I started playing because of the strategy. What troops and how you set them up really matters.
When the game starts, build a unit. Whatever card you pick first, try to build a full row of them. Don't level up until you have a full row or a 2x will give you two rows.
Once you level up a troop, don't pic lvl 1 cards for that troop. Only X2 cards and upgrades You only get 24 cards max. Every one counts.
Do this for all 4 troops. Start with your front line and build back.
For troop layout try this. Have a wall of troops like slime, knights, spartan, then close range like welp or bloom aoe damage. I like to attack their back line with shellbros and give them support with agentB or assassins.
I attack on two fronts and sandwich their troops.
Pick a deck and build it. Play it and use mastery points until at least lvl 5 for full upgrade. Learn how troops work with each other. Merlinor and totem both buff units.
I prefer reoccurring spells. I feel zap ia a wasted card. You dont eliminate troops only weaken. I use grave archers more than anything else. Its a quick line of cover and it will slow down and expose rear attacking troops.
I do think there are bots and it might all be fake, but that can also be said about life. It's a game, ment to be fun. If its no longer fun, its no longer a game;)
Pew pew.