Auto Chess is one of the most strategic PlayStation Tournaments. The auto battler phenomenon pits eight players against each other in two groups. Outlast other Open Series competitors to win cash and cosmetic prizes in the Open Series.
For more about synergy and the game’s basic dynamics, check out our earlier feature. This article is for players who know what Auto Chess is but also want to learn tips on how to place pieces, improve, and win more games.
How to get started in Auto Chess
Spragels, the content cowboy, explains the best way to get into Auto Chess is to understand your win condition.
Every round has two phases – a preparation phase and a battle phase. Both require their own level of attention.
The preparation phase
For the preparation phase, a player selects from five random pieces to buy and place on the board every round.
Purchased pieces are automatically placed on the area under the board. Be sure to move the piece on the board before the 20 second timer expires if you want to use it, otherwise it will remain out of play.
Get a sense for what pieces will help you create the most synergy based on your selection and the opponent’s team throughout early rounds. Beginners should focus on the basics before developing more complex strategies.
The battle phase
The battle phase puts the auto in auto battler. After your preparations are complete, every piece will automatically attack. The first three rounds, in addition to every 5th, are against an NPC. The rest are against other players. Use NPC rounds to gain new items through battle, then drag them onto a game piece to equip it. No items give negative stats or effects, so you have no reason to not use them.
How does health work?
Every player starts with 100 health. Round winners get xp and gold. If a player loses the round, all the enemy pieces will attack directly and deal 2 HP each. For example, if there are six units on the board, that’s 12 HP gone.
Players are eliminated when their health reaches zero. Defeated units return in the next round with full stats.
How long is a game of Auto Chess?
The average Auto Chess game lasts about 30 rounds, or around 15 minutes. The max for a game is 50 rounds. Players can surrender after 15 if they feel the situation is hopeless.
How leveling up works
Regardless of whether a player wins or loses, they’ll earn one xp and five gold every round. Victory nets players an additional 6 gold.
Gold and xp are used to level up and put more pieces on the board. Ten is the maximum level and number of pieces per player.
Gold can buy pieces, rerolls for new pieces, and experience. Your gold also earns interest. This creates a risk reward mechanic where players must decide whether to hold onto gold to earn more or spend it to purchase or reroll better pieces.
Every ten gold earns one extra, and the game gives bonuses for consecutive wins. NPCs can’t end win streaks, so don’t worry about struggling every five rounds.
Different races and classes
Always pay attention to the race and class of every piece, especially in the beginning of the game. There are 13 races in Auto Chess, with different rarities:
Marine, Feathered, Dragon, Egersis, Glacier Clan, Human, Kira, Spirit, Beast, Demon, Cave Clan, Dwarf, Goblin.
There are 10 classes:
- Witcher
- Shaman
- Mech
- Hunter
- Druid
- Mage
- Knight
- Warlock
- Warrior
- Mage
Synergy
The key to the races and classes is synergy. Collect units that share the same race and class to synergize pieces for buffs. The only race that doesn’t synergize is demon.
Tap the icons for race/class in the corner any time to check synergy.
Rarity
Rarity is divided into five categories:
- Common (one gold)
- Uncommon (Two Gold)
- Rare (Three Gold)
- Mythical (Four Gold)
- Legendary (Five Gold).
Rare pieces spawn more later in the game. All pieces come from one source, meaning that if someone buys a lot of mechs, they’re less likely to go to other players. Much of the game’s strategy comes from knowing when to pick something your opponent needs versus selecting pieces for yourself.
Leveling up the same pieces
Synergy doesn’t count if you have three of the same pieces, but it will help you raise their stats. The game tells players if pieces can level up with a visual queue between two units.
Piece placement
In the early game, place tanks in front and defensive pieces in the back. The closer to the middle of the board a player puts pieces, the more damage they’ll take. Put aggressive lineups closer to the middle and weaker ones more in the corner.
This is just a beginner’s guide to the game. It’s one of those games that gets easier and more intuitive the more you play. Experiment with different combinations and strategies, but always remember to have fun.