In most games, the rarer the weapon/armor, the better it is or the better it's abilities are. This holds true for FFRK, but the game developers gave this game a special twist.
Equipment synergy
What that means is, if you do a dungeon from FFIV, any equipment that is originally from FFIV will get a BIG stat boost.
How big you ask? I haven't done the math, but what I do know is that a Kunai, a 1* weapon that can be upgraded to a 3* weapon at max, is more powerful than some 4* or 5* weapons that don't have a synergy with that dungeon.
Since 5* is the highest natural equipment rarity, this means Equipment synergy is a HUGE factor is whether you are going to be successful in this game or not.
The above comparisons don't always mean anything to people, so I will put it in another
way. Fabul Castle (IV). if you equip a lvl 1 black mage with a Kunai
3*++ max level, and a mage hat 3*++ max level, he can solo just about every fight on
auto, except the boss. He is, of course, leveling up after every fight but still, he is not supposed to be good at fighting with physical attacks and he can solo with only physical attacks. That is how powerful weapon and equipment synergy is.
So, I present to you some of my favorite, easy to acquire items for getting a decent foothold in all dungeons:
FF-IV:
weapons:
Kunai 1*-- Various places, but Fabul Castle (IV) fight number 4 (gargoyles)
Rod 1* -- Mako Reactor #1 (VII)
Whip 2* -- (IV) Boss Drop
Armor:
Leather clothing 1* --
Black Cowl 3* -- Ship Graveyard (V) Boss Drop
FF-V:
weapons:
Broadsword 1* -- Various places, but the marines in Fabul Castle (IV) drop them frequently
Armor:
Light Carapace 1* Ship Graveyard (V)
FF-VI:
Weapons:
Greatsword 2* -- You get three from Terra Event.
Armor:
Leather Armor 1*
Beret 2*-- Drops from one of the classic bosses
Ninja Gear 2* -- Phantom Train (VI) Boss Drop
FF-VII:
Weapons:
Fist 1*
Armor:
Protect Vest 2* --Antlion's Den (IV) Boss Drop
Iron Bangle 1* -- Mt Kolts (VI) classic
FF-X:
Weapons:
Armor:
Leave a comment if you know of a great area to farm for any weapons. I am always looking for something better than what I currently have!
Edit: Updated a few things