The Manifesto
Skill > Wallet
Is Grow & Conquer pay-to-win? No.
We built a strategy game where decisions, timing, and positioning matter more than spending.
What “Pay-to-Win” Really Means
Pay-to-win is not “a game that sells anything.” It’s when spending gives you power that skill can’t overcome — especially when free players are blocked by artificial walls.
Common P2W tricks
- Difficulty spikes designed to force purchases
- Exclusive power items/cards free players can’t obtain
- Broken matchmaking that feeds beginners to whales
- Timers that become impossible without paying
- VIP systems that permanently boost stats
Our definition of “fair”
- Progress is earned through play, not forced spending
- Skill expression exists in every match
- No exclusive “best” power locked behind purchases
- Premium currency is obtainable through smart gameplay
- Spending = time saved, not guaranteed wins
If you like competitive strategy but hate paywalls, also see Strategy Tips and Gameplay.
Our Anti Pay-to-Win Principles
No paywalls, ever
All core content is unlockable by playing: units, hero skills, and modes. Purchases accelerate — they don’t gatekeep.
Skill must matter
Positioning, timing, and hero management decide outcomes. Bad decisions lose games — no matter the budget.
No exclusive best power
We avoid selling “Exodia” cards that invalidate progression. If it’s power, it must be obtainable through gameplay.
Progression should be transparent
Players deserve to understand how to get stronger: economy, upgrades, chests, and choices — not hidden systems.
How We Implement Fairness (Concrete Systems)
No Paywalls
Progression is designed around strategy upgrades and consistent play — not “buy this or quit”. You can unlock content through gameplay loops across Waves, Conquest, Invasions, and PvP.
No Auto-Play
Timing hero skills, positioning units, and reacting under pressure is the game. Stats help, but they can’t play for you.
Economy for Everyone
Gems are not “for whales only”. The Empire Income mechanic rewards smart city upgrades and long-term planning so free players can accumulate premium currency too.
PvP Designed to Be Fair
PvP is structured around progression so you’re not thrown against endgame accounts on day one. Strategy and defense preparation matter — not just raw spending.
The core idea: spending saves time, not wins
If you spend, you can progress faster. But you still need correct builds, correct upgrades, and correct decisions. Long-term power comes from strategy.
What You Can Buy (and What You Can’t)
If you’re comparing games, this page pairs well with Similar to Grow Empire Rome.
How Free Players Win
Free players don’t win by “grinding forever”. They win by understanding the meta: economy compounding, correct upgrades, and disciplined chest/card decisions.
Prioritize economy
Empire Income first. Passive gems change everything long-term.
Build defense properly
Defense deck ≠ attack deck. Stability beats chaos.
Upgrade smart
Open chests in batches when you’re committing to specific card upgrades.
"I respect the player who reaches Wave 100 with a basic bow more than the one who buys a golden sword and dies at Wave 10."
Anti Pay-to-Win – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grow & Conquer pay-to-win?
No. Spending can save time, but it does not unlock exclusive power that free players can’t obtain. Skill, positioning, and smart progression decide outcomes.
What can paying players buy?
Convenience and acceleration: faster progress, optional bundles, and quality-of-life. Not “instant win” power or exclusive units unavailable to free players.
Can free players earn Gems?
Yes. The Empire Income mechanic lets you generate premium currency through smart upgrades and city progression.
Do you have VIP systems or mandatory subscriptions?
No VIP paywalls. No subscription required to stay competitive.
How do you prevent whales from stomping beginners?
PvP is designed around progression/power bands and fair reward loops. Your first sessions are not matched against endgame accounts.
Do you sell exclusive ‘best’ cards?
No exclusive best-in-slot cards locked behind purchases. Progression is designed so content is obtainable through play.
What’s the biggest advantage in Grow & Conquer?
Knowledge. Understanding economy upgrades, defense vs attack decks, and hero skill timing beats raw spending.
If I spend money, will I be stronger forever?
You’ll progress faster, but long-term power still comes from smart upgrades and consistent play. The ceiling is reachable without paying.
Prove your skill
Download the game — and if you want meta guides, get them by email.