Thanks for all the tips. Condor was the key. I finished all the trials and I got all the customization items along the way.
Now I can move on to unlocking hero weapons.
So that's what it looks like.
I'm 8 presets/chests away from having it all. I think I'll just save up after that though, so I can get a big head start when they first update content. Especially if new weapons and boosters are locked behind some relic system.
Are there any clear-cut "objectively best" weapons/gear/sidekicks/etc?
The AK is still probably the most versatile gun in the game. Almost too versatile in the right hands. The FAL is also very versatile and can compete with the sniper for long range down speed if you aim for the head. The Para 45 and Pistole are the best sidearms in my opinion, with the former being a well rounded pistol with little recoil and great blind-fire, and the latter being several degrees better than the primary shotgun and nearly unbeatable in close range when equipped with extended clip.
Brute is probably the best sidekick. You can just camp somewhere next to your brute and they'll zero in on any opponents that try to approach you. I've been on the butt end of such a situation many times before, and eventually I found that I just had to ignore them.
For mysticals, I think the healing rock and Indra's Eternity are the most useful. The healing rock gets you two charges per purchase and works instantly, letting you enable your team to keep rolling in the face of most setbacks. And the Eye of Indra, when used effectively is pretty much a guaranteed win against isolated players or small groups.
As far as gear, it depends. Mines are very easy to get kills with, grenades have nice utility all around, C4 is like a cheaper, lesser grenade, but gives you more control and can be picked back up if you mess up the toss. Revive packs can multiply your revive capabilities like little else, but you do forgo having a readily available explosive, which can really hurt in some encounters. Smoke has its uses, especially when retreating, or in conjunction with marking that outlines enemies, it's cheap, so there's that, but has the same weakness as revive packs.
Heavy weapons... I don't use them too much, but for the best kills per purchase return, I'd go for the stoner. For having something to whip out when you need someone dead fast, either the RPG or China Lake. Barok is kinda eh unless you're really good at getting head shots. Haven't unlocked the rest.
Others, feel free to chime in/disagree.
