I never expected to get into Mafia Wars. I always got requests to join people’s “Mafia” but figured it was the equivalent of one of those War video games. Well, your little GG is now a Mafia Wars ADDICT. It’s hard not to be! The game is fun and you are constantly compelled to “ice” guys, build your character, move up levels, get the latest and greatest gear & properties, and make molto denaro!

Here is a spot for us to post all of our tips and tricks for both beginners and pros, that we have learned ourselves or heard through the grapevine and found to be useful.

Pick Your Name Wisely!

That i know of- You can't change it (unless you want to pay real money). Think up something that will represent your Mobster side of yourself.

Bank your Money!

Unless you're going to make a purchase in the near-to-immediate future, put that money in the bank! Yes you get a "laundering fee" of 10% but the danger of someone fighting you and stealing all your hard-earned dough is a far worse fate.

Build your Character Wisely!

Spread out those extra experience points you get - when you move up a level - among your choices: Health, Energy, Defense, Attack, Stamina- unless you know you only need to improve one area. My point is, don't completely forget about one area of your character.

Get a Bigger Mafia

A bigger mafia is a stronger one. Invite your friends to play or add people from the forum Add Me thread. With a stronger mafia you will win more fights and be eligible for more equipment (some gear has a minimum for the amount of mafia members you need to purchase it).

Send Energy

As missb stated, it is polite and incredibly useful to send and receive Energy Boosts to your mafia members. Save it for when your energy is out and you are in need of it. Because you can only use them once every 24 hours.

Keep up with the Gear (and Properties)

Obtaining properties is an important way to ensure cash flow. This requires saving your money to immensely up the flow. My recommendation: Start small, acquiring a couple of lots and then save for something medium-sized, then go big. You will as a result be able to buy the armor, vehicles, and boosts necessary to have a defense against attacks that unexpectedly come up. As you move up levels, everyone gets better and you won't stand a chance if you're not well-equipped!

Find a Weakling and Prey on Them

You're far from gobs of energy and are a stretch away from your next level: go to the fight page, and a few times a day you will most likely find a weakling on there: Someone you Know you can beat when you compare your Attack/Defense gear or see that they have hardly Ever won a fight. When it says you Win (do this the first time), right click over their name and Open in New Tab. If you run out of health Right click on the Hospital link and open in New Tab. Otherwise they most likely will not appear in your Fight page anymore and you will lose out on the easy points. That way after you ICE them you will still be able to attack them, gaining more and more experience (to get to your next level) until your Stamina runs out.

Lastly--Don't Spend REAL Money on the Game

Unless your a millionaire, money is tight for everyone these days. There are many opportunities on Mafia Wars to use Pay Pal to purchase enticing things on Mafia Wars. I know that it's easy to get competitive-even if it is just against yourself and your goals, but don't go wasting real life's dough on a Facebook GAME. That's just a waste.

Happy Mob-Whacking!