# Evony Alliances: How to Join, Rally, and Play as a Team
Building your own city is only part of Evony. The world map continues to move while you are offline, and many activities depend on communication, rallies, and coordinated defense. Joining an alliance gives you access to a team, but the value comes from understanding how that team operates.
## Choose an alliance that matches your schedule
Look beyond member count. Find out when players are active, which language they use, and how often they organize events. A smaller alliance active during your usual playing hours may suit you better than a larger group whose rallies happen while you are asleep.
Read the alliance description and pinned messages after joining. They often explain event expectations and rally rules.
## Understand the rally before sending troops
A rally lets members join an attack organized by a rally leader. Before you join, check the target, departure timer, requested troop type, and any special instructions. Some groups set strict rules to manage losses or preserve a particular formation.
If you are unsure whether your own army can handle the target, ask the group rather than launching a separate attack. After the rally, review the battle report and ask about anything you do not understand.
## Communicate during events and defense
An alert on the map does not always mean you should move troops immediately. Check alliance messages first. During competitive events, the group's plan can change quickly; your role might be to hold position, reinforce an ally, or wait for a coordinated move.
You can contribute before you have a huge army. Show up when you say you will, read instructions, join appropriate activities, and share useful information from the map.
## Five questions to ask your alliance
1. When do most members play?
2. What are the rules for joining a rally?
3. Are there special instructions for server events?
4. Which activities should newer members prioritize?
5. Who can help me understand a battle report?
## Common mistakes
Choosing an alliance solely by size can lead to poor timing. Sending an unrequested troop mix can interfere with a rally plan. Ignoring chat can make you miss a last-minute change. Fix these habits before worrying about your position on a power leaderboard.
## Frequently asked questions
### Can I play Evony without an alliance?
You can develop a city independently, but alliance coordination is central to many of the game's social and competitive activities.
### Can a low-power player join rallies?
It depends on the rally and your alliance's rules. Ask before sending troops, and choose activities appropriate for your account.
### What if my city is behind the alliance's pace?
Identify the specific upgrade or research holding you back. For more background on Evony resource terminology, visit [EvonyRSS](https://evonyrss.com/) when it is relevant to your plan.
**Editorial source:** [Evony: The King's Return alliance and gameplay overview](https://liveops.evony.com/evony-tkr/).
*The cover is an editorial illustration, not an official game screenshot.*