State of Survival Mistakes to Avoid (October 2026)

For new and returning State of Survival players. Checked October 2026.

Short answer: The most common State of Survival mistakes are attacking before you check the win chance, hitting random players, spending Dogtags all at once, putting talent points in without a plan, leaving builders idle and using speed-ups before asking your alliance for help. Fix those six and your account grows faster on the same resources.

See State of Survival packs and prices

None of these cost Diamonds to fix. They cost attention. Below is each mistake, what the guides say about it and what to do instead. Our beginner basics are in the first week guide.

Mistakes in fights

1. Attacking without checking the win chance

The game predicts every battle, from "Risky" to "Walkover". Read it before you send troops. BlueStacks notes that an example squad with almost double the power of a zombie still needed the check, and that you should level heroes in the Hero Precinct first (BlueStacks). Note that BlueStacks sells an emulator, so treat its tool advice with care. The game advice holds up on its own.

2. Hitting random players

Wars are decided by troop strength. A beginner whose units are not upgraded should not start fights, because losing wars can cost Battle Power (BlueStacks). Mobi.gg gives the same advice: hunt wandering zombies and take resource points first, and leave players alone until your troops are stronger (mobi.gg). Also check whether the target belongs to an alliance that can hit back.

3. Placing your auto turret in front

Early on, a hero summons a gun that keeps shooting zombies. Put it to the side, not directly in front, where zombies reach it and destroy it right away (BlueStacks).

Mistakes with resources

4. Spending Dogtags all at once

Dogtags give a big boost to Chief XP. A fully leveled Chief refills the Stamina bar, and normal progress gives few Stamina refills. BlueStacks suggests using Dogtags when your Stamina is almost empty, so the refill is not wasted.

5. Rushing talent points

There are over 50 talents. Decide first if you play defensive or aggressive, and melee or ranged. A separate set of Economy talents speeds up building (BlueStacks). Pocket Gamer notes that the tree can be reset at any time, and suggests Economy early.

6. Wasting free hero searches

You get free search credits every day, and they do not stack, so a skipped day is lost (AppGamer). AppGamer also says the odds for specific hero shards are low, so do not expect one search to fix a lineup.

7. Forgetting the mail and backpack

Rewards and giveaways can expire before you collect them. Check mail and backpack often (AppGamer).

Mistakes with time

8. Leaving builders idle

Keep building, research and training queues running. Start long upgrades before you sleep. Research is permanent, so always have one running (Pocket Gamer).

9. Using speed-ups before asking for help

Allies can help on construction and research, and that gives a bonus. Ask first, then use speed-ups on the time that is left (Pocket Gamer).

10. Skipping the tutorial dialogues

The early dialogues explain why you train, recruit heroes and gather. Pop-up quizzes from survivors give free rewards for right answers, and you meet more heroes in the conversations (BlueStacks).

For spenders and alliance leaders

• Fix the free leaks before you buy. A pack cannot fix idle builders, unused searches or speed-ups spent before alliance help. Check these first.
• Time Dogtags and Stamina. If your account is built around PvP events, keep Stamina refills for the days that matter.
• Leaders: pin a short "do not do this" list in alliance chat for new members: no random attacks, ask for help first, use the daily free searches.

Our own view: new members who skip these mistakes stay active longer, and an active alliance is worth more than any single pack.

Sources: BlueStacks rookie mistakes, Pocket Gamer tips, AppGamer hints, mobi.gg.

Spotted a mistake? Tell us in the Play Smarter Discord and we will fix it.

Where Packsify fits

When you do buy, Packsify buys the State of Survival Diamonds or pack you pick. With Packsify you get up to 13% more pack value for the same money. Packsify buys the exact pack through the official Apple App Store or Google Play. Read how we keep accounts safe before your first order.

Check Packsify for State of Survival

More State of Survival guides: the first week guide, 7 tips to grow faster, best bundles to buy and how to top up.

Packsify is an independent service, not affiliated with State of Survival or its publisher.