Frequently asked questions
Short questions, short answers.
What is Otenos?
Otenos is a grand strategy game you play in your browser and on your phone. You build a holding, raise an army, clash with rivals, trade, form alliances and fight for the altars of the map. The mightiest buildings of the Age go to their owners in a sealed-bid auction.
Is it free?
Yes, Otenos is free to play. Speed, resources, soldiers and Tender are earned only in play; the store sells cosmetics only.
Do I need to download anything?
No, the game runs in your browser. On your phone, you can add it to your home screen and use it like an app.
How do I join?
Create an account, pick an open world and choose your house. Your holding lands somewhere on the map, drawn by lot.
Where can I find all the rules?
In the Handbook: every rule, from Ages to warfare and from the auction to the rankings, is written down with its numbers. Entries for every building and unit are in the Codex.
How much do I need to play?
As much as you like: the map lives on while you're away, as holdings grow, armies march and lots close. The more you play, the more of the story you write, and those who play regularly every day pull ahead.
How long does an Age last?
An Age lasts 28 days and passes through three phases: Founding, Contest and Reign.
Can my holding be plundered while I'm offline?
A raid can come at any hour, but your holding is never left defenseless: while your wall stands, raiders reach only the goods outside it, and your warning buildings alert you before a raid arrives. Turn on notifications and you'll know the moment a raid sets out.
Can I join after a world has started?
Yes. Every world stays open to new players during the first days of the Age, and you arrive with a protected start. There's room for everyone at the altars, at the auction and in alliances.
What happens when the Age ends?
The throne finds its ruler and titles are awarded. Your title, your chronicle and your guild stay with you, and the new Age begins in a new world.
What is Tender?
Tender is the currency of the auction. Everyone starts the Age with the same balance, and you earn the rest from altar rites and quests.
Can I buy Tender?
No. Tender is earned only in play, can't be transferred, and stays hidden.
Can I see my rival's bid?
No, and you can't see your ally's either. At the close, only the winning bid and the number of bids are announced.
Does the building start working as soon as I win?
It starts working the moment you place it. When you win, the deed lands in your inventory, and the building gets to work as soon as you place the deed in your holding.
Can I found an alliance?
Yes. You can found an alliance or join one. You can't attack your allies.
Can I send Tender to an ally?
No, everyone's Tender stays in their own balance. You can trade resources at the market.
What happens if I leave an alliance?
You can join a new alliance after one day.
Can I have more than one account?
No. Everyone plays with one account, and playing with a second account is cheating.
When do I get notifications?
Only while you're away from the game: when a raid is heading for your holding or has arrived, when your bid has been opened, when your queue has broken, or when an army is marching on your altar.