I balanced the game to be very difficult. You can earn equipable items (in game) that make runs of the game easier. I'm curious, are you finding the game too difficult or too easy?
I love the strategy and combat aspect of the game it feels good to use but I feel that it should be easier to get more units, I have beaten the first stage 5 times by making only apple orchards and militia but I have never beaten it despite countless tries even with the rewards with any other troops, I have never even gotten a unit besides a militia. I feel that there should be time in between stages and more starting wood and stone. Also easier to get units if that requires the units being less strong. Still I love the game, keep up the good work!
Thanks for the feedback on the game. Balancing is still a work in progress (its really tough to balance a complex RTS as a solo dev). Have you tried the farming route? Spearmen can be quickly acquired by producing leather armor (Grain Farm -> Pig Farm -> Tannery). Apple Farms are a really slow source of food and is usually a last resort for when farming or fishing is not possible.
Actually since I wrote that message I have discovered that it is about the right difficulty to get heavy metal troops. Don't get me wrong I love the game and I would never be able to make something like this and I really do enjoy playing, the pacing is pretty spot on. I had no idea that farming and fishing are much better tactics, I'll try those, and when this game comes out on steam I'll definitely buy it.