Quick Answer

Act 1 gear is not only corpse loot. The grove, goblin camp, Underdark, Mountain Pass, and key vendors all provide build-defining items. Do not kill vendors before shopping, and do not spend all gold on one character.

StageWhat To DoWatch Out
Grove phaseBuy consumables, tools, and gap-filling gearDo not look only at weapon damage
Goblin campCheck vendors and rewards before fightingHostility can remove shops
UnderdarkAdd caster, ranged, and utility itemsLevel first if fights are rough
Before Mountain PassSort gear and goldCheck Act 1 side quests

Key Checks

  • After rests or vendor refreshes, check scrolls, potions, and special arrows.
  • Give gear to the character who converts it into value.
  • Theft affects safety and relations, so prepare an exit.