Number gate tips for your first three stages
To get through the first stages in Squad Rush, line up with useful gates early, keep your squad out of obstacles and move away from the boss's warning areas. You do not need to buy anything inside the game to improve your squad.
Stage 1: watch the number change
The squad shoots forward on its own. Steer into line with a gate while there is still space ahead. Each hit can improve a charging gate's number. Watch the number you will actually cross, rather than the number you first saw in the distance.
Compare the choices. A gate that adds squad members helps a small group grow. A multiplication gate becomes more useful when you already have a larger squad. Keep a safe path through the obstacles too: the biggest number is not helpful if reaching it costs most of your squad.
Stage 2: protect the squad you have
Make small steering changes and look past the next pickup. Leave space for the whole squad to pass an obstacle. Golden pickups can improve your damage during a run, but do not chase one into a dangerous path.
When a new action appears, read its prompt. If you lose a run, try again with one clear goal, such as reaching the boss with more squad members. Your saved workshop upgrades remain available.
Stage 3: read the boss warnings
Keep firing by staying in the fight, then steer out of a red warning area before the attack lands. Move toward the next safe space instead of weaving across the whole road. A tidy run with a smaller squad can go further than a large squad that takes every hit.
After a stage, check your result and the workshop. Earned coins buy permanent upgrades. Compare extra starting squad members with stronger blasters and choose what would help with the part you found hard.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Try this |
|---|---|
| Choosing a gate too late | Line up earlier so your shots have time to change it. |
| Watching only the numbers | Look at obstacles and robot warnings as well. |
| Chasing every pickup | Keep a safe route for the squad. |
| Expecting a golden boost to last forever | Run pickups are temporary; workshop upgrades persist. |
The controls guide covers each input method. When you want a reminder of the overall game, return to the Squad Rush guide.
