How to know the best defenses and attacks for monsters

[Balmore]

Is there a way to know what works the best with each monster. Also is there a guide on what all the symbols mean for my character. Like the green tear drop or skull or sunburst symbol etc. Thanks

 

[VDX_360]

The Wiki is a wealth of information about the game, including elemental resistances and monster info. You also click in the Wiki button on the top of this screen (it's on the banner of the forum).

In-game, the Combat log is useful to see damage, and damage reduction. As you play the game, you'll get familiar with knowing the damage type by the graphics. Fire tends to do fire damage, green blobs is poison/toxic, black is death, lighten bolts are shock damage.