I want to start making serious tier 2 runs. Any suggestions on equipment?

I currently have:
Solid Cobalt Helm
Plate Shield
Solid Cobalt Armor
Cutter
Super Blaster

I wanted to get a dusker coat recipe but it wasn't on the list.

Thanks for any help provided :)

On the wiki it states that "damage taken from fire status can only be reduced by fire-resistant armor. Once alight, a player cannot avoid the damage, even if blocking, until it wears off".

So what does the Fire resist buff on my Owl Shield do? And if it does help, can it stack with fire resist armor?

I've been playing for about a day
and I was wondering if I should stick with my bomb or use a pistol instead.
Like is the payoff you get from a bomb even worth it?
But then having a pistol and a sword seems kinda redundant to me.
Please post your thoughts and why.

So, I've done some crafting for UVs, and I've gotten a few low bonuses - some in useful areas (elemental defense) some not as useful (extra damage vs constructs, on a weapon that I didn't intend to use much against constructs). I know that 10% of the items that are crafted get UVs. My question is how common medium and higher are, among the various UVs that are crafted. Is it even worth continuing to craft in hopes of a medium? Is there anything that influences the chance of getting a better bonus? Does anyone know?

What is the Crystal Energy?

I have gran faust ( with medium damage to fiend uv ), Divine Avenger ( no uv ) and Cold Iron Vanquisher ( charge time reduction: medium ).

also not sure which shield to use, swiftstrike buckler or 4* wise owlite shield. using vog cub as well if that matters.

now another question, I tend to die a lot in random gates. I do very well in the amber lion gate and can solo up to and including jelly king ( killed him by myself one out of 4 attempts without rezzing..

What is auto aiming/auto targetting? Does it only apply to guns?

Just wondering...

Do I really have to hold down shift whenever I want control over my character?

I just got to Tier 2, but was wondering how to get to the bosses like in Firestorm Castle or The Jelly King? Is that after Tier 3? I'm a little ahead of myself, but I want to know kinda what I'm leveling for.