A Beginner's Guide to Mafia Wars on Facebook

The hottest game application on Facebook these days is Mafia Wars, by Zynga. In Mafia Wars you build your family by inviting friends to join you in the game, complete various jobs, and engage in gang wars. The larger your family, the better, and the more jobs and gang fights you complete, the faster you gain levels. Additionally there are collectible items to gather, energy packs to send and receive and gifts to send and receive.

When you begin playing Mafia Wars, the first thing that you should do is invite as many friends as you can to join your mafia. You are only allowed 16 invitations per day, so try to pick friends you know are already playing, or who might enjoy a game like Mafia Wars.

When I play Mafia Wars (many times per day!) I first do as many jobs as my current energy level will allow me to. Then I fight other gangs until I run out of stamina or health. You earn money and experience points for both fights and jobs.

As you get friends playing, they will begin sending you energy packs each day. It is always best to try to level up before using the energy pack. Reach level, use up the energy and stamina and health you just gained by leveling, then use your energy pack for another round of jobs. And don't forget to send an energy pack to your Mafia Wars family, as well!

As you complete jobs and fights you will notice that you sometimes get given a bonus item. Click your inventory tab, then collectibles, and keep track of what you're collecting. When you get a complete set, vault it, and you'll gain bonuses such as more stamina or energy. You can also make a wishlist of items you need to complete sets and post it to your wall so that your Mafia Wars family can gift you with the things you need.

When you level you get points to use to improve your game character. I recommend building up your attack or defense first. These two work together, so it doesn't really matter which one you build up. Try to get to at least 125 combined before you work on stamina or energy. Stamina takes two points to raise by one. Personally I haven't bothered to raise my stamina or my health by very much, I focus mostly on energy, as that's the best way to gain higher levels, is by doing jobs.

Don't forget to ask your Mafia Wars friends to tell their families to add you to their Mafia Wars families as well. It's an easy way to grow your family!

Zynga's Mafia Wars on Facebook is fun and addictive. Give it a try.