Getting Started

Getting Started: Your First Hour in Candy Crush Saga

Welcome to the delicious world of Candy Crush Saga! This guide will walk you through your first hour, covering everything you need to know to start matching candies like a pro. There is no character creation – you play as the main character, a happy candy crusher, right from the start.

First Hour Walkthrough

1. Download and Launch: After installing, open the app. A short animated intro plays.
2. Tutorial Begins: The game automatically starts with a tutorial level. You will learn the basic rule: swap adjacent candies to make a row or column of three matching candies.
3. Levels 1–5: These are extremely easy, introducing you to the core mechanics.
- Level 1: Just match 3 candies.
- Level 2: Learn to match 4 or 5 to create special candies (striped, wrapped, color bomb).
- Level 3: First target score requirement.
- Level 4: Introduction to blockers (e.g., licorice swirls).
- Level 5: First time you see the level map; you can replay levels for better scores.
4. Get Free Boosters: The tutorial gives you free boosters like the lollipop hammer (remove one candy) and extra moves. Do not use them yet.
5. Connect to Facebook (Optional): After level 5, you’ll be prompted to connect to Facebook. This is highly recommended because it lets you send and receive lives from friends.
6. Level 6–10: You’ll encounter chocolate (grows each move) and more complex target types.

Controls on All Platforms

• Mobile (iOS/Android): Touch and drag a candy horizontally or vertically to swap it with an adjacent candy. Release to confirm the swap.


• PC (Microsoft Store): Click on a candy, hold and drag to swap, or click two adjacent candies in sequence.


• Web (Facebook/Browser): Same as PC—click and drag or double-click adjacent candies.


• No Keyboard Controls: Arrow keys are not supported. Only mouse or touch input works.




User Interface Overview




• Top Bar: Displays the current level number, target score, moves remaining, and stars earned (1–3 stars indicate performance).


• Candy Grid: The main play area. Each candy type has a unique shape and color.


• Bottom Bar:

- Lives indicator (heart icon) – you start with 5 lives. One life regenerates every 30 minutes.
- Gold bar count – premium currency, earned slowly.
- Booster slot – drag boosters here to use them.
- Extra Moves button – for when you run out of moves, but costs gold bars.

• Side Menus: Gear icon for settings, speaker for sound, and event icons for special challenges.




Essential Early Objectives




• Pass Each Level: You must reach the target score or complete the specific objective (e.g., clear all jelly, collect ingredients) within the given moves.


• Earn Stars: 1 star is enough to progress. 2 or 3 stars give you extra rewards like boosters or gold bars.


• Create Special Candies: Match 4 or 5 candies to create powerful special candies. Combining two special candies can clear large areas.


• Conserve Moves: Aim to complete objectives in fewer moves to earn more stars.




What to Do First and What to Avoid



Do:

• Complete the tutorial levels fully. They teach you fundamentals.


• Accept every free booster and daily reward.


• Connect to Facebook immediately after level 5 to get free lives from friends.


• Focus on understanding how special candies work (striped candy clears a row/column, wrapped candy clears a 3x3 area, color bomb clears all of one color).


• Replay earlier levels to try for 3 stars and extra rewards.


Avoid:

• Spending gold bars on extra moves unless you have already tried the level 5+ times and are very close (e.g., 1 move left). Early levels are easy.


• Using boosters on levels below 20. Save them for harder stages.


• Rushing through matches without planning. Take your time to spot cascading matches.


• Ignoring the value of sugar crush bonus (extra points from leftover special candies at level end).




Early Resource Priorities




• Lives: Your most critical resource. Use all 5 lives, then wait for regeneration or ask Facebook friends for lives. You can also watch ads for extra lives (if available in your region).


• Gold Bars: Hoard them. Only spend on extra moves when absolutely necessary, or on special offers that give boosters for a low cost. Never use gold bars to skip entire levels.


• Boosters: Use sparingly. The lollipop hammer is handy for removing a single blocker or candy. The extra moves booster is precious – save it for levels around 25+.


• Daily Rewards: Log in every day to claim gold bars and boosters. The consecutive day streak increases rewards.




Common Beginner Mistakes



1. Not Looking for Cascades: Always scan the board for matches that will automatically trigger after your swap. This can clear more candies without extra moves.
2. Wasting Moves on Inefficient Matches: Matching 3 candies in a corner does little good. Aim to match near blockers or to create special candies.
3. Forgetting to Create Special Candies: Matching 4 or 5 is almost always better than a simple 3-match. Prioritize making striped and wrapped candies.
4. Using Boosters Too Early: Many beginners use boosters on the first few levels, which are trivial. You’ll regret it later.
5. Not Connecting to Facebook: Without friends, you can only get lives via slow regeneration. Connecting doubles your life income.
6. Ignoring the Move Counter: Running out of moves is the most common loss. Plan each swap.



Day-One Checklist




• [ ] Complete tutorial until you reach level 5.


• [ ] Connect to Facebook (optional but extremely helpful).


• [ ] Claim daily login reward from the shop.


• [ ] Send and receive lives from friends (click the heart icon).


• [ ] Use the free boosters from tutorial only if necessary (best to save them).


• [ ] Do not spend any gold bars.


• [ ] Play until you lose all 5 lives, then wait for refill or ask friends.


• [ ] Understand the three special candies by attempting to create them in levels 2–5.

With this foundation, you’re ready to enjoy the sweet puzzle adventure. Remember: patience and planning are your best tools. Happy matching!