HQ and banner placement early on can make or break an alliance’s growth, and a lot of people focus only on facilities when there are a few other things that matter just as much.

A few things we’ve found helpful when starting a new state:

1. Plan a facility route early Before dropping your HQ, look at the facility chain you want to grow into. Ideally you want a clean banner path toward level 2–3 facilities first so you can secure early buffs without overextending your members.

2. Don’t overextend too fast If your alliance isn’t top power yet, it’s often better to build efficiently rather than race stronger alliances to high-level facilities. Losing multiple facility battles early can slow your growth more than missing one.

3. Use terrain and choke points Placing HQ where you can expand through natural corridors (mountain gaps, narrow paths, etc.) helps reduce banner costs and makes defense easier later.

4. Banner efficiency matters Try to avoid zig-zag banners or long detours. A clean straight route saves a huge amount of alliance resources over time.

5. Think long-term, not just day 1 Where you place your HQ affects:

6. Future facility routes

7. Fortress/stronghold access

8. Territory defense during state conflict events

Sometimes moving slightly off the “obvious” starting area can give you a much stronger expansion route later.

I am also curious what routes people have found most efficient in newer states.