After playing 2 years and reaching stronghold level 35 I can say this game can be played as a free to play it just takes longer to get the items you need. You can survive as a free to play and enjoy the game with your alliance but as in all games there are pay to win players who will attack you eventually. All in all a great game to enjoy with a good alliance. A lot of events to play and keep you busy but this is a slow paced game don't expect to develop fast unless you spend money.