How do I read the main screen and my Stronghold as a beginner?

Your main screen is your Stronghold: the HQ where you produce resources, recruit troops and run research.

What to watch first:

• Your Stronghold Tier: you need to reach Tier 10 before a Reign ends to claim the campaign rewards.
• Your builders: they construct and upgrade buildings. You usually start with 2.
• Your production buildings: Granary (Food), Lumber Mill (Wood), Quarry (Stone), Foundry (Iron).
• The Research menu, which unlocks permanent bonuses for the season.

As a beginner, keep your builders always busy: a builder building nothing is time thrown away.