Level or roll: spend energy around a target card
The short answer
On the beginner Entry route: level 2 on round 2; level 3 around rounds 4–5 to develop Cai Yan/Cao Cao; level 4 around rounds 6–7 for Xiao Qiao; then level 5 for Lu Bu. Roll for the missing phase core, and stabilize earlier if HP is under pressure.
A concrete Entry practice run
- Round 1: bridge with Sun Shangxiang and make room for Cai Yan, Cao Cao, and Zhao Yun.
- Round 2: follow the level-2 timing; use the first auction to fill Cai Yan, Cao Cao, or Zhao Yun.
- Rounds 4–5: level 3 and prioritize Cai Yan/Cao Cao awakening. Do not chase the final carry while missing the engine.
- Rounds 6–7: level 4 for Xiao Qiao. Then work toward level 5 for Lu Bu; watch for Lu Bu/Zhou Yu at the second auction.
What each spend solves
- Buying improves a unit, merge, or trigger chain. Official hero data lists a 3-energy cost; effect cards have individual costs.
- Rolling searches for a specific missing core. Inspect the live probability panel before repeated rolls.
- Leveling follows the chosen lineup’s phase goals and prepares later heroes or capacity.
When to stabilize
- Repeated losses with an unfinished carry call for immediate upgrades.
- A stable board can reserve energy for the next level and core card.
- Once the engine works, compare equipment, positioning, and awakening against more random rolls.
Use the live odds panel
- Some public level-6 tables omit entries. Missing values are not zero; this site does not publish an unverified full odds table.
- Strategist skills, auctions, and HP change timing. The guide supplies goals; the game supplies current costs.
Sources & version
Reviewed 2026-09-23 · Player reports may vary between regional builds.