It is not necessary to complete every level to reach the final level, as the level paths branch out. On the level selection screen, the levels are arranged in a path towards the final level.
![gemcraft chapter 0 best skills gemcraft chapter 0 best skills](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gemcraft/images/3/34/F2.png)
There are 78 levels, including the secret levels.
![gemcraft chapter 0 best skills gemcraft chapter 0 best skills](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gemcraft/images/1/11/Level_18_Map.jpg)
Combining gems of all 8 colors creates a Prismatic gem. Dual gems does more damage than Pure gems, but their special abilities are reduced. Gems of different colors can be combined. Yellow gems - Chance of doing triple damage.Dropping a gem bomb on a beacon damages it and if a beacon takes enough damage, it is removed. A beacon gives heals or temporary buffs to any monsters in its proximity. There may also be beacons on some levels. Spending a gem on a shrine causes more damage than spending it on a gem bomb. By sacrificing a gem, you may activate a shrine and get the effect for that particular shrine type. Some levels have shrines of various types on them which can be activated. Gems can be dropped on monsters as gem bombs, consuming the gem. If a gem is placed in a trap instead of a tower, it does very little damage but the special ability is much stronger.
![gemcraft chapter 0 best skills gemcraft chapter 0 best skills](https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gemcraft/images/4/40/V11.png)
Placing a gem in a tower or a trap enables it to shoot at monsters. Higher grade gems have better damage, range and special abilities. You can create gems of grade 1-6 or combine gems to create higher grade gems. In other words, Mana also acts as your Lives in the game. If a monster reaches your Wizard Tower, you lose Mana and if you lose more Mana than you have, then game ends. The primary resource in the game is Mana and you gain Mana from killing monsters. Gemcraft Zero is a Tower Defense game where your towers are powered by differently colored gems.