I am at lv 18 now. I have been using a great sword the last few levels because I keep finding better ones to upgrade. I would also like to try sword and shield, but it has been several levels since I found. If I get to lv 20 without them, I may just break down and buy them. I got rid of what I had because the levels were so low, like lv 4 on the shield and 8 or so on the sword. I have found staffs, which I use sometimes and I was just rewarded a bow and equipped it in the second slot even though it isn't a preferred weapon for me in this game.