Having hard time with byz run.

Hey everyone,

I’ve been struggling a lot trying to survive and thrive as Byzantium. Every attempt seems to end with the Ottomans crushing me in the straight before I can build any meaningful alliances or expand. Every time I try to do so I’ve been feeling defeated and wanting to quit the game.

Does anyone have any tips or strategies for playing as Byzantium? Specifically, I’d love advice on:

1.  Early game survival strategies.
2.  The best allies to secure and how to actually get them to help against the Ottomans.
3.  Any specific exploits or “cheese” strategies that could work in the current patch.

And early economy advice.

I’d appreciate any advice that could help me make it through those first critical decades!

Thanks in advance!