Honestly, I think it's best for the player to at least best the adamantoise without the ring at least once. Gives you the full experience of the fight and how to equip properly. Also, it gives many players the time needed to test out different weapons (to find their favorite dps weapons in long battles)

Sceptre of the pious or zwill crossblades are obvious dps weapons, trident of the Oracle is amazing as well (especially when the boss starts stomping on your physical build and you don't want to pause for potions)

But I also had fun just straight up switching to Ignis with the zwill. The fight goes by much faster, and helps you understand his combo sequence (swapping to lightning at the right time to catch up to the backstep)

Alterna is best when you don't got the time for bullshit and want to grind loot for limit break magic or mayyybbe Gil, while you watch a show on your phone or something