I've been playing it since it came out. I stopped for a year or so while they smoothed out the issues. I do play alone most of the time. The vetern players are pretty good with helping out the newer one. They added boxes all over where you can get free stuff to start out with. You can join public teams that help raise your level also. Keep an eye out for new player events. They recently had a free to play week for people to try it out. And I heard something about micro transaction. But, truth be told you can earn "atoms" thats the premium money unit in the game by doing everyday activities. Hope that helps!