I’ve read a couple quest eq guides that suggested an Aard weapon is a typical first quest eq purchase. I think that’s a bad idea and those quest points would be better spent elsewhere (lots of guides on spending QP). You’ve probably noticed all of these special items around with extra flags like (Shiny), (Enhanced), etc. These are bonusloot or gameload items. There’s a small chance every time you loot an object that it will get these enhancements. These items have better stats and average damage in the case of weapons. Some of which are close to or better than their Aard weapon equivalent. See help gameload for details as well.
To gauge a weapons quality (ave dam) take its level and multiply it by 2.5 for those under lvl80 or by 3 for those at or above lvl80. You want the damage to be as close to or better than this level multiplier. As you level you should be saving your weapons because you’re likely going to remort and level all over again.
The easiest way to find bonusloot weapons is on Auction, Market or in open clan shops. A lot of people just sell their loot and it’s there for us to sift through and buy. Some of my best weapons have come from shops and were bought for 20-40k gold. Way better than spending 1k qps for only a slight bump in damage. If you’re really dedicated or determined, you can “farm” bonusloot by killing the same mob(s) over and over until you get some good bonusloot. There’s strategy about which items are best to farm but that’s a guide for someone else, I’m no expert farmer.
The final consideration is weapon type. So you see this awesome weapon that would be great, except its a polearm. If it’s that great and you’ll use it in your weapon rotation, I’d suggest spending 1 TP and remodel it into a dagger, bow, axe, whatever you want. “rt forge” from Aylor recall takes you to the Aylor Forge, north is Ivar’s Forge, “l sign” for info. TPs typically sell for around 5m gold, so hopefully you’ve got some from daily blessings. I don’t recommend spending 5m to buy a token for this unless its a great weapon, in which case 5m is easier than 1k qp for an Aard weapon.
If you’re looking for a tier level weapon, buy an Aard weapon, otherwise, I’d put off Aard weapons until you’ve got a lvl1 Aard set, some lvl200 Aard gear, a couple wishes, and even then I would pause and make sure I really “needed” it. The selection of bonusloot SH weapons is good enough that a 630-ish ave weapon isn’t uncommon and your first tier weapon should be a 231. Opinions will vary but this is working well for me. Keep an eye on clan shop inventory, auction and market for goodies. A lot of people in the clan do this and will hold onto items. If you’re looking for a specific level / weapon type, just ask on clan channel and maybe someone will have something for you.
In full disclosure, I now have a rotation of Aard weapons and I only kept my bonusloot’s that were better than Aard. Starting out, quest points are scarce and bonusloot is the way to go. Even once you have more QPs, these Aard weapons don’t give stats or resists like bonusloot so there remains an argument for bonusloot over Aard weapons. Tpenchanting Aard weapons can add massive hr/dr with a chance for stats but that’s very cost prohibitive and really meant as an end game strategy.
Go for the bonusloot, save your weapons and constantly look for upgrades. They don’t all have to be Aard quality to start, just better than open clan shop equivalents.
