First let's get this out of the way. This is not a pay to play game. Sorry you guys can't get that instant serotonin boost you're forever chasing. The only thing this game requires is patience. Which brings me to my second point: this isn't actually a game. There is no strategy; no consequences. If you lose a battle the only thing it cost you is time and easily replaced resources. The Resource Tree only takes patience and resources to unlock. I can't stress this enough: THIS IS NOT A GAME.