TBH: Task Bar Hero Wiki

TBH: Task Bar Hero is a free-to-play idle hack-and-slash RPG that lives in your Windows taskbar. Your three-hero party fights automatically while you work, with 500+ items, deep build crafting, and Steam Market trading.

Last updated: May 31, 2026. Mechanics may change with patches — check Steam update notes.

What makes it unique

• Minimal screen footprint — runs alongside other apps without stealing focus.
• Fully automated combat; you step in for upgrades, synthesis, and loot collection.
• Rune Tree unlocks party size, automation, and offline supplements.
• Hero-dric Cube with eight item functions unlocked over time.
• 3 Acts with 4 difficulty tiers each; items from Common through Cosmic on Steam Market.

Free vs paid content

The base game is free with Knight, Ranger, and Sorcerer. Priest class DLC is free on Steam. Optional paid DLC: Supporter Pack (pets), Hunter, Slayer, Soundtrack.

Install and launch

• Install from Steam (Windows 10/11 64-bit). Requires broadband for market features.
• Claim free Priest DLC from the store page before your first session.
• On first launch, allow the game window to dock near your taskbar.
• Enable Auto-retry in settings for uninterrupted farming.

First hour checklist

• Pick Knight (safe) or Ranger (fast clears) for hero slot 1.
• Assign skills after each level-up; reach level 3 for Runes, level 4 for Cube.
• Use Cube Alchemy to sell duplicates — fund Rune nodes before synthesis.
• If stuck, portal to an earlier stage instead of forcing the wall.

Display issues are the top support topic. Official hotkeys while the game is running:

Multi-monitor tips

• Window vanished after monitor move: Shift+F12 first, then F11.
• Different DPI between monitors inflates UI — reset scale before dragging again.
• No visuals in background: verify Steam login, update GPU drivers, email help@tesse.co.kr with a short clip.

The Rune Tree (level 3+) is the core progression system — it unlocks extra hero slots, auto-open chest, inventory, offline rewards, and skill slots. See the full Rune Tree guide for priority paths.

1. 1

   Hour 0–1

   Install, claim Priest DLC, clear Act 1 with Knight or Ranger.

2. 2

   Hour 1–3

   Unlock Runes (lv3), Cube (lv4). Alchemy for gold. Unlock second hero + Priest.

3. 3

   Hour 3–6

   Farm comfortable stage via portal if stuck. Save ~150k gold for third slot.

4. 4

   Hour 6–10

   Three-hero comp, raise synthesis level, push Act 1 Hard before Act 2.

Deploy up to three heroes. Six classes total: three free starters, free Priest DLC, and paid Hunter / Slayer. Unlocking a class does not add a slot — slots come from Runes.

Recommended beginner trio

• Knight + Priest + Ranger after three slots unlocked.
• If Ranger frontline clips with backline, swap Formation positions.
• Match gear stats to class: attack speed on Ranger, spell power on Sorcerer.

Each level grants skill points. Specialized trees outperform hybrids in Act 2+. Rune of Awakening adds an extra skill slot — high value for Priest.

• Tank: survivability passives before luxury damage.
• Unlock core actives before small stat nodes.
• Re-check skill tree after patches or restarts if stats look wrong.

500+ items drop while idle. Higher rarities mean more affixes and market value. Compare before synthesis — no equipment lock exists yet.

Cube unlocks at level 4. Default mode is Synthesis — switch to Alchemy to sell for gold. Eight functions unlock with Cube level and gold.

Active background play (game open on Steam) gives full chest and loot rates. Closing the game is not equivalent — see Offline vs AFK guide.

• Enable Auto-retry and auto-open chest runes.
• Farm last cleared comfortable stage when pushing fails.
• Long sessions support Steam Market listings — verify rarity before listing.

Each Act finale needs a Soul Stone to attempt the boss. Stones are consumed only on successful clears — failed runs cost nothing.

• Store extra stones in Stash for later Acts.
• Boss farming loops are a major mid-game loot source.

Three socket types unlock at Rare, Immortal, and Arcana gear tiers. Preview material stats — do not socket fire damage on non-fire heroes.

• Stash: crafting mats, Soul Stones, gear for later, market listings queue.
• Alt-lock before Alchemy Auto Fill.
• Sort by rarity before bulk synthesis — double-check all nine slots.

Three Acts, four tiers each. Clear Normal for an Act before higher tiers. Act 2 introduces elemental counters; Act 3 is Cube min-max territory.

Beginner (Act 1–2)

Knight + Priest + Ranger — tank, buff/heal, attack-speed DPS.

Market AFK

Same trio with drop-rate and attack speed gear; Alchemy junk, careful synthesis.

Push (Act 2+)

Sorcerer + Ranger + Knight for AoE; raise synthesis before fusing weapons.

• Steam Guard required. Check recent sales before undercutting Arcana+.
• Never trade outside Steam.

56 Steam achievements for Acts, rarities, synthesis, and class mastery. Many unlock passively during AFK — use Steam overlay to track.