Guilding 101, by Ryer Grogan

The following is the first in a series of (hopefully) helpful guides on how to be a good Guild Member. Feedback is appreciated!

LESSON 1: Daily Raid Tickets

Earning Raid Tickets is one of the most basic tasks for every Guild member. Most people accomplish this without even knowing they are doing so. You earn Raid Tickets for every ENERGY point you spend to do your battles.

There are two types of ENERGY.

1) Regular ENERGY is identified on your screen by a Yellow Lightning Bolt:

2) Cantina ENERGY is identified on your screen by an Orange Lightening Bolt:

These ENERGIES refresh automatically over time. You earn 1 regular ENERGY point every 6 minutes and 1 Cantina ENERGY every 12 minutes.

When you spend ENERGY in a battle you earn 1 Raid Ticket for each ENERGY point spent. You can only earn up to 600 Raid Tickets per day. You can spend more ENERGY, but you will not earn any more than 600 tickets each day.

The Ticket Cap is one of the reasons the Guild Officers urge you to spend your 600 ENERGY points daily. Here's some fun math for you:

Our Guild currently has 33 member. If all of us spent 600 ENERGY points daily, then we would earn:

600 ENERGY = 600 Raid Tickets x 33 Members = 19,800 Raid Tickets per day for the Guild.

A Tier 5 Pit Raid costs 46,000 Raid Tickets to launch. That means, if we all earned the maximum number of tickets, we could launch a new Pit Raid approximately every 3 days. Imagine the Rewards!!!

By now some of you have already noticed that leaving the game to automatically refresh will not earn you 600 ENERGY per day. In fact the most you can earn is 240 Regular ENERGY and 120 Cantina ENERGY. So how can you spend 600 ENERGY points per day?

The answer is Crystal refreshes. Crystals are identified on your screen by the Purple Crystal icon:

While Crystals do not automatically refresh, like ENERGY, you do earn them as rewards for playing the game. You can spend 50 Crystals to earn a refresh of 120 Regular ENERGY. And you can do this 3 times a day. (After the 3rd time, the price of the refresh increases to 100 Crystals.) So, if you refresh 3 times at 120 ENERGY points a pop, you get an additional 360 Regular ENERGY points to spend. With the additional 360 plus the 240 you are at/over 600 Raid Tickets per day.

Long story short, spend your ENERGY and earn those Raid Tickets daily!

LINE Communications

Hello fellow Heroes Errant members!

We have been having extended conversations over on another application called LINE.

This is a very light weight program that really improves communication! It lets us share more data, videos, tips, etc. More importantly, instructions don't get lost in the time filter.

Please come join your team in the discussions!

Download the app then scan the QR code in the sidebar.

We look forward chatting with you!

--Ryer Grogan
   Guild Officer, TB Platoon Leader
                                                                                     

ATTN Officers: Territory Battle Changes Coming Soon!

The next wave of updates to the Territory Battles is on its way, and they allow the GL and Officers much more control over how TBs unfold. All Officers should give this forum update a read so you're not taken by surprise by these changes the next time a TB rolls around.

Pit Raids, Territory Battles, & LINE

First, I'd like to thank everyone who has been following along with our blog and, in turn, following along with our general TBS (Territory Battle Strategy) and the ZDR (Zero Damage Rule) for Pit Raids. It means a lot that you're all working together.

For those who may be visiting for the first time, there are handy links in the sidebar to familiarize yourself with both our TBS and the ZDR. Please do so as soon as you can. It's fairly imperative that we get everyone in the guild on board.

And, for those of you who are interested, there's also a link in the sidebar that explains our use of the chat app, LINE. If you don't want to miss a beat, sign up for the app!

Finally, to all Officers: Our TB Platoon Leader, Ryer, plans to implement a different platoon strategy that entails filling southern grid platoons. So, engage the northern grid Battles first, but keep the rest of your inventory handy to fill out southern platoons.

Thanks again, all. Good hunting!

New Nightsisters

Interested in the new Nightsister characters? Here's all the release information you'll need posted on the forums. It looks like a bit of a grind to 7* an entire squad that features all three new characters, but, from what I've seen so far, that grind's worth it.

Tank Takedown Strategy, Phase 4

Although we're nearly finished with the final Phase 4 of our most recent Tank Takedown, I noticed today how this particular phase is absolutely grueling, if only because autoplay will get your squad murdered in less than 30 seconds. So, I thought to share a few thoughts.

What makes this phase problematic is the enemy's Airstrike, which absolutely murders your squad after you've taken out the two B2 droids and all three AAT Cannons. Speaking of which, I usually take down the B2s first, then the Main Cannon, since this big one can OSK (One Shot Kill). Then I mop up the Left and Right Cannons to drop the AAT.

Anyway, the workaround for the Airstrike problem is pretty simple, but it admittedly took me a little trial and error to figure it out. Namely, you've got to buff every character just before the Airstrike occurs. The timing can get tricky, which is why autoplay stinks, but any buff will keep your squad alive and relatively unscathed.

I usually try to enter this phase with two characters who buff the whole squad. Jedi happen to be useful in this regard, in fact. And, of course, there are a number of Rebel squads that produce crazy buffs as well. Pure Dark Side squads, on the other hand, don't last very long. One useful exception to this rule is an Empire squad that uses Royal Guard, whose Special gives Defense Up and Health Up for two turns.

Again, the timing can be tricky. That's why I try to use two characters who can buff the whole squad. If you buff them too early, they'll lose those buffs by the time the Airstrike arrives. And, you've also got to keep your eye on the cooldowns of those characters you're relying upon to buff the squad and keep everyone doing damage. Until the AAT triggers Enraged, that is, and then you're toast no matter what.

Have any tips or tricks about the Tank Takedown? Let us know in the comments below.

Content Update

First off, great job on the latest TB. We still have some streamlining to do, so when you have the chance please read the update that outlines one particular snag we've hit a few times. If all goes well, next time around we'll earn another star.

Next, by now you probably know there are a TON of new events coming up, most of which revolve around the new Nightsister characters. I recommend you read all about today's Content Update in the forums here. There's a lot of information! I for one am really looking forward to seeing what these new Nightsisters can do as a squad, especially when the SWGoH galaxy now includes zombies and ghosts!

TB Update

Before moving forward into a new map grid, let's focus all of our efforts on the southern Outer Pass grid first. The necessary TP to earn a star is much lower! Good hunting, everyone.

TB Update

Now that we've earned 1 Star on the northern grid, let's now focus all of our efforts on the southern Outer Pass grid.

TB Update

Focus your efforts on finishing off the northern Forward Trenches grid. When we’ve finally earned 1 Star, we can then attack the southern map grid with force. Good hunting!

TB Update

The general strategy dictates that we engage the northern map grid first, BUT please finish off the southern Power Generator grid of Phase 3 first. Once we've earned that star, we can then focus our attention on Phase 4.

That said, we've run into this problem 2/3 past TBs. While I've posted on this problem before, I thought to do so again. Take a look at what the map looked shortly before refresh today:

This is the northern grid. You'll notice that we not only earned 1 Star, but we also earned 3,602,021 TP (Territory Points) above and beyond what was needed. Now take a look at the southern Power Generator grid:

We only earned 1,421,223 TP. Now lagging behind, we currently need to finish off this map grid.

However, had we effectively used our resources and engaged the southern Power Generator grid after earning that 1 Star to the north, we would easily have starred the Power Generator.

Instead, we wasted roughly 3.6mm TP on the northern grid. And I say "wasted" because, at 27.6mm, the TP requirement for 2 Stars on the northern grid is mathematically unachievable at this time.

I hope you can see the problem here. So, I'll reiterate our general strategy: Once we've achieved a star on the northern grid, attack the southern grid instead. 

Do not waste your resources on an already starred map grid -- that is, unless our Platoon Leader, Ryer Grogan, specifically asks you in GC to deploy specific characters who can fill out a Platoon.

Remember, the TP you earn is not yours per say. It is guild TP. Unlike Pit Raids, we all receive the same TB awards for earning X number of stars. Play smart, earn more stars, get better rewards all around.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to comment on this post, email me, ask in GC, or find me on LINE. I'm available.

On Territory Battles

Hi there, everyone. I'd like to briefly review our general strategy for TBs (Territory Battles) so far. Basically, in each Phase we attack the northernmost map grid until we earn 1 Star. Only then do we attack the southernmost map grid. This system makes sure we earn as many stars as possible in the time given. The more stars we earn, the better the rewards for everyone. So, follow this simple guideline and play smart!

TB Update

Great work on Phase 1, everyone! As for Phase 2, the general marching orders are the same as previous TBs. Please engage the northernmost Ion Cannon grid only until we earn 1 Star, then engage the southernmost Overlook grid. Good hunting!

Pit Raid Update

The requisite 24 hour wait time for the ZDR is complete. The Pit is now FFA! Have at it!

Zero Damage Rule

Despite the fact that I've posted a handy link to a YouTube video that explains the who, what, why, where, and how of the Zero Damage Rule for Pit Raids, I thought I'd also post a step-by-step guide for quick reference. First, however, let me explain what the ZDR is and why we're using it.

The ZDR establishes an initial 24 hour period when we do no damage in the Pit Raid. The reasons for the ZDR are various, but, in the main, guilds commonly use the ZDR because the Time Zones of members differ significantly. If a Pit Raid is launched and finished while you're sleeping, for example, you won't receive any rewards.

With the ZDR in place, however, you have a 24 hour window of opportunity to make sure that you earn rewards. Even with zero damage, you will appear in the Contribution list and receive a payout. Of course, our Raid Leader plans to launch Pit Raids at different times to increase the chances of everyone having the opportunity to earn rewards.  

So, to briefly recap, the ZDR: Do no damage in the Pit Raid for 24 hours after launch. When this 24 hour period ends, the Pit Raid is then FFA (Free For All).

Here's what following the ZDR looks like. The first screen you'll see is the The Pit entry screen:

You'll notice that Ryer already achieved zero damage. So, tap Battle and your Squad Selection screen appears:

The game should auto-select a squad. So, tap Clear Squad and scroll down to the very bottom of your inventory:

As it turns out, Pao is my weakest 6 Star hero. Choosing your weakest hero ensures that you'll get murdered pretty quickly! So, select your weakest hero and then tap Battle:

You'll then receive this Warning. Tap OK. You'll then enter the battle:

Attack either the Gammorean to the left or right to register no damage. Make sure you select one or the other manually. They will counter and kill you quickly:

The next step is to tap out:

Total Damage Dealt = 0. Success! And, back on The Pit entry page, I appear on the Contribution list:

Now we wait for 24 hours. At 5pm PST tomorrow, the Pit Raid becomes FFA. And that's it. Easy. 

Sunday Roundup

Good work on the most recent Territory Battle, everyone. We slipped a bit this time around, and I will post on how this occurred so we can avoid it in the future. For now, though, enjoy the rewards.

Next, I've posted several times on Pit Raids recently. I received very little feedback concerning start times, so I've left that decision up to our new Raid Master, JennyTalia. When it comes to raids, please follow her lead. Two things you need to know about Pit Raids:

1. The next Pit Raid is scheduled for today at 5pm PST.

2. We are implementing a Zero Damage Rule for Pit Raids ONLY. Please watch this informative YouTube video that explains the Zero Damage Rule. You can also find a link to this video in the sidebar under "Pit Raid Overview."

As I type this, we've already started a new Tank Takedown. It's FFA (Free For All) so go ahead and have at it. There is no Zero Damage Rule for the Tank Takedown. And remember, even if you don't have even one strong squad, participate! You'll receive rewards just for trying.

Also, a reminder that a number of guild members have joined LINE to communicate more efficiently. Everyone is welcome to join our guild threads. Here's a link to my previous post with all the info you'll need.

TB Update

Given this last refresh, we have an off chance to do some damage on the northern Snowfields grid. Have at it!

Raid Update

In case you were wondering, we will be launching Pit Raids again after this current TB concludes. In the meantime, I invite you to read my post on the last abandoned Raid. We will be implementing a Zero Damage Rule and, if you'd like to participate fairly, then you'll need to get up to speed on this rule that many guilds follow.

Just as importantly, we need to figure out consistent days/times to trigger Raids. So, in the interest of fairness to everyone in the guild, please take a moment to list your game name, country, time zone, and the hours that you're usually free to play. For example: Zoj / US / EST / 6-9pm. Once I've collected this info, I'll pass it on to our new Pit Raid Leader, Officer JennyTalia. Thanks everyone!

Featured Post: LINE

We all know that Guild Chat stinks. In an attempt to communicate with one another more efficiently, some Officers have gotten together on a messaging app called LINE. Ryer has set up a guild member thread and an announcements thread for everyone, as well as a thread just for Officers.

So, this is just to say that everyone is welcome to join. I especially encourage the Officers to join so that they're kept in the decision making loop, among other things. With all the recent additions to the game lately, and especially considering that EA is currently developing Guild v. Guild events for future release, Officers are more important than ever and communication is key.

Just download the app, choose your LINE ID, and then post that ID in Guild Chat. Either myself or one of the Officers already on LINE will send you an invite. Easy.

TB Update

Ok, this is where the general strategy gets shifty. To ensure that we earn another star, please focus your efforts on the Phase 4 southern grid, Outer Pass. The TP requirements are lower than anything in Phase 5. Good hunting everyone!

TB Update: Phase 4

Please focus all your forces on the northern Forward Trenches grid on Phase 4. I'll finish off the Phase 3 Power Generator to the south with my alt. Good hunting, everyone.

Artist of War Legendary Event: Isn't it Grand!

In case you've been busy and just plain missed it, in roughly two days you'll have the opportunity to earn that rare and illusive hero, Admiral Thrawn. Ahem, Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Remember, you'll need a Phoenix squad to participate in this event, so start to ratchet them up if you haven't already done so!

TB Update

Great work so far, everyone. Same basic strategy for this next Phase: Earn 1 Star on the northern grid, then focus on the south. Good hunting!

TB Update: Phase 2

So, we've managed to earn 1 Star on both the Ion Cannon and Overlook grids. At this point, earning the requisite TP for 2 Stars on either seems a long shot.

Therefore, if you've yet to engage in Phase 2, your focus should be on filling out platoons on either grid to the best of your ability. Remember to take cues from Ryer, our Platoon Leader, who has done a fantastic job. So be sure to check in with GC.

Good hunting everyone.

TB Update

Under Ryer's watchful eye, we absolutely crushed Platoon assignments on Phase 1. Nice work! As for Phase 2, our general strategy is the same. Attack the northern grid first, earn 1 Star, then attack the southern grid.

If you happen to have a strong Rogue One squad, feel free to hang back until after we earn that 1 Star and move to attack the southern Overlook grid. Rogue One characters are required for the Special Mission in that grid.

Good hunting.

New Territory Battle

Well, this TB certainly crept up on us! We're only in Phase 1 at the moment, so this wide Rebel Base grid is fundamentally FFA (Free For All). That said, Ryer Grogan will act as our Platoon Leader from now on. This means that Ryer will give all directives that concern how we should assign heroes to Platoons 1-6 for each Phase.

So, make sure to check in with GC, as well as this blog, for information. Remember, those Platoons are important. We not only earn battle abilities, but added TP as well. Additionally, if you haven't read about this past abandoned Pit Raid, please do so below. I'll be sure to pin that post, since it's likely to get buried with TB information posted here. Good hunting, everyone.

Abandoned Raid: An Explanation

I've been trying my best to get everyone on board with Pit Raid and Territory Battle coordination for the past several weeks. Some of you have responded wonderfully, for which I thank you. However, there still are a number of guild members who don't check in with Guild Chat regularly and don't check in with our blog. Unfortunately, this has led me to abandon the latest Pit Raid.

Yes, it was a waste of tickets. And for that, I am sorry. But, sometimes this kind of thing is necessary, if only to get everyone's attention. So, before we head into another Territory Battle or murder another Rancor, I need a couple of things from all of you:

1) Check in with GC and this blog as regularly as you can. When I sign in with my alt, I tend to see the refreshed Guild Header in orange block letters at the bottom of my screen. I can't imagine it's different for any of you. Please give this message your attention.

2) In the interest of fair gameplay -- and especially in the interest of guild community -- give the Zero Damage Rule video for Pit Raids a watch. Follow this rule. You can find a link to the YouTube video on Zero Damage in the sidebar under the header Pit Raid Overview.

More specifically:

1) Ryer, we still haven't talked at length about Territory Battle coordination. The ball's in your court, bud. When you have the chance, please do drop me a line in response to my latest email. I don't want to make any decisions without you.

2) Budder, please email me at your earliest convenience. My contact info is in the sidebar. I'd like for you to oversee all Pit Raids in the future -- as you fundamentally have done so far -- but that will take at least one conversation to coordinate. Whatever we decide, we can then pass on to everyone else in the guild.

All of this being said, if any of you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. And I do understand that backchannels can be an issue. Games such as SWGoH go to great lengths to maintain the anonymity of each and every player. I created a gmail account just for SWGoH. I invite you to do the same, if anonymity is indeed a concern of yours.

Lastly, in an effort to make sure that everyone has at least read this post, please give even the briefest of shouts in the comments below. Generally speaking, I can see how many visitors this blog has at any given time, but to whom I need to reach out specifically is often a mystery. Thank you all.