this game is really fun, and the only of this kind of strategy/base build game I've ever stuck with (been playing for maybe 6 months now I believe). that said, its absolutely pay to win. it takes weeks to get anything done past level 15ish, and anything fun like permanent skins you can only get if you pay a lot for them. that said, if you dont care about those and you're only playing casually so you don't mind long waits to upgrade, and you find a good alliance to join, the game is enjoyable.