or probably Swift Flourish ....But still the 5*one of its charge looks SICK)( Later use )
2. Nightblade (JK )
3. Fire/shock/iceburst Brandish (RT)
4. Autogun ( Later use )
5. Blaster ( Any mission )
6. Pulsar (.......Check the wiki as this cant be bought that easily....) ( JK / RT )
7. Antigua (.......Check the wiki as this cant be bought that easily....) ( Later use )
8. Freezing Vapouriser ( Later use )
Tier 3
1. Barbarous Thorn Blade ( low priority )
2. Acheron (Second Priority )
3. Voltedge/Glacius/Combuster ( TOP PRIORITY )
4. Blitz Needle ( TOP PRIORITY )
5. Valiance ( Second Priority )
6. Polaris ( PEW PEW PEW .... WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH ) (For troll use only )
7. Argent Peacemaker (Shadow one is good tho ) ( low priority )
8. Shivermist Buster (low priority)
There ya go.... (P.S. ....This is my opinion)
Jk-Jelly King
Rt- Roarmulus Twins
Is it a good idea to sell my Cobalt Set, then?
Sure. You can sell it to a vendor. You won't get a whole lot of money for it.
You could hold onto it. Someday there might be an upgrade that you want to get.
There's no point in staying with 1* gear. In fact, you should be planning for 5* by the time you've figured out how you want to play the game.