Frequently asked questions
Gameplay answers adapted from the in-game FAQ.
Is there a cooldown to checking into the same business?
You can check in to the same business once every 12 hours.
Do you have to be nearby a business to buy it?
No. You can buy businesses from anywhere. If it’s in another country, an extra tax fee applies.
How do business taxes work?
When you buy or upgrade a business, you pay tax based on a sliding scale. Your tax rate depends on your total Empire Value. It can be as low as 2% and as high as 20%.
How does Cash Rush work?
Check in while entry is open to start your personal timer. The cash reward from every eligible check-in is added to your total. Reach the target before time runs out.
How are Cash Rush rankings decided?
Players who reach the target are ranked by completion time. Players who do not reach it rank below target finishers and are ordered by cash earned. Equal results are decided by who achieved them sooner.
When do I receive the Cash Rush Skill Point?
You receive a Skill Point immediately when you reach the target. You do not need to wait for final results or claim it.
When can I claim Cash Rush placement rewards?
Placement rewards become available after the results are finalized. Return to Cash Rush and select Claim Reward.
When do Skills unlock, and how many Skill Points do I start with?
Skills unlock after you complete onboarding. New players start with 3 Skill Points.
How do I earn more Skill Points?
Reach your Cash Rush target. The Skill Point is added immediately, with no wait and nothing to claim.
How do I upgrade a Skill?
Select a Skill and buy its next level using Skill Points or Diamonds. Both payment methods give the same upgrade. The next cost and effect are shown before you buy.
When do Skill effects apply?
Immediately after the upgrade. Unspent Skill Points do not expire, and every Skill has a maximum level.
Can I reset or refund a Skill?
No. Skill upgrades are permanent and cannot currently be reset or refunded. The Income Tax Skill reduces your tax rate by percentage points, never below 0%.
Do check-ins stack?
Yes, you can save up to 5 check-ins. After you use one, a new one is added every 4 hours.
Do spins stack?
Yes. Spins stack and there is no limit. Use them whenever you want.
Can someone buy a business from me?
Yes, if your business doesn’t have a Purchase Shield, someone else can buy it.
Can I lose my businesses when the tournament ends?
No. Tournaments don’t change who owns businesses.
If someone makes an offer to buy my business, can I reject it?
No. Your only protection is the Purchase Shield, which you can extend by upgrading the business. Some cards can also cancel an offer if you play them on your business.\nNote: You get all your diamonds back if someone outbids you.
Does the profile location change based on where I am?
Yes, it updates to the last business location where you checked in.
Why do some businesses have a flag and others don’t?
This means the location data hasn’t loaded yet. Tap the business to refresh it.
If I’m outbid on a business, do I get my diamonds and credits back?
Yes. You’ll get both your diamonds and credits back.
I noticed there are limited business slots. How do I get more?
If you run out of slots, you’ll be asked to unlock more using diamonds when you try to buy a new business.
What happens if I stop playing for a few days?
If you don’t pay your business expenses, your businesses will lose value each day by that amount.
How do you become VIP at a business?
You need at least 3 check-ins at a business. To become VIP, you must have the most check-ins there.
What are the benefits of being VIP?
You earn a daily bonus based on the business level. For example, a Level 5 business gives $5 per day as long as you stay VIP.
Is my real location shared?
No. Your GPS location is private. You can check in at any of the 30 closest businesses, no matter how far away they are from you.
Can I play without sharing my location?
This is a location-based game, so location access is needed to place you in the world. You can change your location permissions anytime in your device settings.
I lost my progress. Can I get it back?
If you sign in with the same account you originally used, your data should sync automatically. If it does not, contact support@LighthouseGamesStudio.com and we will help you restore your progress.
Can I win real money from the slot machine?
No. The slot machine is for fun only. It gives virtual in-game items and cannot be exchanged for real money or prizes.
Where do the businesses come from?
Business data comes from Foursquare and is updated every month. Soon, you will be able to report closed businesses and suggest new ones.
Need a gameplay walkthrough?
The Help page explains the core loop, market reports, cards, and competition strategy in one place.
Open Help