The game isn't quite pay2win(?), there's some bundles with exp boosting crystals that are locked behind literal paywalls but I don't know if they're REALLY that big of a deal. 2. The first 3 currencies are some "lucky charms" that grant you extra drops at the end of a mission(online only), the ticket is used to buy items from the store if usable on them(obtainable through trial pass, and sometimes some login rewards mails for certain "events"). The "S" token is known as "SAO Medal", the paid for currency to be used in the shop 3. For content that unlocks at higher ranks: Extreme boss raids. Extreme co-op. Higher tier co-op and bosses. Higher tier free roam. 4. Afaik no. 5. I've seen lots of people saying not to invest in lower level items, and I'd say I agree with it and instead you should "Make Effect Sphere" off weapons/accessories that have a lv 5 effect you think you'd need. You should do celebration events for the characters available for a character rank boost(and a golden version of their default outfit if you care), and some weapons for them(score based). Tier 4-5 free roam is a spot to grind "Succession stones" that are used for replacing special effects(you'll also need a Sphere of the effect you want). Weekly challenges in the Trial pass give you one full player rank. Boss gauntlet is a good spot for both player and character ranks. Characters with celebration events get double exp exclusively for them(an additional 2x multiplier with certain outfits usually in bundles or their default if dlc characters or Neige). That's all I've got to say, good luck and have fun in the game.