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beginner

TBH: Task Bar Hero is a lightweight idle hack-and-slash RPG that runs in your taskbar and automates combat while you work. This beginner guide covers the essentials to get playing quickly, how the game’s systems fit together, and what to prioritize in your first session.

Quick setup and requirements

  • Install from Steam on Windows 10/11 (64-bit). Market features require broadband.
  • On first launch allow the game to dock near your taskbar. The window is designed to sit in a corner of your monitor — pin or keep it visible so it can run while you work.
  • If you plan to trade or use market features, stay signed into Steam and ensure network access.

What the game is and why it matters

  • TBH is an idle, automated-combat RPG for a three-hero party. Combat runs while you do other things; your job is to manage progression: skills, gear, synthesis, and difficulty.
  • The game features over 500 items, a Cube system to add/reroll stats on gear, three Acts with four difficulty tiers each, and tradable item rarities from Common up to Cosmic.
  • Optional DLC adds classes and cosmetic/quality-of-life content; the base game is free.

First-hour priorities (what to do right away)

  • Level and assign skills: after each level-up, allocate skills for each hero to shape their roles (damage, utility, survivability).
  • Equip upgrades immediately: when you get higher-rarity drops, equip them before selling or synthesizing so you actually benefit from the improved stats.
  • Unlock Act 1 Normal before increasing difficulty: progress through Act 1 at least to unlock the Normal difficulty; don’t push higher difficulties until you understand your build and gear.
  • Join the official Discord for up-to-date patch notes and bug reports if you want live support.

Combat and progression basics

  • Combat is fully automated: heroes fight on their own, so focus on long-term improvements rather than micro-managing fights.
  • Progression flow: grind items and gold via AFK runs, equip and synthesize gear to improve power, then push higher difficulties and later Acts.
  • Acts and difficulties: there are 3 Acts, each with 4 difficulty tiers. Unlocking the first Act and its Normal difficulty is an early milestone.

Gear, rarities, and synthesis

  • Items have rarities from Common through Cosmic. Higher-rarity gear is more powerful and more valuable on the Steam Market.
  • When you get an upgrade, equip it immediately on the appropriate hero to benefit from the stats.
  • Synthesis lets you combine or upgrade items — be conservative until you understand which pieces are BiS for your build.

Cube system (how to improve end-game gear)

  • The Cube is used to add or reroll secondary stats on gear. Use it on BiS pieces after you finish Act 1 gear to refine your build.
  • Rerolling consumes resources. Budget rerolling costs by planning long AFK farming sessions to gather materials.
  • Focus Cube rerolls on stats that match your class and playstyle: examples include crit, attack speed, spell power, and HP.

Class and build notes

  • There are multiple classes available; DLC adds some classes (Hunter, Slayer) while the Priest class DLC is free. Pick a class whose primary stats align with the Cube stats you plan to hunt.
  • Build focus: choose a primary damage or survivability route early (e.g., crit/attack speed for physical builds, spell power for caster builds) and seek gear/Cube results that reinforce it.

Long-term progression and trading

  • Steam Market integration lets you trade items for real value; rare drops can be sold or bought to accelerate progression.
  • Optional paid content (Supporter Pack, class DLCs, soundtrack) enhances the experience but is not required to play.

Tips and best practices

  • Let the game run while you work — AFK farming is the core gearing loop. Plan play sessions around expected reroll/synthesis costs.
  • Don’t waste Cube resources early: wait until you’ve completed Act 1 gear and identified which items you want to perfect.
  • Keep an eye on patch notes (Steam updates) because mechanics and numbers can change with patches.

Where to go next

  • After you’ve unlocked Act 1 Normal and stabilized a build, begin saving Cube and synthesis resources for core BiS pieces.
  • Experiment with higher difficulty tiers once your gear and skills feel reliable; higher tiers yield better drops but require optimized builds and Cube usage.

This guide gives the baseline workflow: install and dock the game, level and assign skills, equip and synthesize carefully, then use the Cube on BiS items after Act 1 while farming AFK to support rerolls and market activity.