> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.thesyndicate.games/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.thesyndicate.games/readme.md).

# Welcome

The Syndicate is a competitive idle strategy game you play in any browser. You run a crew of capos, build your Empire in a city you share with other players, and race them up the league every week.

**Where:** thesyndicate.games, on a phone or a computer. Sign in with email or Telegram.

## How it plays

* **Build your Empire:** fifteen buildings, each making one part of the game better.
* **Recruit capos** from packs, then train and promote them.
* **Send them on hustles** for $RACKET, Scrap and now and then a haul chest.
* **Take and hold districts** on your city's map. Every district you hold adds to your heat.
* **Collect the Vault.** It fills faster the more heat you have, and keeps filling for 8 hours after each Collect (longer with a Pass or the Warehouse).
* **Climb your league.** Your heat banks into your season score every 15 minutes.
* **The bell** rings every Monday at 19:00 UTC: the season ends, prizes are paid and players move up and down the leagues.

## Currencies

| Currency     | What it is                                                                                                                                          |
| ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| $RACKET ($R) | The main currency. The Vault, hustles and daily jobs pay it; buildings, training, promotions, wages and upkeep cost it.                             |
| Contraband   | Earned, never bought. Burning spare Rares and better at the Furnace is the main source. It pays for cornerstones, early build finishes and favours. |
| Cash         | One dollar balance in your wallet, for packs, the Pass and every other cash price.                                                                  |

* **Scrap** comes from hustles and the districts you hold, and pays for forging gear. See [Armoury: gear and forging](/crafting.md).
* **Bullion** feeds Epic and Legendary forges and is bought with Contraband. See [Armoury: gear and forging](/crafting.md).
* **Progression Points** (PP) are won at the bell. They speed up promotions and buy banked upgrade slots. See [Promotions and ranks](/promotions.md).

## Help in the game

Tap **?** in any window for the Elder's short answer about that place. This guide answers the same questions in full, under the same headings.

## Where to start

* New to the game: [Your first night](/getting-started.md)
* Played before 5 October: [What changed on 5 October](/whats-new.md)

## Related

* [Money: the Vault, $R and Contraband](/money.md)
* [Wallet, paying and recruits](/wallet.md)