If you've just landed in Squad Busters and see everyone flying around the map while you don't even know where to hit first, don't worry: you're not alone. This Supercell game blends chaos, strategy, farming, and PvP in a way that's much deeper than it initially seems, and mastering its mechanics takes time.
In this beginner's guide, you'll find Squad Busters strategies designed to help you win more matches : how to use your coins if you're free-to-play, how to build your squad, when to fight, how to move around the map, how to take advantage of modifiers, how to manage resources, and how to maximize spells like Turbo. Everything is explained in Spanish (Spain), with practical examples and advanced tips that build upon and expand upon what top players already use.
Understanding progression and skill in Squad Busters
Before we get into specific tactics, there's something key: Squad Busters is a slow-progression game , just like other Supercell titles. You're not going to unlock all the characters or max them out in just a few afternoons, and even less so if you're playing for free. The normal way to improve is gradually, through matches, farming, and smart resource management.
Similarly, the skill aspect is much more important than it initially seems . At first, it might feel like everything is random and easy, especially if you're matched with a lot of bots, but as soon as you level up and encounter skilled players, every move matters: the direction you turn around an enemy squad, when to activate a spell, whether or not to enter a fight at the right time, and so on.
The presence of bot lobbies is quite common in higher ranks when there are still few players in those leagues, so don't get complacent if you see easy matches. As the community grows, the average skill level rises, and you'll need to optimize your decision-making much more to maintain a good win rate.
In addition, there are the Mega Units and Keys , which add another element of randomness and imbalance. Mega Units can be nice as a touch of variety, but the heavy use of Keys by top players (sometimes two per match) means that if you don't use them or don't have a particularly good round, you'll struggle to compete. Keep this in mind: you can win, but being outplayed by them is sometimes unavoidable.
How to use your coins if you're F2P?
If you don't plan on spending money or want to maximize every coin, the most important thing is knowing what to spend them on. The short answer is: invest your coins almost always in chest tickets . It's the most efficient way to grow your account in the medium and long term.
When you convert coins into chest tickets, you not only increase your chances of getting new characters , but you also generate far more units and resources for the same expenditure. Buying characters directly from the shop is much less profitable than investing in chests; in the long run, those hundreds of thousands of coins would have bought you several characters and materials if you had used the tickets route.
A very important trick is to take advantage of 4 and 10-win streaks . At these points, chest progression receives extra boosts (better rewards or additional tokens), so the idea is simple: try to string together a 10-win streak, or at least a 4-win streak, and immediately afterward, use your coins on chest tickets. This way, you multiply the value of each coin spent.
Another common mistake is buying win streaks above 10. They don't give you better chests or any real practical advantages; it's simply for bragging rights on your profile. If you're looking for pure performance, forget about spending coins on that.
In short, F2P management is key: don't buy characters directly or extend win streaks ; focus on chest tickets and try to align them with winning streaks. This way, even without spending money, your account will continue to grow at a good pace.
How and when to fight in Squad Busters?
In Squad Busters, you don't win by getting more kills, you win by collecting more gems. That's why you shouldn't engage in every fight that comes your way . If you leave a battle with half your squad and your opponent dead, you'll both likely be left vulnerable for the rest of the match, with less farming ability and very susceptible to third-party players who might come along and finish you off.
The golden rule is simple: don't engage in combat unless you're reasonably certain of winning . This means considering the size of the opposing squad, the types of units, the spells you have, the spells they might have, and the environment (for example, if there are monsters nearby that could join the fray).
At the start of a match, one of the most costly mistakes is chasing another player for too long . While you're running around the map, you're missing opportunities to open chests, destroy blue crates, kill guards or bosses, and collect resources. You'd usually get more value by farming instead of trying to steal a few gems from an opponent who might even escape.
Almost essential: don't go into a major fight without at least one Turbo available . Turbo is your lifeline, both for finishing off a weak enemy and for escaping if the situation turns against you. And, unless you're targeting a clear-cut bot for easy loot, it's also highly recommended to enter combat with a spell ready; a well-placed cast can completely change the outcome.
During fights, avoid standing still: moving around the enemy squad to focus their weakest units is key. With some practice, you'll learn to flank, move in and out of range of certain troops, and force your attackers to prioritize vulnerable targets like healers, supports, or ranged DPS.
Building a strong squad: balance and mergers
Building a good team is probably the most strategic part of the game. It's not just about including all the hard-hitting weapons , but about creating a balanced composition that works with the game modifier and your playstyle.
At the start of each match, check the active battle modifier . Some character combos shine with certain modifiers and are a disaster with others. For example, playing a Boar Rider in modes focused on extreme speed can be a waste if it doesn't fit the specific dynamics of that match. You don't need to learn a build book, but you should get into the habit of asking yourself: "Does this character make sense with what the modifier suggests?"
Another key aspect is managing chest costs through fusions . The more different units you add to your squad, the higher the price of the next chest becomes. If you focus on fusing (three copies of the same character) instead, you keep costs lower in the early game and find it much easier to keep opening chests quickly.
In the mid and late game, you can start expanding your unit variety , because at that point you need flexibility and additional layers in your team. Even so, fusions remain very valuable in the late game: a fused character (with their star on their health bar) hits harder, is more resilient, and can make all the difference in the final battles.
In terms of team composition, always aim for a balance between melee and ranged attackers . Ideally, combine tanks to absorb damage, one or more strong DPS, a healer if the modifier fits, and at least one fast character or runner to allow you to move around the map efficiently.
Another option is to opt for purer farming strategies , based on characters like Greg (capable of exploiting trees laden with gold and gems) or boar-like runners, accompanied by gatherers or traders. This playstyle focuses less on direct PvP and more on filling your pockets before the moment of truth arrives.
Not all characters work equally well for everyone. Some players, for example, avoid units like Bo or Dynamike because they feel they don't fit their playstyle and leave them vulnerable in weak squads, while preferring characters like Colt or Shelly, who provide consistent and predictable damage. Experiment to find the combinations that work best for you.
Choose your first character and master the fusions
The start of each game is critical. Your first character should help you gather coins and resources as quickly as possible to open more chests before everyone else. You won't always be able to choose the perfect character, since the options are random, but you can prioritize certain types.
Characters like Greg or the Goblin are excellent starting choices . Greg lets you jump straight into a tree overflowing with gold and gems, starting with a deluge of resources that gives you a huge early advantage. The Goblin, on the other hand, grants you bonus coins just for selecting him, allowing you to open another chest right away and add a powerful attacker from the very beginning, if you wish.
Once you have the first three duplicate characters, the automatic fusion will activate, turning them into a more powerful version . All fusions are useful, but if you can prioritize fusing attackers (a melee barbarian, a ranged DPS, a summoning witch, etc.), their impact in combat is enormous. A fused attacker can wipe out poorly positioned squads almost single-handedly.
Don't neglect fusing other classes: a fused tank is much more tanky , and a fused healer can sustain your entire squad in long fights. The key is not to scatter your composition haphazardly: if you can choose between a third copy of a good character and a new type that significantly increases the chest cost, fusing is often more worthwhile.
Game modes and battle modifiers
Each Squad Busters match not only changes the map, but also the rules of the game through a random Battle Modifier . This modifier alters the optimal way to play, and adapting well to it often separates the average player from the consistent winner.
For example, in Goblin Fever, the map fills up with goblins laden with loot . In this context, characters that allow you to move quickly and exploit these resource sources become much more valuable. While others fight each other, you can focus on blasting goblins, accumulating coins and gems, and reaching the final stretch incredibly strong.
In the Royal Hunt, however, you face phantom knights who, if defeated, will join your side of the fight. This completely changes your objective priorities: it makes sense to invest resources and time in killing these special enemies, even if it means sacrificing some basic farming, because the tactical benefit of gaining these allies is immense.
Another example is a Loot Wave modifier , where you only have a short window to collect coins and gems . Here, you'll want to choose characters with high movement speed or explosive farming capabilities. Focus less on tanks and more on gatherers and runners who can clear the map in those crucial seconds.
Before the battle begins, always take a few seconds to read the modifier and think about how you're going to use it . Adjust your first pick, your farming priorities, and your movement routes to what that game is presenting. It's a simple change in mindset, but it makes a huge difference to your win rate.
Map management, first moves and movement
The first few seconds of the game set the pace for everything that follows. One detail many overlook is quickly checking for any spells or cannons nearby upon spawning . A spell that lets you blow up trees right from the start, or a cannon that clears one side of the spawn point while you clear the other, are very powerful early advantages.
Your next move should be to break the blue crates as soon as possible , as they usually grant speed bonuses and other resources. Speed ​​is pure gold in Squad Busters: reaching chests, bosses, and objectives first gives you an economic and positional advantage. After opening two to four chests (about 10-20 seconds into the game), it's a very good idea to move towards the center of the map.
In the central area, you'll generally find more blue crates, boss monsters, guards, and valuable objectives . Farming there significantly increases your value per minute, as long as you don't rush into fights unprepared. If you're using a strong farming strategy with Greg, Mavis, or other gatherers, you can even prioritize specific resource routes near the center.
A useful movement trick is to use your sprint (Turbo) to reach chests when the environment is clear . While you open the chest and add the new unit, the Turbo starts recharging, so you don't actually lose any charging time. It's a way to "sync" quick movements with moments when you don't need to move.
Additionally, you can optimize your use of the blue speed bar by employing a stop-and-go sprint pattern . Just before the boost runs out, release the button, walk a few steps normally, and press it again when you feel ready. This avoids the slowdown effect that occurs after completely depleting the Turbo and allows you to maintain more consistent mobility.
Finally, keep an eye on the map and the gem objectives . Sometimes you don't need to wipe out half the server: destroying a good gem tree or finishing off a charged enemy can be enough to secure first place. Keep a cool head and focus on what will actually improve your score.
Advanced use of Turbo and spells
During the match, you'll find various spells scattered around the arena. One of the most important is Turbo, a rechargeable speed boost that you can activate by holding down the blue boot icon. Using it wisely makes all the difference between successfully pursuing your prey and handing your entire squad over to the enemy.
The Turbo has a limited fuel supply, represented by a blue circle around the icon . You'll also see small boots scattered around the map that refuel when collected. The number in the corner of the Turbo button indicates how many charges you have, so keep a close eye on it to avoid running out of fuel just when you need to escape.
Beyond Turbo, the other spells can give you a brutal tactical advantage : area damage to clear groups, crowd control that disrupts the enemy, defenses that allow you to withstand an ambush, etc. The key is not to save them "just in case" until they're no longer useful; try to use them at key moments: to ensure the death of a dangerous squad, survive an unexpected focus of attack, or control a high-value area.
Remember that going into important fights without a prepared spell is taking an unnecessary risk. A single well-cast spell can turn a losing battle around and give you not only gems, but also access to free chests after defeating an opponent.
Game resources: coins, gems, and more
Squad Busters revolves around a fairly varied internal economy. There are at least six main types of resources : Coins, Gems, Experience, Hammers, Style Tickets, and Hero Points. All of them serve, in one way or another, to level up, improve characters, unlock customizations, and continue progressing.
Coins and Gems are the core of your gameplay progression . Coins are used in-game to open chests and, outside of games, primarily to purchase chest tickets (which you should prioritize if you're free-to-play). Gems are more important as a premium resource and are often used for speedups or special purchases.
Experience allows you to level up as a player and unlock new features and global rewards. The more you play and the better you play, the more XP you accumulate, which translates into more options in the long run.
Hammers , Style Tickets, and Hero Points focus more on upgrades and customization . Hammers can be used for specific progression improvements, Style Tickets for visual aspects (skins, animations, etc.), and Hero Points for leveling up and boosting specific characters. Knowing how to prioritize which heroes you invest these points in is key to avoiding spreading your progress across too many characters at once.
Efficient management of all these resources can be the difference between a player who progresses steadily and one who's always just scraping by . Focus on a few key units at the beginning, invest points and resources in them, and supplement with smart chest rotations based on your streaks and needs.
Extra tips to win more games
In addition to everything mentioned above, there are a number of general best practices that will greatly improve your gameplay. To begin with, constantly monitor the map : knowing where strong opponents are located, where resources are concentrated, and which areas others are moving through allows you to avoid ambushes and choose more profitable routes.
Keep moving: standing still makes you an easy target . At the same time, don't run around haphazardly; try to make each movement purposeful: a chest, a boss, a gem tree, a key spell, or a weak enemy to finish off.
In the final stages of the game, everything starts to become more lucrative . Even if you had a terrible early game, you can still turn things around if you play your cards right in the last 60 seconds. Don't give up: many games are decided by a well-executed escape, a well-placed blue box, or a team fight you win when both opponents are already weakened.
If you're playing with friends or in co-op modes, treat the game almost like a light MOBA: coordinating squads and roles is incredibly effective . Having one player focus on tanking, another on DPS, and another on farming and map control can multiply your chances of victory against disorganized squads.
As you play more games, you'll develop your personal preferences: characters you hate using, combinations you feel comfortable with, modifiers you perform better with… Use that experience to refine your style, because there's no single "right" way to win in Squad Busters , but there are many mistakes you can avoid by following these guidelines.
With everything we've covered—patient progression, good coin and resource management, well-chosen fights, balanced teams, timely merges, taking advantage of modifiers, map control, and intelligent use of spells and Turbo—you'll have a very solid foundation so that your Squad Busters strategies stop being improvised and you start to truly compete for the top positions in every match.