This is a great guide and I appreciate the time and advice. There is honestly no way to start this game and be able to compete properly though. I am 79. My arena team is 45k power and my Phoenix Squad is up to 40k power.
I am no where near unlocking the challenge speed mods because I need an insane team to get there. I am still trying to upgrade my Jedi, unlock my Jawas, and struggling to collect enough raid items to get a GS 9 toon. Plus level my Imperial side so they are meaningful. I gave up on marquee events and that rat race even though I really need the gear and credits.
Point being, you have to level a single team to compete in Arena to even unlock half the good characters with arena crystals, if you are not leveling that team you find yourself in the 5k zone pretty fast with poor rewards. And by so doing also screw your GW up.
My 12 node for the last week has been all 7 star 85 Palp Lead, Vader, Dokoo, Nihilus, Kylo. All are 5 star mixed mods maxed out 65k - 70k power. My highest mixed bag team is 46k power 6-7 star GS 8 mods range from 6-9 all 5 star mixed bag.
Today that was my node 6. Brick Wall. We'll see what tomorrow brings. If I can't get credits from GW to level my 40 and 50 toons, life is going to suck for months and raids are going to be stunted. And moving into level 80 without being able to level to compete or finish 8 and 9 rebel/Imp storyline or Cantina battles.
The common complaint I am reading is once Vader is opened or 5 starred GW takes a turn for player abuse with Zeta teams and synergy teams with ridonkulous speed and AI buff. Retreat is an awesome tool, but after being Palp Stun Locked and Dokoo getting 6 attacks in a row, thank you Palp lead, it is Kessel Run in a garbage scow.
