# Getting Started 🚀

This page helps you get into Gates of Orbis quickly.

## Installation

1. Download the mod from [CurseForge](https://legacy.curseforge.com/hytale/mods/gates-of-orbis).
2. Put the `.zip` file or plugin folder into your Hytale server `mods/` folder.
3. Start or restart the server.

The mod needs the `Hytale:Instances` and `Hytale:NPC` modules. These are part of a normal Hytale
server setup.

## Finding the Lobby 🏛️

After joining the server, look for the Gates of Orbis lobby portal or ask the server admin where it
is connected to the main world.

Inside the lobby you will usually find:

* A **lobby guide NPC** with a short tutorial and direct teleports to every area
* An **arcade machine** to enter the lobby world
* **Arena gates** as an alternative way to reach each area
* A **highscore board** with top scores

## Starting a Match

1. **Interact** with the arcade machine in the main world. A small menu opens where you confirm the
   entry, then you get teleported into the Gates of Orbis lobby.
2. Open your inventory and drag your defenders from the **backpack** into the **hotbar** so they are
   ready for the run.
3. Talk to the **lobby guide NPC**. The guide gives you a short refresher and lets you teleport
   directly to any unlocked area.
4. As an alternative, you can still walk through the individual **arena gates** in the lobby to
   reach an area on foot.
5. At the area, pick a **difficulty** and confirm to start the match.

Your inventory is saved automatically when you enter the match and restored when you leave.

Once you are inside, you get a short setup phase before the first wave starts. Use that time to look
at the map and place your first defenders.

![Arena gate and defender hotbar](images/showcase/area-gate.png)

*Example arena entry with the gate ahead and your defender shortcuts ready in the hotbar.*

> **Note:** Co-op is available as an early alpha/beta feature. You can group up with up to 4
> players through the `/goo party` commands, but expect rough edges. You can read more on
> [Known Issues](known-issues.md).

## Difficulty Overview

| Difficulty | Starting Gold | Enemy Health | Enemy Speed | Notes                                    |
|------------|---------------|--------------|-------------|------------------------------------------|
| Easy       | Higher        | Reduced      | Slower      | Best for learning                        |
| Normal     | Standard      | Standard     | Standard    | Main intended mode                       |
| Hard       | Lower         | Increased    | Faster      | Tougher waves and less room for mistakes |

Nightmare difficulty is planned, but it is not playable yet.

## Basic Tips 💡

* Use the build phase before every wave
* Upgrade early defenders instead of placing too many weak ones
* Frost defenders help a lot because slowing enemies gives all other defenders more time
* You get back 50% of the deploy cost if you remove a defender, so moving things around is okay