Win more. Stress less.
Pro tips collected from how each game is actually played. Balance changes between versions, so treat these as a head start and check each game's wiki.
Use stable releases
Pick the Release build, not a nightly, to avoid bugs and corrupted saves.
Check for original data
Re-creations such as OpenRCT2 or fheroes2 need game data you own. Read the README requirements.
Lower graphics on phones
Drop resolution and effects if your phone gets warm or drops frames. Your battery will thank you.
Back up your saves
Open games store saves in your user folder. Copy them before big updates.
Learn from the community
Most projects have a wiki, Discord or forum. Ask there before filing a GitHub issue.
Start on easy
Use an easy difficulty or a small map for your first matches, then ramp up.
MindustryAutomation, tower defense · Single or multiplayer
- Start with copper and lead: put drills on ore and run conveyors to your core before you think about defense.
- Place turrets on the enemy route and feed ammo by conveyor instead of by hand.
- Stack defenses at chokepoints. Check where the next wave spawns before you build.
- Research what your core can afford. Prioritize graphite and silicon chains to unlock stronger turrets.
- Build spare storage and a backup core so one raid cannot cut your whole supply.
OpenRCT2Theme park tycoon · Single or multiplayer
- Put restrooms, food and benches near busy queues to keep guests happy.
- Match rides to your guests: too intense makes them sick, too tame bores them.
- Hire mechanics and inspect rides on a schedule. Breakdowns drop your park rating.
- Mix ride types rather than building copies, because guests tire of what they have ridden.
- You need the original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 data to run it.
Luanti (Minetest)Voxel sandbox · Single or multiplayer
- Luanti runs many different games. Pick Minetest Game or another from the Content tab when you create a world.
- Start in creative mode to learn the controls, then switch to survival.
- Place torches as you tunnel and never dig straight down: caves and lava lurk below.
- Try a small mod before installing a big pack so you can trace any problem.
Cataclysm: Dark Days AheadSurvival roguelike · Single player
- Do not charge into zombie hordes at the start: find shelter, clean water and a melee weapon first.
- Loot the edges of town before you go downtown.
- Save often and read the in-game guides on nutrition, sleep and injuries.
Unciv4X strategy · Single player
- Expand early: your first 3–4 cities set your pace. Favor rivers, coasts and resources.
- Keep happiness at zero or above. Luxury resources are the cheapest source.
- Pick one social policy branch and commit instead of spreading points.
- Garrison every city, keep archers behind melee units and fight from hills.
- Build a Library early for science before you chase wonders.
CodeCombatLearn to code
- Read each level's goal before you type, then change one thing at a time.
- Use the in-game hints when stuck instead of guessing blindly.
- Replay early levels with cleaner code to build habits.
OpenTTDTransport tycoon · Single or multiplayer
- Open with a coal line from mine to power station: heavy cargo, steady profit, easy to learn.
- Choose medium distances. Too short earns little; too long with slow vehicles lets cargo lose value.
- Prefer one-way or double track and signal it properly to avoid jams.
- Watch profit per vehicle, sell the losers and replace old, breakdown-prone ones.
- Take an early loan to expand quickly, then repay it once cash flow is stable.
shapezFactory builder · Single player
- Start with straight belts and few machines. Finish each level's goal before expanding.
- Leave wide gaps so you can upgrade belts later.
- Separate cutting, coloring and assembling areas so jams are easier to debug.
The Battle for WesnothTurn-based strategy · Single or multiplayer
- Check damage types (pierce, blade, impact, fire, cold, arcane) and resistances before choosing who fights whom.
- Hold forests, mountains and villages so enemies attack from poor terrain.
- Lawful units are strong by day and chaotic units by night. Time your attacks to the clock.
- Capture villages to heal and boost income, and keep some gold for surprise recruits.
- Protect your leader: losing it ends most scenarios.
Shattered Pixel DungeonRoguelike · Single player
- Pour upgrade scrolls into one main item instead of spreading them, usually armor or your main weapon.
- Explore every floor: each has a fixed set of items, and skipping them skips power.
- Test unknown scrolls and potions at full health with no enemies nearby, never while surrounded.
- Sneak attack sleeping or unaware enemies for big damage, and fight in corridors to face one foe at a time.
- Do not eat your rations early. Eat when the hunger status appears.
The Powder ToyPhysics sandbox
- Press space to pause so you can inspect what is happening.
- Start with water, fire and plants, then try the heat and pressure views.
fheroes2Turn-based strategy · Single or multiplayer
- Explore early to grab resources and artifacts before rivals arrive.
- Recruit at the start of each week when dwellings have filled up.
- Merge units of the same type into big stacks and guard your main hero.
- Upgrade your main castle and troop dwellings before decorative buildings.
- You need the original Heroes of Might and Magic II data files to run it.
OpenFrontBrowser RTS · Multiplayer
- General RTS advice, not tuned to the current balance: expand into empty land quickly before you fight.
- Focus force on a single front instead of attacking in every direction.
- Hit weak or distracted neighbors first and avoid wars you do not need.
- Keep troops on borders facing strong rivals and consider alliances to cut pressure.
BitburnerProgramming idle game
- Learn the terminal commands scan, connect and hack, then start automating with scripts.
- Begin on the easy starter servers and grow your income before chasing bigger targets.
Brogue CERoguelike · Single player
- Put every enchant scroll into one main item rather than spreading them.
- There are no XP levels: your power comes from items, so explore each floor.
- Fight in doors and corridors so you are not surrounded.
Pikachu VolleyballSports · One or two players
- Stand near the middle so you can reach both sides and avoid open gaps.
- Spike when the ball is high and close to the net for a hard hit.
- Vary your rhythm so your opponent cannot predict where the ball lands.
WorldGuessrGeography
- Check which side of the road cars drive on, then road markings and plate styles.
- Read signs and alphabets: language narrows the country fast.
- Vegetation, soil and sun angle help you place the latitude.
PingusPuzzle
- Use Blockers to hold the group, Bridgers to cross gaps and Diggers to tunnel down.
- Pause and plan: most levels reward a clear order of skills.