SpiritWars Strategy Guide
by Xerin

Basic Strategies

A skilled player is always aware of how much energy he has, and what it will cost to activate, move, maintain, and use the special abilities of his spirits.

One of the common mistakes I see new players make is to activate a spirit, only to find they don't have enough energy to maintain that spirit next turn. So not only have they wasted energy activating the spirit, but they lose the spirit next turn because they are unable to pay upkeep costs!

Timing is all important. For example, let's say you have a Medusa, who can turn any human to stone. Very expensive to cast (7), and she has a high maintenance cost (4). It makes no sense to bring her out until you see a human spirit of your opponent's that you want to turn to stone. Save all that energy for other uses, and only activate Medusa when she will earn her keep.

At the beginning of each turn, take note of how much energy you have in each of your energy pools (at the top of the screen). Think ahead to what you plan to accomplish this turn. Do you want to move any of your spirits? Be sure you have enough energy in reserve to do that. Planning to use a special ability for a spirit? Have to budget that as well. Don't make the mistake of activating all the spirits in your courtyard that you can afford, only to find that you lack the energy to do anything during subsequent phases of your turn!

Remember to count the cost.