So Im used to being at a disadvantage for playing these games that offer in app purchases thatll advance you. However, theres almost no way to play this (in PVP/Arena or the "Portal" event) without being at a huge disadvantage. For example, I was sitting at a decent but still low rank in PVP and decided to destress a bit and do some fun match ups. Got wiped out in three turns by some over powered cards you can only get from the most expensive packs. I could understand it happening once, but then it kept happening until I was at the bottom of the rankings. Great job, game developers! So in the portal event you level up tiers. First completed tier you can open a chest, which is where a lot of cool gold cards are. Got a booster card so I continued playing the portal special. Found out you have to win 140 matches for your next chest. Or you can buy the crystals to buy a key, but theres no earthly way you could get the crystals through leveling or any other form.
Moral of the story. This app isnt worth your time or battery power unless you want to buy the starter pack (thats on sale) for about $7. Or you can go out and have a decent meal for that. Your choice!
Biggerheart about Little Alchemist, v1.35.15