![Screenshot_20190926-104434.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVzboCK8Vk4gN4g71KuhBhSTnyQCgeG9tULxgqLigysXW/Screenshot_20190926-104434.png)

My girlfriend and I have been playing a new game I found in the Google Play store a few weeks ago called AFK Arena. It's the first idle type game we've played on mobile and the genre seems to be quite popular. These games reward you for time *not* spent playing the game and have loot waiting for you after you haven't played the game for several hours. This genre is great for people that don't want to spend hours grinding to level up their characters or get that next piece of loot.

The game was just released in April so it's still fairly new and a great time to start playing. There are many different missions and side quests to keep you busy. The main campaign will take you through maps clearing progressively harder enemies. In the arena you can challenge friends or strangers to combat. 

![Screenshot_20190926-104329.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmT19siUe2kvmeygvmBzGYMGMiF2bmh7zJg29vEro1TcrR/Screenshot_20190926-104329.png)

You can see your friend's current player level and progress on the campaign mode. @scarletreaper is a few levels behind me here you can see her pink-haired chick in the portrait.

The main focus on the game for progression is team building, leveling up, and gearing those characters up to beat the harder enemies. Some factions are stronger or weaker against others so this is something to keep in mind. The four main factions are Lightbringers, Graveborn, Wilders, and Maulers. Celestials and Hypogaen are harder to get but supposedly quite powerful.

![Screenshot_20190926-111704.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmabto1nP5t2LcEsNUMkAWqGx9vZxSRPEHGtPodhaRhj7Q/Screenshot_20190926-111704.png)

You can get new heroes by summoning them in the tavern using the main in-game currency gems, summoning scrolls, or friend points. There are common, rare, and elite types of characters. Elite are the hardest to get and usually the most powerful. My favorite characters right now are Shemira (first screenshot), Lucius, and Nemora. Each character has 3-4 skills which become more powerful as you level up. To ascend your character to the next level you will need to summon multiple copies of the same one which can be frustrating, but the game gives out plenty of resources to keep you summoning.

![Screenshot_20190926-104542.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWSb1c7yPrrNDVLgkNAXHy9ywhNDLK9qry1BjXrUDFEap/Screenshot_20190926-104542.png)

Combat is automated for the most part. You will select your team with 2 characters on the front row (tanks/melee) and 3 on the back row (support/healers/mages). If you decide not to leave it on auto-battle you can manually decide when to use their ultimate ability when it's available, if not the characters will automatically use it when their energy is fully charged.

![Screenshot_20190926-114315.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUEWohMopudFVwSGrrAxQTEnCZomtzimTShh9nge6cU3M/Screenshot_20190926-114315.png)

Guilds have a team hunt event which guild members work towards defeating. The more damage your guild does the more rewards you unlock. A new feature of guilds was just released and goes live today so I can't give much feedback on it. You can use your guild points to get characters or equipment for them. If you decide to play we have room in our guild Nomad-Life  ID No. 478689

![Screenshot_20190926-115246.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmf7FYgvqVHKtUTFtc1BSHJwYyxSaVqaMrwgk8NAdqhBi9/Screenshot_20190926-115246.png)

There are many premium features you can unlock by spending FIAT money on the game. A VIP leveling feature gives a few small advantages in game depending on your level. You can also buy gems to use for summoning more characters or equipment. We have not currently spent any money on the game although I must admit I've been tempted.

![Screenshot_20190926-114841.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSbW3xgBttQV7hJCJv3X3kzVSp3Qfq4qCV2ft1Efubunz/Screenshot_20190926-114841.png)

The sound and artwork are amazing. This Celestial character Orthros was just released today and I'm continually impressed with the new content they keep adding. I highly recommend giving the game a shot and let me know what you think.