Colonial Wars — frequently asked questions

The questions new settlers actually ask, answered from the live game rules and available systems. Reference figures are defaults, not universal world settings. The full in-game FAQ goes deeper on combat, foraging and fair play.

Is Colonial Wars free? Is it pay to win?

Free to play, with optional purchases that can accelerate progress. Charter Marks buy cosmetics, construction shortcuts, automation, resource conversion and production boosts; some PvE worlds also allow direct resource purchases. Earned and purchased Marks spend the same way. These benefits can help build an army sooner, but do not directly increase unit combat stats. The Store shows current bundles and prices.

Do I have to download anything?

No. Play in a modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. Supported browsers can install it to your home screen, and notifications are optional.

Which world should I choose?

Choose competitive player warfare, a cooperative PvE campaign against regional factions, a Weekend Speed sprint or the Crown Citadel contest. Read each world card for pace, protection, research, membership limits and victory rules. Some scheduled worlds offer preregistration.

Can I be attacked while I am asleep or offline?

Yes, once your protection permits it. Beginner protection defaults to 4 days in the reference rules, but worlds can shorten or disable it. Night defence, size-ratio protection and morale also depend on the world. Settings and command previews show the applicable rules.

What happens while I am offline?

Resources accrue until storage fills, queues finish, armies travel and battles resolve. Built-in automation can perform configured tasks. Optional alerts help you track activity; being offline does not pause the world.

Do I need an email address?

No. Register with a captain name and password. Add and verify an optional email in Account for password recovery and email alerts.

How long does a world last?

It depends on the format. Domination worlds require sustained territorial control. Weekend Speed closes at its displayed Sunday deadline and ranks colony points. Crown worlds end when a side reaches the Crown target through Citadel control. PvE campaigns have separate coalition objectives. Read the world selector for current rules and deadlines.

What are independent colonies and AI factions?

Independent colonies have no player owner and can grow, replenish garrisons and raid when enabled. PvE faction captains own colonies and use ordinary armies, support and conquest. The Campaign screen shows regional threats, invasion phases and capture-and-hold objectives.

How do I conquer a colony?

Mint coins at the War Council, recruit Diplomats and send them with a winning army. Surviving conquest units lower loyalty; ownership changes when loyalty reaches zero. Independent resistance and loyalty recovery matter. Covered Wagons combine a larger claim into one expedition. The Crown Citadel has separate capture rules and does not require Diplomats.

What are federations?

Player alliances with roles, private forums, shared intelligence, coordinated operations, support, towers, progression and diplomacy. Treaties and declared wars have gameplay rules. Membership limits and features such as Forts and Weekly Muster depend on the world.

Can I automate routine tasks?

Use the built-in Raid Ledger for raid templates and optional automatic raiding and foraging, the Colony Planner for building and troop targets, and Resource Balance for supplies. Configure reserves and review costs. External bots and scripts that issue game commands are prohibited.

What activities are available beyond ordinary battles?

Quests, achievements, enabled Weekly Musters, expeditions and event games provide additional objectives and rewards. Active events show their own play limits, currencies and prize shelves. Eligible world-end results can award permanent profile honors and Charter Marks.

How many worlds are open right now?

9 non-ended worlds are listed and 5 are open to new registrations. The homepage lists open worlds; the signed-in selector also shows scheduled openings.