Knowing what to upgrade is half of advanced play. This guide breaks down upgrade priority across the four currencies and three game phases, with specific recommendations for new and experienced players.

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Direct answer

In-match: damage first, attack speed second, range third. Persistent: base tower levels and god ascension are the highest priority. Marks: save for Rare and Epic parchment draws, never spend on Commons. Essence: invest in your main god, do not spread.

Quick answer

Each currency has its own priority. Damage in match. Levels and ascension long term. Save Marks. Focus Essence.

Gold (in-match currency)

Gold resets between matches. Priority:

  1. Damage. Every gold on damage early pays back 3-5x. Always first.
  2. Attack speed. Smooths out the early waves.
  3. Range. Matters from wave 15 onward.
  4. Specials. God-specific abilities. Spend here once your foundation is set.

Shards (persistent tower levels)

Shards carry between matches. Spend on:

  1. Base tower levels. The single biggest power increase you can make.
  2. Match start bonuses. Make every new run easier from wave 1.
  3. Idle gain multipliers. Matters more if you play in short sessions.

Essence (god ascension)

Essence is god-specific. Two rules:

  1. Pick one main god. Spread Essence and you progress slowly in all gods, fast in none.
  2. Prioritize passive bonuses over actives early. Active abilities are flashy but small multipliers compound faster.

Marks (parchment draws)

Marks are the rarest currency. Spend rules:

  • Never spend on Common draws. The expected value is too low.
  • Uncommon draws are worth it occasionally. Decent return.
  • Rare draws are the bread and butter. Save up and draw in batches of 5+.
  • Epic draws are the goal. Save heavily for these.

See the economy guide for how the currencies interact.