At A Glance
- Learn the pros and cons of Time Gates compared to champion unlocks.
- Understand when to prioritize core champions versus niche DPS like Artemis.
- Discover long-term strategies to build a strong roster.
One of the biggest questions new players ask in Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is whether they should spend their resources on Time Gates or focus on unlocking more champions. Since both options require valuable currency, choosing the right path can significantly affect your long-term progress. Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of each strategy.
What Are Time Gates?
Time Gates allow you to target specific champions outside of regular events. Each Time Gate typically runs for three days and lets you unlock or gear up one chosen champion. They are most commonly used to collect powerful event champions that you may have missed.
The main advantage of Time Gates is flexibility. If you need a specific champion to round out your formation, Time Gates let you target them directly rather than waiting for their event to return.
The Benefits of Unlocking Champions
Unlocking new champions expands your roster, giving you more formation options and allowing you to handle variant missions with restrictions. Early in the game, the size of your roster is more important than stacking gear on one or two champions.
Key benefits of champion unlocks include:
- Filling empty formation slots.
- Expanding strategies for different mission types.
- Unlocking versatile champions like Celeste (healer/support) or Hitch (multi-role DPS).
When to Prioritize Time Gates
There are specific situations where Time Gates are worth prioritizing:
- Chasing a meta-defining DPS: Champions like Artemis Entreri are powerful but require high investment to shine. If you’re committed to a build centered around them, Time Gates are essential.
- Event champions with synergy: Some champions drastically improve team synergy when paired with others (e.g., freely stacking buffers).
- Catching up as a returning player: If you’ve missed several events, Time Gates help you quickly expand your roster.
When to Focus on Unlocking Champions
For most early and mid-game players, unlocking new champions should come first. Having a wide roster allows you to adapt to restrictions, participate in more events, and progress steadily.
The key is balance. Unlock enough champions to cover different slots and roles before sinking resources into targeted Time Gates.
Long-Term Strategy
Veteran players often recommend the following approach:
- Build a core roster: Unlock champions that fill every slot and provide basic formation coverage.
- Add meta champions through Time Gates: Target champions like Artemis or Zorbu once your base is solid.
- Invest in synergy: Use Time Gates to strengthen specific formations once you know which champions fit your style.
Final Thoughts
Both Time Gates and champion unlocks are vital, but timing is everything. Early players should focus on unlocking champions to broaden their options, while Time Gates are best for targeting powerful meta champions once you have a foundation. Strike a balance between the two, and you’ll maximize both flexibility and power in Idle Champions.