Additionally you probably want to focus on just one squadron of characters when you start out. Feel free to test out the characters you unlock in duel mode (it allows you to try their full moveset here without levels on the characters). I chose to focus on Xiahou Ba (enormous sword guy) due to how early you can unlock him and how strong he is rated. Then I sought out Lu Bu to unlock. I dumped all my exp between the two inorder to get them to prestige(promotion) 4, for the stat bonuses (max speed first). Don't go into gauntlet mode without atleast a good level 80 character or a maxed 4 star or big star weapon with attributes. If you're just starting out find someone you enjoy playing and dump your exp into them while building up their weapon attributes.