Some Final Considerations

[sirhatter]

Here are some parting thoughts I have...

In general, when choosing between weapons and training, my opinion is training should come first, weapons second, as long as youre training using cheap methods. (ie: lab if you prefer, definitely k-quests and codestones).

The thinking behind this is that youre capped to a finite number of useful stats (defense/strength/hitpoints) you can train each day by kitchen quests (averaging about 2.5), and thru the training school (anywhere between 1-4 depending on your level and sleep schedule). By forgoing these opportunities, if you later decide to train, it might be more expensive down the road, and you might have to play catchup in a big way. Remember most serious neopians are training every day. Every day you tale off means you fall farther adn farther behind. As proof of this, take the top 10 pets. Almost all of them have upped their stats more in 6 months even without speed training than most of us have over the past year. Moreover, neopets has NEVER made it significantly easier to train. But they HAVE made it significantly harder. The limits on the training school are the big example. Instead of never having to pay more than 4 codestones, super strong pets cant train at all, and pets like mine are in a situation where it costs 6, 7, or 8 codestones and takes over 3 times as long. By reducing the random events generated, codestones and neggs became rarer, upping prices. History has shown us that it is never easier to train than today, so take advantage by all means!

Weapons on the other hand, can be bought at any time. While its not advisable to have too much money sitting in the bank (as it doesnt keep up with inflation well), you can always go out and buy a decent weapon. But if you decide on a whim to invest 2 mil in training, and need those stat points NOW, you wont get the same return on investment.



Some other thoughts...

For pets wondering how to train, I always recommend going to lvl 40, hp str and defense at 80, and then 85, before making a decision on whehter to be offensively minded, defensively minded or a hybrid, or by being simply a pet with huge amounts of hitpoints that can take a beating and still win. While ive moved my strategy towards the last category, you need to figure out what works for you. You wont know that till you get a feel for even stats, and ahve them at a level where strategy plays an increasing role.

I recommend everyone read mradamface's article in the idb "A defense of defense". He was a very bright neopian, who, while we didnt always think the same way, he was never guilty of not having very good reasoning.

As far as weapons go, im increasingly convinced neopets retirement of hidden tower weapons is random. Meaning the sos could be around for 2 weeks or 2 years+. Like the gsword, it too will inflate in price upon retirement (though not quite so drastically)

With that said, in the next war (whenever it may be), id be shocked if multiple war opponents didnt have g-shields or udr's. Not having any last war was a major surprise, and people with sos's were very happy. I wouldnt expect to be surprised again, especially with sos's more popular than ever.


IF youre looking for a good item to take a gamble on as far as prices really rocketing, the u-bend of great justice is one id consider. Theres an outside chance it could go to 10 mil by the end of next year. I personally am not invested in one (as ill stick with my 20% water defense), but if the following two events happen, look out!

1) Water becomes more prevalent at the high end
2) UBends (largely not seen or bought much in the ht due to the squeeze toy) retire. Of course squeeze toys also retiring would help that cause.

As far as other gambles go, consider any r99 reflector under 3 mil a good gamble as well. Im not invested in any of these eihter, but ive had my eyes open for a while.

I think inuyashaohki, stimulatus, and kemwek (in no particular order), come closest to thinking along the lines i do as far as weapons go. I have a huge ego naturally, so therefore that is good :P

All low end fighters (under idb rating of 150) should have either a leaf shield or vpets shield. Superior to the downsize at that level.

The ice scorchstone is mired in suckitude. When I submit my next article, youll see why I say that.

There is no replacement for the jade. Dont be fooled.

The Kacheek Life potion is overrated (also to be revealed why in my next article)

Speaking of that, if you plan to battle two player, priority one has to be a hypno helmet. seriously a hh + 7 snowballs might be better than 8 good weapons iwth no reliable freezer. If you cant afford a hh, a black or rainbow frost cannon are solid, and safe as r99s.

The higher your stats go, the less valuable grenades become.

When in doubt, go against the masses, and swim upstream most of the time. This doesnt mean forego a freezer necessarily, but if everyone has weapon x, figure out why, and odds are (but not always), that if its readily available, its probably overvalued.

Think for yourself, practice, and get a feel. While good articles and lively forum discussion help, they are aids to battling. Just reading and not fighting wont make you better,

peace,
sirhatter.

[stimulatus]

Pined and closed in honor of Sirhatter.

Have a good one. We will miss you.