Noble Gaming

But who really has time to spend six or eight hours a day playing games? It was easier when we were younger, right? For those who are out of school or out of work or otherwise vegging at home, NP-making might come a little easier. But for those of us who are on a bit of a tight schedule or have trouble earning (or saving), what do we do? Should we abandon our dreams of obtaining that million-NP paint brush or morphing potion?

At one point in my Neopian life, not so long ago, I gave up on trying to save for a paint brush because the price doubled and I felt totally helpless. I surrendered, bought a lab map, and squandered the rest (well over 1.5mil). Unfortunately, a couple days later, I felt rather silly, looking at my meager 4,137 NP in the bank on a Millionaire Platinum status. About a week later, spending only an hour or two a day on games, I'm back up to 85k. For those of you who maybe did the same thing I did or just want to rake in some extra cash, I would love to help you in your gaming quest.

1. Set a reasonable minimum score.

When playing games, sometimes we'll just send the first score we achieve. For some, this means that you'll only get maybe a hundred NP. We set off in the day not sure how much we'll make. By setting a minimum score (meaning you won't send until you have achieved it), you are guaranteed so many Neopoints. For example, in Meerca Chase II, I won't send until I've reached 200 points. No, I won't get the avatar anytime soon, but 200 points is about the best of my abilities. Plus I am guaranteed about 1,000 NP from all three scores. In Kass Basher, my minimum score is 800 points, which will give me 3,000 NP for all three games. Just from those two games, taking only about five to ten minutes, I have earned 4,000 NP.

2. Play lower-ratio games.

These are games where, if you score 100 points, you will earn less than 100 NP. Why should you play those? Because generally that means points are easier to earn. In Spellseeker, the ratio is 0.01, meaning 100 points is equal to 1 NP. However, the points system is structured just so, in order to rack up points very quickly. I can't say they are the fastest games to get through, but they are useful in case you are shy just a few NP from your daily quota.

3. Play higher-ratio games.

These are the games where, if you score 100 points, you earn more than 100 NP. The obviousness here is that you won't need to score 1000 points to earn 1000 NP. However, common sense also says that points may be harder to get. Turmac Roll is one such game. Rarely am I able to achieve a high enough score to earn 1000 NP, but it is good to see that my efforts have not been entirely in vain.

4. Play pay-to-play games.

Generally these are card games - Pyramids, Sakhmet Solitaire, etc. These games can take a long time, especially if you're aiming to max. out the daily profit limit, but it doesn't take much to make a profit. Pyramids costs 50 NP to play, but if you score 51 points, you've made a profit. A very small profit that will take you ages to max out the 5000 NP limit, but a profit nonetheless. These games are also good because they do not require constant activity; you can play a few cards, open a new tab and move to something else, come back to play a few more cards, and so on and so forth. Having multiple card games open is also pretty interesting.

5. Play games you are comfortable with.

Everyone has their favorite game to play. I like the amusement and simplicity of the classic Kass Basher, but also the strategy of Pyramids and Neggsweeper. I know these games well so I can generally score pretty well and make some extra Neopoints. Your favorite game may not be the fastest-played, but if you love it, then you are almost guaranteed a profit. And don't forget similar games. See that "You Might Also Like..." box next to the game screen? Yeah, that thing that some people (me) always ignore? Believe me, they're not just random games; you might actually like them.

6. Play games you are uncomfortable with.

These do not necessarily have to be the most difficult, but any game you've never played or maybe haven't played in a long time. While the familiar games are good, they can only make you so much. Experimenting with new games, even if you only make a few Neopoints, can quickly add up. As you continue to play them, you'll find that your skills have improved, your mind has been opened, and your bank account has grown.

7. Take a gamble.

I don't mean to squander away your day's earnings. That kind of voids the point of saving, doesn't it? If you made 10k today, put 8k of it in the bank, then go out and have some fun. Good grief, I don't want to sound like a stiff in this article. Have FUN! Spin the Wheel of Excitement, buy a Scratchcard, search for the Buried Treasure! You never know, you might get lucky. ;)

8. Don't forget free Neopoints.

These may or may not be in the form of flash games. Surveys, AdverVideo, various promotional games, they all give out free Neopoints (for maybe just a few seconds of your time). Don't snub these Neopoint-making outlets! AdverVideo alone could make you up to 4000 NP.

9. Always empty your pockets at the end of the day (and sometimes in the middle of the day).

I am somewhat of a paranoid pessimist when it comes to saving Neopoints. I'm terrified to have more than 7k on me, even if I know I'm going straight to a store or the Trading Post to buy something. I am always terrified the Greedy Kadoatie or Tax Beast will sneak up on me. So I always deposit my Neopoints, sometimes multiple times a day. While this eases my paranoia, for the rest of you, it is a good strategy to build your bank account and reduce the temptation of buying. You know the introductory paragraph in the bank where it mentions a moment of weakness at Kauvara's Magic Shop? Entirely true. Keeping those hard-earned Neopoints out of your initial pocket is more likely to reduce the temptation of buying something shiny and expensive than sheer willpower alone.

10. Have an accountability partner/saving buddy.

Sounds cheesy, I know, but it works. It can be hard to look at your growing bank account and keep telling yourself, "No, I can't spend this yet!" Find a friend to keep you on track, always reminding you of your goal. Chances are, they have a goal they might need help reaching.

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I can't guarantee you'll make 100k a day with this. Everything really depends on your skill and how much time you can devote to earning/saving. But what I can say is that if you have a goal and can put away even a few Neopoints a day, you will make it. No, you won't just make it. You will conquer.