> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gotchi-battler-1.gitbook.io/gotchi-battler/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gotchi-battler-1.gitbook.io/gotchi-battler/guides/how-to-play.md).

# How to Play

Gotchi Battler is a strategy game where you build a team of five ghostly units and send them into automatic battles. You choose the units, their abilities, their positions, and their leader. Once the battle starts, your team puts that plan into action.

You can start for free with five Spirits, the characters you collect and train in the game. You do not need to buy an Aavegotchi or own any cryptocurrency to begin.

## 1. Sign in and meet your first team

Open [Gotchi Battler](https://play.gotchibattler.com/) in a desktop browser. The game can load on mobile, but it is designed for larger screens and is best played on a computer.

You will need a wallet that supports Ethereum, installed as an extension in your desktop browser. Your wallet acts as your account: connect it, then sign the login message to confirm it belongs to you. This is called Sign In With Ethereum. Signing in does not require a payment or a cryptocurrency balance.

Open **Inventory**, select **New Gift!**, and claim your **Starter Spirits Pack** to receive a Ninja, an Enlightened, a Cleaver, a Healer, and a Troll. Those five Spirits give you a complete first team. Campaign rewards will help you expand your collection as you play.

## 2. Make your battle plan

Start with your five free Spirits and learn what each one brings to the team. Before a battle, there are four choices to think about.

### Classes: choose a mix of strengths

Each Spirit belongs to one of eight classes. Its class gives it a natural strength and a selection of abilities.

| Class       | Natural strength                                          |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ninja       | Speed: acting more often.                                 |
| Enlightened | Health: taking more damage before falling.                |
| Cleaver     | Critical Rate: landing powerful critical hits more often. |
| Tank        | Defense: reducing incoming damage.                        |
| Cursed      | Critical Damage: making critical hits hurt more.          |
| Healer      | Resist: resisting harmful effects.                        |
| Mage        | Focus: landing harmful effects on enemies.                |
| Troll       | Attack: increasing damage.                                |

Classes also have different ways to help in battle. A Healer can restore allies' health, for example, while a Tank can protect the team. Read the ability descriptions as you unlock new choices; the selected ability matters as much as the class name.

### Formation: decide who stands in front

Place each unit in the front or back row. Ordinary attacks generally target the front row first, so try putting units with more Health or Defense in front and more vulnerable teammates in back.

The back row is not completely safe. Some abilities specifically reach it, hit a whole row, or affect the entire team. Look at the enemy's abilities and adjust your formation when needed.

### Leader: give your team a focus

Choose one unit as your leader. Their Leader Skill helps shape how the team fights, and their class provides an additional bonus to allies. For example, a Ninja leader gives allies extra Speed, while a Tank leader gives them extra Defense.

Choose a leader whose benefits support your plan. In Campaign, a Spirit leader also earns more experience than its teammates, so the role can help you train a particular Spirit.

### Specials: choose each unit's main ability

A **Special** is an ability you select before battle. It might deliver a strong attack, heal an ally, strengthen your team, or weaken the enemy. Units use their Specials automatically when ready and make ordinary attacks while waiting.

Start with the abilities you already have. As you earn more, try changing one Special at a time and watch what happens. The [Specials reference](/gotchi-battler/reference/specials.md) explains each ability when you want a closer look.

## 3. Begin with Campaign

[Campaign](/gotchi-battler/guides/game-modes/campaign.md) is a good first destination. Work through battles against monsters, earn rewards, and build your team as you explore new areas.

Check the enemies and the Energy cost before starting. **Energy** is the resource you spend to enter activities such as Campaign battles. It refills over time up to your normal limit, so you can return later when you run low.

Once the fight begins, watch your plan play out. You do not need to choose attacks or time button presses during combat. Pay attention to who falls first, whether healing arrives in time, and which enemies cause the most trouble.

If you lose, use that information for your next attempt. Move a vulnerable unit, try another ability, or earn more experience in an earlier battle. A different team setup can matter as much as another level.

## 4. Help your Spirits grow

Your collection gets stronger in several ways:

* **Levels:** Spirits earn experience, or XP, through activities including Campaign. Leveling up improves their battle stats.
* **Ascension:** At certain milestones, a Spirit stops gaining XP until you spend Credits to ascend it. Credits are an in-game currency you can earn through play. Ascension lets that Spirit continue leveling; extra XP earned while it is waiting does not build up for later.
* **Crystals:** Equip these reusable upgrades to improve a unit's stats. You can earn them in the [Crystal Temple](/gotchi-battler/guides/game-modes/dungeons.md). Removing or replacing an equipped Crystal can cost Credits, so check the cost before changing your setup.
* **More choices:** Additional Spirits, Specials, and Leader Skills let you build different teams for different opponents. Completing Campaign unlocks all remaining Specials and Leader Skills for your account; each unit still uses abilities from their own class.

The [Shop](/gotchi-battler/guides/shop.md) offers optional passes and supplies. You can begin learning and building your team without making a purchase.

## What about Aavegotchis?

Aavegotchis are collectible characters from the wider Aavegotchi game. If you own one or have access to one through lending, you can bring it into Gotchi Battler and use it alongside Spirits.

If you want to borrow one for a tournament, plan ahead: the loan needs to cover the game's weekly snapshot. The [Tournament guide](/gotchi-battler/guides/game-modes/tournaments.md#borrowing-and-lending-aavegotchis) explains the timing.

Their battle strength comes from their Aavegotchi traits and equipped wearables. They do not follow the Spirit XP and Ascension system described above. Both Spirits and Aavegotchis can equip Crystals and use abilities available to their class.

You can explore Aavegotchis later. Your free Spirits are enough to get started.

## Choose your next adventure

Once you have tried a few Campaign battles, explore the [Game Modes guide](/gotchi-battler/guides/game-modes.md). It covers the Crystal Temple, rotating Quests, Tournaments against other players, and Arcade runs with a freshly drafted team.

For the game's opening period and its reward program, see [The Genesis Era](/gotchi-battler/guides/genesis-era.md).