Want to feel the game again

Returning player here (probably), last played in 2018. How’s the current state of the game? I love this game sm since it’s my childhood and still love it tho. So beside that I have some small question:
- What should I be maining till zero creation? I love zero and he was my main
- How to obtain pet in the early game? beside the 7-day snail if therể’s still avail lol
- And I would love some recommendations about progression too
- I’m looking at TMS and GMS, since TMS prolly much lower ping for me (I’ve researched bout msea and find it tough for f2p tho)