Climbing the Pyramid: Promotion, Relegation & Board Targets

Every dynasty begins in the third division and climbs a three-tier pyramid of real clubs. Finish high enough and you go up; finish too low and you drop.

The three tiers

Each nation has its own ladder, England's Premier League → Championship → League One, Germany's Bundesliga → 2. Bundesliga → 3. Liga, France's Ligue 1 → Ligue 2 → Ligue 3, and so on. The clubs, promotion places and relegation zones mirror the real divisions.

Board targets

Each season the board sets an expectation based on your reputation and division. Beat it comfortably and your standing jumps; miss it badly and your job is at risk. Early on the target is simply to survive or push for promotion; later it becomes titles and continental places.

Climbing smart

• Don't overspend in the lower tiers, bank funds for the jump to the top flight, where the quality gap is real.
• A promotion and a cup run in the same season is one of the fastest ways to build reputation.
• Just promoted? Consolidate first, survival in a higher tier still grows the club.

See also: reputation & legacy and transfers. Start climbing →

More guides