Town of Salem Guide [25 Tips For Beginners]

As a beginner in Salem, your experience can be quite frustrating. Town of Salem is a game focused on strategy making your first few playthroughs of the game extremely difficult.. However, once you understand the strategy behind each role and the game itself you are more likely to fool your enemies as well as gain the trust of others. Today I’m going to be outlining 25 tips for beginners, enjoy! 

Pre-Game Tips

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25. Strategically Name Yourself

Problem: I’m having trouble deciding on a name for my character each game, does it matter?

Solution: Yes and no. When you are going to name your character you obviously do not know what role you will ultimately be given. If you choose a name that stands out you are usually more likely to become a target. However, if you choose a default name or a name that isn’t as exciting you are more likely to lay low. Ultimately, choose your poison and hope for the best outcome. 

24. Use Scrolls

Problem: I want to obtain a certain role but I never seem to get it. How can I ensure that I have a high chance to receive it? 

Solution: Save up your silver and gold for scrolls. Scrolls are purchasable in the in-game shop and when equipped it will give players a higher chance of receiving the corresponding role. Don’t worry, if you don’t receive the role even with the scroll equipped it won’t be used and you can use it the next time you spin. 

Early-Game Tips

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23. Refrain From Role Claiming in Early Game

Problem: It is early in the game and people are already asking for role claims, what do I do?

Solution: Do not give your role out willingly if it is days 1-3. In most games, there are too many people who may want to kill you or who may want you lynched. The only person who you should give your role to if you are a town member is the Jailor. If you are evil you should falsely claim something to the Jailor as well. 

22. Refrain From Instigating 

Problem: I think I have a lead but no one else believes me.

Solution: If you have already voiced your lead and no one catches on, it is best to ensure you have it in your will and let it rest for another day or two if possible. Players will think you are suspicious if you keep prying at an idea that they believe is controversial. 

21. Organize Your Will

Problem: I know my last will is important but how do I use it?

Solution: If you are a town role it is essential that you keep a last will of your nightly activities. Each night record who you are visiting and your findings. It is important that you save your will each night to ensure that if you die players are able to see your findings. If you are evil, it is best that you watch the chat log and try to fake a believable town will, or don’t keep one at all. 

20. Random Town Strategy

Problem: I’m the same role as a town member who has already died. How do I play random town without people believing I’m suspicious?

Solution: Play as if the role wasn’t even dead. Be proactive and honest. If asked, claim appropriately and have a will to back it up. It is also smart to promise to benefit those who are accusing you, even if they are ultimately evil to build up your overall public image. 

Mid-Game Tips

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19. Blackmailed Strategy

Problem: I have been blackmailed. What do I do?

Solution: You are very limited once you are blackmailed because you have lost your ability to speak. The first thing you should do is indicate in your will that you have been blackmailed on a corresponding day. In the event that you are on the lynching stand, you are able to indicate that you have been blackmailed by attempting to enter words into the chat. It is then up to the town to decide, but at that point, you have done all you can do. 

18. Refrain From Suspicious Activities

Problem: I’m being labeled as suspicious, how do I refrain from making myself look guilty?

Solution: Don’t be quick to overly defend yourself, claim a role, and give information to back it up but don’t do any more than that. Avoid whispering because that can be seen as suspicious. If you are in an evil role make sure that your claim is convincing. 

17. Evil Claim Strategy

Problem: I’m an evil role and someone is asking for a claim. What do I claim?

Solution: Claim a town role that corresponds with what is still available to claim. If you’re having trouble deciding on a role to claim, try, and think about what may show up in an investigator's investigation of your role.

16. To Random Lynch or Not To Random Lynch

Problem: The town is voting someone up on the basis of a “random lynch”, what should I vote?

Solution: If you are evil and they are not one of your teammates, 100% try to get them executed. If you are a town and are unsure of their role status, try and avoid randomly lynching someone because it is more than likely one of your teammates. 

15. Avoid Visiting the Same People Twice

Problem: I know another player's role and I want to protect them or gain more information surrounding them but, will I seem suspicious if I keep visiting them?

Solution: Yes, if someone notices your pattern of behavior they may deem you suspicious or accuse you of teaming/cheating. Overall it is important to refrain from sticking to a single target and better to widen your horizons. That being said, it is not uncommon to visit someone twice, especially if you are a doctor or a jailor throughout the game (just don’t do it multiple times in a row).

14. Believe People Who Have Evidence

Problem: Many different people have many different stories, who should I believe? 

Solution: Take everything anyone says with a grain of salt. It is important to note what they have to say but to only trust people who have the necessary evidence to back up their claims.

13. Be Prepared for Death

Problem: I’m undoubtedly about to be lynched and or executed, what do I do?

Solution: Although at this point you can’t stop yourself from dying, it is important that your will is updated with any last tidbit of important information. Update your will quickly so everyone can see it. 

12. Stand Your Ground

Problem: Someone is claiming my role, what do I do?

Solution: If someone is claiming to be your role, it is important that you notify the town and back up your claim with important information if needed. Although they could be a random town member, it is possible that they could be evil. Attempting to get them hung in any capacity is important even if it comes at the expense of your own life. 

End-Game Tips

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11. Be Useful Even Afterlife

Problem: My teammates aren’t doing very well after my death, what can I do?

Solution: If you are a member of the mafia there is nothing you can do but hope that your teammates can pull off a victory. However, if you are a town member and your medium is still alive, relaying information to them is crucial to get a conversation going within the game. Your usefulness does not end once you have been hung! 

10. Trust Your Instincts

Problem:  I’m having trouble distinguishing who is evil from who is good, how do I tell?

Solution: Look at the facts and do your best to ensure that the person you ultimately put on the stand has flawed information in some way shape or form. If you are evil do your best to present your information as flawlessly as possible.

9. Pick Your Poison 

Problem: There are multiple evils left, who do I side with?

Solution: If you are the only town member left and having to choose between giving the Mafia the victory versus giving the Serial Killer a victory, it's all about your perspective. Do you want to sympathize with the more difficult role (Serial Killer) or grant multiple people the victory (the Mafia). Obviously it doesn’t affect you in any way. 

8. Avoid Ties

Problem: A tie game is nearing, what do I do?

Solution: If a tie game is looming it is best to be unexpected. If you are a killing role going after an unlikely target could prove to be an important strategy. If you are a town member may be protecting someone new could secure you the win. However if the game ends up in a tie it's not the end of the world, at least it's better than losing. 

7. Late Game Jester Strategy

Problem: I’m a Jester and the game is nearing the end and I still haven’t been hung.

Solution: At this point, it is best to try your hand at convincing the remaining majority to lynch you in exchange for you killing their preferred target. Use your unstoppable kill as a selling point in an attempt to win them over because at this point you have nothing to lose. 

6. Minority Strategy

Problem: I’m obviously in the minority and have the odds against me in the late game, is there any way I can squeeze by and get a win?

Solution: You may be able to secure a win even with more people against you than with you if there are some neutral roles left. If there is a jester or executioner still alive you may be able to get them on your side long enough to eliminate the opposing roles. 

Overall Tips

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5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Problem: I’m finding it hard to learn the ins and outs of the game. 

Solution: As annoying as it sounds, practice really does make you a better player. In a game centered around strategy, veteran players tend to take the crown because of their vast knowledge of the game so it is easy to get frustrated at first. Just remember that with each loss you are learning something valuable

4. Start Classic

Problem: There are so many modes and roles and I can’t keep all the strategy straight.

Solution: Start off easy by tackling and mastering the easiest game mode, Classic Mode. Once you have that mode down you should try your hand at playing the harder modes like All Any or Coven.

3. Refer Your Friends

Problem: I’m lonely and playing on my own can be boring.

Solution: Referring your friends to Town of Salem can not only give you in-game rewards but it can also help you achieve your goals and help you improve your skills. Just make sure you don’t game throw and avoid bans. Play by the rules! 

2. Watch Other Players

Problem: I’m a visual learner and guides aren’t really my thing.

Solution: Tune into a YouTube video or a Town of Salem stream to see players play the game in real-time. Watching others play the same roles you play can help visual learners remember the strategy behind the game.

1. Research

Problem: I want to quickly understand the strategy behind the game, is this possible?

Solution: Yes! In fact, you are doing it right now. Visiting forums and reading articles about improving your skill and outlining the best strategies will surely help you improve your in-game performance. 

That concludes my list of 25 tips for Town of Salem beginners. I hope that these tips assist you in fooling your enemies, gaining the trust of your teammates, and ultimately getting you a victory. Remember to be strategic because, in the end, everyone wants to win! 

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• [Guide] Town of Salem Roles, How to Play Each
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• Town of Salem Guide [25 Tips For Beginners]