Heroes

Everyone needs to develop a 200+ attack hero, with 163 intel. This will be extremely effective in defence, and will provide you with a great boost. It is highly useful defending against mech/rams. While not necessary in all cities, having one in close proximity to your cities would be ideal.

Also note, keep a 15 mile radius around your cities, to ward off any mech attackers. If they have to remote cap, and move their mech too far, with the fix to the valley movement, most attackers won't do it due to food costs.