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TBH: Task Bar Hero Wiki

early game

The early game in TBH: Task Bar Hero is about unlocking core systems, getting a stable three-hero lineup, and funding the Rune Tree so the game can start automating progression. Do the fundamentals right—party slots, chests, and gold—then farm and synthesize deliberately rather than chasing small stat bumps.

Immediate actions (first minutes)

  • Turn on Auto-retry in settings so failed stages keep attempting themselves without babysitting.
  • Open every chest manually early; chests are your main source of gear and materials until Rune automation is unlocked.
  • If you hit an unbeatable stage, use the Portal (blue portal icon) to travel back to an earlier stage, farm gear/XP, then return. The game is designed around this loop.

Pick your starter hero

  • Choose Knight if you want a safer, tank-first learning experience.
  • Choose Ranger if you prefer faster stage clear and quicker gold gain.
  • Claim the free Priest DLC as soon as possible; Priest changes the early meta because of strong heals and party buffs.

Core early formation and team plan

  • Default early formation: 1 frontline + 2 backline. This covers the common needs of tanking, sustain, and ranged DPS.
  • Recommended triad once you have three slots: Knight (frontline tank) + Priest (heals/buffs) + Ranger (consistent DPS). This composition works well both idling and actively playing.
  • If playing actively, Hunter/Archer + Ranger + Priest variants are also effective; build a reliable two-hero core (Archer + Priest) before filling the third slot.

Priority progression: Rune Tree and hero slots

  • Unlock the Rune Tree at account level 3. The Rune Tree is the highest-priority system: it grants extra hero slots, auto-open chest, inventory, offline rewards, and skill slots.
  • Immediately fund the rune path that unlocks the second and third hero slots (Rune of Command) before buying small stat nodes.
  • Prioritize the Far North/auto-open chest rune so chests stop needing manual opening for AFK loops.
  • Unlock Gold and EXP rune nodes next to sustain further unlocks.
  • Aim to unlock the Rune of Awakening (extra skill slot) once basic automation and slots are secured—Priest benefits greatly from an extra skill slot.

Early gold flow and Cube usage

  • The Hero-dric Cube unlocks at level 4. Early use of the Cube should focus on Alchemy (selling duplicates) to fund Rune purchases, not on Synthesis.
  • Use Alchemy to convert duplicate white/green gear into gold when you need runes or have a cluttered inventory.
  • Use Alt + Left Click to lock items you want to keep before using Auto Fill in Alchemy to avoid accidentally selling important gear.

Level and Act pacing

  • Clear Act 1 on Normal first and fully before attempting higher difficulties. Finishing an Act on Normal builds a stable gear/level base; skipping Normal risks hitting severe difficulty walls.
  • Only push to Act 1 Hard or Act 2 when your three-hero comp and synthesis level feel comfortable.
  • Act 2 introduces elemental counters; prepare to adapt compositions accordingly.
  • Soul Stones for Act bosses are consumed only when you successfully clear the boss—failed attempts cost nothing.

Farming and automation strategy

  • After unlocking the second hero slot, a strong gold-farming duo is Ranger + Priest: Ranger clears waves quickly while Priest provides buffs and sustain.
  • Once you have three slots, set up your Knight + Priest + Ranger and farm a comfortable stage via Portal if you need materials or gold.
  • Fund runes with Cube Alchemy early; do not prioritize Synthesis spending over unlocking hero slots and automation.
  • Unlock offline rewards nodes to get meaningful progress while the game is closed; however, know offline progress differs from minimizing the game—plan accordingly.

Synthesis and item management

  • Do not fuse gear early just to marginally increase stats. Prioritize synthesis only after you have the third hero slot and stable farming stages.
  • Raise Cube synthesis level before fusing high-tier Act 2 weapons.
  • Save gold for critical rune nodes and the third hero slot rather than luxury synthesis in the very early game.

Practical checklist (first 0–10 hours)

  • Hour 0–1: Install, claim Priest DLC, pick Knight or Ranger, clear Act 1 Normal, equip every rarity upgrade (don’t fuse yet), assign skill points to core actives.
  • Hour 1–3: Reach account level 3, unlock Rune Tree, buy second hero slot, add Priest to the party, prioritize auto-open chest rune.
  • Hour 3–6: Unlock the Cube at level 4, use Alchemy to fund Rune purchases, farm via Portal if stuck, save gold toward third slot.
  • Hour 6–10: Unlock third hero slot, solidify Knight + Priest + Ranger comp, raise synthesis level, and then consider pushing Act 1 Hard before moving to Act 2.

Tips and common pitfalls

  • Don’t ignore chests early—manual opening is crucial until Rune automation is available.
  • Rush the third hero slot—three heroes greatly accelerate progress.
  • Fund runes with Cube Alchemy, not Synthesis, in the early game.
  • Follow simple 1-front/2-back formations until you understand synergies; experiment only after you have the basics stable.
  • Clear each Act on Normal before pushing difficulty to avoid unnecessary walls.

Follow this sequence and priorities and the early game will transition smoothly into mid-game automation and synthesis.