Getting Started in 2025A concise, practical onboarding guide for new players using the MH Bugle Item Base.
01-08-2025

Welcome! This guide gets you from “fresh install” to your first end-game steps, using resources from the MH Bugle Item Base. Book-mark it and you'll be fine.

S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance view of The Raft (Prologue)

1) Pick a Hero (and a goal)

Browse the Heroes index to compare rosters and plan synergies—you'll see each hero's archetype and synergy at a glance. If you just want to play a favorite, that's fine too.

  • Starter builds live on the Builds page; filter by your hero and look for recent “Tahiti/Cosmic Trial” or “Leveling” labels.

Most “starter” builds on the Item Base are tuned to pass the Cosmic Trial with around ~150 Infinity Points and basic gear; several guides explicitly cap their setups at that level so you can follow along.

Top Picks

  • Storm — Big, simple AoE, forgiving resource flow, and multiple Tahiti write-ups that cruise the Cosmic Trial. If you want a safe first clear, start here.

  • Magik — Strong early performance with easy rotation clarity (melee + summons) and several up-to-date Tahiti guides, including a dedicated Cosmic Trial path. Great if you enjoy aggressive melee with tools to control space.

  • Nova — Straightforward ranged burst and mobility; a clean, beginner-minded Cosmic Trial guide spells out talents, gear, and IP placement.

  • Cyclops — Solid ranged leveling kit plus a roster-wide perk: his Level 50 Hero Synergy grants +10% Bonus XP, speeding up every hero you level next. Pair that account value with a Tahiti Trial guide to unlock Cosmic early.

  • Kitty Pryde — A friendly first Cosmic clear with a step-by-step Tahiti guide (video included). Good option if you prefer a nimble, survival-leaning playstyle while learning end-game mechanics.

  • Rogue (Summoner) — The “starter version” Tahiti build focuses on easy-to-obtain gear and steady sustain, ideal for new players who like pet-centric gameplay.

Also Good (Pick by theme or weapon fantasy)

  • Star-Lord — Clear, recent Tahiti Trial guide with video.
  • Captain Marvel — Trial path with specific IP notes (Mind → Deep Thought) for early consistency.
  • War Machine — Beginner-friendly ranged/armor fantasy with a dedicated Tahiti Trial walkthrough.

Tip: If you’re undecided, level Cyclops first for the +10% XP synergy, then switch to Storm/Magik/Nova to clear your first Cosmic Trial—fast progress now pays dividends across your whole roster.


2) Play the Story (Prologue → Chapter 10)

Start with Prologue: Trouble at the Raft. Clear objectives, then report to Nick Fury. This on-rails arc teaches core mechanics and delivers fast early XP.

Avengers Tower hub

3) Level efficiently: LQs, Shared Quests & Terminals

After (or alongside) story, rotate through these:

  • Legendary Quests (LQs): repeatable mission assignments tailored to your level.
  • Shared Quests: account-wide weekly rotations (e.g., “Tuesday's Terminals”). They award Hero/Protector Commendations you'll need for gearing.
  • Terminals: bite-sized boss runs like Dimensions Collide in Times Square. Great for gear testing and practice.

4) Understand your power systems early

The Infinity System

You earn Infinity Points and spend them across the Mind/Power/Reality/Soul/Space/Time gems for global bonuses (e.g., medkit effects, dash charges, cost reduction). Most builds grab early attack/move speed in Time → Temporal Loophole while leveling.

Team-Ups

Summoned allies with passives/actives. Use the Team-Up Powers tool to preview options for your hero.


5) Gearing: what to equip first

You'll quickly see these item families on the Items index: Uniques, Artifacts, Insignias, Relics, Legendaries, Rings, Uru-Forged, etc. Equip upgrades as they drop; don't hoard.

Early crafting tip (Uru-Forged Runewords):

  • Vice is a classic early farm pick for +25% Special/Rare Item Find on Uru-Forged pieces.
  • Theme picks like God of Mischief add general combat stats if you're short on damage.

6) The Cosmic Trial (your first gate)

When you hit 60, clear the Cosmic Trial to unlock Cosmic difficulty. Community starter guides commonly assume ~150 Infinity Points; it's a comfortable baseline, not a hard rule. There's no penalty for failing—run it to see whether you're short on damage, survivability, or both.

Useful starter examples:

  • Storm, Nova, Iceman, Black Widow, Magik—each has a recent Tahiti/Cosmic Trial write-up that outlines talents, synergies, gear targets, and IP placement.

7) Endgame sampler platter

Once you pass the trial, mix in:

  • Cosmic Terminals: chase speed-clear achievements like “All in Doom's Time.”
  • Patrols / Danger Room: mob-dense farming and scenario-based challenges.
  • Raids:
    • Muspelheim (Surtur): target unique drops such as Fragment of Twilight, Bow of the Einherjar, etc.
    • Onslaught: multi-phase mechanics (e.g., bringing down his shield).

8) Seasonal Events & Vendors

During events, visit the Event Terminal (Avengers Tower) to grab event missions/currencies and check rotating rewards.


Quick Start Checklist

Pick a hero and grab a recent leveling/“Tahiti” build.
Play Prologue → Chapter 10; sprinkle in LQs/Shared Quests.
Socket Vice (or similar) on an Uru-Forged to boost early drops.
Put first Infinity points into Time → Temporal Loophole for speed/QoL.
Attempt the Cosmic Trial (no downside); adjust build based on failure mode.
Start farming Cosmic Terminals/Patrols; dip your toes into Muspelheim/Onslaught raids.


Where to next?

  • Browse Builds for your hero's endgame variants and rotations.
  • Explore the Infinity pages to fine-tune per-gem nodes.
  • Check Missions → Legendary/Shared each play session for efficient currencies.