The biggest newbie planning mistake

This is a PSA for people just starting out - I've helped some get into the game recently and I see this very often. I know in the earlygame your heroes are slow - Dont overinvest in the first few heroes you get.

While you can invest in any hero if you like their design, most of the first few heroes you get like ESchneider, LJohan and DMikhail are not the best when you optimize for endgame modes ( PvP, raides, obelisk ). Getting them to 4 star and giving them some levels up to ~30 or so is perfectly fine, but you better know what you're doing before you ascend FZaira to third ascension and level her up to 50.

It's correct at the start the few heroes you get are very slow - the only remotely decent carry you'll have access to is WHelga, and the stingy among you might want to save for someone even better; Outside of WHelga you should generally avoid ascending or promoting heroes beyond 4 stars.

The best among the early bunch. Later on you'll have access to better sappers, like Dark Nine and Water Luci.

You shouldn't rush to finish the story, it's not a race. This game is more about long-term planning and strategy. The good heroes you get at the start like WFram and EChar are not the first ones that demand investment; If you want to invest in heroes that will do better later, the heroes you'll want to invest in will come from Events ( Eolivia ), heavy trades ( ELaph, LOlivia ) or contracts ( Many, many here ).

Some heroes you can buy early do well at the endgame, like the Vanessas, WSchneider, WAstrid and EMei Ling; Your traditional carries like ELaph are better to invest in, although all Of these are less bad than someone like ESchneider. If you are pay-to-play, you can grab any half-decent carry and you'll be just fine - but if you're an f2p player, you're best off just waiting for contracts or a good carry like ELaph with your heavy investment.

Contracts - the best f2p source of heroes there is. Main con: It's takes time!

If you want to improve your team fast and advance yourself towards a better lategame, you're best off learning about gear, and enhancing some good 6* pieces you get. These will be easily transferable to other heroes later down the road, but make sure you invest in good pieces ( 6*, many substats, high speed and purple / yellow sets are generally better ).

Also follow the story quests, you'll thank yourself later.