A new player will enjoy a 24-hour shield. Use that time to start tending to defensive concerns, because you're likely to come under attack once that period of protection passes. Make sure that you strengthen your outer wall and train troops in particular, though you might also want to set a few traps. If you don't plan for enemy players to attack you, it'll hurt worse than normal once they inevitably do.
Allies Matter
Make sure that you're working on an alliance mission at all times, which of course requires that you also be a member of an alliance. You don't even have to do anything active to complete the missions; just accept the mission and let the game take care of the rest, until it's time to collect a reward.
Base layout
Strengthen your base with as many defenses are possible. When first starting, you will be under a twenty four hour protection period that keeps you safe from attacks from other players. Use this time to build defenses. Upgrade your wall, place traps inside, and enough troops to defend your base.
Commander
Your commander's skills allows him to directly influence your base's management and troops. Each time the commander earns enough experience, he will level up and earn some points. Spend those points in skills that are both base and combat types.
Commander Leveling
You should make sure not to neglect your commander. Level him up whenever possible to acquire points that you can assign to improve your base and tactics. You won't get far with a weak commander!
Gold
Gold is the game's premium currency. Join an alliance to earn 500 gold. This bonus is only given the first time you join an alliance. Open supply crates for a chance to get gold.
Production
Always upgrade your production facilities such as farms, mines, oil wells.
Supply crates
Open the bouncing supply crate at the bottom left corner of your main screen to receive a random reward. Each time it is opened you will have to wait slightly longer to open it again.
Tend To Main Missions
It's easy to get distracted and start ignoring missions that are recommended at the bottom of the screen, but that's not a good idea. When you complete them, you'll be able to upgrade your base with additional buildings and defenses, or you will receive exciting rewards, so you shouldn't let mission completion fall by the wayside.
Upgrade Facilities
When you can upgrade a facility, take that as a sign that you should do so immediately. Farms, mines, oil wells, and similar facilities are critical to your war effort, since they'll allow you to keep your other efforts moving forward, so make tending to them a priority.
VIP points
VIP points can be obtained from the following sources. After earning enough of them, you will gain a VIP level. Open supply crates for a chance to VIP point boosters. Log in for consecutive days to build a streak bonus. The longer it becomes, the more VIP points you will earn daily. There are two VIP item types, point boosters and time extenders. Point boosters will add a permanent point increase to your VIP points, and raise your total VIP level. Because you level up in VIP, your VIP status extends for 24 hours. After that time ends, you must reach the next level to get more time, or use a time extender item. Save the time extenders in the event if you fall behind on the login bonuses.
A Strong Defense...