Basics – 300 level

Ok, I’m a non-payer, level 175.

I get the spark run, that adds to the ability to rank – check box. Where do the pig lab sparks come from? Those seem pretty unlimited?

Some “normal” runs I get killed in the first 15 seconds – like the enemies are super charged or I’m whimpy – do I swap out my Bot for a stronger one? Seems like a waste of gems.

What is the blue crystal thing I’ve rarely seen DURING a level – is it a gem?

Any energonicons to upgrade priority-wise? got my first purple one…

War Pass – probably not worth it

Space Bridges – do you do them to collect a few crystals? Any tips when there’s a bot in there? Probably worth spending gems for the extra key pics if I miss?

Uhhh – otherwise, I’ve been lurking and reading, but I think a sticky post about some slightly above beginner level info could be interested — I tried wading through 75 pages of forum posts, but couldn’t really find anything. TIA!