Candy Crush Saga, the seemingly endless puzzle game, has captivated millions with its colorful candies, challenging levels, and satisfying chain reactions. While luck plays a role, mastering the game truly comes down to strategy, and a key element of that strategy is knowing how to use boosters effectively. Boosters can be the difference between failing a level for the tenth time and finally crushing it (pun intended!). This comprehensive guide will walk you through every booster in Candy Crush, explaining what they do, how to get them, and, most importantly, how to use them to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding Boosters: Your Candy-Crushing Arsenal
Boosters are special items that provide advantages during gameplay. They can help you clear obstacles, create special candies, or even give you extra moves when you’re on the verge of defeat. There are two main types of boosters: Pre-Game Boosters and In-Game Boosters. Understanding the difference is crucial for strategic gameplay.
Pre-Game Boosters: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Pre-game boosters are selected *before* you start a level. They provide a permanent advantage throughout the level. Choosing the right pre-game boosters can significantly increase your chances of winning, especially on notoriously difficult levels.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common pre-game boosters and how to use them:
- Striped Candy: Starts the level with one Striped Candy (either horizontal or vertical) already on the board.
- Wrapped Candy: Starts the level with one Wrapped Candy already on the board.
- Coconut Wheel: Starts the level with a Coconut Wheel already on the board.
- Color Bomb: Starts the level with one Color Bomb already on the board.
- Lucky Candy: Starts the level with a candy that contains a random power-up (Striped, Wrapped, or Color Bomb).
- Free Switch: Allows you to switch two candies without using a move.
- Extra Time (+15 seconds): (For timed levels) Adds 15 seconds to the level’s timer.
- Jelly Fish: (Levels with Jelly) Removes three random jellies from the board.
- Mushroom: (Levels with Chocolate) Removes some chocolate from the board.
- Sweet Teeth: Destroys layers of cake bombs.
How to Use Pre-Game Boosters Effectively:
- Analyze the Level: Before selecting your boosters, carefully examine the level layout, objectives, and obstacles. What are you struggling with most? Are there lots of jellies, chocolate, or licorice swirls? Understanding the level’s challenges is the first step to choosing the right boosters.
- Prioritize Based on Objective: Choose boosters that directly address the level’s objective. For example, if the level requires you to clear jellies, the Jelly Fish booster is an excellent choice. If there are a lot of licorice swirls blocking your path, consider a Striped or Wrapped Candy to create early explosions.
- Consider Special Candy Synergies: Sometimes, combining pre-game boosters can create powerful synergies. For instance, starting with both a Striped Candy and a Wrapped Candy can lead to an early and devastating combo.
- Don’t Overspend: Boosters can be expensive, so use them wisely. Don’t automatically use boosters on every level. Save them for levels where you’re truly stuck or when you want to ensure a quick win to complete an event.
- Experiment: Try different combinations of pre-game boosters to see what works best for you on different types of levels. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment and find what suits your play style.
Detailed Strategies for Specific Pre-Game Boosters:
- Striped Candy/Wrapped Candy: Excellent for levels with lots of obstacles or when you need to clear a large area quickly. Try to position them strategically to maximize their impact.
- Coconut Wheel: Best used at the beginning of the level. Match it with any candy to activate it and spread striped candy effects across the board. Position it near areas with obstacles to make the most of its clearing power.
- Color Bomb: Highly versatile. Use it to remove a specific color that’s blocking your progress or combine it with another special candy for a devastating effect.
- Lucky Candy: A gamble, but can pay off big. Hope for a Color Bomb or a powerful Striped/Wrapped Candy combination.
- Free Switch: Use it to create an immediate special candy or to set up a powerful chain reaction. Analyze the board carefully before using it to ensure you’re making the most impactful switch.
- Extra Time: Essential for timed levels, especially those with complex objectives or lots of obstacles to clear.
- Jelly Fish: Focuses its destruction on jelly, meaning you can concentrate your moves elsewhere.
- Mushroom: Great for levels with chocolate, especially those where the chocolate spreads quickly.
- Sweet Teeth: A very specific booster for a very specific obstacle, only use it on levels with cake bombs.
In-Game Boosters: Your Mid-Game Saviors
In-game boosters are activated *during* gameplay. They provide immediate assistance when you’re facing a difficult situation. Knowing when and how to use these boosters can turn a near-loss into a triumphant victory.
Here’s a rundown of the most common in-game boosters:
- Lollipop Hammer: Breaks one candy, blocker, or obstacle on the board.
- Extra Moves (+5): Adds five extra moves to the level.
- Color Bomb: Creates a Color Bomb on the board.
- Striped & Wrapped: Generates one Striped and one Wrapped candy on the board.
- Shuffle: Rearranges the candies on the board (when no possible moves are available).
How to Use In-Game Boosters Effectively:
- Assess the Situation: Before using an in-game booster, take a moment to assess the current state of the board. Are you close to completing the objective? Are you blocked by a particularly stubborn obstacle? Knowing what you need to accomplish will help you choose the right booster.
- Target Obstacles Strategically: The Lollipop Hammer is ideal for removing isolated blockers or candies that are preventing you from creating special candies. Use it strategically to clear a path or to remove a key obstacle.
- Use Extra Moves Wisely: The +5 Moves booster can be a lifesaver, but don’t waste them. Use them to set up powerful combos or to clear the remaining objectives.
- Create Powerful Combinations: The Color Bomb, Striped & Wrapped boosters are best used to create powerful combinations. Combine them with other special candies for devastating effects. For example, combining a Color Bomb with a Striped Candy will turn all candies of that color into Striped Candies, creating massive horizontal and vertical blasts.
- Shuffle When Necessary: The Shuffle booster should be used as a last resort when there are no possible moves left. It can sometimes create new opportunities, but it’s not always reliable.
Detailed Strategies for Specific In-Game Boosters:
- Lollipop Hammer: Excellent for breaking single squares of meringue, chocolate, or other blockers that are preventing you from making matches. Also useful for hitting those last stubborn jellies that are hard to reach.
- Extra Moves (+5): Use when you are just a few moves short of completing the level. Plan your remaining moves carefully to maximize their impact.
- Color Bomb: Use to clear a large amount of a specific color or combine with another special candy for a powerful effect.
- Striped & Wrapped: Place them strategically to create a powerful explosion that clears a large area of the board.
- Shuffle: Use when you are completely stuck and there are no possible moves. It can sometimes create new opportunities, but it’s not always reliable.
Earning and Acquiring Boosters: Building Your Booster Bank
Boosters aren’t free. You need to earn them or purchase them. Here’s how to build your booster bank:
- Daily Spin: Spin the Daily Booster Wheel for a chance to win free boosters and other rewards. Make sure to spin it every day to maximize your chances of winning.
- Daily Treats: Collect Daily Treats by logging in every day. After a certain number of consecutive logins, you’ll receive a chest containing boosters and other goodies.
- Level Rewards: Some levels reward you with boosters upon completion, especially special event levels or those that are particularly challenging.
- Events and Challenges: Participate in in-game events and challenges to earn boosters as rewards. These events often have specific goals or objectives that you need to complete to earn the rewards.
- Team Chests: If you’re part of a Candy Crush team, contribute to the team chest by completing levels and earning stars. The team chest rewards all members with boosters and other prizes.
- Purchasing with Gold Bars: You can purchase boosters directly from the in-game store using Gold Bars. However, this should be your last resort, as Gold Bars are a premium currency and should be used wisely.
Advanced Booster Strategies: Taking Your Game to the Next Level
Once you understand the basics of using boosters, you can start experimenting with more advanced strategies to maximize their effectiveness.
- The Color Bomb + Striped Candy Combo: This is one of the most powerful combinations in the game. Combine a Color Bomb with a Striped Candy to turn all candies of that color into Striped Candies, creating massive horizontal and vertical blasts. Aim for a color that’s abundant on the board for maximum impact.
- The Color Bomb + Wrapped Candy Combo: Similar to the previous combo, but with a different effect. Combining a Color Bomb with a Wrapped Candy turns all candies of that color into Wrapped Candies, creating multiple explosions that clear a large area of the board.
- Combining Two Color Bombs: This is the ultimate clearing move. Combining two Color Bombs will remove all candies on the board, instantly completing many levels. Save this combo for when you’re truly stuck or when you need to clear a level quickly.
- Strategic Lollipop Hammer Placement: Don’t just randomly use the Lollipop Hammer. Use it to clear a path for special candies to move, to remove blockers that are preventing you from making matches, or to hit those last stubborn jellies that are hard to reach.
- Analyzing Cascade Potential: Before using any booster, take a moment to analyze the board and identify potential cascades. Cascades are chain reactions that can clear multiple candies and obstacles, maximizing the impact of your booster.
- Prioritize Special Candy Creation: Instead of relying solely on boosters, focus on creating special candies through strategic matching. Special candies are often more effective than boosters and can be created without spending any Gold Bars.
Knowing When *Not* to Use Boosters: The Art of Strategic Restraint
While boosters can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to know when *not* to use them. Over-reliance on boosters can drain your Gold Bar balance and prevent you from developing your strategic skills. Here are some situations where you should avoid using boosters:
- Easy Levels: Don’t waste boosters on levels that you can easily complete without them. Save them for more challenging levels.
- Levels with High Randomness: Some levels have a high degree of randomness, making it difficult to predict the outcome. In these cases, using boosters may not be worth the risk, as you could still fail despite using them.
- When You’re Learning a Level: When you’re first trying a new level, focus on understanding the mechanics and identifying the best strategies. Don’t use boosters until you’ve exhausted all other options.
- When You’re Close to Completing an Event: Events are the best way to get boosters. Save your gold to continue an event in case you run out of lives instead of spending it on boosters.
Troubleshooting Common Booster Problems
Sometimes, you might encounter problems with your boosters. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Boosters Not Appearing: Make sure you’re connected to the internet and that you’ve restarted the game. If the problem persists, contact King’s customer support.
- Accidental Booster Usage: Be careful when selecting boosters, as it’s easy to accidentally use them. Pay attention to the confirmation prompts before using a booster.
- Boosters Not Working as Expected: Read the booster descriptions carefully to understand their effects. Some boosters have specific limitations or requirements.
Conclusion: Becoming a Candy Crush Booster Master
Mastering Candy Crush Saga requires a combination of luck, skill, and strategic booster usage. By understanding the different types of boosters, knowing how to use them effectively, and learning how to acquire them efficiently, you can significantly increase your chances of success and conquer even the most challenging levels. Remember to analyze each level carefully, prioritize based on the objective, and experiment with different booster combinations to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun crushing those candies!