Although the game is playable as a f2p player (I was constantly inside the top rankings), it is purely optimized for p2w in every nook and cranny. After a month, playing felt more of a chore then enjoyment. Though this may be due to the server feeling stagnant without many wars outside of kill events. Hitting people also doesn’t feel rewarding. Most don’t garrison their troops, so there is no excitement in winning. Although I was f2p in every sense of the word, I strongly advice getting Merlin in the 5 euro bundle, since that character alone was a nightmare for me to deal with, despite myself being ranked in the top 50 in arena.