In a progression-based video game, there are several phases of the game. The most widely used classification system includes four categories: Early Game, mid-game, Late Game and Endgame. Some communities add an informal step beforehand, the Very Early, to refer to a baby's very first steps.
These phases are illustrated with Raid Shadow Legends, but the same principles apply to most of the strategy games, of the gacha games or competitive RPGs.
Here's how to identify each stage and what to prioritize at each one.
Very Early
the Very Early, this is the very beginning. You're learning the basic mechanics, and your only goal is to progress quickly, usually during the first few hours of game.
In Raid Shadow Legends, this step represents progress in the Campaign. In practical terms, you focus on two things:
- Unlock the basic dungeons and gather your initial resources
- Turn up your first champion, with a 6* in progress
The rise in 6* And the hunt for the right set of artifacts usually happens toward the end of the early game. Don't confuse the two: each phase has its own objective.
If you want to get to the early game as quickly as possible, here's some help:
Early Game (Early Game)
L'Early Game This stage follows directly after the Very Early stage. This is where you lay a solid foundation: you explore the main mechanics, unlock key elements, and develop your first strategies.
The goal is simple: make quick progress without spreading yourself too thin. You farm your resources, you level up your first solid character and you avoid wasting your earnings on useless content.
In Raid Shadow Legends, this phase begins when you attack the Drake 20. Now is the time to gain a deep understanding of the game mechanics so you can make progress elsewhere. You’ll start tackling other dungeons, such as the BdC, at the’arenato the faction crypt and at the DoomTower. Each new piece of unlocked content sets the stage for what's next.
Mid Game (Mid-game)
the mid-game is the phase where you master the basic mechanics and move on to more complex strategies. You're optimizing your choices rather than just exploring the game.
This step is designed to help you build on your progress. You're looking to improve efficiency, to manage your resources more effectively and prepare for the transition to the late game. This is a concept found in most progression-based games, such as strategy games RPGs.
In Raid Shadow Legends, you enter the mid-game once you've recovered Arbitrator. At this point, you're farming the Level 20 dungeons on auto-attack, and you start dealing some good damage to the boss Clan.
In practice, this is where you move from discovery to’optimization : You fine-tune your teams, aim for better artifact sets, and prepare your champions for high-level content.
Late Game
the Late Game corresponds to the phase where you're nearing the end of your progress. You have access to almost all of the game's content, and the challenges are reaching their peak difficulty.
The goal changes here. You're no longer trying to unlock mechanics, but to Make the most of what you already have : fine-tune your builds, aim for the best gear, and tackle the most challenging content.
In Raid Shadow Legends, this phase begins once you've finished the merges of Lydia and Ramantu. Then all you have left are the challenging dungeons and theHydra Nightmare (which, incidentally, is not mandatory). It is therefore primarily a phase of refinement and advanced mastery.
Endgame (End of the Game)
L'Endgame This is the final phase. You've reached the highest level of progression, and what's left is mostly content to optimize or endless grinding.
In Raid Shadow Legends, this is the point where you can do just about anything. The remaining objectives include the Rush Platinum or theLive Arena, a true endless mode. You then aim for the quality over quantity.
That's what many players are looking for in the long run: a game that stays interesting even after the bulk of the progression is complete, much like the puzzle games that are best savored over time.
English