Extra fast
With Atlantis Rising, and Advanced House, Extra fast recruit training ( RT19 ) is less useful than it was. link 1. link 2. ( I was waiting for Stronghold 24 to be released for a post, but maybe a short post for Stronghold 22 )
Play style
For new Players I recommend
F2P, C2P, VIP only ( cannot level heroes you do not have)
3x TC 20, 1x TC 11
Pay 2 Play
1x TC 20, 3x TC 11
Big Spender ( Classic 4* / 5* heroes cannot compare with limited time heroes, especially HotM, even with costumes)
4x TC 11
Family 2 Play or Kid 2 Play or Safe 2 Play ( no 4* / 5* heroes for kids to accidentally delete )
3x TC 12, 1x TC 11
Guaranteed rare
I stopped recommending Elite recruit training ( RT13 ) with 3* tourneys ( uses 3* heroes), Epic hero tokens / Atlantis coins / Challenge coins ( chance for 4* heroes).
The 5% chance for a 4* hero is terrible since 1x Legendary training ( RT20 ) is not that long after 1x Guaranteed Rare ( RT12 ) training.