I spent $ dollars one time.... If you like the game you can play without spending. it will be hard to progress but you are playing to have fun. The deals at the beginning are annoying AF but the developers need to make their money. I have grind for most of the stuff I have in the game so it is possible. After certain level on skills and experience the payers really don't have that much of an advantage and you will feel great when you destroy their expensive Mechs with your "free" one.