I use status resistances if the depth/mission has a status theme(I always use fire resist perks in vana), and if not I use the health perks.
Battle Sprite perks
sam, 08/01/2015 - 09:43
#6252
I use status resistances if
mar, 09/08/2015 - 11:47
#6253
My usage of perks:
Most of the time i use CTR or ASI perks, fitting my current weapons.
For some status heavy levels (FSC, GitM, C42, RRT, DFV) the fitting status resistances.
For Void levels the Heart bonus.
As long as you don't have damage bonus through your armor yet i'd suggest to use the damage perk for the fitting monster family.
It depends on your situation. Basically, get defense if you absolutely need it. Otherwise, get offense to help you kill monsters faster and more safely.
The damage defense perks probably do almost nothing. Unless someone shows up with detailed tests showing otherwise, I would recommend never using them.
The health perk can be valuable. But once you find a vitapod, it's probably bigger than your perk, and hence your perk is not being used well.
The status defenses can be even more valuable, especially once they are bigger (+3 instead of +1). You can use these to push you over immunity thresholds, for example. Shock, freeze, and fire protection are the most important ones usually.
If you don't need any defense urgently, then get damage bonus or (later) ASI, CTR, or MSI. I almost always use the MSI+2 perk.