If you're about to play your first settler-style hex strategy game, these are the tips that make the difference between trailing behind and controlling the board from the start.
1. Diversify your starting resources
Don't place your first two settlements on the same resource type. The more different resources touch your tiles, the less you'll depend on trading to build what you need.
2. Prioritize the highest-probability numbers
With two dice, 6 and 8 come up far more often than 2 or 12. A hex with those numbers produces almost twice as often as one with extreme numbers, so it's worth fighting for those spots.
3. Don't ignore the ports
A 2:1 or 3:1 trading port can make up for your area lacking a specific resource. If your starting position is weak in one resource, a nearby port partially fixes that.
4. Build roads with a clear goal
Every road should be moving you toward a good new settlement spot, not just "expanding for the sake of it." Before you build, think about which intersection that road leads to two or three turns from now.
5. Trade actively instead of hoarding
Sitting on unused resources wastes time. If you've got extra wood but need wheat, offer a trade before someone else beats you to building what you wanted to build.
6. Keep an eye on who's leading
Track how many visible points each opponent has. If someone's closing in on victory, that's your cue to block them with the robber or stop selling them cheap resources.
7. Don't reveal your development cards early
Hidden victory points are your best weapon for a surprise win. Don't show how many cards you're holding or what you're saving until you have to.
8. Diversify your point sources
Don't rely only on building settlements. Longest road, largest army, and development cards can give you the points you're missing once the map fills up.
9. Adapt your plan to what everyone else does
A rigid plan falls apart the moment someone blocks a key spot. Always keep a backup plan for the same turn in case things don't go as expected.
10. Play several games before drawing conclusions
Dice luck matters in single games but evens out over time. Don't overhaul your whole strategy after one bad game; adjust gradually based on what you see repeating.
The best way to make these tips second nature is to try them out. Play a few games against Hexo's AI at /play/ai to practice with no pressure before taking on your friends.
