<strong>Game Summary</strong>
AFK Journey is an RPG set in Esperia, where players recruit heroes, build teams, and explore an open world. The core loop involves auto-battling enemies, collecting AFK rewards, upgrading heroes, and progressing through story quests, Dream Realm, and events. Daily tasks and guild activities drive resource collection in a vibrant fantasy setting.

<strong>My First 5 Hours</strong>
Your first five hours in AFK Journey immerse you in Esperia’s open-world RPG experience. After a cinematic tutorial, you’ll follow the main story, completing quests in Holistone and meeting characters like Hogan. You’ll recruit heroes via the Noble Tavern, aiming for strong picks like Vala or Cecia, and form a team for auto-battles in campaign stages. Early activities include clearing daily quests (e.g., AFK rewards, arena battles) to earn essence and gold, upgrading heroes at the Resonating Hall, and exploring the overworld for chests and puzzles. Around hour 3, you’ll unlock the Dream Realm, a daily boss mode, and join a guild for bonuses. The Arena introduces PvP, letting you test team synergies. Expect to learn faction advantages (e.g., Wilder vs. Mauler) and experiment with formations. The game’s painterly art and lore, like the Hypogean threat, enhance engagement. Focus on leveling a core team and completing story tasks to unlock more features.

<strong>Things People Wish They Knew at the Beginning</strong>
1. <strong>Prioritize AFK Rewards</strong>: Claim AFK rewards every 12 hours to maximize essence and gear, as they cap quickly early on.
2. <strong>Focus on Faction Synergy</strong>: Build teams with faction bonuses (e.g., 3+ Wilders) for stat boosts, often missed by newbies.
3. <strong>Save Invite Letters</strong>: Use invite letters for rate-up banners to target meta heroes like Vala, not random pulls.
4. <strong>Guilds Are Key</strong>: Join an active guild early for Dream Realm bonuses and shop access, boosting progression.
5. <strong>Story Progress Unlocks</strong>: Push campaign stages to unlock modes like Battle Drills, which offer better rewards.
Players regret spreading resources across too many heroes or ignoring faction advantages, slowing campaign and Dream Realm progress.