3-4' read
Warera is still in its early stages (currently Version 0.25), which makes this the perfect time to think about systems that will help the game thrive for years to come.
I'd like to suggest an idea that could improve player retention without taking anything away from loyal, active players.
The Problem
Like many players, I tried Warera when it first launched, played for about a week, then took a break for a few months. I've recently returned and have been playing consistently again.
One thing quickly became obvious: there is currently no incentive or assistance for returning players.
Every day you're away, the progression gap grows larger. The longer someone stays away, the harder it becomes to return because they know they'll never recover the lost progress.
That may not be a major issue today, but as Warera grows older, this gap will become much larger.
The Goal Isn't to Let Returning Players Catch Up
I want to be very clear:
Returning players should never be able to fully catch up to players who logged in every day.
Daily players earned their progress through dedication, and they deserve to remain ahead.
A catch-up system should never erase that advantage.
A Better Solution
Instead of giving players everything they missed, Warera could introduce a limited returning-player catch-up bonus.
For example, after a certain period of inactivity, players could receive temporary increased XP or progression.
However, this bonus would only recover part of what they lost.
Imagine a player who lost 100 levels worth of progression while away.
Instead of recovering all 100, the system might only allow them to recover:
50%
60%
or at most 70%
They would still permanently remain behind the players who stayed active.
The loyal players keep their reward.
The returning players simply don't feel so hopelessly behind that they quit again.
Why This Is Good for the Game
This system benefits everyone.
Active players:
Keep their long-term advantage.
Feel rewarded for their consistency.
Never lose their lead.
Returning players:
Feel welcomed back.
Can become competitive again.
Are far more likely to stay.
The game:
Gains higher player retention.
Brings former players back into the economy.
Keeps alliances more active.
Maintains a healthier player population over time.
Looking to the Future
Right now, Warera is young, so the progression gap isn't enormous.
But imagine the game after two or three years.
A player returning after a year might see such a massive gap that they decide it's simply not worth trying again.
That's why I believe it's better to build a system like this before the problem appears.
Final Thoughts
This isn't a request for free progression.
It's a proposal to make Warera more attractive for players who genuinely want to return while fully respecting those who never stopped playing.
The best catch-up system is one that reduces the gap without ever eliminating it.
Returning players regain perhaps 50–70% of the progress they missed, while the players who remained active always stay ahead.
That strikes a healthy balance between rewarding loyalty and encouraging former players to come back.
In the long run, I believe both the community and the game itself would benefit from such a system.
Thank you for reading it.
Donations much appriciated,
Nagk