8. Tips for New Players

If you're new to Trump's Dash: Space Age, these detailed tips will help you get started, survive longer, and eventually compete on the global leaderboard.

Practice Dodging Asteroids Before Using Bonuses

• Start with Movement: When you first launch the game, don’t worry about collecting crystals or using bonuses. Spend your first 2-3 games focusing solely on moving your ship with Arrow Up / W and Arrow Down / S. Asteroids are your main obstacle, and learning how to avoid them is key to staying alive.

• Understand Asteroid Speed: Asteroids move at different speeds—some are slow, others zip across the screen. Watch their patterns for a few seconds before making a move. For example, if you see a fast asteroid coming from the right, move your ship up or down early to avoid a last-second panic.

• Stay in the Middle: Avoid hugging the top or bottom edges of the screen. If you’re too close to the edge, you might not have enough time to dodge an asteroid. Keeping your ship near the middle gives you more room to react.

• Don’t Oversteer: A common mistake for beginners is moving too much. If you’re constantly shifting up and down, you might accidentally steer into an asteroid. Make small, deliberate movements instead.

Use Trial Bonuses to Explore Gameplay Mechanics

• Take Advantage of Free Trials: When you connect your Solana wallet (like Phantom) for the first time, the game gives you trial versions of bonuses. This is a great way to test them without spending game tokens.

• Experiment with Double Shield: Activate the Double Shield (press 1) as soon as your trial starts. It absorbs two asteroid hits, so you can focus on learning the game without worrying about crashing right away. For example, if you accidentally hit an asteroid, the shield will save you, and you can keep playing.

• Test the Crystal Magnet: Use the Crystal Magnet (press 2) when you see a cluster of crystals on the screen. It pulls crystals to your ship for 10 seconds, which means you don’t have to risk flying into dangerous areas to grab them. This is especially helpful when you’re low on energy.

• Try Laser Blast Sparingly: The Laser Blast (press Spacebar) destroys asteroids in its path. During your trial, use it when you’re surrounded and can’t dodge. For instance, if three asteroids are coming at you from different angles, fire the laser to clear a path.

• Save Respawn for Later: The Respawn bonus lets you revive after a game over, keeping your score. Don’t use it in your first few games—wait until you’ve survived for at least 30 seconds and have a decent score (like 1000+ points). That way, you’ll get more value out.

Join the Telegram Community for Tips and Updates

• Get Involved: Join the official Telegram community. It’s a great place to connect with other players, ask questions, and share your progress.

• Ask for Advice: If you’re struggling with a specific part of the game—like dodging fast asteroids or managing your energy—post a question in the Telegram group. Veteran players often share their strategies, like the best times to use bonuses or how to spot asteroid patterns.

Monitor Your Energy and Prioritize Crystals

• Keep an Eye on the Energy Bar: It starts at 100% but drains over time. If it drops below 20%, you’re in danger of losing—focus on finding crystals immediately.

• Go for Crystals Strategically: Yellow and blue crystals each restore 10% of your energy and give you 20 points. If you see a crystal but it’s surrounded by asteroids, wait for a safe moment to grab it. Don’t risk a collision just for one crystal—losing the game will cost you more.

• Plan Your Path: Look ahead on the screen to spot crystals early. If you see a crystal near the top and another near the bottom, decide which one is safer to grab based on the asteroids around them. For example, if the top crystal has fewer asteroids nearby, head there first.

Learn When to Take Risks

• Safe vs. Risky Crystals: Some crystals are easy to grab, while others are in tricky spots (like between two fast-moving asteroids). As a beginner, stick to the safe ones. Once you’re more confident with dodging, you can start taking risks for higher rewards.

• Bonus Risks: Using bonuses like Crystal Magnet can be risky if you activate them at the wrong time. For example, don’t use the Magnet if there are no crystals nearby—you’ll waste its 10-second duration. Wait until you see at least 2-3 crystals on the screen.

Watch and Learn from Others

• Check Leaderboard Strategies: Look at the top players on the leaderboard. If their scores are much higher than yours, they’re likely using bonuses effectively. For example, a top player might have a score of 4000 points—they probably used Respawn to keep their streak going.

• Ask for Replays: In the Telegram community, ask if anyone can share a video or describe their best run. You might learn a new dodging technique or a smart way to use the Laser Blast.