Homescapes, a popular match-3 puzzle game developed by Playrix, offers an engaging blend of puzzles and home renovation. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Gardenscapes, the game puts players in the shoes of Austin, a butler trying to restore his childhood mansion. Homescapes combines addictive puzzle mechanics with an overarching narrative of home restoration, but at the heart of the gameplay are two crucial resources: Coins and Stars. Understanding how to effectively use and acquire these resources is key to progressing in the game.
Overview of Coins and Stars in Homescapes
1. Coins
Coins are the most versatile currency in Homescapes. They are primarily used to:
- Buy Power-Ups: Coins allow players to purchase in-game boosts like bombs, rockets, and rainbow balls. These power-ups make puzzle levels easier by clearing larger portions of the board or targeting specific obstacles.
- Extend Moves: One of the biggest uses for Coins is to buy additional moves or turns. Players are given a set number of moves per level, and if they run out before completing the objectives, they can spend Coins to gain extra moves and avoid failure.
- Skips and Customization: Players can also spend Coins to skip certain tasks or challenges or to purchase alternate design options for their home renovation.
2. Stars
Stars, in contrast, are more mission-oriented and represent progress in the game’s renovation storyline. Stars are used to:
- Complete Renovation Tasks: Players need Stars to complete different tasks for each room in Austin’s mansion. Whether it’s cleaning up a room, fixing furniture, or installing decorations, every task requires a specific number of Stars to proceed.
- Unlock Story Segments: Progressing in Homescapes isn’t just about solving puzzles; it’s also about interacting with the game’s narrative. Stars unlock new chapters in the story, giving players more insight into Austin’s life and the mansion’s history.
How to Earn Coins and Stars
Earning Coins
Coins are earned primarily through completing match-3 levels, though the amount varies based on performance:
- Completing Levels: Players receive a base number of Coins for completing a level, and the faster they solve it or the more moves they have left over, the more Coins they earn.
- Daily Rewards: Homescapes also features daily login rewards that include Coins. Additionally, various in-game events or timed challenges often offer Coins as rewards.
- Microtransactions: Like many freemium games, Homescapes offers players the option to purchase Coins directly using real-world money. These purchases can be tempting for players who want to speed up progress or get out of difficult levels quickly.
Earning Stars
Stars are earned exclusively by completing match-3 levels, and each level typically awards one Star. Unlike Coins, players cannot purchase Stars with real money, making them a more limited resource. This means that in order to renovate the mansion and progress through the storyline, players must continuously beat levels.
Coins vs. Stars: The Balance of Resources
While both Coins and Stars are essential, they serve very different purposes. Stars are more directly tied to the game’s progression, as they allow players to advance through the storyline and complete home renovation tasks. Coins, on the other hand, are more utility-based, providing boosts and additional help during puzzles.
However, there is an interplay between these two currencies. For instance, failing a level without enough Coins to buy extra moves can prevent players from earning Stars, stalling progression. Therefore, having a sufficient number of Coins at your disposal can indirectly impact how fast you earn Stars and advance through the game.
Strategies for Managing Coins and Stars
Because both Coins and Stars are important, it’s crucial to manage them efficiently. Here are a few tips for success:
Coins:
- Save for Emergencies: While it’s tempting to use Coins to buy boosts before a level starts, it’s generally smarter to save them for when you run out of moves or encounter particularly difficult puzzles.
- Take Advantage of Events: Keep an eye on in-game events, which often offer Coins as rewards. Participating in these events can give players a significant boost without spending real money.
Stars:
- Prioritize Tasks: Some tasks in the mansion are purely aesthetic, like changing furniture or wallpapers, while others are essential to progressing the story. Focusing on tasks that open up new rooms or advance the narrative should take priority when you’re low on Stars.
- Complete Levels Efficiently: Since Stars are earned from beating levels, aim to complete them with as few moves as possible. This will also help you accumulate more Coins, as leftover moves at the end of a level translate into bonus Coins.
Monetization and the Role of Microtransactions
While Homescapes can be played entirely for free, it also offers in-app purchases for players who want to speed up their progress. Coin packs can be bought in various quantities, allowing players to buy more moves or boosts in difficult levels. However, Stars remain a non-purchasable resource, which helps maintain a balance between paying and non-paying players. Players who prefer not to spend money can still enjoy the game by grinding through levels, although the process may take longer.
Conclusion
Homescapes’ combination of Coins and Stars creates a dynamic gameplay experience where players must balance both resources to progress. Coins provide flexibility and immediate advantages in puzzles, while Stars drive the overarching renovation story forward. Mastering the acquisition and management of both resources is key to success in the game. While players can opt for in-app purchases to gain Coins more quickly, the game remains enjoyable and rewarding for those who prefer to play at their own pace. Ultimately, the dual currency system adds depth to the game, offering a satisfying blend of strategy, puzzle-solving, and storytelling.