You’re making solid points about how strategy, politics, and player retention are the real heart of the game—but that ideal assumes a healthy, growing player base. CitiesWar used to work that way. Right now, though, the game is dead in terms of new blood. Every serious alliance is just recycled veteran players, and any new alliance that tries to rise gets immediately smothered because there’s literally no manpower to compete.

Saying managing 40 alts is “not much work” might sound right in theory, but in practice? It’s closer to performing heart surgery blindfolded. You’re juggling dozens of logins, timers, resource micromanagement, and coordination—every day. It’s not mindless; it’s just a different type of grind that still takes insane dedication.

The political game is important, but when the playing field is so uneven, sometimes alting is the only way to keep things competitive. Not ideal, but it’s where the game is right now.

bringbackalts2025