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Diplomacy is Not an Option vs. They Are Billions: Which RTS Survival Game Should You Choose?

Real-time strategy (RTS) survival games have gained massive popularity, challenging players to manage resources, build defenses, and fend off overwhelming hordes.


Two standout titles in this genre are Diplomacy is Not an Option and They Are Billions. While both games revolve around survival and strategic defense, they offer distinctly different gameplay experiences.


So, which game is best suited for you?


Let’s break down the key differences and similarities between Diplomacy is Not an Option and They Are Billions.


Comparison between Diplomacy is Not an Option and They are Billions

Gameplay Overview


Diplomacy is Not an Option


Diplomacy is Not an Option merges traditional city-building with large-scale battles, forcing players to defend their settlement against massive enemy hordes.


You play as a medieval lord tasked with building and managing your kingdom while fending off waves of enemies.


The game is known for its chaotic combat, where hundreds or even thousands of enemies swarm your defenses in a single wave.


The gameplay emphasizes resource management and strategic defense placement. You’ll need to build defensive structures, manage food, wood, and stone, and make decisions that ensure the survival of your kingdom.


Unlike some city-builders, combat is a constant threat, making every decision feel high-stakes. You must also contend with rebellion, disease, and other medieval hazards that add depth and urgency to the experience.



They Are Billions


They Are Billions shares a similar core concept but leans heavily into the post-apocalyptic theme, where players face off against zombie hordes instead of medieval foes. In this game, you manage a steampunk-inspired colony, defending it from increasingly difficult waves of zombies.


The main challenge is to survive a set number of days as the zombie waves grow larger and more dangerous.


Resource management is crucial, as players need to balance the economy, build structures, and research new technologies to defend their colonies.


One of the standout features is the "infected" mechanic—if a single zombie breaches your defenses and infects a building, it can trigger a chain reaction that destroys your entire colony in minutes. This makes every defensive decision critical and leaves little room for error.


Difficulty and Challenge


Diplomacy is Not an Option


One of the defining characteristics of Diplomacy is Not an Option is its brutal difficulty. The sheer scale of the enemy waves requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Players must constantly adapt their strategies as the game progresses, often making tough choices in real-time as enemies approach from multiple directions.


The difficulty scales quickly, which can be both exhilarating and frustrating, depending on your tolerance for chaotic battles.


That said, the game does provide some flexibility in how you handle each wave.


The ability to use magic and special abilities can turn the tide of battle, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.


If you're looking for large-scale battles where you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, Diplomacy is Not an Option delivers that chaotic, challenging experience.



They Are Billions


They Are Billions is notorious for its punishing difficulty, particularly for new players. The game’s challenge lies in its unforgiving nature—if even one zombie infiltrates your colony, it can lead to complete devastation.


This can make the game feel more high-stakes than Diplomacy is Not an Option, as the margin for error is extremely slim.


Players must meticulously manage resources and plan their defenses well in advance to survive the increasingly intense waves of zombies.


One unique challenge in They Are Billions is the infection mechanic, which can spread through buildings like wildfire if not contained.


Players must be constantly vigilant and prepared to act quickly in case their defenses are breached. The game requires a combination of long-term planning and quick reflexes to succeed.


Zombies infecting citizens in They are Billions

Combat Mechanics


Diplomacy is Not an Option


Combat in Diplomacy is Not an Option is epic in scale, with hundreds or thousands of enemies attacking at once.


The game excels at creating chaotic battle scenes, where players must manage their defenses, deploy troops, and cast powerful magic to repel waves of enemies.


The combat system is more fluid and dynamic compared to They Are Billions, as players can control their armies directly and reposition them as needed.


While this makes for thrilling battles, it also adds a layer of complexity that some players may find overwhelming.


The ability to use magic adds a fun twist to combat, giving players the chance to unleash devastating spells to turn the tide in desperate situations.


They Are Billions


In contrast, combat in They Are Billions is slower-paced but more deliberate. The focus is on building strong, layered defenses to prevent zombies from breaching your colony.


Once combat starts, there’s less micromanagement involved compared to Diplomacy is Not an Option.


Instead, players must rely on their pre-built defenses and the strategic placement of units like snipers, soldiers, and turrets.


The tension in They Are Billions comes from knowing that even a small breach in your defenses can spell disaster.


Combat is methodical, and the key to success is in building a colony that can withstand attacks from all sides.


It’s less about reacting in the moment and more about long-term preparation and planning.


Art Style and Atmosphere


Diplomacy is Not an Option


Diplomacy is Not an Option embraces a medieval aesthetic with a somewhat dark and gritty atmosphere. The game’s art style, while not ultra-realistic, serves the theme well.


Battles are visually impressive, with hordes of enemies swarming your defenses and spells lighting up the battlefield.


The grim tone is enhanced by the game’s medieval setting, complete with disease, rebellion, and an overall sense of impending doom.



They Are Billions


They Are Billions takes place in a steampunk, post-apocalyptic world, which gives it a distinct visual identity. The game’s art style is detailed, with its steampunk-inspired buildings, mechanical units, and hordes of infected zombies.


The atmosphere is bleak, creating a constant sense of dread as you wait for the next wave of zombies to approach.


The desolation of the world is reflected in the muted color palette and haunting music, creating a foreboding mood throughout.


Constructing a structure in Diplomacy is Not an Option

Conclusion: Diplomacy is Not an Option vs. They Are Billions?


Both Diplomacy is Not an Option vs They Are Billions offer unique challenges and rewarding experiences, but the right game for you depends on your playstyle.


  • If you enjoy chaotic, large-scale battles where you need to make quick decisions and manage overwhelming forces, Diplomacy is Not an Option may be more your speed. The ability to directly control your units and use powerful spells adds a dynamic layer of strategy.

  • If you prefer a slower-paced, highly tactical approach to survival, where every decision can make or break your colony, They Are Billions is the game for you. The infection mechanic and unforgiving nature of the game create intense moments of tension and require meticulous planning.


Ultimately, both games deliver in terms of strategy and survival, but they cater to different types of players.


Whether you're into medieval chaos or steampunk zombie apocalypses, you’re in for a thrilling ride either way!

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