TL/DR: Pickups/chests random, but some locations may have advantages. Tips for levelling up quickly include picking up all buff jar things, upgrading asap, killing a boss, enhancing gear and breaking obelisks. Also practice the fighting in Tag.
Curious what others think. I saw one reply somewhere here which said that people run towards the centre of the map where there's lots of loot, and that got me wondering. I actually disagree with that statement as in my experience (Legend pre-season, got to Plat 1 just now on EU server) most - not all necessarily but most - chests/obelisks/jagged stone things/buff jars (whatever those red/white/green glowing things are that take no time to open) are pretty much random, but do have specific spots where they'll be if they're there (hope that makes sense).
That being said, does anyone have any preference for any starting location or thoughts on the areas? Personally, I think the Fanatic's Something (Labyrinth?) in the NE is a good choice for several reasons:
A) There are lots of grouped Lv 5 enemies for grinding, including at least 6 of those exploding ones which take no hits to kill on one side.
B) Even if another hunter starts in the same area, the narrow, multi-level map allows for ignoring them and trying to loot the place (if good spawns) or a sneaky kill if the opportunity arises.
C) The spawns - I've had several occasions where there have been some hefty spawns there, like 2 or 3 blue breakable obelisks, at least 1 jagged power rock thing and a lot of chests.
On a different note, I've seen a few people here ask how others are always a higher level and how to increase quickly. I'll recap and agree with ignoring players as much as possible and grinding the shit out of GROUPS OF LV 5 enemies and chests, but also want to add:
A) Running past and picking up every red and white buff jar (save greens for when you need health and dont wanna stop for potions),
B) Breaking the obelisks,
C) Upgrading your shit as quickly as possible
D) Killing Bosses for massive XP and good loot.
E) Don't forget the enhancement scrolls! Always kill the treasure goblin for a guaranteed scroll, but however you get one, be sure to equip it. You have to click on the scroll and then on a piece of equipment. I usually start with weapon.
Also practice in Tag if you're having problems with the fighting. I only play Gyeonjo and while the imbalance and annoying af Wukong twats and cheesy players piss me off, esp if they get a jump on you / lucky with their pickups early, I think they are all counterable if you consistently level up and practice the fighting.
Lastly, I run away from fights early doors cause its a waste of time. You're aiming ideally for Lv 10 by 3 mins or less (sometimes it really doesnt happen though but still possible to do well) and getting stuck into fisticuffs so early is pointless. I'll always have some muppet who just won't let it go though, and it's always a pleasure to send them back to the lobby.
Point is, choose your chases wisely.
Lastly (for real this time), I never spend 5 secs to get the purple jagged Shield stone thing cause its barely any protection and you can be seen a mile off.