The Last War

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This isn’t a political post and it has nothing to do with real life; rather it’s about virtual life. Or, let’s say, about a game named “Last War Survival”! I started playing it out of boredom, not realizing I’d end up hooked. I was spending so much time on it that I began postponing, then completely neglecting, my daily duties and tasks. Little by little, the game took over my time and attention.

Last War: Survival Game

This mobile game is a strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world. You take the role of a survivor, tasked with building and managing a base to protect yourself and other survivors. This includes building an army and later engages with real people in alliances to share resources, support each other, or even to fight. The dynamic of alliances and multiplayer PvP adds a social layer that becomes an addiction.

What I like:

The game created a sense of virtual community for me, and I even made real friends through it despite the distance. It also helped me fill my free time with something enjoyable.

What I hate about it:

It can raise anxiety, especially when players lose sight of the fact that it’s just a game. It also disrupts life balance and leads to neglecting responsibilities. And, of course, it pushes you toward spending real money.

Regarding the money aspect, it’s fair to say that spending a reasonable amount is fine; almost every form of entertainment costs something. But once you become hooked and start aiming for higher levels, paying stops being optional. Trust me, Last War demands a significant amount of money.

Hacks:

First, the game needs about 30 to 90 minutes a day. Second, set a monthly spending limit and stick to it. Ring the alarm when you exceed this time limit or the budget. Third, join a solid alliance to avoid unnecessary costs, and always check with your teammates before making purchases so you spend wisely.

The most valuable purchases in the game are Kimberly, the second builder, the second tech center, and the survivor Taylor. It’s good tactic to have Aircraft soonest as your first squad.

Finally

I’m not sure how long this game usually lasts, but I spent about a year on it. I finally managed to quit, though I won’t deny that I’ve been dealing with withdrawal symptoms these past few days. I don’t know how long it will take before I get past these feelings — especially the loneliness — but I’ve already made it through the first few days, and those were definitely the toughest.

I was fortunate to find the will to quit it. I was also lucky to be able to sell my account, even though I had invested more into it. And honestly, the best part is that I walked away with a few great friends I’m proud to have met through the game.

Have you ever played Last War or games like it, or are you playing one right now?

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Comments

8 responses to “The Last War”

  1. Carolyn Page Avatar

    Wow, Mohammad, that’s really scary! For those who say that online gaming is harmless you’ve certainly crushed that attitude. My grandchild was caught in a game, similar to the one you’ve described. He owed quite a hefty amount, which his mum was able to cancel due to his age and lack of understanding of the automatic costs involved.
    I’m so pleased you were able to free yourself. A timely warning for others…

    1. Mohamad Al Karbi Avatar

      Thank you Carolyn. I think you were lucky to be able to cancel. It’s built to make people more addictive; I’m old enough and I wasn’t able to control it. Online gaming is really scary especially for kids.

  2. chattykerry Avatar

    That sounds like a dangerous path on an innocuous quest. Glad you managed to quit it – addiction is scary.

    1. Mohamad Al Karbi Avatar

      Yes, Kerry. I hardly could survive; and I am very happy to get back here

  3. Ahmed Avatar

    Great post, it’s amazing how a ‘simple game’ can slowly take over your life and budget. Selling your account was a smart move to make a clean break, and it’s wonderful that you kept the real,life friendships without the virtual stress. Stay strong through the withdrawal; it gets much easier from here

    1. Mohamad Al Karbi Avatar

      Thank you, Ahmed. It was difficult at the beginning. Now, I got over it. For the selling part, I was surprised by the amount of people who play such games in order to sell the account later; as a someway of making money.

  4. Ellen Hawley Avatar

    I’m happy to say I never stumbled into Last War, but years ago I did get hooked on a game related to Scrabble only if you got it right the picture blew up, which was as silly as it was satisfying. It sucked up entirely too much of my time and when it disappeared–I don’t know if the makers went broke or what–I was grateful. I’ve avoided computer games since then.

    1. Mohamad Al Karbi Avatar

      Wow, Ellen, you got hooked on a simple game. Now, I wonder what would happen if you tried Last War. 😄 Glad to hear you stepped away from games after that. Same here, I’m officially done with mobile games. No more ever.

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