Airship Knights — A Player’s Deep Dive Guide

Hey fellow adventurer! I’ve been exploring Airship Knights for a while now, and let me tell you—it’s a wild ride. From flying airships in an arc-punk sky world to assembling pixel-knight crews, this game blends idle mechanics with strategic depth in a way that pulled me in. I’m writing this as a real player, sharing what I’ve learned—tips, tricks, what to expect, what to avoid—so you can get ahead without the frustration. So strap in, we’re taking off.

I. Introduction to Airship Knights

A. Overview of the game and features

Airship Knights is an idle RPG developed by Super Planet (confirmed by their site listing the game in their lineup). +3superplanet.net+3welcon.kocca.kr+3 The setting: you’re the captain of an airship navigating a sky-island world (“Cloud Island”), gathering knights, upgrading your ship, and fighting both PvE and PvP content. You’ll go on “returns” (prestige resets) to climb further, manage cabins in your airship, recruit pixel-knights, deal with elements (fire/water/wind/light/dark), and more. It has that satisfying idle loop: even when you’re not actively tapping, your crew progresses.

B. Game genre (idle RPG) and gameplay style

Yes—it’s an idle RPG. You’ll assemble a team of knights, set them up, and much of the progression happens passively or semi-automatically. But that doesn’t mean zero strategy. Team composition, element matching, airship management, gear/enhancement—they all matter. The tutorial emphasises “AFK battles” and automatic growth.  So as a player you’ll enjoy both the laid-back passive side and the “let’s optimise” active side.

C. Platform availability (mobile, PC)

The game is listed on Android and iOS, with versions like “Airship Knights: Zero” on Google Play.  The developer listing shows it as released in December 2022 globally.  So yes—mobile for sure. PC availability may depend on region/launcher (some versions may allow PC with emulator or PC client). Check your region’s store.

D. Publisher (Super Planet) overview

Super Planet is the Korean developer/publisher behind this and other idle games. According to the Korean content directory: since 2012 they’ve released multiple titles including Airship Knights.  Their experience in mobile games gives confidence in updates and support—always good for longevity.

E. Community and player base information

The game is actively discussed on Reddit (r/AirshipKnights) and has been updated as recently as September 2025.  There are forums and fan wikis (Fandom) listing knights, classes, guides.  As a player, you’ll benefit from joining communities for strategy, updates, and tips.

II. Getting Started and Beginner Guide

A. Game installation and account creation

From my experience:

• Visit your store (Google Play or App Store), search “Airship Knights”.

• Install the game. The size can be a few hundred MB (some sources show 646 MB for v2.0.14).

• Create your account (link your email or social login if required).

• At first launch, you’ll complete the tutorial which covers the basics of your airship, team, and first stages.

B. Initial tutorial and basic mechanics

The tutorial walks you through: choosing your first knights, basic battles (time-attack mode, 10-second stages), managing your airship cabins, and progressing through story chapters.  Important: play the tutorial actively so you understand mechanics rather than autopilot, because early decisions affect long-term progression.

C. First-time player tips and tricks

• Don’t skip actively: Even though it’s idle, spend the first hour manually so you learn controls, interface, upgrade menu.

• Save your resources: Early game gives you some free summons/knights—save them for when you understand the meta or a banner you really like.

• Join a guild (if available): Many idle games reward guild participation—airship management may link to guild perks.

• Set realistic goals: Early game is fast, but expect slowdown as you hit higher levels—focus on steady progression.

• Check events: The game seems to have frequent events (collabs, cabins upgrades) and freebies—don’t ignore them.

D. New player resource allocation

The key resources: experience for knights, star promotion mats, gear/equipment, airship cabin upgrades, mana/essence (we’ll cover later). My tip: early on prioritize upgrading a core team of 3-5 knights you enjoy. Don’t spread too thin across dozens. Also upgrade your airship cabins because that gives passive boosts to your whole team.

E. Early game progression strategy

• Complete Story mode until you unlock core features (cabins, return/prestige, elemental islands, etc).

• Run idle battles and let your team farm while you’re offline.

• Once you unlock airship cabins, start upgrading them—engine room, control room, research room are big.

• Keep your best 1-2 knights upgraded to carry you while you gather more.

• Participate in daily missions/events to accumulate mats and gear.

III. Rerolling and Account Setup

A. Reroll guide and strategy

If you want a strong start, rerolling can help: uninstalling/starting over until you get a good initial summon. For Airship Knights, you’ll want at least one high-tier knight (or strong combination) early.

B. How to reroll efficiently

• Start new account, complete tutorial until first few summons/unlocks.

• Check the knight roll (who you get). If you get a strong knight (or desired element/role) then keep. If not, reset and try again.

• Use free summons given during tutorial/events: use them before investing time.

• Once you’re happy with your start, go forward with that account.

C. Best starting knights

Since there’s a tier list section later, generally you want a knight with strong element, good role (damage or utility) and synergy with airship features. Try to pick something with broad use (PvE + PvP).

D. Initial pull recommendations

Save your pulls until a banner is favourable or there’s an event with increased drop rates. Using a free summon too early on a weak banner can hamper your start.

E. Early account optimization

Once you lock in your account:

• Focus upgrades on your main team rather than diversifying too early.

• Upgrade airship cabins because they improve your team’s power across the board.

• Set your idle battle to run even when you’re offline.

• Monitor resource spend: don’t overspend on minor knights if you plan to use top heroes later.

IV. Pixel Knights and Character System

A. Pixel knights overview

The game uses “pixel knights”—characters styled somewhat pixel/retro and each with their unique ability sets. The store listing says “40 Pixel Knights with incredible looks and abilities!”  As a player you’ll collect them, promote them, awaken them, etc.

B. Knight recruitment guide

Knights are recruited through summon banners, free tickets, events. Early on you might get some starter knights. Use your summons wisely. Always check banner details (elements, drop rates). Also keep an eye on colabs or limited knights—they often become meta or valuable in events.

C. Knight promotion mechanics

Knights can often be promoted (star up, rank up). Promotion increases their stats, unlocks new skills or improvements. As you progress you’ll need promotion materials, sometimes special currency or mats from dungeons/events.

D. Star promotion system

Many idle RPGs and this one use a “star” system (★1, ★2, ★3…) to reflect rarity or upgrade level. Getting to a higher star for a knight can significantly boost their power and unlock new abilities. Prioritize your top knights for star promotions rather than doing minimal upgrades on all.

E. Character classification overview

Knights can be classified by: element (fire, water, wind, light, dark), role (DPS, support, tank), rarity (common, rare, epic, legendary maybe), function (solo, team synergy, PvP). Understanding classification helps you build better teams and use resources more smartly.

V. Element System and Mechanics

A. Element guide overview

Elements play a big role: every knight has an element (fire/water/wind/light/dark) and there are elemental islands or bosses. Usually, there’s a triangle of advantage (e.g., fire > wind, wind > water, water > fire) plus light/dark special interaction. The store listing hints at elemental islands and battles vs White Tiger/Black Tortoise/Blue Dragon/Red Bird which are likely tied to element mechanics.

B. Fire element knights

Fire knights typically are strong damage dealers, often good for bursting or turning fights early. If you recruit a fire knight, gear them for attack and crit, especially early game when you want to clear faster.

C. Water element guide

Water element often counters fire and may have utility like slowing or control. Good for more strategic fights or content where sustain matters. If you have a water knight, pair them with tank/support to maximize advantage.

D. Wind element mechanics

Wind knights often counter water and may be fast, have speed or evade mechanics. In content where speed matters (time-attack, arena), a good wind knight can excel.

E. Light element specialization

Light element is often “universal” or has special bonuses in many games; may be neutral or have advantage over dark. If you recruit a light knight, their role might shift between damage and utility.

F. Dark element abilities

Dark knights typically are strong but may have drawbacks, or be harder to gear or acquire. If you get a dark knight early, they might become an end-game carry but require more resource investment.

G. Element synergy system

Team synergy: ensure you don’t just pick same element over and over. A balanced team with counters and coverage is better. For special content (elemental islands, bosses) use the matching element advantage. Also airship cabins or gear might give bonuses to certain elements—check for that to optimise further.

VI. Airship Management System

A. Airship guide overview

One of the standout features: the airship itself. You’re not just managing knights—you’re captaining a flying ship. The airship has cabins (engine room, control room, research room, etc) which provide passive bonuses and are core to progression.

B. Cabin system mechanics

Cabins are like modules you upgrade: for example engine room increases attack speed or power; control room might give team buffs; research room gives resource production or upgrade speed. Upgrading cabins is essential because it boosts your knights’ performance indirectly.

C. Engine room functionality

The engine room is often one of the first to upgrade. It may increase your overall combat power (CP), increase idle gain, improve time-attack performance. Early on focus on engine room because it will help you climb faster.

D. Control room upgrade guide

The control room might give tactical bonuses (cooldown reduction, extra buffs, team synergy). I found upgrading this gave big improvement in harder content where knights’ skills mattered more.

E. Research room overview

Research room may unlock new features, higher tier upgrades, reduce resource costs, or produce specific mats. It becomes vital mid-to-late game to sustain your progression.

VII. Advanced Facility Systems

A. Storage facility guide

As you progress you’ll accumulate tons of items/gear/materials. A storage facility (or warehouse upgrade) helps you hold more and prevent overflow or wasted resources. Don’t ignore this—running out of storage slows you down.

B. Infirmary mechanics

The infirmary might be where you heal knights/facility or recover after “returns” (prestige reset). If the game has it, upgrading this ensures better recovery and less downtime.

C. Barracks upgrade system

Barracks could be the place for recruiting knights or holding extra knights; upgrading it likely increases capacity or effectiveness of knight generation. Useful if you plan to build many knights.

D. Cabin upgrade progression

Upgrading cabins follows a progression: Level 1 → Level N, each requiring more resources. Early cabins are cheap; later ones require rare mats. Focus cabin upgrades that give biggest boost to your weakest bottleneck (often CP or idle gains).

E. Facility management strategy

Strategy: invest in cabin/airship system not only your knights. Many players focus solely on heroes and neglect cabins, then hit stagnation because airship bonuses lag. I recommend a balanced approach: Knights + Airship.

VIII. Character Tier Lists and Rankings

A. Overall tier list ranking

From what I’ve gathered in community guides (Reddit, fan-wiki): knights are ranked by rarity, role, element, synergy, meta performance. If you’re new, you’ll want to know what knights are “safe picks”. The gist: pick a few top tier knights to build, not dozens of mediocre ones.

B. Best knights by element

For each element (fire/water/wind/light/dark) there are standout knights. For example: a high wind DPS might be top for time-attack, while a water support is top for endurance content. Check community lists.

C. PvE tier ranking

In PvE (dungeons, exploration) the best knights are those who have strong AoE damage, good survivability, and complement idle gameplay (because many fights auto-run). Tanks/support often rank high.

D. PvP tier list analysis

In PvP (arena, 1-v-1) speed, burst damage, control and element advantage matter more. Some knights that excel in PvE might underperform in PvP. So if you plan to PvP, choose knights accordingly.

E. Best characters for beginners

If you’re just starting: aim for versatile knights (good in both PvE & PvP), avoid hyper-specialised heroes unless you know you’ll focus that mode. Also pick knights with easier upgrade paths (less rare mats). Good beginner picks let you progress without being stuck.

IX. Knight Development and Progression

A. Knight awakening guide

Awakening is often a major upgrade step: unlocks new skills, increases stats significantly. You’ll need awakening mats, specific quest completions, maybe “souls”. Make sure to awaken your core knights as soon as possible.

B. Awakening requirements

Be aware of what you need: knight shards, gold, essence, special items. Sometimes you can’t progress without event materials. Don’t waste awakening mats on secondary knights too early. Focus on your main team.

C. Soul crystal farming

Soul crystals (or equivalent) are often required for top upgrades or ascend steps. Farm them via designated dungeons or boss stages. Set a schedule for these to avoid being stuck.

D. Soul link mechanics

If the game has “soul link” (linking knights to improve synergy), use it. Linking often gives bonus stats when both knights are used in the same team. Choose links that fit your team composition.

E. Knight evolution path

Evolution (or transcension) may unlock new appearances/tiers for knights. Decide early which knights you’ll invest long-term so you don’t waste evolution mats on knights you’ll replace soon.

X. Leveling and Progression Systems

A. Leveling guide by level range

Early levels (1-50): story mode and early cabins upgrades. Mid game (~50-150): unlock returns, airship cabins fully, key dungeons. Late game: high tier content (arena, world map, special bosses). Use incremental growth strategy: every level unlocks something new.

B. Fast leveling strategies

• Use idle mode while away (let the game run).

• Focus on fixed “high-XP” stages rather than exploring everything.

• Use XP boosters if available.

• Upgrade cabins that improve XP or idle gain (for example research or engine room upgrades).

• Ensure your strongest knights are active to clear faster.

C. Captain level progression

Your own “captain level” (your account or airship level) drives many unlocks. As you increase captain level you unlock cabins, new maps, new modes. Prioritise progression that unlocks features rather than just grinding.

D. Experience farming methods

Idle loop + repeatable dungeons are key. Once you unlock “returns” (reset with bonus power) use it when you hit diminishing returns to farm more efficiently.

E. Optimal grinding guide

Switch between modes: story campaign for new features; repeatable dungeon for resources; airship cabin upgrades for passive boost. Don’t stick only to one mode. Balanced grind prevents burnout.

XI. Mana and Resources

A. Mana system overview

“The mana” (or essence) is a key resource for upgrades (may be called essence, mana, etc). Without regular mana you’ll stall. The wiki says there are resources like “mana, essence, cinematics”.

B. Mana farming guide

Find the modes or dungeons that give best mana yield. Use cabin upgrades or research that boost mana gain. Possibly idle battles also reward mana.

C. Essence farming strategy

In many idle RPGs you’ll need “essence” or “souls” for star promotions/awakening. Prioritise events that drop essence, daily missions, high stage clear. Don’t spend essence on low-tier knights.

D. Resource management guide

Track your resources: gold, essence, mana, gear mats. Use spreadsheets or notes if you want serious. In many idle games, inefficient use of resources is the biggest waste.

E. Efficient resource usage

Rule of thumb: invest in your top 3-5 knights and airship cabins first. Ignore weak knights until later. Upgrade cabins that benefit all knights rather than hero-specific bonuses only (unless the hero is your long-term carry).

XII. Equipment and Gear System

A. Equipment guide overview

Gear increases a knight’s power significantly. Weapons, armor, accessories, cabin modules. Each gear piece has stats, maybe sub-stats. The pixel style UI hints at gear progression screens.

B. Gear progression path

Start with basic gear drops from story; mid stage craft or upgrade gear; late stage get legendary/epic gear via special dungeons or events. Each tier requires better materials.

C. Weapon crafting system

If the game allows crafting (many idle RPGs do), gather materials from airship research or cabins, find gear blueprints, craft and enhance. Crafting gives quality gear when you cannot rely solely on drops.

D. Crafting materials farming

Daily missions, airship cabins like research room, special event chests—these give materials. Set a farm loop: story → material dungeon → idle loop.

E. Equipment enhancement mechanics

Enhancing gear (upgrade level, refine, enchant) multiplies stat gains. Focus enhancement on your top gear pieces for your main knights. Don’t waste enhancement mats on old/secondary gear.

XIII. Enchantment and Enhancement

A. Enchantment system guide

Enchantment may be a system where you add special bonuses or new stats to gear. These are often harder to get but give major advantage (crit rate, speed, element bonus). Use them wisely.

B. Enchant level optimization

Maximising enchant levels often requires rare mats. Do not enchant every piece equally; prioritise gear used by your top knights. Probably the cabin or engine room upgrades help enchant speed.

C. Enhancement material farming

Materials for enhancement can become bottlenecks. Use event rewards, airship research, or exchange systems (if available) to get these mats.

D. Stat distribution strategy

When enhancing gear, focus on the stats that matter for your knight’s role (DPS: attack, crit; Tank/support: HP, defense; Speed for time attack & PvP). Gear sub-stat distribution matters.

E. Equipment optimization guide

Once your knights and gear are good, revisit optimization periodically: re-roll sub-stats if allowed, swap gear for higher tier, upgrade cabins that boost gear stats.

XIV. Skills and Abilities

A. Skill upgrade system

Knights have skills (active, passive, ultimate). You’ll upgrade skills to increase damage or utility. Avoid spreading skill points thinly—boost key skills first.

B. Skill progression guide

Skill trees may unlock as knights level up or are promoted. Use skill upgrades that match content (e.g., if PvP heavy, invest in control/utility skills; if PvE, invest in AoE/damage). Review guides or wiki for each knight.

C. Special ability mechanics

Some knights likely have “special ability” or “ultimate” that changes game plan. Use them in challenging content. Check animations, cooldowns, what triggers abilities (e.g., after X hits, after HP drops).

D. Ultimate ability usage

Ultimate skills should be used at the right time in auto-battle or manual battle. For example, activate when boss is vulnerable, or when you need big burst. Building your team to support ultimate usage is smart.

E. Cooldown management

Cooldowns (skill recharge) matter especially in harder battles like boss/arena. Gear or cabins might give cooldown reduction—don’t ignore that. Timing skills well is part of strategic depth.

XV. Formation and Team Systems

A. Formation system overview

You’ll set up formation for your knights: who goes front/back, positioning, synergy lines. The airship cabin bonuses may also depend on formation. Use formation to maximise synergy.

B. Party composition guide

A balanced party might include: one strong DPS, one support/healer, one tank/defender, one utility/debuffer. Idle games like this still reward balanced composition rather than all-DPS.

C. Team building strategy

• Choose knights that complement each other (element, role).

• Upgrade cabins that support team buffs (control, passive healing).

• Use formation to optimise positioning (e.g., melee in front, ranged back).

• Adjust team based on content: story vs arena vs boss.

D. Synergy combinations

If certain knights have synergy (e.g., buffing each other’s HP or element boost), use them together. Community wikis often list these synergies (check Fandom).

E. Optimal party formations

Early game formation: pick your strongest DPS + a support + a tank. Mid game: refine to specialised team for speed/returns. Late game: have multiple teams (PvE team, PvP team).

XVI. Combat System and Mechanics

A. Combat system overview

Combat in Airship Knights involves idle auto-battle as standard, with options for manual intervention. The description says “Fight in ‘Time Attack’ Idle Battles – a 10 seconds match! Defeat the monsters in time and advance!”  So you’ll play short bursts but unlock longer loops via idle.

B. Battle mechanics explained

Mechanics: element advantage, skill cooldowns, formation, airship cabin buffs, gear stats, idle accumulation. You progress through stages, chapter by chapter, clearing monsters, collecting loot.

C. Automatic combat guide

Since the game is idle, you’ll set up your team, gear, airship cabins, then let the game run. But don’t neglect manual mode for key battles (bosses, arena) because you’ll need to intervene to maximise results.

D. Time attack battles

Time attacks (10 second matches) are a fast-pace mode to test your team’s power and refinement. Good for measuring your progress. If you clear time attacks quickly, you’re ready for harder content.

E. Damage calculation system

Damage depends on knight base stats + gear + skills + cabin buffs + formation + element advantage. Understanding where your damage comes from helps you plan: e.g., if damage low, maybe gear or cabin under-upgraded, or element disadvantage. Watch these metrics.

XVII. Dungeon and PvE Content

A. Dungeon guide overview

Dungeons give key materials and challenge your team. There are special ones (soul dungeon, elemental island, etc). The store listing mentions Elemental Island, Soul Dungeon, Sky Tower.

B. Soul dungeon mechanics

In soul dungeon you may fight to upgrade your knights or unlock souls/essence. Good for mid to late game progression. Plan your team and gear appropriately.

C. Elemental island strategy

Elemental islands are stages themed by element (fire, water, wind, etc). Use knights of advantage element or adjust team accordingly. These often drop better gear or special mats. The store listing mentions White Tiger, Black Tortoise, Blue Dragon, Red Bird on Elemental Islands.

D. Boss fight tactics

Bosses often require gearing, element switching, manual play. Use your airship cabins that boost DPS or defence; switch out knights for best match; use ultimate skills at key moments.

E. Dungeon farming guide

Set up the mode you can clear the fastest with good loot drop. Use idle battle to farm while you’re away. Then manually run key dungeon when you can optimize performance (manual gear check, formation).

XVIII. Special Boss Encounters

A. White tiger guide

Likely a fire element boss (depending on lore). Use water knights advantage. Upgrade cabins that boost water knights. Use manual play to avoid mistakes.

B. Black tortoise strategy

Might be wind or dark element. Study boss patterns & gear accordingly.

C. Blue dragon tactics

Likely water element (maybe counters fire). Use wind knights if the cycle is fire→wind→water or similar. Adjust gear.

D. Red bird encounter

Often linked to wind/fire synergy. Use element counter, manual mode for ultimate, ensure your airship cabins support damage.

E. Boss reward system

Bosses often drop rare mats, gear, essence needed for top progression. Ensure your team is strong enough so you don’t waste attempts. If you fail too much, farm weaker chapters until you’re stronger.

XIX. World Content and Exploration

A. World map overview

As you progress you’ll unlock a world map where you can explore islands, islands of element, sky tower, etc. In the listing: “World Map for a wider world view”.  Exploration often unlocks special rewards, events, hidden content.

B. Sky tower guide

Sky Tower appears to be a climbing mode (floors of increasing difficulty). Useful for long-term progression and top rewards. Plan your team accordingly. The store listing mentions “Sky Tower: Conquer the tower filled with monsters”.

C. Temple trials mechanics

Another mode: “Temple: The Promotion Battle of the Captains! Overcome the trials of the goddess.” (store listing)  These trials likely give rare promotion mats. Prepare team.

D. Knights Templar overview

“Knights Templar” may be a special promotion path or top tier team mode mentioned in listing. Work toward unlocking it via soul dungeon etc.

E. Exploration rewards

Don’t skip world exploration: hidden nodes often drop materials, cabins upgrade mats, hero shards. Make exploration part of your daily loop.

XX. Arena and PvP Content

A. Arena guide overview

Arena (1v1 battles) gives competitive edge. If you enjoy PvP, focus on speed, element advantage, team synergy. The store listing mentions “Arena: 1:1 PVP to unveil powerful knights”.

B. Arena battle mechanics

In PvP you’ll face teams of other players. Speed and control matter. Knights with higher speed, first turn, can wreck slower teams. Gear and cabins that boost speed are valuable.

C. 1v1 battle strategy

Select team with element advantage, speed, control/debuff. Use formation to protect your DPS from early burst by opponent. Manually intervene if you can to use ultimate at the right moment.

D. PvP ranking system

Ranking gives rewards (often premium currency, hero shards, exclusive skins). Climb the ranks by participating daily and improving your team. Use auto-mode only when you are confident your team wins.

E. Arena rewards explanation

Rewards might include hero shards, gear mats, special tokens. Use them to upgrade your team further. Don’t neglect PvP if you want end-game.

And there you have it—a full player’s walkthrough of Airship Knights. We covered how the game works, how to start, how to build your team, upgrade your airship, understand elements, gear, skills, PvE & PvP modes, exploration—you name it.

My final piece of advice: Pick a core team you like and upgrade them consistently. Don’t chase every new knight immediately. Balance your effort between your knights and your airship system. The idle loop is your friend—use it—but stay engaged so you can optimise.

Now grab your crew, launch that airship, conquer the sky islands, climb the tower, dominate the arena—and most importantly: enjoy the journey. See you among the clouds, captain!