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I... don't like NetHack. I've played it off and on for, I donnow, 20 years now and I have yet to get beyond level 5 or something. I don't quite understand how anybody is able to finish the game without reading spoilers and looking at the source code. Can anybody who as ascended explain to me how you're supposed to play this game?



I think almost everyone who has ascended has read at least some spoilers; there seems to be only one (?) counterexample.

Other suggestions: Consult the Oracle (her advice is concrete and essential), read the Guidebook (http://www.nethack.org/v360/Guidebook.html; not generally considered spoilers), and watch other people play on a public server (like nethack.alt.org).

The last one could be considered a spoiler because other players will rely on and demonstrate knowledge that you didn't acquire from playing by yourself, but it can be considered a much weaker or much different form of spoiler than reading the detailed explanation documents. Your gameplay is likely to improve a lot if you watch other expert players for a while, although bear in mind that different players have different play styles and agendas and some may be trying to do things that are unnecessarily boring, complex, or difficult.


I haven't ascended (came close years ago, but life happened and I wasn't able to make another run with things still fresh in my mind), but to answer your question: trial & error, passing familiarity with mythology / fantasy tropes, copious notes and patience.




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