Looking for options past Frozen Cove. AR mode.

[Major Pain]

I have gone past chicken - frozen cove and stuck on how to proceed. Do I grid out barrier gems for armor upgrades and go for Golem Territory or try for Dragons Den?

[most]

I'm not sure how much the strategy can differ between playthroughs, but I personally did both Golem Territory and the Unholy Forest before Dragon's Den. I believe I did Golem Territory entirely as Magic, then grinded the gold for Equipment Swap by mining Crystals and used Magic and Melee for the Unholy Forest.

I've just beaten the Volcanic Cave and have completely neglected Ranged on my character. I'm grinding it to 70 now so I can equip the Ancient Crossbow (got super lucky in my Dragon's Den farming) and try the Trickery Temple.

[Major Pain]

Thanks for your help