- Don't go into high storm areas until you're feeling confident (the number of clouds is the danger level). In next month's update the danger level will not scale all the way and you won't have a time limit anymore, so this will get easier.
- Plan your moves and read enemy descriptions. Many of the more common sprout types can be avoided by fairly simple placement patterns (jitter, spitter, and leafhopper sprouts will never hit you if you end your turns diagonal to them for example). Check if enemies have an attack that costs a move or if the ranged skill cannot be used in melee.
- In general, try to move to whatever side has the fewest enemies. Do this every turn. Do not try to hide in a corner unless there's only a couple of turns left to go. Optimal end of turn placement is as close to the center as possible while still out of enemy range, this will give you the most options for next turn.
- Try to maximize the damage potential of your item. Push enemies into each other a lot (pushes also bypass shield sprout armor). Focus on the enemies that block your "escape position" first while hitting as many others as possible with area attacks. Try to use all of your attacks every turn, hitting as many squares as possible, but don't put yourself in danger to do so.
- Get your first item as soon as you can, even if it's not the best one. Stick to items with simple attack patterns at first. "Gem-baited lure" and "snarlblaster wand" are both high reach, efficient and easy to use starter items, that don't require complex plans.
- Get damage upgrades early, even if you have to buy them from a trainer.