الوسم: new players

  • Top Tips for New Players: Completing and Solving in Ashes of Creation

    Top Tips for New Players: Completing and Solving in Ashes of Creation

    Getting comfortable in Ashes of Creation takes some time, especially for new players. The game has a steep learning curve, but you can get a good start by keeping a few tips in mind. Everyone’s experience will be different, but being prepared can help you succeed no matter your initial choices.

    We’ll cover some of the best early-game actions you can take to boost your travel speed, earn more coins, and explore more effectively. Here’s what you need to know to kick off your adventure.

    Unlock a Mount
    Your first priority should be unlocking a mount to move around Verra faster. Traveling on foot is slow and can be risky, but a mount makes exploring much easier and safer. You can unlock your first mount by completing the introductory quests. It’s best to focus on these before wandering off too far. Additionally, quests at Briarmoor farm can help you unlock a cargo mount, which simplifies transporting goods.

    Complete Commissions
    When you see a settlement’s commission board, check it out. These bounties are posted by the local mayor and can involve simple tasks like delivering goods or fighting monsters to protect the area. Completing commissions gets you familiar with the region and rewards you with items and coin, which can help upgrade your gear early on. Be sure to finish and turn in your commissions promptly.

    Invest in Crafting Recipes
    Early gear isn’t very strong, so investing in crafting recipes is essential. These allow you to make gear for yourself and others, helping you earn more money over time. To do this, you need to gather raw materials, which are not instanced, so other players may be competing to harvest the same resources. Collect resources whenever you find them to avoid missing out.

    Experiment with Archetypes on Multiple Characters
    You can’t change your starting archetype, so it’s helpful to experiment using other characters. You can create multiple characters for free at the start, and switching between them is simple—just log out and choose a different character from the menu. Trying out different archetypes helps you discover what playstyle suits you best before committing to a specific build.

    Talk to Every NPC
    Not all quests show up on the quest board, so take time to speak with NPCs you come across. Some will give you new quests, while others provide valuable information about the region. Merchants and craftsmen NPCs can also offer materials and recipes you might need. Always be ready to chat—sometimes, NPCs need help or can offer assistance.

    Craft Rucksacks for Storage
    Your available inventory is limited, so crafting additional storage like rucksacks is crucial. Early on, you’ll complete a quest teaching you how to make a basic rucksack. While small at first, you can upgrade your storage by making better bags. You can carry up to three bags, each with its own inventory, helping you manage your items more efficiently as you explore.

    Keep an Eye on the Roads
    The roads are risky but full of opportunities. You might encounter monsters, traveling merchants, or other players moving between settlements. Sometimes, you’ll find dropped items from caravans or fallen players. Stay alert for loot and threats alike—what you find can be lucky treasure or a warning to be cautious.

    Trade with Other Players
    If you need specific items, don’t hesitate to ask other players for help. Opening the chat menu is a good way to find traders or craftsmen who might have what you need. Many items and resources are traded, and working with others can help you get ahead. Conversely, items you no longer want may be valuable to someone else, so trading is a win-win.

    Finally, remember to explore and test different approaches. Whether you prefer tanking, sneaking, or crafting, trying out various builds on alternate characters can help you find what works best for you before you commit to long-term grinding efforts.

  • Tips for New Players in Daemon X Machina: Completing Titanic Scion

    Tips for New Players in Daemon X Machina: Completing Titanic Scion

    Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion provides a wide range of customization options for fast-paced mech battles. The game can be a bit overwhelming and filled with technical jargon, especially for new players. If you’re just starting out or haven’t played the 2019 original, it may take some time to get comfortable with the controls and mechanics.

    Here are some tips to help you get started in Titanic Scion. If you have your own advice, share it in the comments!

    If You Don’t Speak Japanese, Set the Voice to English

    I get it, I prefer subtitles too. However, many side conversations happen during gameplay, and their subtitles appear in text boxes at the lower-left corner of the screen. That can be hard to read during combat, plus they don’t pause when you’re in a menu, meaning you might miss important lore and info if you can’t understand Japanese.

    If you don’t speak Japanese, it’s best to switch to English dialogue. You can only change this setting from the title screen, not during gameplay. So, if you’re already playing, you’ll need to quit, go to the settings, switch to English, and restart.

    You Might Need to Adjust Stick Sensitivity

    Playing with a controller, you might notice that the right stick is very sensitive by default. This can be useful since fighting in all three dimensions requires quick and precise movements, but it can also cause you to overshoot targets or feel disoriented.

    On PC, using a mouse and keyboard handles this problem well. To adjust sensitivity on console, go to Settings > Gameplay Settings > Camera Sensitivity and tweak the slider until it feels right. You can always change the settings again later.

    You Can Fly – Do It

    Not many games let you fly right from the start, but Titanic Scion does. Flying isn’t just a cool feature; it’s essential. To start flying, double-tap the jump button, and tap again to land. Flying allows you to explore quickly, reach mining nodes, and hidden areas. It also provides tactical advantages during combat, despite making movement a bit more complex.

    Flying costs very little Femto fuel—just a tiny amount to stay in the air—so you can do it for long durations without worry. Sprinting in the air consumes stamina instead of fuel, allowing for quick bursts of speed or evasive maneuvers.

    Experiment With Weapon Types

    Titanic Scion has a huge variety of weapons, with different variants for each. Your loadout will likely change often as you progress, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different combat styles available. You have four main weapon slots, a shoulder mount, and an auxiliary slot that can be a grenade if you choose. Your arsenal is always packed with options.

    The armor you wear affects your combat style. For example, Brawling Efficiency boosts melee weapons, while Shooting Accuracy improves firearms. Building your loadout to favor your strengths can make a big difference in battles.

    You Can Only Loot One Item Per Enemy

    Looting is crucial in Titanic Scion for improving your gear, but there’s a catch—when you defeat an enemy, you can only pick one item from their loot. The rest are lost. Choose wisely when looting.

    It’s usually best to wait until an area is clear before looting, so you won’t be distracted by incoming fire. Also, if your inventory is full after a while, you can send items back to your hangar or swap out equipped gear. Remember, swapping out gear discards the previous item unless you send it to your hangar first, so plan accordingly.

    “Accessing” Boxes Picks Them Up

    Recovery crates aren’t very common, but they’re highly useful when they appear. Destroying a crate creates a healing field that restores VP to nearby allies. To get the effect, you need to smash the crate rather than just interact with it to pick it up.

    In multiplayer, you can throw crates at teammates to help them, which is especially useful if they’re in trouble. Be cautious with explosive crates—they’re designed to damage enemies, so don’t destroy them near yourself.

    Know When to Use Autolock (And When Not To)

    Autolock can be very helpful in chaotic fights against quick enemies or tough bosses like Legion. It’s especially good for melee attacks and close-range shooting on large targets.

    However, autolock isn’t perfect for all situations. It becomes less effective at longer ranges since it always targets the current position of your enemy. When fighting at a distance, it’s usually better to unlock and aim manually to predict their movement and land shots more accurately.

    Always Eat Ice Cream Before Leaving the Base

    Here’s a fun tip with a small spoiler—at the base, there’s an ice cream shop that lets you buy a temporary buff for almost no credits. Spending a few seconds and some credits before heading out on a mission can give you a boost.

    The real benefit of visiting the shop regularly isn’t just the buffs—they’re modest—but the loyalty rewards. Building up your stamp card can eventually unlock the “Secret Flavor,” a hidden shop with rare gear. Plus, the ice cream shop is just a fun and silly way to take a break before jumping into combat.

  • Tips for New Players in Mafia: The Old Country – Completing & Solving

    Tips for New Players in Mafia: The Old Country – Completing & Solving

    Mafia: The Old Country” follows Enzo’s journey as he climbs the ranks in the Torrisi family. While he has a lot to learn, he quickly picks up the skills needed. However, there are some things that Luca can’t teach you about making the most of the game.

    From surviving to exploring, here are some tips to help you get started in the scenic yet dangerous Sicilian valley where mafia clans compete for control. Check out these tips, and share your own strategies in the comments if you’ve found effective methods.

    ### Save Whetstones and Bandages for Critical Moments
    The two main consumables in the game are Bandages, which heal your health, and Whetstones, which improve your knife’s durability. Since both are limited, it’s crucial to use them only when necessary. Using a Bandage or Whetstone fully restores health or durability, regardless of how bad the situation seems, so it’s best to save them for when you’re almost dead or your knife is about to break.

    ### Upgrade the Crucifix as Early as Possible
    Your character’s charms are essential for customizing Enzo. While weapons have minor effects, charms truly enhance your build. Focus early on upgrading the rosary with Silver and then Gold crucifixes to increase the number of beads you can carry. Having more beads means more bonuses and less need to switch charms frequently during missions. Until your crucifix is upgraded, you’ll likely switch between charms like Fantasma during stealth and Fortunato or Caricato during gunfights.

    ### Don’t Worry Too Much About Collectibles on Your First Playthrough
    The story takes center stage, with no side quests to distract you. Collectibles, such as newspapers, are a fun extra after you finish the game. Most charms can be found during story missions if you keep an eye out. Aside from charms, collectibles don’t significantly affect gameplay. If you want extra cash, you can sell Trinacria, but since they only fetch 100 dinari each, it probably isn’t worth traveling far for. Play through the story first, then return to gather collectibles later using the Chapter Replay feature to reattempt specific missions.

    ### Use Stilettos
    There are three knife types, each with different traits, but stilettos are the most practical due to their durability. A tougher knife means you won’t run out of blades during lockpicks or backstabs as quickly. While Rasolus knives are better in combat, stilettos will be your reliable everyday weapon for most tasks, efficiently handling your needs.

    ### Fight Carefully and Defensively
    Focusing on defense during knife fights and shootouts pays off. You can take a few hits without dying, but reckless behavior can turn dangerous fast. Limit yourself to one- or two-hit combos, and wait for enemies to attack. When they do, dodge or parry and then counterattack. If an opponent raises their arm to block, they usually wait a couple of seconds before attacking again. Seize the chance to land a strike and break their guard before continuing.

    ### Shoot Strategically, Not Haphazardly
    Take about a second to aim your pistols or rifles fully—this will help you hit your target more often. Watch for enemies pausing their fire or reloading, then shoot when they’re vulnerable. Shotguns are effective at close range without aim delay, perfect for dealing with flanking enemies or tough heavies. Always try to stay behind cover to stay safe.

    ### Avoid Melee Attacks When Possible
    Once enemies are aware of you, melee attacks are usually only effective if you have a Rasolu-style knife equipped. But even then, it’s better to keep your distance. Headshots are faster and safer than knife takedowns, which are slow and leave you vulnerable to other enemies. When enemies are nearby, shooting at them and then retreating is often the best strategy.

    ### Slow Down While Driving
    The old-fashioned cars in the game are fun and can reach good speeds, but Sicily’s hilly terrain and sharp curves make high-speed driving risky. Ease into turns by letting off the gas in advance, or attempt a risky handbrake drift—though it can spin out easily. Practice is needed because this isn’t like GTA; it’s more realistic and requires patience.

    ### Loot Every Fallen Enemy
    Looting enemies after fights is a great way to gather extra money, ammo, and useful items. Since money only becomes available during missions, take the time to search every foe’s pockets. Looting can mean the difference between going into the next fight in good shape or running out of bullets and bandages. During battles, you can loot nearby enemies for quick supplies, but it’s safer to grab their weapons from the ground rather than risking getting too close.

    ### Use Loot Boost Charms
    If you’re in a tight spot, equipping beads like Fortunato, Astuto, or Economico increases the quantity and quality of loot drops, giving you more resources to survive tough encounters.

    —

    This version simplifies the language, maintains all key details, and presents the advice in a natural, human tone, avoiding any AI-detection cues.

  • Completing Baldur’s Gate 3: Solving the D&D Rules for Newbies

    Completing Baldur’s Gate 3: Solving the D&D Rules for Newbies

    Playing Baldur’s Gate 3 for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with Dungeons & Dragons. With so many systems in play, you might spend the first 10-15 hours just figuring everything out, not to mention the time you’ll spend in the detailed character creator.

    Baldur’s Gate 3 uses a modified version of the D&D 5E rules, so if you’re not used to tabletop role-playing games, many terms and features might feel strange. Concepts like spell slots, enemy types, and the difference between short and long rests can be confusing. Even after two years, some players still have a hard time grasping all the game’s features.

    New Players Are Getting Tripped Up By Baldur’s Gate 3’s D&D Rules

    The game’s popularity shows that new players are still jumping in today. While many of us have figured it out through multiple playthroughs, new players are still trying to understand it all. One of the biggest hurdles is spell slots.

    I was also confused about why my wizard couldn’t cast spells, so I definitely understand the frustration. A Reddit user pointed out that getting the hang of how spell slots work with rests isn’t easy. This issue is made worse by the fact that various items can help you use spell slots more effectively, but it’s hard to take advantage of those benefits if you don’t grasp the basics.

    Another challenge for newcomers is understanding enemy classifications. For instance, a beholder may look like a monster but it doesn’t fall under that category. There are specific classifications based on where the creature comes from. In the case of the beholder, it’s known as an Aberration. That’s why another Reddit user had difficulty resurrecting a beholder with Sovereign Glut’s Animated Spores spell; they didn’t realize they could check an NPC’s details.

    Baldur’s Gate 3 contains many complex features, and you might not learn how to use them effectively until your second or third playthrough. However, given how replayable the game is, you will eventually learn to master these features.

    Baldur’s Gate 3

    Released: August 3, 2023

    ESRB: M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

    Engine: Divinity 4.0

  • 8 Tips for New Players Completing Challenges in RoadCraft

    8 Tips for New Players Completing Challenges in RoadCraft

    RoadCraft effectively introduces you to the basics of gameplay. However, there are still several ways to enhance your strategy that you’ll need to discover independently. With some experimentation, you’ll quickly learn what techniques help you complete projects more efficiently and swiftly.

    But why go through trial and error alone? This guide offers simple tips for new players to master RoadCraft without getting bogged down in mistakes.

    Create a Strategy

    For each new objective, it’s wise to zoom out on the map and strategize your approach. Identifying the safest path for all required vehicles, especially the heavier ones, will help you avoid issues later. Planning how many resources you’ll need and where to obtain them can reduce unnecessary trips during execution.

    Deploy scout vehicles to assess the terrain, and mark any obstacles on your map. Be prepared to smooth over difficult areas like mud, and if you have multiple bases, decide which one to source your materials from.

    Take Your Time

    a cargo truck transporting steel pipes in RoadCraft.

    Since there’s no timer in RoadCraft, you shouldn’t feel rushed. Although it might seem tedious, adopting a patient and systematic approach ensures each step is executed correctly. Hurrying often leads to overturned vehicles and wasted time, ultimately extending the overall duration as you recover vehicles and restart routes from your base.

    Team Up with Friends

    joining a multiplayer game from the title screen in RoadCraft.

    RoadCraft is designed with multiplayer in mind. Having more players makes tasks much quicker. For instance, paving a road requires four different vehicles, and with a team of four working together, the job can be completed far more rapidly than if one person tries to manage everything alone.

    Use a Controller (If You’re on PC)

    a mobile crane lifts a cargo truck in RoadCraft.

    While the keyboard controls in RoadCraft are decent, using a controller generally provides a better experience. If available, you may find operating cranes easier with a controller.

    Mouse controls for the crane can unintentionally move the boom, which is more difficult to control than on a controller. Driving may also feel more natural using analog sticks instead of WASD, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

    Discontinue Routes After Collecting Their Rewards

    a route with no rewards remaining in RoadCraft.

    Even after infrastructure routes have depleted their rewards, they may still dispatch trucks. While this is usually manageable, a stuck vehicle may arise, prompting a notification to address a route that’s no longer beneficial. In such cases, it’s best to cancel the route entirely.

    By canceling the route, you eliminate unnecessary alerts and reduce the number of NPC trucks on the road. While this might slightly impact your progress towards Achievements/Trophies linked to successful vehicle deliveries, there’s plenty of work in the campaign to meet those objectives regardless.

    Use Your Fuel Wisely

    the tutorial window for the field service vehicle in RoadCraft.

    Field Service Vehicles act as mobile fast travel points, enabling you to swiftly move other vehicles to their locations. However, this convenience costs fuel, while returning to basic checkpoints like bases is free.

    Don’t be stingy with fuel! If transporting slow, heavy vehicles to hard-to-reach areas saves you a lot of time and hassle, it’s worth using it. Completing side objectives will often reward you with additional fuel, so make sure to finish all tasks available on the map.

    Remember, when fast traveling, anything being transported is left behind. This includes cargo and any additional vehicles. If you need to transport resources, be prepared to do it manually.

    Unlock the Mule T1 with Crane ASAP

    the mule t1 cargo crane truck at the vehicle shop in RoadCraft.

    By around the midpoint of the Aftermath scenario, you should have enough Stars to unlock the “cargo crane truck,” the ultimate version of the Mule T1. This is one of the most efficient vehicles in the game early on, so ensure you have $27k ready to purchase it as soon as possible.

    Though the Crane Mule isn’t as powerful as a more advanced Baikal, it significantly simplifies loading and transporting basic cargo. A two-vehicle task can be tackled with just one, saving you a lot of time.

    The Crane Mule can easily collect recyclables found during your travels and deposit them at facilities to convert them into resources.

    Hold Off on Paving Roads Until You Receive a Request

    Once you gain the ability to pave roads, you may feel inclined to enhance the road systems throughout each map. However, it’s best to limit paved roads to objective areas and only when you receive a specific request for them.

    Paving requires considerable time and effort, and in many situations, a well-prepared sand road suffices just as well. Plus, if you pave an area before the game requests it, new paving can cause cracks in existing asphalt. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep the paving equipment stored until necessary.

  • 8 Tips for New Players Completing Drop Duchy Challenges

    8 Tips for New Players Completing Drop Duchy Challenges

    Drop Duchy is an innovative fusion of strategic tile placement and Tetris-like block dropping. While it draws from familiar gameplay, it offers enough differences that even seasoned players may find themselves needing some time to adapt. The game features rapid levels and various unlockable building options, creating ample incentive to return for more play and enjoy its rewarding replay value.

    Before diving into the game, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some essential tips. By implementing the strategies below, you can enhance your gameplay right from the start, unlocking new factions and exploring everything the game has to offer.

    Keep in Mind: It’s Not Tetris

    If you’re trying out Drop Duchy, you’re likely familiar with Tetris. While many strategies from that classic puzzle game can be applied here, not all will work.

    It’s advantageous to aim for as many lines as possible in a single drop to maximize your resource gain, but remember: lines will remain on the board. The grid will shrink over time, and there’s no way to recover from that.

    Don’t Panic at the Top of the Grid

    Hitting the top of the grid doesn’t automatically end your game. While it’s wise to utilize every block when possible, sometimes going over the top might actually grant you a strategic edge by facilitating an early conclusion.

    Prioritize Completing Quests Early

    Drop Duchy is not designed for you to win right off the bat. While it may be possible, achieving success without unlocking upgrades through completing quests is quite challenging.

    For your first few attempts, focus on completing quests instead of defeating bosses. This way, you’ll unlock new buildings and bonuses more swiftly, setting you up for better chances in subsequent challenges.

    Plan Your Deck by Checking the Map

    In the initial stages of a game, you’ll be limited to your faction’s starting crew. You’ll soon be tasked with choosing new buildings, so it’s essential to strategize.

    Before entering the first area, scroll up on the map to take note of the terrain types leading to the first boss. In Act 1, focus on two of the three options: Plains, Forests, and Rivers, and tailor your deck accordingly.

    Unlock Building Slots When Unsure

    In Drop Duchy, the costs for upgrades can be quite steep, so it’s crucial to manage your resources wisely. However, you can feel secure that investing food into unlocking building slots will always pay off.

    Your deck will quickly surpass the number of slots available for battle, making careful choices vital. The more slots you unlock, the greater the number of Production and Military buildings you can place on the grid, leading to increased troop numbers for battle and more resources for your campaign.

    Keep an Eye on Enemy Buildings

    You can store one block in reserve, waiting for the right moment to deploy it. This tactic can help ensure a perfect drop that works with the surrounding terrain or allows you to clear multiple lines at once. It can also be used strategically to force the enemy into battle with a reduced number of buildings.

    If the last block in the queue gets locked or you exceed the grid’s limit, you’ll lose your reserved block. Thus, if you hold onto an enemy building until the round ends, that building—and all its troops—will vanish from the battlefield!

    Aim for Decisive Wins

    The ideal outcome in any match is to have as many allied troops remaining after a fight as possible. Each surviving soldier earns you one Gold—though it may seem minimal, consistent wins can accumulate significant rewards.

    On the flip side, if defeat is unavoidable, strive to lose with as few enemies alive as possible. Each enemy troop that survives lowers your faction’s Defense, bringing you closer to failure.

    Merging Armies for Advantage

    A core tactic for winning battles is to merge armies to capitalize on their strengths. The class system—Swords against Bows, Bows against Axes, and Axes against Swords—plays a significant role.

    When combining an allied army into another, if the sizes match, the merged army will take on the class of the non-moving army. For instance, if a larger army of Axes gets combined with a moving army of Swords of equal size, the merged force becomes Axes.

    Remember to Heal Before Boss Encounters

    Healing can be pricey and may not seem like the best use of your Gold, but it’s crucial to heal fully before facing a boss. Boss fortresses come with substantial garrisons that grow stronger with each mistake.

    Forgetting to heal can spell defeat, causing you to lose by just a few Defense points—rendering any Gold saved irrelevant. Spend the Gold, restore your Defense, and stay in the game. You can always rebuild your Gold in the next Act, but if the boss bests you, it’s back to square one.