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Frequently Asked Questions
The questions every new lord asks. Still stuck? The guides go deeper.
Is Iron Realms free to play?
Yes. The entire game — all the way to the endgame — is free. Purchases buy speed and convenience, never power a free player cannot reach. See Economy & Pacing.
Do I need an account to play?
No. Tap Play offline and the full single-player game runs in your browser, saved on your device. Sign in only when you want to share a live realm with other lords.
What happens to my progress if I clear my browser?
Offline saves live in your browser's storage across two rotating slots. Clearing site data removes them, so if you care about a save, play the live realm (cloud-saved) or keep the same browser profile.
Is it pay-to-win?
No, and it is checked automatically. Money buys speed (clearing build timers), not a power ceiling. A dedicated free player who grinds a few hours a day reaches the same daily budget a top spender buys. The Fair Play Ledger audits this in the open, in-game.
How long does it take to reach the max level?
Keep 45 is deliberately aspirational: roughly 2 years free at about 30 minutes a day, ~1 year at $100/month, ~6 months at $200/month. It is a long, honest road, and the early levels come fast.
How do seasons work?
Each season lasts seven real days, cycling summer → autumn → winter → spring, shared by everyone in the realm. Winter is harsh but favours defenders, and a rare Long Night falls every sixth winter. See Seasons & Weather.
Why does it rain (or snow) in my keep?
The sky over your keep mirrors the real, current weather at the game's anchor town on Long Island, New York — reconciled with the season. It is pure atmosphere and falls back to the season's default sky if the weather service is unreachable.
Can I lose everything if a bigger lord attacks me?
No. New lords get a free protective shield, and if your walls break, a safety valve lets you relocate and shield rather than be farmed. A bad night is designed to read as a comeback, not a wipe.
How do I get a dragon?
Dragon eggs are found through play — events, exploration, and rewards — then hatched and grown in the Dragon Pit. Everyone can raise one; see Dragons.
Do I have to join an alliance?
You can play solo, but the deepest game — wars, forts, seats of power, and the Conquest Season — is alliance-based. Joining a friendly banner is the single biggest step up in fun and power.
Which platforms can I play on?
Iron Realms runs in any modern browser on phone, tablet, or desktop — nothing to install. Mobile app builds are on the way.
Is this connected to any other game or show?
No. Iron Realms is an original fantasy strategy game, not affiliated with or endorsed by any other game or franchise. All names, lore, and art are original or used under open licences.