Nonstop Knight: How to get better weapons and armor

Two parts action RPG and one part endless runner, Nonstop Knight lives up to its name. Perhaps no one has battled fantasy monsters quite like the titular paladin of flaregames' latest, who even battles enemies when you're logged out of the game. Until there's a boss fight, anyway.

Still, his skill and courage only get him so far. He's going to need the best possible gear in order to continue his neverending quest. That's where you come in. Because everything in Nonstop Knight happens so fast, it's easy to overlook the ways you can improve your stats as you just keep slugging away at foes. Allow us to help you with some advice on how to get better weapons and armor.

But first, a little primer.

Gear is important in Nonstop Knight, but that doesn't mean it's complicated. Your knight has just three gear slots:

• Weapons - Things like swords, axes, and other sharp or pointy implements. Main stat is attack value.
• Armors - Fairly self-explanatory. Main stat is Armor, fittingly.
• Cloaks - I prefer capes because it makes you sound like a superhero. Main stat is Skill Damage, which sets the amount of damage done by your knight's three abilities.

You can only have one item equipped in each slot at any given time. Viewing all the gear you have is one by tapping on the backpack icon in the game's bottom navigation. Just don't forget that while you're browsing, the action slows, but it doesn't stop.

From the equipment tab (again, accessed by the backpack icon), you'll see that your currently equipped weapon, armor, and cloak all have an icon that tells you the cost to level them up. That icon turns green when you have enough coins to improve that item. Simply tap it and voila, instant upgrade.

How does one acquire coins? In the time-tested hack and slash fashion, of course: By slaying monsters. Coins can also be purchased in exchange for gems, the game's premium currency.

Is a higher stat value always better? Usually, but you'll notice that weapons and armor also have perks, which are additional bonuses that aid you in some way (for instance '+24% armor after kill'). With two pieces of gear that are similar in level and stat value, the perk you like better could be the deciding factor.

Most action RPGs have you merrily looting chests aplenty during your adventures, but the protagonist of Nonstop Knight doesn't have time for that, as he's busy rushing to the next fight. Quite the gas tank, this one.

But there are chests to be had after a successful boss battle. One will automatically pop up every time you beat a boss, and a new piece of gear will be inside. Equip it, sell it for coins, or spend gems to reroll for another item.

That's all there is to it. Tend to your gear quickly so your knight can get back in the fray, but give him the best possible chance to keep doing what he loves best.