1.0 Core F2P Principles and Priorities
As a free-to-play player, you will not win by copying spender paths. Early success depends on patience, absolute efficiency, and smart prioritization. This plan is built on asymmetric advantage: compounding gains, high ROI systems, and disciplined focus.
Based on 44 sources, this roadmap is designed to create a strong foundation with limited resources.
1.1 F2P Mindset: Maximum Impact with Limited Resources
- Efficiency: treat every resource, speedup, and gem as a strategic asset.
- Focus: avoid spreading progress across multiple heroes, units, and research lines.
- Patience: use speedups only during events to multiply your gains.
1.2 First Steps: Early Game Checklist
- Follow chapter quests: they unlock key buildings and give XP, resources, and access to core systems.
- Join an active Tribe: gain help reductions, 30% gathering speed inside territory, and safety from attacks.
- Prioritize the Chieftain’s Hall: push it above all other buildings to unlock new tiers and options. Walls and the Miracle Pier often block the next Hall level, so plan prerequisites.
2.0 Resource Management Excellence for F2P
Resource management is where F2P closes the gap. Gems are the most valuable currency and must be used correctly.
2.1 The Most Valuable Resource: Strategic Gem Use
There is one rule: all gems go to VIP 9. This unlocks legendary hero mementos on a steady basis. Using gems for building or research speedups is the single worst long-term mistake.
2.2 Speedups and Stamina Optimization
| Resource | Optimal Use Strategy |
|---|---|
| Training speedups | Save for events like “Best Tribe Ship” to earn rewards while upgrading. |
| Stamina | Hunt monsters early for Transport Boosts that accelerate research. Prioritize Black Forge targets inside your city because they scale faster and pay better rewards. |
3.0 F2P Hero Development Strategy
F2P power comes from a small, well-built core. A few strong heroes beat many weak ones.
3.1 Early Core Roster
- Baldur: the early game star and best F2P pick.
- Calus: reliable commander.
- V: flexible utility hero.
- Aaron: supportive core option.
3.2 F2P Favorite: Baldur Progression Plan
- Complete the Growth Path event: it provides Baldur mementos, runes, and critical items.
- Upgrade to epic: use the Transcend Certificate to push Baldur into epic (S-tier).
- Hold at four stars: do not rush five stars early; it is inefficient.
3.3 Specialized Hero Roles: Hunters and Gatherers
- Hunters: use hunter heroes as commanders when attacking PvE targets. Aim for level 23 to max hunter talents. Recommended: Kalas, IA, Baldur. Only commander talents apply; lieutenant skills do not apply.
- Gatherers: build a gathering team with Skarn, Cigrid, and Elena. Put all talent points into the Gathering tree for food, wood, stone, and iron speed.
3.4 The Golden Rule of Skill Upgrades
Always max a hero’s first skill before touching any other skill. Then fully max the next chosen skill before moving on. Do not sprinkle points across multiple skills.
4.0 Army Composition and Troop Management
The biggest F2P trap is trying to build every troop type at once. Specialize early.
4.1 F2P Troop Specialization
Focus research, hero talents, and resources on one or two troop types. This creates at least one strong army instead of three weak ones. Long term you will expand, but early focus wins.
Note: Beast Riders are not recommended for F2P early due to high cost and requirements.
4.2 Recommended Combinations and Tactical Notes
- Berserker + Axethrower
- Berserker + Cavalry
Tactical notes:
- Cavalry: high mobility and strong into Axethrowers, but fragile if mispositioned.
- Axethrower: high ranged damage, but collapses if fast units reach them.
5.0 Technology Research Path
Keep your research center running at all times.
5.1 Standard Path: Economy First
Start with economic research to increase production permanently, then shift into military.
5.2 Alternative Path: Rush T4
If you want an aggressive line, research only what is needed for T4 troops first, then return to the economy tree for core upgrades like basic taxation and math.
6.0 Quick Tips for a Strong Start
- Complete daily and side quests for hero fragments and talent points.
- Hunt Black Forge inside your city for better rewards.
- Prioritize your Chieftain artifacts for economy and combat buffs.
- Participate in events to earn hero mementos and key resources.
7.0 Conclusion: The F2P Roadmap to Victory
This plan is built on discipline, smart hero focus, and a concentrated troop path. Save gems for VIP 9, invest in F2P-friendly heroes like Baldur, and specialize in one army type early. Fate War is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and focus win the long game.