by Mona Gallagher

Created on: October 01, 2009

Winner takes the spoils is ever so true in the Facebook Mafia Wars game. However, as players gain experience and learn more about playing the game, they soon find that loot is not created equal. Each loot item has an assigned value in terms of attack and defense. Beginning players receive lesser value loot from crime jobs, but value increases as players move to higher levels.

Loot is obtained in a variety of ways and is distinguished from inventory. Regular inventory can be purchased with standard earned mafia money. Loot is dropped at random for certain crime jobs and can be gained in mafia fights, or it can be made with a special purchase with godfather points.

When all jobs are completed in a job tier (mafia rank) a special loot item of greater value is awarded. The loot item may give the player special bonuses like shorter energy regeneration time, or greater attack or defense value. New York loot typically awards the bonus loot while Cuba gives greater value loot.

Using godfather points to buy special loot is a good way to gain more fighting strength. By way of explanation, godfather points are awarded when a player levels up or they may be purchased from Zynga, the game originator, with real money. All other purchases are made with virtual money.

*Crime jobs: Random loot is dropped for specific crime jobs. An icon appears on the job line that alerts the player to the possibility of gaining a loot item but the player doesn't know in advance which item may be dropped. It's also possible that a loot item won't be dropped with each job performed.

*Mafia fights: Mafias families fight each other for power, prestige, and money. Fighting is another excellent way to gain loot. Loot doesn't appear with every fight, but players who fight other mafia on a regular basis find valuable loot that shores up their attack and defense strength. Fighting higher-level mafia can capture even more valuable loot for lucky players.

*Special purchases: When a Mafia Wars player enters the game, the most visible loot item is the weekly loot available to all players who meet the requirements. Players may purchase this loot for $10,000 in mafia money but each purchase must be accompanied by a gain of two mafia family members. It's an excellent incentive to grow a mafia family.

Special loot is generally obtained with godfather points that are awarded as a player moves up to the next level. When a player accrues 25 godfather points he can buy the special loot shown on the location page

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