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I can't seem to find a level 1 Shield in the Market Wards, the lowest level I've found is a level 9 (I am using the search feature for all that would suggest that) is there a level 1 shield? I mean in order to rank up shield to use better shields I'm going to have to find a level 1 yeah?
No. By just equipping a shield you get the same amount of shield sp that you would for your weapon sp, so you can equip ANY shield and start leveling up regardless.
Also, the lowest level shield in the game is level 5.
so I can equip weapons even if they're higher than my level?
yea, but it isnt a very good thing to do. but if you cant find anything your rank, go the next higher rank up, but dont go too far that or your damage and accuracy will be gimped.
That all being said, aquiring something optimal to under rank 10 isn't really a good idea. Those first ten ranks go so quickly that you'll have grown out of it before you can say "vendor to NPC".
Grab a rank 9 or 12-ish shield. It's a far better move imo.
so given that you don't need to be the level, how should I decide what the optimal equipment should be? Say I'm level 13 and I have the choice between a level 10 and a level 15 shield. Which one? Should I wait until I'm level 15 to equip the level 15 shield?
In the situation that you are 13 and choosing between a 10 and a 15, always get the 15. The optimal will always be the one that is exactly your level, but when you are leveling 1-15 you are leveling so fast that a lvl 5 shield will become quickly outdated. If you have a lvl 5 shield, go ahead and use it, but if you're going to spend some money and buy a shield, then you're better off buying something a bit higher level, since it will last you longer. I wouldn't worry too much about it though since the content is really easy and doesn't require you to have great armor. Just focus on finding an affordable shield so you can start getting SP for the Sentinel class so you can start acquiring shield skills.
A good rule of thumb, is until rank 20, your optimal wont matter since you can get past those levels so easily
So id say go straight to a rank 20 or so item if you are starting a job
HOWEVER, afte that, you want to stay as close to optimal as possible(as far as not equipping stuff over your level)
having stuff under your level isnt gonna hurt you too much as long as you arent too high over ti(10+ levels)