Short Runs vs Long Runs
Short runs chase MP. Long runs build shards, research or missions. Pick a goal before each run.
Mid game · runs, strategy, shards, mp · updated 2026-10-25
| Run | Goal | Spend on | End when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (MP) | MP and mods | MP installs, fast rebuild | The early burst is done and a reset funds a useful buy |
| Long (shards) | Shards and operations | Shard installs and milestones | A milestone is bought or MP runs would be better |
| Long (research) | A named research | Research installs | The research finishes |
| Long (academy) | Materials, Academy Points | Zeus installs | The target is done |
Rough community pace (unverified for today): short runs last minutes to a couple of hours, long runs last 12 hours or more, and Demeter/Koios stages often take around a day.
Starting pattern: one long shard run, then 2 to 4 short MP runs, then repeat. Adjust to what you actually gain.
Rules of thumb:
- Pick the goal first. Then run until it is met, not until a clock runs out.
- Before a long shard run, put points into Ahead of the Curve. See Demeter.
- Long runs grow shard income through completed operations. Resetting early throws that away. See Demeter Operations.
- A short run that stops gaining is the signal to switch to a long run.
- Do not run only short runs forever. Do not run only long runs either.