First steps · 3 min read
What is a browser MMORTS? A guide to HearthHold
What is an MMORTS? Learn how persistent browser strategy works and play HearthHold, a free-to-play MMORTS with no pay-to-win and no separate download.
Read the guideDispatches from the realm Volume 01 / The foundations
The HearthHold
Journal.
Guides to a free-to-play browser MMORTS.
Build, explore and compete without pay-to-win.
10
Field guides
for your next chapter
Read. Plan. Build.
October 2026
Start here / The essential guide
A small beginning.
A kingdom ahead.
Your first session, made clearer. Find your way around, follow your quests and build a plan worth returning to.
Read the beginner’s guide3 min read · By HearthHold
01 / First steps
Find your footing.
The world, the tribes and your first decisions.
First steps · 3 min read
HearthHold beginner’s guide: your first session
Start HearthHold with a practical first-session plan: follow quests, develop resources, check storage and learn your town before sending an army.
Read the guide
First steps · 3 min read
HearthHold tribes: Romans, Teutons, Egyptians or Chinese?
Compare HearthHold’s four tribes by playstyle, understand their different strengths, and choose a kingdom that matches how you like to play.
Read the guide
First steps · 4 min read
A free-to-play MMORTS with no pay-to-win: how HearthHold works
Looking for a free-to-play MMORTS without pay-to-win? See how HearthHold handles earned Gold, cosmetic Diamonds and progression without paid advantages.
Read the guide02 / Build your kingdom
Make it last.
A stronger economy. A town with a purpose.
Build your kingdom · 3 min read
HearthHold resource guide: build an economy that lasts
Understand wood, stone, iron and grain in HearthHold. Plan production, storage, troop upkeep and spending around the upgrade you actually need.
Read the guide
Build your kingdom · 3 min read
HearthHold building guide: what to upgrade next
Plan a HearthHold town around useful unlocks, resource capacity, research and army needs. Learn a repeatable way to choose your next building upgrade.
Read the guide
Build your kingdom · 4 min read
HearthHold heroes: commanders, governors and equipment
Give HearthHold heroes a clear role. Learn how to approach recruitment, town governors, progression and equipment without confusing rarity with a plan.
Read the guide03 / Beyond your walls
Go further, together.
Exploration, armies and the people at your side.
Beyond your walls · 3 min read
HearthHold alliances: how to be a useful teammate
Build better teamwork in HearthHold with clear alliance communication, useful help requests, coordinated support and realistic campaign planning.
Read the guide
Beyond your walls · 4 min read
Explore HearthHold: monsters, outposts and your first expeditions
Plan useful HearthHold expeditions. Inspect map targets, assess monsters and outposts, understand travel commitments and turn reports into better decisions.
Read the guide
Beyond your walls · 3 min read
HearthHold combat guide: scout, plan and defend
Make better HearthHold combat decisions by checking intelligence, march types, troop roles, hero availability, travel time and the defense you leave at home.
Read the guideAbout the journal
Knowledge from
inside the realm.
The HearthHold Journal is published by HearthHold. These guides explain the current beta using the game's own rules and systems. Practical advice is a starting point; check live requirements and values before committing resources.
Published 25 October 2026. Images are identified as promotional artwork or actual game captures. Guides stay open to read, including when you are signed in.
Game questions & community