Manor Lords has quickly captured the hearts of players with its city-building mechanics and strategic gameplay, but it also appears to have left many new players scratching their heads in sheer bewilderment. One Reddit user, BrianVaughnVA, shared their rookie experience with the game, painting a picture of the multitude of challenges they faced within just a few days of play. Their struggle resonated with many on the forum, prompting a slew of suggestions and insights from fellow gamers. The sentiment surrounding their post was a complex mix of admiration for the game’s depth and exasperation at its unforgiving nature, showcasing the typical roller coaster ride that is being a newbie in a potentially punishing strategy game.
Summary
- New players often find the challenge of rapid enemy expansion overwhelming, particularly from the game’s antagonist, the Baron.
- Combat mechanics, especially the effectiveness of archers, were frequently criticized, with many players stating they need considerable adjustments.
- Resource management is a daunting aspect for newcomers, leading to frustrations related to inadequate resources and taxation systems.
- Despite these challenges, players offered various tips and strategies that could alleviate the steep learning curve.
The Baron Strikes Back!
Brian’s lament about the Baron amassing power faster than he could build his town hits a sore spot for many players. As if the game had a built-in villain, the Baron seems to swoop in on unsuspecting players, taking control of regions with a ruthless efficiency by year three or four. One commenter, Rentahamster, noted that the key to combating the Baron’s expansion lies in proactively hunting down bandit camps. By securing victories in these skirmishes, players can not only gain crucial influence points but also stymie the ole Baron’s efforts to stake a claim on the land. The game’s early stages become a race against time, with players frantically trying to outpace their adversary while simultaneously caring for their fledgling settlements.
Others even suggested switching to a peaceful game mode, allowing players to focus on city building and managing resources without the pesky Baron crashing the party. So, whether it’s assembling your troops and hoping for the best or planning a sneak attack on enemy camps, the strategy of keeping the Baron at bay seems to be a shared concern, demonstrating that many new players face similar hurdles at the game’s outset.
Archery’s Unfortunate Reality
One of Brian’s principal frustrations stemmed from the combat system, particularly his archers’ abysmal performance. It seems players across the board are feeling disillusioned with the current state of archery. In his post, Brian exclaimed, “Archers don’t do dick,” expressing disbelief that his elite archers failed to make even a dent in enemy forces. Commenter LordFarquhar96 suggested that instead of relying solely on archers for ranged attacks, players should consider using them more strategically for flanking maneuvers. This insight drew attention to the finer details of combat mechanics, where unit placement and the exhaustion of troops can play a significant role in battle outcomes.
Additionally, players weighed in regarding the efficacy of various troop types, noting that certain units like crossbowmen might deliver higher damage output compared to their bow-wielding counterparts. With commentary like the one from Goodname2, who mentioned that archers are generally seen as lackluster, it’s clear that many are eagerly awaiting balancing adjustments that could make ranged units more viable on the battlefield. This feedback signals a mutual understanding within the community that while the combat system has great potential, it may require given love and care to keep players engaged.
Resource Management: A Newcomer’s Quagmire
On the city-management front, Brian expressed undeniable frustration with resource allocation and the limitations imposed by the game’s mechanics. With areas marked as barren or lacking resources, the importance of strategic planning couldn’t be overstated. Commenters pointed out that players ought to specialize their cities to maximize profit, noting that focusing on industries like textiles or iron extraction could vastly improve their resource flow. People suggested always keeping a lookout for rich resource nodes as they expand, and if possible, rerolling to ensure a favorable starting region.
Many voiced the struggle of balancing food, taxation, and military needs. As emphasized by DrennantheBlack, even with all the mentioned strategies, it’s imperative that players master the game’s unique systems to ensure they don’t fall prey to poor planning and management. While some savvy veterans offered successful tactics for economic stability, many new players highlighted the game feels overwhelmingly taxing early on, leading to continuous cycles of famine and stagnation. It’s a juggling act, as they attempt to grow their villages while dealing with external pressures beyond their control.
Community Tips: Wisdom from the Wise
Despite the challenges outlined, the community rallied to offer constructive advice to help fellow players navigate the treacherous waters of Manor Lords. From emphasizing the importance of early bandit camp raids that deprive the Baron of influence to recommending beginner-friendly YouTube tutorials, the sharing of information proved invaluable. Users like Theristis01 urged newcomers to “watch some YouTube tutorials on how things like farming and resource management work,” ensuring that players can hit the ground running rather than floundering in despair.
Additionally, many users reiterated the significance of taking time to learn the mechanics of the game, highlighting that while the initial learning curve might appear daunting, mastering basic strategies could lead to long-term success. “Take your time,” one veteran player advised. A few experienced commanders even took the liberty to suggest easier game settings for players feeling overwhelmed—like tuning off certain features or tweaking starting conditions—to create a more manageable environment to learn in.
The conversation among players begrudgingly shared the sentiment that while the game can be punishing, there are methods to mitigate frustration and even enjoy its complexity.
As players dive deeper into the world of Manor Lords, they find themselves facing and overcoming unique challenges, thanks to the outpouring of knowledge from the community. While no game is without its flaws and steep learning curves, the journey within Manor Lords promises both growth and victories alongside the inevitable frustrations. With supportive peers at their side, new players can rest assured—while the game may seem hard now, with a mix of patience, research, and a few tactical adjustments, success is certainly within reach!
