What AQ Maps are best for us to run?

spaceoctopus

After some member turnover we've downgraded from 5x5 to 4x5. We are getting one BG clear the majority of time, maybe once a week 2 BG clears - never 3. We are always in the advanced bracket, usually somewhere around #1400.

The question has stirred if we are better off running lower maps. I know we will get 2 BG clears on maps 2 or 3, and in all likelihood often 3. By doing so could we reach near the same level of rewards we're currently hitting? Our prestige is 4,526.

I looked all around for some calculator or information about this but didn't find anything particularly helpful.

Dexman1349

IMO Map 5 has easier fights, but requires at least 8 people to run in each BG (really works better with all 10). It requires proper timing of the fights, so everyone has to be able to continue moving up at regular intervals (breakfast, lunch break, after work/school, etc). If everything goes smoothly, you can knock out a full exploration in ~15 hours without any overnight refresh of energy.

Map 3 is easier to explore if you don't have the luxury of a fully active BG, but the fights seem harder (basically because the paths are designed to be doubled up).

It comes down to ally coordination when deciding between Maps 3 and 5. With good coordination, Map 5 is the better option; better rewards, easier fights. But Map 3 is much more energy friendly if your ally has sporadic play time.

Unless you're running almost full explore of 3BG's in Map 5x5, you'll be in the advanced bracket.

Map 5 crystals are all T4 cat shards (basic and class), whereas Map 3 also give T1A (whole & shards), but much less T4 shards.