Quick Tip: Grab your Magnets. Wing Fighter

Your magnet is your best friend. This more powerful your magnet, the faster and easier it is to collect your stars and materials during the missions. A lot of times, you get hit by trying to collect your materials when, in fact, if you have a more powerful magnet, you will not have to move as much. There are also tons of materials to the left, right below and above you cannot see. The magnets will ensure you are maximizing your collection. When using Chris, you can increase your star output at the end. I recommend using Chris in most cases because of his star collection abilities.

[cirern]

For me its situational. I use magnet usually 2 mission levels behind just to grind. Then go back to the last mission level without getting the magnet for a lucky survivability. F2p user here.

[BlackVoid]

I think a 2 star magnet is enough to pick up your loot without missing anything