Habits of Successful Players

I'm sure you've seen it. Players who complain that the only way to be successful is to buy your way to the top.

I will not deny that those who have access to Passes are at an advantage but there are numerous things that factor into whether or not someone is a successful player. Passes are only part of it and, arguably, they're a very small part.

So, what makes a player successful?

Willingness to learn

We all come into this game knowing next to nothing. Whether or not you're willing to take the time to learn the basics is a huge determining factor in how far you'll ultimate go.

There's a lot to learn and it can be daunting. Blupping, foal games, proper feeding requirements, how to make Equus, how to manage an equestrian center. Take it slow. Read the game guide. Do the tutorial. Ask meaningful questions.

Learn to play properly and you'll see immediate results. You'll have healthy horses who are at the top of their game, a working equestrian center to use while blupping, and plenty of Equus to spend as you see fit.

Work ethic

Got horses to blup? Pastures to shuffle in your equestrian center? Aging Points to gather? Do it.

Successful players work hard. Some players have friends to help them manage their game but ultimately whether or not something gets done is up to the account owner.

You can't have it all unless you're willing to work for it.

Time management

Tackle the important stuff first. If your team needs you to work a horse you should probably do that before farming your Aging Points or hitting up the forums for a posting binge.

It's up to you, but you must weigh your responsibilities and goals. Do those which are most important first.

Ability to budget

This is a big one.

I see so many players throw fits when promotions roll around by complaining that they can't afford anything. Here's the thing though – if you saved your Passes and Black Market Items and used them only during promotions you could afford to take part.

Save your Passes. Save your Horns of Plenty. Save your Titan's Challenges. Use your weekly trades to acquire items you know you'll need in the future. Show some restraint.

Successful players play smart and so should you.

Following the rules

This sounds silly, right? But hear me out. Howrse is a community based game. You cannot get far if you're unwilling to abide by the rules.

What do I mean by this?

The way I see it, there are two sets of rules in the game – the mandatory terms of service and the community determined rules of etiquette and engagement. Let's discuss the second set.

No one likes a cheater. No one likes a beggar. No one likes a player who lies to get ahead. Rule of thumb? Do to others as you would have them do to you. If it would piss you off, don't do it to someone else.

Don't be surprised when your bad behavior comes back to bite you in the ass. It isn't worth blowing your reputation for a quick boost of instant gratification.

What do you think? Did I miss any important points? What do you think struggling players could stand to improve upon?