Your Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the Chinese Server

The biggest hurdle isn’t the game itself; it’s getting your foot in the door. The Chinese server operates on a separate ecosystem, which means you can’t just log in with your global account. The core requirement is a Chinese phone number for verification. Now, before you panic, I want to explain why this is the case, because understanding the logic makes finding a solution easier. Game publishers in China are required by regulations to implement real-name verification systems to manage online playtime and promote a healthier gaming environment. This isn’t just a Lilith Games quirk; it’s a standard practice. So, the system is designed primarily for mainland Chinese residents.

But here’s the good news: there are practical workarounds that international players like us have been using for years. The most common and reliable method I’ve found, and the one I used myself, involves using a trusted third-party account from a platform like Bilibili. Think of Bilibili not just as a video site, but as a massive gaming and social hub in China—it’s like a combination of YouTube, Twitch, and a gaming client. Many games, including Sword and Expedition, allow direct login via your Bilibili account, which can sometimes be created with an international email. I tried this method first, and while the interface was entirely in Chinese, using the translation feature on my phone’s browser got me through the sign-up process. The key is to look for the “海外” (overseas) or “国际” (international) option during the Bilibili account creation, if available.

Once you have that account, you need to download the correct game client. You cannot use the app from your usual Google Play Store or Apple App Store. You’ll need to get the APK file directly from a reliable source like the official TapTap website or app (the Chinese version). TapTap is a huge, legitimate game distribution platform in China. I downloaded their app, searched for “剑与远征” (that’s the Chinese name for Sword and Expedition), and downloaded it directly. On iOS, it’s trickier and usually requires switching your App Store region to China, which needs a payment method registered to that region—a much more involved process. For most people, I’d recommend using an Android device or an emulator like BlueStacks on your PC for the initial setup; it’s far more straightforward.

Let’s break down the initial week’s priorities into a clear action plan. Your first goal is just to get through the tutorial and claim any new-player bonuses. Don’t worry about “wasting” resources at this very moment. The Chinese server often has more aggressive new-player login rewards and event structures. For example, when I started, there was a consecutive 7-day login event that gave out a choice of an elite hero on day 3 and day 7, which was a fantastic boost. Your immediate focus should be on progressing the campaign just enough to unlock the core features: the Ranhorn City, the Noble Tavern for summons, and the Peaks of Time.

The meta on the Chinese server can feel different because players there get information and develop strategies faster due to the larger, more concentrated player base. Heroes that are considered top-tier on the global server are usually top-tier here too, but the “flavor of the month” can shift more rapidly. I made the mistake of blindly following a global tier list from six months prior and found myself struggling in certain game modes. I learned to cross-reference with current discussions on Chinese forums like NGA玩家社区 (a huge Chinese gaming forum). Even with basic translation tools, you can often grasp the community sentiment on which heroes are performing well in the latest Forgotten Realm or Temporal Rift.

Thriving in the New Meta and Community

Jumping into a new server is exciting, but it can also feel isolating if you don’t speak the language. This was my biggest personal challenge. I couldn’t read guild chat or understand event details fully. So, here’s my practical advice: embrace translation tools as your best friend. I used the live camera translation feature on my phone constantly—just point it at the screen to get a rough idea of what a button does or what an event requirement is. For more important things, like understanding a hero’s skill description in detail, I’d take a screenshot and run it through a more accurate translation app like Google Translate. It’s a bit of a hassle at first, but you quickly learn the icons and menu layouts by heart.

Finding a guild is non-negotiable for progress, and it’s also your bridge to the community. Look for guilds with names or descriptions that include words like “国际” (international), “海外” (overseas), or even “English.” They do exist! I searched for about a day before finding a guild that had a few English speakers. Being in an active guild isn’t just about the Soren and Twisted Realm rewards; it’s about getting help. When I was stuck on a specific campaign stage, I posted my hero lineup in the guild chat (using translated text) and received several helpful formation suggestions with emoji reactions that transcended language. The guild features like the Library and the Guild Hunts are accelerated when you’re in an active group, giving you a significant resource boost over playing solo.

Now, let’s talk about spending, because you might be curious about recharging. The in-game store will be in Chinese Yuan (CNY). If you decide to make a purchase, you’ll likely need a payment method that works in China. This is where many international players stop, but there are options like using third-party gift cards for platforms like Bilibili or finding reputable digital goods sellers who can top up your account for you. A word of caution here: Only use services with a long-standing, verifiable reputation. I tested a small top-up through a seller with several years of positive history on a site like OffGamers (as an example, not an endorsement) for my first purchase to see if it was legitimate. It worked, but I always advise starting with the smallest amount possible to test the service. The best approach, honestly, is to try playing completely free-to-play for the first month. The influx of resources for new players is substantial, and you can achieve a lot without spending a single yuan.

The pace of content is the most thrilling difference. You’re playing on the “main” server. When a new hero is teased on the official Chinese social media accounts, like on Weibo, that hero is typically in the game within a week or two, not months. The same goes for balance adjustments and major quality-of-life updates. You’re experiencing the game in real-time alongside its most dedicated players. This also means that when you look for guides or team compositions online, you need to be mindful of the date. A guide from early 2024 might be completely outdated by mid-2025 on the Chinese server. I learned to look for content creators on Bilibili who post frequent update videos—even if I don’t understand the commentary, seeing the hero levels, artifacts, and formations in action

Do I need a Chinese phone number to play on the Chinese server?

Yes, that’s the official requirement for account verification due to China’s real-name registration policies for online games. But don’t let that stop you—the most common workaround for international players is to use a Bilibili account. You can often sign up for a Bilibili account with an international email, and then use that to log directly into Sword and Expedition. It’s the method I used myself last year when I made the jump.

Where do I download the correct game client from?

You can’t use your usual Google Play or Apple App Store. You’ll need to get the APK directly from a trusted Chinese platform. I downloaded mine from the official TapTap website, which is a major game distributor there. Just search for “剑与远征” (the Chinese name for Sword and Expedition). For iOS, it’s much more complicated and usually involves changing your App Store region, so I’d really recommend starting on an Android device or a PC emulator like BlueStacks.

Is the meta very different on the Chinese server?

The top-tier heroes are generally similar, but the strategies and “flavor of the month” teams evolve much faster because of the larger, more concentrated player base. I made the mistake of following an old global tier list and got stuck. My advice is to check current discussions on Chinese forums like NGA玩家社区, even with a translation tool, to see what heroes are dominating the latest events like the Forgotten Realm for the 2024-2025 season.

How do I handle the language barrier for menus and events?

This was my biggest challenge at first. I relied heavily on the live translation camera on my phone—just point it at the screen. For more detailed stuff, like skill descriptions, I’d take a screenshot and run it through Google Translate. You’ll be surprised how quickly you memorize the icons and menu layouts. Also, look for guilds with “国际” (international) or “English” in their description; they can be a huge help.

Can I make in-game purchases on the Chinese server?

The store uses Chinese Yuan (CNY). Direct international payments are tricky. Some players use reputable third-party sites that sell Bilibili or game-specific gift cards, but you must be very careful and only use sellers with a long, verifiable history. I tested a small top-up through a well-known digital goods seller first. Honestly, I’d suggest trying to play free-to-play for the first month—the new player rewards are so generous you might not need to spend right away.