Yea, I played evony 4 years.

That said. You can "play" for free. bUt no one said you will be the best or even compete with the best for free.

PLay the free game, be as good as you can, and try to be the best "free" player on the game.

That being said, if you want to be the very best on server, or compete with the best, you'll have to pony up the cash.

It's the paying players that make the game possible for the free players. Be thankful.