diff --git a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.java b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.java
index dd21ade..97aa7b3 100644
--- a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.java
+++ b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.java
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import lombok.Getter;
 import net.runelite.api.NPC;
 import net.runelite.api.TileObject;
 import net.runelite.api.coords.WorldPoint;
+import net.runelite.api.widgets.Widget;
 
 import java.awt.*;
 import java.util.Optional;
@@ -16,27 +17,33 @@ public class EasyGOTRHighlightTarget {
     private final TileObject tileObject;
     private final NPC npc;
     private final WorldPoint worldPoint;
+    private final Widget widget;
     private final Color color;
     private final String label;
 
-    private EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(TileObject tileObject, NPC npc, WorldPoint worldPoint, Color color, String label) {
+    private EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(TileObject tileObject, NPC npc, WorldPoint worldPoint, Widget widget, Color color, String label) {
         this.tileObject = tileObject;
         this.npc = npc;
         this.worldPoint = worldPoint;
+        this.widget = widget;
         this.color = color;
         this.label = label;
     }
 
     public static EasyGOTRHighlightTarget forTileObject(TileObject tileObject, Color color, String label) {
-        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(tileObject, null, null, color, label);
+        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(tileObject, null, null, null, color, label);
     }
 
     public static EasyGOTRHighlightTarget forNpc(NPC npc, Color color, String label) {
-        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(null, npc, null, color, label);
+        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(null, npc, null, null, color, label);
     }
 
     public static EasyGOTRHighlightTarget forWorldPoint(WorldPoint worldPoint, Color color, String label) {
-        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(null, null, worldPoint, color, label);
+        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(null, null, worldPoint, null, color, label);
+    }
+
+    public static EasyGOTRHighlightTarget forWidget(Widget widget, Color color, String label) {
+        return new EasyGOTRHighlightTarget(null, null, null, widget, color, label);
     }
 
     public Optional<TileObject> getTileObjectOptional() {
@@ -51,6 +58,10 @@ public class EasyGOTRHighlightTarget {
         return Optional.ofNullable(worldPoint);
     }
 
+    public Optional<Widget> getWidgetOptional() {
+        return Optional.ofNullable(widget);
+    }
+
     public Color getColorOrDefault(Color defaultColor) {
         return color != null ? color : defaultColor;
     }
diff --git a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRPlugin.java b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRPlugin.java
index 46e9e21..0c322d4 100644
--- a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRPlugin.java
+++ b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRPlugin.java
@@ -50,6 +50,8 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
     @Inject
     private EasyGOTRSceneOverlay sceneOverlay;
     @Inject
+    private EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay widgetOverlay;
+    @Inject
     private KeyManager keyManager;
     @Inject
     private OverlayManager overlayManager;
@@ -127,6 +129,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         keyManager.registerKeyListener(toggle);
         overlayManager.add(overlay);
         overlayManager.add(sceneOverlay);
+        overlayManager.add(widgetOverlay);
         timeout = 0;
         timer = Instant.now();
         pouchManager.register();
@@ -134,6 +137,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         currentHint = null;
         overlay.setHint(null);
         sceneOverlay.setHint(null);
+        widgetOverlay.setHint(null);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -141,6 +145,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         keyManager.unregisterKeyListener(toggle);
         overlayManager.remove(overlay);
         overlayManager.remove(sceneOverlay);
+        overlayManager.remove(widgetOverlay);
         pouchManager.deregister();
         riftState.deregister();
         timeout = 0;
@@ -149,6 +154,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         currentHint = null;
         overlay.setHint(null);
         sceneOverlay.setHint(null);
+        widgetOverlay.setHint(null);
     }
 
     @Subscribe
@@ -187,6 +193,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         currentHint = buildHint(state);
         overlay.setHint(currentHint);
         sceneOverlay.setHint(currentHint);
+        widgetOverlay.setHint(currentHint);
 
         if (BaseApiPlugin.isMoving()) {
             //Attempt to put runes in pouch where possible
@@ -217,10 +224,10 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
     }
 
     private EasyGOTRState getState() {
-        if (config.startingFrags() > 0) {
-            needsMoreStartingFragments = getFragmentCount() > config.startingFrags();
-        } else if (config.startingFrags() == 0) {
-            needsMoreStartingFragments = true;
+        if (config.startingFrags() <= 0) {
+            needsMoreStartingFragments = false;
+        } else {
+            needsMoreStartingFragments = getFragmentCount() < config.startingFrags();
         }
 
         if (!riftState.isGameStarted() && !riftState.isInAltar()) {
@@ -280,8 +287,10 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
             return EasyGOTRState.LEAVE_ALTAR;
         }
 
+        boolean hasEssenceReady = hasEssenceToImbue();
+
         //If we're here, were in the game area
-        if (riftState.isPortalSpawned() && (pouchManager.hasEmptyPouches() || Inventory.getEmptySlots() > 15)) {
+        if (riftState.isPortalSpawned() && !hasEssenceReady && (pouchManager.hasEmptyPouches() || Inventory.getEmptySlots() > 15)) {
             return EasyGOTRState.ENTER_PORTAL;
         }
 
@@ -645,9 +654,7 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         pouchManager.setStarted(started);
         if (started) {
             timer = Instant.now();
-            if (config.usePouches()) {
-                clientThread.invokeLater(() -> pouchManager.refreshPouches());
-            }
+            clientThread.invokeLater(pouchManager::refreshPouches);
 
             //breakHandler.startPlugin(this);
         } else {
@@ -811,13 +818,20 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
                 builder.nextAction("Deposit runes or power the guardian.");
                 findPortal().ifPresent(portal ->
                         builder.highlight(EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.forTileObject(portal, Color.MAGENTA, "Use portal")));
+                if (!pouchManager.hasFullPouch() && Inventory.getItemAmount(ItemID.GUARDIAN_ESSENCE) == 0) {
+                    builder.note("Pouches and inventory are empty—leave now to stay on the max-points cycle.");
+                }
                 break;
             case ENTER_ALTAR:
                 builder.currentAction("Enter the highlighted guardian portal.");
                 builder.nextAction("Craft runes inside the altar.");
                 Optional<TileObject> nextAltar = Optional.ofNullable(riftState.getNextAltar());
-                nextAltar.ifPresent(altar ->
-                        builder.highlight(EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.forTileObject(altar, Color.GREEN, "Enter altar")));
+                nextAltar.ifPresent(altar -> {
+                        builder.highlight(EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.forTileObject(altar, Color.GREEN, "Enter altar"));
+                        if (isElementalGuardian(altar)) {
+                            builder.note("Cast Magic Imbue as you step in so every trip produces combination runes.");
+                        }
+                });
                 if (nextAltar.isEmpty()) {
                     builder.note("Wait for a guardian to become active.");
                 }
@@ -829,6 +843,8 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
                 break;
         }
 
+        addGuideNotes(builder, state);
+
         if (getInventoryRunes().isPresent() && config.dropRunes()) {
             builder.note("Drop leftover runes to free space (per config).");
         }
@@ -852,6 +868,8 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
             }
         });
 
+        maybeHighlightBindingNecklace(builder);
+
         EasyGOTRActionHint hint = builder.build();
         if (hint.getCurrentAction() == null || hint.getCurrentAction().isEmpty()) {
             return hint.toBuilder().currentAction("Track the highlighted targets.").build();
@@ -860,6 +878,61 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         return hint;
     }
 
+    private void addGuideNotes(EasyGOTRActionHint.EasyGOTRActionHintBuilder builder, EasyGOTRState state) {
+        switch (state) {
+            case WAITING_FOR_GAME:
+                builder.note("Max points prep: run north to the east mine as soon as the lobby opens and skip the cell table until portals spawn (per Jwell guide).");
+                builder.note("Refresh binding necklace / NPC Contact between rounds and spam Quick-pass at 30 seconds.");
+                break;
+            case MOVE_TO_EAST_MINE:
+                builder.note("Use the starting phase to stand on the east rubble so you can instantly begin mining when the timer hits 0.");
+                builder.note("Dragon/infernal pick special can be queued around 2 seconds before the game starts.");
+                break;
+            case MINE_LARGE_GUARDIANS:
+            case MINE_REGULAR_GUARDIANS:
+            case MINING:
+                builder.note("Stay on the highlighted rocks until the portal timer hits ~1:40, then rotate to the centre to catch the huge guardian portal.");
+                getPortalTimerText().ifPresent(timer -> builder.note("Portal timer: " + timer + " (leave near 1:40 for max points)."));
+                break;
+            case ENTER_PORTAL:
+                builder.note("Use the portal immediately to access the huge guardian remains and fill every pouch before leaving.");
+                break;
+            case MINE_HUGE_GUARDIANS:
+                builder.note("Mine until both inventory and pouches are full, then exit to begin the combination rune cycle.");
+                break;
+            case CRAFT_RUNES:
+                builder.note("Cast Magic Imbue on entry, craft combination runes (fire + water) and convert them into polyelemental stones for +3 elemental energy.");
+                break;
+            case DEPOSIT_RUNES:
+                builder.note("Use the deposit pool (the guide binds key 4) and avoid the 'Deposit runes' button so your fire/water rune stack stays intact.");
+                break;
+            case CRAFT_ESSENCE:
+            case CRAFTING_ESSENCE:
+                builder.note("Immediately work the bench after every altar trip so fragments become essence before the next portal.");
+                break;
+            case POWER_GUARDIAN:
+                builder.note("Dump stones on the Great Guardian right away for energy + run energy refills before heading back to portals.");
+                break;
+            case ENTER_ALTAR:
+                builder.note("Prioritise elemental guardians first so you can keep crafting combination runes every trip.");
+                break;
+            case LEAVE_ALTAR:
+                builder.note("Exit quickly and deposit runes within ~5 seconds of the guardian reaching 100% to secure the third catalytic point.");
+                break;
+            case USE_CELL:
+                builder.note("Place charged cells in ascending order (weak → overcharged) to keep barriers stacked, matching the wiki strategy.");
+                break;
+            case ENTER_GAME:
+                builder.note("Spam Quick-pass as soon as the barrier reopens; standing north keeps travel time minimal.");
+                break;
+            case BREAK:
+                builder.note("Wait for the reward XP drop before leaving the arena so points are saved, just like the guide stresses.");
+                break;
+            default:
+                break;
+        }
+    }
+
     private Optional<EasyGOTRHighlightTarget> determineCellPlacement() {
         if (!config.collectUnchargedCells()) {
             return Optional.empty();
@@ -1106,6 +1179,10 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         return Inventory.search().idInList(PoweredCellList).first().isPresent();
     }
 
+    private boolean hasEssenceToImbue() {
+        return Inventory.getItemAmount(ItemID.GUARDIAN_ESSENCE) > 0 || pouchManager.getEssenceInPouches() > 0;
+    }
+
     private void enterPortal() {
         if (BaseApiPlugin.isMoving()) {
             return;
@@ -1349,4 +1426,34 @@ public class EasyGOTRPlugin extends Plugin {
         Optional<Widget> frags = Inventory.search().withId(ItemID.GUARDIAN_FRAGMENTS).first();
         return frags.map(Widget::getItemQuantity).orElse(0);
     }
+
+    private boolean isElementalGuardian(TileObject altar) {
+        if (altar == null) {
+            return false;
+        }
+        switch (altar.getId()) {
+            case GOTRState.AIR_ALTAR:
+            case GOTRState.WATER_ALTAR:
+            case GOTRState.EARTH_ALTAR:
+            case GOTRState.FIRE_ALTAR:
+                return true;
+            default:
+                return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void maybeHighlightBindingNecklace(EasyGOTRActionHint.EasyGOTRActionHintBuilder builder) {
+        if (hasBindingNecklaceEquipped()) {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        Inventory.search().withId(ItemID.BINDING_NECKLACE).first().ifPresent(widget -> {
+            builder.highlight(EasyGOTRHighlightTarget.forWidget(widget, Color.MAGENTA, "Equip binding necklace"));
+            builder.note("Binding necklace broke—equip a fresh one before crafting combos.");
+        });
+    }
+
+    private boolean hasBindingNecklaceEquipped() {
+        return Equipment.search().withId(ItemID.BINDING_NECKLACE).first().isPresent();
+    }
 }
diff --git a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay.java b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..546b9ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay.java
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+package ee.futur.easygotr;
+
+import lombok.Setter;
+import net.runelite.api.widgets.Widget;
+import net.runelite.client.ui.overlay.Overlay;
+import net.runelite.client.ui.overlay.OverlayLayer;
+import net.runelite.client.ui.overlay.OverlayPosition;
+
+import javax.inject.Inject;
+import java.awt.*;
+
+/**
+ * Overlay that highlights UI widgets (inventory items) the player should interact with.
+ */
+public class EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay extends Overlay {
+
+    @Setter
+    private EasyGOTRActionHint hint;
+
+    @Inject
+    private EasyGOTRWidgetOverlay() {
+        setPosition(OverlayPosition.DYNAMIC);
+        setLayer(OverlayLayer.ABOVE_WIDGETS);
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public Dimension render(Graphics2D graphics) {
+        EasyGOTRActionHint localHint = hint;
+        if (localHint == null) {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        for (EasyGOTRHighlightTarget target : localHint.getHighlightsSafe()) {
+            target.getWidgetOptional().ifPresent(widget -> highlightWidget(graphics, widget, target.getColorOrDefault(Color.CYAN), target.getLabel()));
+        }
+
+        return null;
+    }
+
+    private void highlightWidget(Graphics2D graphics, Widget widget, Color color, String label) {
+        Rectangle bounds = widget.getBounds();
+        if (bounds == null) {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        graphics.setColor(color);
+        graphics.setStroke(new BasicStroke(2));
+        graphics.draw(bounds);
+
+        if (label != null && !label.isEmpty()) {
+            graphics.drawString(label, (int) bounds.getX(), (int) (bounds.getY() - 4));
+        }
+    }
+}
+
diff --git a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/PouchManager.java b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/PouchManager.java
index 17de72f..7bf8c61 100644
--- a/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/PouchManager.java
+++ b/src/main/java/ee/futur/easygotr/PouchManager.java
@@ -83,16 +83,9 @@ public class PouchManager {
         log.info("Setting Pouches: {}", pouches);
     }
 
-    private Optional<Widget> getPouchWidget(int pouchId) {
-        return Inventory.search().withId(pouchId).first();
-    }
-
     private void syncPouchQuantities() {
         for (Pouch pouch : pouches) {
-            int essence = getPouchWidget(pouch.getPouchID())
-                    .map(Widget::getItemQuantity)
-                    .orElse(0);
-            pouch.setCurrentEssence(essence);
+            pouch.setCurrentEssence(getPouchAmount(pouch.getPouchID(), pouch.getEssenceTotal()));
         }
     }
 
@@ -231,4 +224,37 @@ public class PouchManager {
         syncPouchQuantities();
         return pouches.stream().mapToInt(Pouch::getCurrentEssence).sum();
     }
+
+    private int getPouchAmount(int pouchId, int capacity) {
+        int varbit = getVarbitForPouch(pouchId);
+        if (varbit == -1 || client == null) {
+            return 0;
+        }
+
+        int amount = client.getVarbitValue(varbit);
+        if (amount < 0) {
+            return 0;
+        }
+        if (amount > capacity) {
+            return capacity;
+        }
+        return amount;
+    }
+
+    private int getVarbitForPouch(int pouchId) {
+        switch (pouchId) {
+            case ItemID.SMALL_POUCH:
+                return Varbits.ESSENCE_POUCH_SMALL_AMOUNT;
+            case ItemID.MEDIUM_POUCH:
+                return Varbits.ESSENCE_POUCH_MEDIUM_AMOUNT;
+            case ItemID.LARGE_POUCH:
+                return Varbits.ESSENCE_POUCH_LARGE_AMOUNT;
+            case ItemID.GIANT_POUCH:
+                return Varbits.ESSENCE_POUCH_GIANT_AMOUNT;
+            case ItemID.COLOSSAL_POUCH:
+                return Varbits.ESSENCE_POUCH_COLOSSAL_AMOUNT;
+            default:
+                return -1;
+        }
+    }
 }