Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-30638141-20170610173346/@comment-30549602-20170614074639

5sides wrote: So help me out with a nice summary strategy for newer players...let's say under level 50 ...

I think the only thing we can do when gifting is respond to WL requests. It's pretty difficult to second guess what folks might need, or to come up with a one size fits all approach. 5s, I'm sure people do play in all sorts of ways; not all players share the same aims and playing styles, and that will affect what help they need. A casual player for instance might not explore every aspect of the game. (I think that makes this game tougher for them).

I can only speak for what a player like me might need. I would say that for keen players under level 50, the most useful gifts are CIs that go to making the cheaper sets for pigs and the four main artifacts, plus energy and tools.

When I first started, I had a good look at all the tabs, and worked out that levelling up my trophies was a priority. So I focused on meeting those targets. Trade trade trade, banish banish banish...the bulk of my reagents now come from trophies and dispelling.

Until I discovered this wiki site, I didn't know about the free craftables glitch. I combined sets for piggies, earned coins and crafted fixers. I also crafted many dispellers. I focussed on making artifacts - chickens and masks were my obsession. I crafted Fire Crystals as often as I could. Eventually I became less dependent on my CC and the kindness of friends.

So I know that it IS possible to accumulate enough coins and reagents to craft what I need. Incredibly, I have yet to activate my first Looking into the Future talisman. I have NEVER had a shortage of reagents.

In summary, my playing strategy has been simple: do a bit of every game activity. Use talismans to increase your resources, run boosts and amulets during play. Visit. Gift. Play often. Slow and steady wins the race.

However, I will add a few caveats: 1. I spent $$$ buying energy and rubies early on; 2. I've had considerable wind assistance with CIs and access passes thanks to generous friends here; 3. The gifting glitch allowed me to save up a decent reserve of coins and reagents.

Since the glitch was fixed, I do agree the costs in time and resources have become much steeper. This is not just because every fixer has to be crafted, but because the NUMBER of fixers needed for some sets has become ridiculous and unsustainable. SIXTY THOUSAND coins worth of fixers for a single set is effing bonkers!

At this rate, I reckon I might run out of coins and reagents too. If that happens, I will stop playing.