you are *really* playing on level 1 only until you reach the well in the Lands of Giants. Once you reach it, you can get trucks of skill points from it. Since then, "level 1" is a rather deceiving sign.Therefore, a "level 1" game is, in fact, a game at level 1 to the well. There you will get enough skill ponts for getting up your Body Building (problems with HP are gone), Meditation (problems with mana points are gone), Light Magic (Day of the Gods, Day of Protection, and Hour of Power), Body Magic, Spirit Magic, Bow, Spear, and Dagger. Now, you are ready for the Maze and similar dungeons.
If you are playing a speedgame then you also have to optimize. Looting the dragon on EI costs you time. Improving your stats in the Walls of Mists costs you time. Drinking from the well costs you time. You must not be too greedy 
