> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://meteorwallet.gitbook.io/harvest-moon-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://meteorwallet.gitbook.io/harvest-moon-guide/harvest-moon/gameplay-overview.md).

# Gameplay Overview

In Harvest Moon, you strategically harvest moonlight to passively earn $MOON tokens, leveraging idle gameplay dynamics. Here’s how you get started and evolve in the game:

### **Starting Setup:**

* **One Tinker**: Begin your journey with a single Tinker, a dedicated moonlight harvester.
* **One Contract**: You also start with a free Basic Union Contract, use this to recruit your second Tinker and enhance your $MOON per hour rate.

### **Gameplay Mechanics:**

* **Harvests**: Initially, you can harvest moonlight every two hours. As you progress, you can upgrade to extend these periods and increase the $MOON you collect based on your rate of Tinkers.
* **Tinker Recruitment & Contract Drops**: Each harvest offers a chance to gain $MOON tokens and win additional contracts, enabling you to recruit more Tinkers and boost your harvesting capacity.
* **Player Levels:** Level Up and advance through tiers by paying your own gas fees and utilizing wallet offerings, gaining access to enhanced rewards with each upgrade.
* **Upgrades**: Improve your moonlight storage to extend harvest time and expand your lab capacity to recruit more Tinkers using $MOON.
* **Relics**: Enhance your $MOON per hour rate with relics, such as Harvest Moon NFTs or items crafted with the $GEAR token. 
* **Missions**: Engage in missions that build your blockchain expertise and utilize DeFi elements for benefits, earning rewards for activities like token swaps, crypto purchases, staking, and exploring new dApps. 
* **Referrals:** Boost your earnings by inviting friends; successful referrals will earn you an additional contract + 20% of their $MOON earnings, forever.

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