Northern Marathon
Bundle up, Mayor—our winter story expedition is rolling out across a snow-kissed island! Northern Marathon brings heartfelt moments, brisk challenges, and gorgeous rewards to brighten your city all winter long.
What are Story Expeditions?
Story expeditions are limited-time events with their own narrative, goals, and rewards. You travel through themed locations, complete story tasks, clear obstacles with energy, and uncover secrets along the way. Finish story parts and the List of Goals to earn unique buildings and prizes.
Check out our comprehensive guide on story expeditions here.
The story this time
Max set off to an island in the middle of the ocean to race in a ski marathon—right as a snowstorm hit and his phone went silent. Amelia rushes to find him, clearing the Award Ceremony Site, and hearing how Max became a quiet hero by helping a lost boy named Timmy. After the storm, the team pitches in to rebuild the Seal Help Center, and restore a Northern Botanical Garden where flowers bloom even in winter. Along the way, Max learns to finish what he starts by breaking big tasks into small, do-able steps (and yes, lists help!).
Event activities (in addition to the main storyline)
- Item exchange machine (Jan 7–9): In the Professor’s lab, a special device will convert your resources into expedition goodies: golden tools, bombs, expedition energy, nuts and berries for crafting energy cans, and more. Use it while it’s active—only from January 7 to 9.
- Philatelists’ Competition: One-on-one duels return. Each duel lasts 1 hour with 30 seconds between duels. Spend expedition energy efficiently to outpace your opponent. (This feature is part of our standard story-expedition activity set.)
- Gift Hunt: Gift-collection chains are a classic expedition side loop. Keep your eyes on the snow! Collect gift boxes as you explore to stock up on useful resources and push further, faster.
Stage 4 of the “Bright January” Activity
Stage dates: January 9 to 13.
This event participates in the community activity. On January 9, check our official Facebook page for Stage 4 details.
More details on the activity here.
Rewards
Award Ceremony Site (for completing Story 1): 3,000 coins, 1-2 glass baubles every 20 hours
Seal Help Center (for completing Story 2): 3,500 coins, 2-3 glass baubles every 24 hours
Northern Botanical Garden (for completing Story 3): 4,500 coins, 3-4 glass baubles every 24 hours
Upgraded Botanical Garden (for finishing all tasks in the List of Goals): 12,000 coins, 150 piastres, 1-2 useful items, 6-12 glass baubles every 24 hours
Scandinavian House (Club Leaderboard high placement): 4,000 coins, 2-4 glass baubles every 24 hours
Tips for smooth progress
- Pace your energy. Expedition energy regenerates over time (with a cap), so try to log in several times a day to keep it flowing.
- Use bombs on clusters. Bombs shine where obstacles are tightly packed—save them for thick snowfields, not single tiles.
- Leverage golden tools wisely. Golden tools can unlock special energy zones or chests that refund energy—great for momentum spikes around key story gates.
- Don’t miss the exchange window (Jan 7–9). Convert spare resources into expedition energy, bombs, golden tools, and ingredients (nuts & berries) early; it smooths the mid-game.
- Plan your duels. For Philatelists’ Competitions, enter with a full energy bar (and a couple of energy cans) so you can maintain pace through the 1-hour duel; the 30-second downtime between duels is perfect for quick route checks.
- Collect gifts along your route. When paths fork, favor lines of sight with visible gift boxes to chain extra resources as you clear.
Snow, speed, and second chances—Northern Marathon is a heart-warming run through winter’s sparkle. Good luck out there, Mayor!
