Clusters or coverage? (city capturing)

[BlackWolf]

So, I'm new and just started on W63, I've read through a fair whack of the forums and feel like I'm getting a good grasp of the game.

I'm currently about halfway toward my Academy (everything is at about 2/3 of what it needs to be and I assume it will take the same again to get the rest of the way) and I'm contemplating my first capture. One of my guild mates has suggested clustering my captures to make defending easy, but I've read elsewhere people suggesting that you take out another player of a similar level.

My question is, what do people think the pros and cons of each method are? (and as an addendum, there aren't any guildless players my level within an hour by knight)


BW

[Tooltip]

I suggest alternating. Build a sizable cluster, then pick an enemy.

After that enemy has been defeated, Custer the ones that are far waway.

[BlackWolf]

sounds like a good kind of plan, what do you mean by sizable though?

[DeathViruzX]

I suggest that your first capture be a higher point city nearest to your own. This will make defending much easier. Then once you have full armies in both, start attacking further bigger cities.

[Karl302]

I have 3 city clusters ranging from 7 city's to 20 city's this way I can defend and attack in different areas fast. Do I'd say do both

[Karl302]

P.S. this also will allow you to take back and city you lose fast.

[Duke24]

I have many cities close to each other. I have 3 clusters where all cities are touching: 12, 14, and 17. 2 of those I am expanding.

[Batelllion]

Well it is always better to have a cluster of cities together but you should definitely know how to manage it.
Meaning if you have 3 cities in a cluster.
You can have 1 proper attack city(Max Zerks and ballistas)
The other two can be defence city(one with lots of lancers and sentries and other with guardians)
The one with Maximum Guardians can be used as a capping city(training scholars for conquering cities)
DO NOT FORGET TO HAVE ACADEMY IN ALL THE CITIES
You guys think that academy is a waste if you already have it in one,but it helps much when you have maxed troops then you can use the resources to buy scholarships.
Just my view as per my experience.

[LordFirefall]

Agree on having academies in all cities. Makes it much easier when you have a lot of cities.