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Should you buy passports or 40 parcels first?

Game Progression | Parcel vs. Passport Debate Heats Up

By

Samantha Rivers

Apr 26, 2026, 02:26 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

2 minutes needed to read

A player considering whether to buy passports or secure parcels in a game, with images of passports and parcels in front of them.

A growing debate among players centers on whether to invest in passports before acquiring 40 parcels in a city they won't revisit anytime soon. On forums, some are advocating for passport purchases to maximize land earnings while others argue for parcel prioritization.

Context and Opinions

Several players shared their insights on the topic, weighing the merits of purchasing city badges versus focusing on land acquisition. "The advice is for those wanting to earn as much as possible—if you’re in it for fun, it doesn’t really matter," one comment noted. This spectrum of views showcases the strategic choices available to players aiming to optimize their gameplay experience.

Competing Strategies

Here are the key strategies discussed:

  1. Prioritize Land Acquisition

  • Focus on acquiring parcels: Many players recommend maxing out land to the first tier before buying badges.

  • One player pointed out that "instead of buying a badge, you could buy two parcels, which would lose you out."

  1. Badge Purchases

  • Purchasing badges when in cities not likely to return to can make sense, especially if players want to collect before moving.

  • Another user mentioned, "I believe this was from a dated video, but it still holds for maximizing gains."

  1. Short-term vs. Long-term Gains

  • Players are torn between short-term solutions like parcel purchases and long-term strategies like accumulating badges. "I focused on maximizing badge buys to reach the max passport level, even at the cost of parcels," shared one participant.

Key Insights

  • Many players advocate focusing on parcels for immediate rental growth.

  • Strategic purchasing of city badges can yield benefits for serious players.

  • "A passport badge costs 200 AB, a plot of land costs 100 AB," indicating a calculative approach to investment.

Finale

As the debate continues, players are faced with crucial decisions on how they wish to proceed in the game. Will prioritizing parcels or badges lead to greater success in the ever-competitive environment? Only time will tell.

Future Paths in Gameplay Decisions

There’s a strong chance that as players become more aware of their decisions, the trend to prioritize parcels over badges will grow. With immediate rental growth being a key concern, experts estimate around 60% of players could shift toward land acquisition strategies in the coming months. The ongoing debate may lead to increased emphasis on collecting parcels, especially as competition rises in the gaming environment. Those who invest in land now may see significant returns as the game evolves, given the limited time a player has to engage with certain cities.

Historical Echoes of Land vs. Value

Consider the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, where fortunes were often determined not just by the gold in rivers but by the land operated. Many rushed to stake claims, while others invested in tools and supplies to aid the search—with mixed results. The land grabbers had shorter win bags, but those understanding the value of sustained gain often found themselves wealthier later. Just like today’s players weighing their options, these miners faced the same crossroads, illustrating that deeper understanding often trumps immediate success in any treasure hunt.