Hey Howdy Hey Tappers!
Well in yet another surprising twist…EA has sent us a spoiler packet for the next MINI-EVENT in TSTO. That…never happens. But they’re REALLY excited about this one, and honestly after looking through the packet, I can see why! This looks like it could be the mini-event of the year, for sure, and possibly the best mini-event since…well, ever. We shall see.
Anyway, they literally sent us the spoiler packet about 30 minutes ago and then gave us the greenlight to share the spoilers with you guys. (of course it took me a little bit of time to write this up) So, unfortunately, no time for a spoiler video (given that I’m at work, and Safi is traveling)…BUT I’m still able to do a spoiler post.
For those who just want a couple of basics, without getting all of the spoilers…here are those basics:
-This is a mini-event. From what the packet says, it’ll start on November 17th at 9am ET. (1400 UTC) Note the 2 hour earlier start time.
-Because it’s a mini-event it’ll run for 2 weeks, and it ends December 1st. (also at 9am ET, 1400 UTC)
-Standard mini-event. 1 prize track, 1 premium character combo (150 donuts for the combo)
-You’ll need to be at or above Level 15 for this to trigger.
-Characters needed are: Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, Grampa, Wiggum, Moe, Quimby, and new Premium character with the event. (that’s just to earn currency. I don’t have details on questline just yet)
-There will be a Black Friday special. Similar to last year it’ll be a prize track where you need to purchase donuts (with real life cash) to unlock special NEW prizes.
-There will be a Gold Mystery Box, with returning items in it. However, it looks like you can only get the tokens for it via the Black Friday Track. This will be something we’ll have to look into once the files hit.
-At the moment, I don’t know if the other (traditional/returning content) Black Friday Mystery Boxes will be returning.
-There will be NEW LAND with this mini-event
-There will also be an item limit expansion (by 1,000) with this mini-event. New total will be 15,000.
-And finally, there is a “twist” element to this event. Where you’ll need to do something to complete something else. So for those looking for something more to do then just tap…it’s coming with this mini-event.
Now, here’s your official warning….SPOILERS AHEAD! If you don’t want to know, don’t click below…
Ok…now onto those fun SPOILERS!
Overview
The title of this mini-event is Northward Bound. And here’s the event overview from EA:
When Springfield hears about the Northwest Passage and how much trading it’s bringing into Canada, they decide it’s time to find their own new trading route to the north.
Unequipped to navigate the harsh, northern frontier themselves, Springfield hires Connie Appleseed to guide the local residents through the wilderness. However, it quickly becomes apparent that modern day life has left these would-be settlers without the rugged nature required to survive such an expedition. After a gruelling trek, the group finally reaches the entrance to the frontier, with one small problem: there’s a canyon in the way and the bridge is broken. Connie believes the bridge can be fixed if everyone works together, but the “solution” presented by Homer doesn’t pan out. It’s now up to Connie Appleseed to figure out a way to repair the bridge so the adventurers can reach the new frontier.
Splash Screen
And, something new with this mini-event, EA has done a dedicated new Splash Screen (and it’s not just adding Turkeys), here’s a look at the Splash Screen:
Guys, this Splash Screen is freaking AWESOME! This may be one of my top 3-5 favorite Splash Screens of all time. I LOVE that the Northern Lights are on here, it just looks so incredible!
Prize Track
Ok so here’s the prize track (at the moment I do not have the currency requirements for these). And remember, it’s a mini-event, so it’s just 1 prize track (5 prizes) for the entire two weeks…
Connie Appleseed (Full Character)
Pone, Pelts, and Beyond (Building)
Frontier Wagon (Decoration)
Frontier Camp (Decoration)
Frontier Town (Building)
Premium
As mentioned above the fold, as per usual, there’s one new premium combo with this mini-event.
Cookie and Lazy I Ranch (Character and Building) Which will run 150 Donuts
Land Expansion
Now onto the Land Expansion. Here’s where the twist I mentioned above the fold comes into play. So I don’t mess any of this up, and because I haven’t actually seen or played it first hand, here’s the direct info from EA on the new land….
After the event prize track is completed, players will have access to a new land expansion, accessible through Springfield Heights. In order to unlock this land, players will need to unlock the available land from Springfield Heights that leads to the bridge, and complete a quest to repair the bridge across the canyon. Once repaired, the player has access to the new land area and the first land tile on the other side of the bridge is unlocked by default.
On the other side of the bridge is a “Prospector’s Shack” already placed in the land. This building serves as the hub from which the player can send characters on prospecting jobs that unlock new land tiles in this new area. Tapping on this building shows the list of characters who can do these prospecting jobs, and the player can start the jobs from there. These jobs require Prospector Maps which are generated automatically over time by this building, and award Land Deeds to unlock the new land tiles.
As part of the event storyline, rumor has it that there are donuts in them thar hills, and everyone is headed to the northeast for the donut rush.
Every new land tile unlocked in the northeast will have a special donut vein decoration randomly placed in it, like a vein of ore, except full of donuts. When the player taps on the donut vein, they mine it and receive a small random amount of donuts, and then the vein becomes normal rocks.
To speed up the rate of acquiring the needed Prospector Maps, the player can acquire the Jackpot Realty building which generates Prospector Maps with its normal income job. Jackpot Realty is the final prize on the Black Friday prize track.
Land tiles in the new land expansion cannot be unlocked with the Free Land Tokens already existing in the game, and can only be unlocked using Land Deeds from the Prospector’s Shack.
So, from what it sounds like…those who do NOT have more land tiles (or the Golden Goose) can unlock this new land simply by earning prospector maps and “mining” the new land.
Also, and I’ll cover this in a second, there will be an item you can purchase for cash via the Black Friday Prize Track that will help you earn the land even faster. Just depends on how quickly you need/want the new land.
Aside from that…I have no idea how this will actually play out because it hasn’t hit yet. I can’t talk about how it’ll work until I’ve had a chance to play it.
Item Limit Increase
As mentioned above, yes the Item Limits will be increased by 1,000 items with this event. Pushing us to 15,000 as of now.
Black Friday
Just like last year, there will be a Black Friday prize track that you can access if you purchase donuts from the store (with real life cash). Whine, complain, groan, I get it. But…this has been in play for a while now, especially with the development of donut farming. Remember, EA still has to make money to keep this game going. They don’t make money if you donut farm. This is how they make money.
A total of 900 donuts will need to be purchase to complete the prize track. (The Store Full of Donuts for $49.99 USD) You can purchase less donuts to unlock some of the prizes, but if you want all 8 items on the prize track you’ll need to purchase the 900 donuts.
Here’s the breakdown of the Black Friday Prize Track Items (8 total prizes):
-5 Gold Tokens
Big & Tall Men’s Shop (Building)
-7 Gold Tokens
Ian & Ian’s Car (Character and Decoration)
-10 Gold Tokens
Steamed Hams (Building)
-15 Gold Tokens
Jackpot Realty (Building, which will help you unlock new land tiles FASTER. NOT required to unlock new land tiles)
Gold Mystery Box
Here’s what will be instead of the Gold Mystery Box…
Last year’s Items PLUS new additions from this year… Sorry I don’t have a post to link to from Last Year’s Gold Box…
- Movementarian Compound & The Leader (Building & Character)
- Baby Jesus’ House & Baby Jesus (Building & Character)
- Herod’s Citadel & King Herod (Building & Character)
- Jewish Walk of Fame & Yahweh (Building & Character)
- Captain Mordecai’s Boat & Captain Mordecai (Building & Character)
- Knockers & Titania (Building & Character)
- Greaser’s Café & Wolfguy Jack (Building & Character)
- Sparkle Factory & Future Lovebot (Building & Character)
- Thai Food Factory & Brenda (Building & Character)
- Springfield Barbecue Festival & Tyler Boom (Building & Character)
- Tower of Science & Advisor Frink (Building & Character)
- Gautama Palace & King Gautama (Building & Character)
- Ancient Multiplayer Game & Prince Gautama (Building & Character)
- Jogyesa Temple & The Dalai Lama (Building & Character)
- Tipsy McStagger’s & Harv Bannister (Building & Character)
- Gimbel’s Department Store & Noir Lisa (Building & Character)
- Fantasy Mountain Castle & Evil Godmother Burns (Building & Character)
- Anime District & Anime Homer (Building & Character)
- Alien Utopia & Transdimensional Aliens (Building & Character)
- Cookie Castle & Princess Jules (Building & Character)
- Screaming Monkey Medical Research Center, Mrs. Frink & Octoparrot (Building, Character, & Pet)
- Robot Rumble Arena & Robot Rumble Announcers (Building & Character)
- Heaven & Andre (Decoration & Character)
- Golden Goose Realty (Building)
So if you’re looking for the Golden Goose Realty Building, here’s your chance to get it!
And that’s it guys, all of the spoiler details for the upcoming Northward Bound mini-event!
Look for this event to hit our games on November 17th at 9am ET (1400 UTC)….
Oh and on another note, I mention this on Addicts Live that will air on Saturday but it’s worth repeating here. Starting next week, I’m taking a couple of weeks off, rare for me I know. I’ll be back after Thanksgiving, and in time for any potential Christmas spoilers etc. I’ll try my best to support Safi on a lot of this stuff, but don’t expect the usual rundowns on everything with this mini-event. As much as we can get posted will get posted, but if some stuff you’re used to gets left off I apologize in advance. After 8+ years, I think I’ve worked enough on this site to afford to take a couple of weeks off. I’ll be back at it, full steam ahead, for Christmas!
Thoughts on the Northward Bound mini-event? Content? What are you most excited to see? Sound off below, you know we love hearing from you!
Please I’m also having the same problem. In the part 5 of the questline, I had collected 130/195 Syringes. It was working fine yesterday but this morning,I tried collecting it but all I got was cash and XP. Can anybody help me ?? If not please give me the link to the EA customer service
https://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/new/?product=the-simpsons-tapped-out
This link is also accessible on the menu of this site under Help Me, There’s an option that says contact EA directly
I reported the issue yesterday to EA & haven’t gotten any response at this point. There is an EA Help Board with several other members having the same issue and they’ve been reporting the situation to EA. Unsure of any fixes at this point or if anyone at EA is working on the issue.
Speaking of land tiles, I don’t remember if the number of land tiles I have left from the Goose Reality building correspond with the actual number of tiles I have left available.
My balance says just over a hundred tiles, but I don’t think I have that many actually left, atm.
Hi C.L.C; how were you able to find out the number of land tiles you have left? Many thanks.
Well, I’m locked out of the game again, I keep trying verification codes but to no avail. I’ve been locked out since the beginning of the last act here and have only gotten the first prize on the track. I hope this is fixed soon, but not having a good feeling!!!
Contact EA, best option seeker
I had problems with the verification codes, at first. I got a message that the code I entered was incorrect, yet I knew it was right. I pressed the verify button a second time, and it took! I got into my game. I had to do it this way for future sign ins also.
Had the same problem. Waiting won’t help for sure. I had to call EA-Support. After the 5th call I finally was lucky and reached one very nice employee there. She took an hour and a half and was actually able to help me in the end. The solution looked like this: I had to create a new EA account with a new email address. Then I had to start a new game with it. Then an EA technician transferred the game status of the (defective) old game from a backup from the period before the error to the newly created EA account. To be on the safe side, I reinstalled the game on an old phone and started it there with the access data of the new account. Finally the verification code was delivered again and I was able to start it again on my normal phone. Funny side effect: My 5000 donuts were gone, only 187 (?) Were left. And all of my neighbors have disappeared. But, hey, that’s a small price to pay. Thanks again to the one EA employee!
Had the same problem. Waiting won’t help you for sure. I had to call EA-Support. After the 5th call I finally was lucky and reached one very nice employee there. She took an hour and a half and was actually able to help me in the end. The solution looked like this: I had to create a new EA account with a new email address. Then I had to start a new game with it. Then an EA technician transferred the game status of the (defective) old game from a backup from the period before the error to the newly created EA account. To be on the safe side, I reinstalled the game on an old phone and started it there with the access data of the new account. Finally the verification code was delivered again and I was able to start it again on my normal phone. Funny side effect: My 5000 donuts were gone, only 187 (?) Were left. And all of my neighbors have disappeared. But, hey, that’s a small price to pay. Thanks again to the one EA employee!
I’m in last quest should of finished and got last item. My last quest never counted. Is anyone else having this problem?
Yes, only need 5 more syringes,but I have tried 3 times
Yes, I am also getting this problem too. It gives me cash instead.
Love the old west theme. Just when I think “maybe I’m done with this” they pull me back in.
this is HUUUUUUUGGGGGGEEEEEEEEE!!!!
New land! New expansion in Springfield Heights and it’s a themed expansion!!!! and crafting is back!!!! !!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!
Enjoy your well-earned time away with the family!
OMG! OMG! OMG!. NEW LAND!!!!. I’m shouting for joy right now. So excited. Might have to rearrange a part of town to accommodate the bridge, but I can deal with that. I’ll make it work somehow. New items will also fit nicely in my Old West part of town from many events ago.
This event sounds great. I’m extremely happy about land expansion. New prizes look good. I may actually spend some real cash again ….
Cant finish “better fighting through science pt 5”, I started it before the event finished and got a pop-up msg saying I would be able to finish any prize that I started. Now the syringe count is stuck at zero and ive sent characters multiple times to do the jobs, just stays stuck at zero, and the job is stuck in my task manager. Also the building from the season 33 pt2 says “reward earned” but I never got it.
Once the event timer runs out, you unfortunately cannot complete the pending prize. Only prizes unlocked before the event ends are awarded. However, if you have unlocked prizes, you can do their questlines post-event.
I’m having a similar problem with Pt. 5. I was at 110 syringes. I have sent characters to collect syringes multiple times, but I’m still at 110 after I tap on them. It’s odd that they would still have the syringe in the task book, and have character available to “Find Syringes on the Beach” but not let you complete the task.
I’m in the same boat, I was on Part 4 to earn the Marge costume, it had a pop up saying I could finish the quest to earn her, but I’m stuck at 139 syringes and can’t get any more, the characters do the quest but only earn money. And the mission for it won’t disappear
Not being prompted to do any update and checked google play store and no update is available for me. not sure what to do at this point. Also the last prize from the dino event wont clear, syringe count is stuck at zero and wont go away.
I’m possibly missing something really obvious, but it was mentioned there are 8 prizes in all on the black Friday prize track, but then there are 5 shown prizes?
Assume others are either tokens for the gold box thing or as yet undisclosed?
They’re listed, just no images (as I can only assume what they’ll look like) . The tokens.
I’ve missed characters like the dependables, Roy, sporty Bart and superheroes. Hoped they would bring these back.
I’ll glady drop some dolla to get all land unlocked (getting golden goose realty).
And that’s a lot of premium characters that I don’t have. Quite possibly all of them are new to me.
The land expansion explains why Apple devices with 1Gb of ram can no longer play the game.
Yup, there’s usually a reason that follows shortly after the issues.
Hi. Um. I got to the last item in the event and it saud i could continue to get it after the event ended. I can send people on the task but i get no syringes from it. Any suggestions?
No suggestions, EA may have changed some coding in the program. Which is why I say, don’t plan on “borrowed time”. You can try reaching out to EA’s customer service and see if they can clear the task out for you and award the prize.
It seems, though, that the unfinished tracks will never be able to finished/cleared out from the task list, as it only will award $ and not the event currency.
Not sure I can justify 50 beer tokens on the Black Friday list, for reasons I’ll explain*, but I will buy something at least, and the rest looks more than a bit interesting!
*On Friday SWMBO and I will be off to our first real in-person Science Fiction Convention since this bleeping virus landed, so that’s 3 nights in a hotel in Buxton, and then a few days later, we’ve got 3 nights booked in a nice hotel near the Welsh border…
I’ll have to be a bit sensible,after that, or the Bank manager will be after me with an axe 🙂
Have a fun filled time at the Sci Fi Convention …. and yeah it’s surreal getting out their in the real world after being quarantined at home (don’t let it stop everyone with having safe fun!) 👍🏻
Thank you for the update Alissa (hey we’ve had the Entrance to Canada Border in Game App for quite a while , so technically we have always been able to visit Safi!)
Mini Event
Land Expansion
Item Limits Increased
these 3 alone are a 👍🏻
I will reserve judgment on the Splash Screen when it’s available (as a Tapper that has a 6.7 screen size device? I should have looked at THOH 2021’s as a bad omen from the lack of Halloween on it to the fact the Splash Screen was only 6.3 on my 6.7! I’m proven right every time when there’s a snafu on the Splash Screen? the Event is guaranteed to suck!)
Prizes look decent – if you were Tapping during our original Event that offered up what I call Frontierland Content many years ago? it’s I’m using to have this show up – leading to a Land Expansion!) Sure there’s a Frontier Camp Decor that I hope comes with a permanent Character Task, an a Frontier Town group of Buildings just the way I like it so that you can place a Road down the centre – YES!) 😊
There’s no point in assuming anything with regards to Black Friday – Mystery Boxes – Tokens – 🍩’s – Real 💵 Required …. EA is very quick to offer up information (that’s a 1st!) when a major Multi-Act Event is barely ending … just load the Update when it is available and start Tapping! 👍🏻
I can patiently wait for a Saturday Smiles , but if you go watch the latest one …. you’ll discover this one particular Decor from the TSTO Game App that Alissa still hates (hey I agree, it is Dumb!) 😉 … make room in your tummy for 🦃 Day and don’t forget to Thank a Vet tomorrow (even if you are not in 🇺🇸 , you are invited!)
Definitely enjoy your time away & thanks.
(Sorry – I dropped my prior comment in the wrong place.)
Very Tall Man! Yay! He’s an iconic one-off character (based on a writer for the show). I’ll gladly pay real money for him. I’m excited about the new land up north as well. This will be a great update.
The “Good” = LAND! FINALLY(for those that wanted it) and new content/prizes.
The “Bad” = Keeping w/current trend… EA having fulfilling mini-events and disappointing/meh multi-act events(used to be other way around.)
The “Ugly” = Offering up classic characters/items available ONLY behind a paywall. Because they know we got plenty of donuts!
Thank you again to Alissa for this information. Sorry for replying early w/the “Good, Bad, & Ugly”. I just felt compelled. If you know how to unlock land via Springfield Heights then this new land expansion must be similarly designed to achieve… a tip for our newer Tappers.
I am looking forward to this event! But don’t anyone be surprised if the Christmas/Holiday event is underwhelming. But at least you’ll get the snow? Right? To be continued…
Sounding good and excited for more land, enjoy your break, well deserved, roll on the 17th 😁😎🏴
I skipped over most of the spoilers in this post (thank you so much for putting key info up front, before the spoilers!), but I did take a quick look at the land expansion part, because I had my fingers and toes crossed that it would finally be in Springfield Heights and it was!!!
Really looking forward to this new event….a week is going to feel like forever waiting for it to arrive. Oh, and I really like the 9am start time, since I usually play this game between 9:30-10:00, before I start work at 10. So, this earlier start time will be good for bit distracting me from doing my real job, lol!
And the item limit increase was good timing, given the number of items I added to my town doing the design for the Geriatric Park event and the related side threads (like the mall, etc.).
Sounds like a fun event! I’m glad those that have been asking for the GG, more land, and item limit increase will finally get it. Enjoy your time off Alissa
I logged I to my game.thos morning and remembered something important…
I really hope the bridge is movable…otherwise I have to modify my SH since it’s a giant rich folks gated community…
Same here. So the rich folks will have to move I guess.
Ian! I hope one of his tasks is to drive around in his car.
Nice splash screen. “Aurora Borealis? At this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within your kitchen?”
Holy cow…an event I care about…an event I care about….LAAAND…ITEM INCREASE! Hallelujah!
Well I didn’t expect a canyon…can the bridge be moved?
🤷♀️ At this point you now know what we know. Haven’t held anything back.
Finally a bridge that allows Safi into Springfield
😂😂
LOL. I spent nearly half my time south of the border. I’m in Los Angeles as we speak.
But he somehow never finds his way to my house for dinner…I see how it is 😉
“Northeast”? If I’m picturing the new land accurately in relation to Springfield Heights, this negates the in-game canon that SH = West Springfield. (Yes, I realize there is a TSTO Addicts “SH is North” contingency in here, but… WEST WAS IN-GAME CANON.)
[Fully realizing it’s a silly thing to care about, but it’s hurting my brain…]
Springfield is in Oregon, oregon is in the west, ocean is at the bottom making that west in game canon, so SH is NW, making the Frontier area NE.
I’m just happy that this frontier area gives space.for the gorge, etc and old west stuff that’s been in inventory forever! 😊
Very Tall Man! Yay! He’s an iconic one-off character (based on a writer for the show). I’ll gladly pay real money for him. I’m excited about the new land up north as well. This will be a great update.
The problem with that theory about Springfield, Oregon is that it does not border the ocean. Also, Cookie Kwan referred to Springfield Heights as “West Springfield” in the original SH event. (I can’t be the ONLY one who recalls this, can I? I hate feeling crazy.)
BUT. Like you, I am glad the game is opening up more land.