Diplomacy is Not an Option is a unique real-time strategy (RTS) game that blends tower defense mechanics with resource management in a medieval setting.
While the game’s complexity and large-scale battles make it thrilling, many players have voiced concerns about its difficulty, especially in campaign mode and during endless waves of enemies.
Let’s explore why some find the game too hard and how you can adjust your strategy to improve your chances of success.
Why Players Find Diplomacy is Not an Option Too Hard
One of the main complaints about Diplomacy is Not an Option is its steep learning curve. Even on the easiest settings, players struggle with the first few levels due to the limited resources and overwhelming enemy forces.
Unlike some other RTS games where you can build up your base at your own pace, Diplomacy is Not an Option requires swift action from the start.
The small starting territory and resource scarcity add to the challenge. Players often face a shortage of food, wood, and stone early in the game, making it difficult to expand or defend effectively.
If you don’t manage your resources carefully, you might find yourself overrun by enemies before you even have a chance to build proper defenses.
Additionally, the game’s difficulty spikes after just a few waves of enemies, which makes even the second campaign level challenging for many players.
The lack of gradual progression and a sharp increase in enemy strength can be disheartening, leading some players to give up on the game early.
Key Strategies to Overcome the Difficulty
While the game can be punishing, several strategies can help players navigate through the tough early phases and increase their chances of survival.
Here are some tips to make Diplomacy is Not an Option more manageable:
1. Prioritize Resource Gathering Early On
The key to surviving in Diplomacy is Not an Option is to build your economy quickly. Start by constructing multiple lumber mills and berry pickers or fishermen’s huts right from the beginning.
Focus on expanding your population by building as many houses as possible. This will give you more workers, leading to faster resource gathering.
2. Build Strategic Defenses
Don’t rush into building massive armies; instead, focus on defending your base with walls and towers.
Position your archers on the walls, and keep some melee units at the ready to defend against breaches.
Upgrading your barracks and investing in crossbowmen early on can provide a significant advantage in defending against large waves.
3. Use the Active Pause Feature
One of the game’s most valuable mechanics is the active pause. You can pause the game at any time to assess the battlefield and issue orders.
Use this feature frequently, especially when managing multiple units and defenses under pressure.
It can give you time to think through your next move without getting overwhelmed by the constant flow of enemies.
4. Focus on Research and Upgrades
Make sure to research Advanced Toolkit I as soon as possible. This upgrade increases your building efficiency, allowing you to fortify your defenses faster.
Additionally, invest in building granaries and storage units to ensure your resources don’t go to waste.
5. Scout for Resources and Clear Camps
In the early game, use your small army to scout the map for free resources like wood, stone, and food. Clear out smaller enemy camps to prevent them from joining later waves.
This will also give you valuable resources that can be used to bolster your defenses.
Future Adjustments to Difficulty
The developers at Door 407 have acknowledged the difficulty of Diplomacy is Not an Option.
In response to player feedback, they are considering adding new difficulty settings to accommodate both casual and hardcore players.
This means future updates may include more accessible difficulty levels, as well as improvements to balance certain campaign missions.
Conclusion
While Diplomacy is Not an Option is undeniably challenging, it’s also rewarding once you get the hang of its mechanics.
By focusing on early resource gathering, building strategic defenses, and using the active pause effectively, you can improve your chances of surviving the relentless waves of enemies.
As the game continues to evolve through updates, players can look forward to additional difficulty options that will hopefully make the experience more balanced for all skill levels.
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