Skill upgrades will become available after you earn a star. In the skill tree, you may have "+1" listed on a specific skill, however you will not actually get its benefit until you reach that skill's star level. This boost requirement varies for different skills: For example, Savvy only requires +2 to reach a star and the first boost (+20% to coins earned) but Intelligence requires +6 before you gain the first boost (+1 extra move during a level). Rory gains one Skill Point every three hours, but can only store five points total. After reaching hit five unspent points, he no longer gains them. Use your points before reaching that limit. The Cunning Skill changes if you are a V.I.P. Purchasing V.I.P. as an in-app purchase removes the paw requirement to play. Because Cunning rewards additional paws, V.I.P.s that invest in that skill will get an increase in the coins that are earned.