I act almost the same way at the very beginning. On the first day, I try to build a Town for 1000 gold and upgrade my own Gremlins – and my hero sets off – to capture mines, collect easy loot. With Gargoyles and shooting Gremlins, it's not that difficult to do, and losses are minimal.
During the first week, I diligently build everything that I might need for the Capital. On the second week (well, when I accumulate enough money), I build it. And then I have more freedom of action.
Usually, I then build everything up to Djinns. I upgrade the latter, I upgrade the Gargoyles. If there are resources, I also upgrade the Mages. If not, then I take the un-upgraded ones. Golems stay at home – these creatures are almost never present in the army.
Now I'm ready for serious battles! So, the formation: Master Gremlins, definitely a supply wagon, in the central slot – Obsidian Gargoyles, in the far right slot – Mages. The remaining slots are occupied by Master Djinns (even if only one in each slot – they are not for combat!).
Next, the tactic: when our turn comes (and the fact that we won't go first is, unfortunately, quite likely :( ) – the Djinns, as the fastest, cast 4 (!) useful spells on the Gargoyles in turn. That's it – this is no longer level 2, I guarantee you! These are BEASTS!!!!! :D At the same time, the hero casts – if possible, something like mass slow and so on. Then, of course, the Mages and Gremlins shoot. Well, and the Gargoyles have already taken out someone strong, and ideally – if they have blocked the enemy archers in the process. Let's say, two rabbits with one stone... Well, and in the next round – everything repeats! The Gargoyles are already a horror, and if the Djinns also try – then 8 (or even 10!!! if the hero casts) useful spells on them – that's something! What dragons – these guys will take out EVERYONE! =) And so on...
During the period of "big wars," according to the tactic described above, Nagas and Giants are built in the castle. Then, the Tower of Magic is built. Nagas are upgraded as much as possible and can be added to the hero's army instead of one of the Djinn slots. Giants quietly accumulate in the castle, and when there are no resource problems at all, they are turned into Titans – well, and then everything is clear!
hm-hm-hm......well, I don't believe that Gargoyles, even with buffing spells, will be unrealistically powerful opponents in serious battles (for example, against a horde of Gorgons). Okay, well, the Djinns cast speed, shield, stone skin, blessing, prayer, luck + all sorts of unnecessary elemental protections... but still, Gargoyles won't become super fighters – losses are almost inevitable (although they are significantly reduced, of course)... if you fight with powerful Liches (no less than a horde in several slots), they may not even pay attention to the Gargoyles – they will take out the Mages, Gremlins, or Djinns, taking advantage of their small numbers... who will then provide fire support and cast spells?
There are many weak neutral units that are fast and like to attack those who are weaker (Dragonflies, Silver Pegasi, etc.)...
Even a horde of upgraded Imps has considerable speed for level 1. At least 1 slot out of 5-6 of these neutrals can get 2 turns and run up to one of the Djinns. It's not serious, of course, but it's annoying if the army is far from the city and there are no more Djinns to replenish the slot in the army -(((
